Ghost, by Jason Reynolds Novel Study
In this 9-week course, students will explore Ghost by Jason Reynolds, diving into its powerful themes of perseverance and personal growth. Each week includes reading, discussions, and engaging activities to build critical thinking.
What's included
16 live meetings
12 in-class hoursAssignments
1 hour per week. Throughout the course, students will complete comprehension activities to analyze the plot, characters, and themes of Ghost, ensuring they understand key events and ideas. They will also respond to quick writes and journal prompts, encouraging personal connections to the story and reflections on the characters’ challenges and growth.Certificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
In this class, we will explore the award-winning novel Ghost by Jason Reynolds, a fast-paced and engaging story about perseverance, friendship, and personal growth. Each week, we will read 1–2 chapters together and complete activities to strengthen reading skills in a fun and meaningful way. For every two chapters, students will complete a vocabulary activity to build word knowledge and a comprehension activity to ensure they understand the story. Additional activities will include exploring figurative language, identifying the main idea and key details, analyzing the story’s theme, and creating journal entries to encourage personal connections to the text. What to Expect in Class: We’ll begin each class with a quick write or journal activity to set the stage for what we’re reading. I will guide the class through reading, silently or aloud if they feel comfortable. After reading, we will work together on vocabulary and comprehension activities to check understanding and analyze the text. The class will include a mix of independent work time and whole-group discussions to allow every student to engage at their own pace while sharing ideas with their peers. My Teaching Style: I strive to create a relaxed, supportive, and engaging learning environment where students feel comfortable participating and confident in their abilities. I focus on meeting each student where they are and helping them grow as readers and thinkers. My goal is to make reading enjoyable while helping students build skills they can use in school and beyond. Parent Takeaway: This class provides an excellent opportunity for your child to develop critical reading skills while enjoying a story they’ll love. Ghost is a relatable and inspiring book that opens up conversations about determination, overcoming challenges, and discovering one’s potential. Students will interact with me and their classmates in a positive, collaborative environment, and they’ll leave class feeling proud of their progress. I look forward to helping your child build a love for reading as we enjoy this incredible novel together!
Learning Goals
Students will strengthen their ability to analyze plot, character development, and themes while understanding key literary elements like point of view and text structure.Students will engage in meaningful group discussions, make inferences, and connect the story’s themes to real-life experiences.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)16 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Chapter 1 – Introducing Ghost and Point of View
We’ll jump right into the story, meet Ghost, and see the world through his eyes. We’ll talk about what point of view means and how it helps us connect to the character and his struggles. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Chapter 2 (Pages 8–18) – Author’s Purpose
We’ll keep reading and look at why Jason Reynolds shares Ghost’s story the way he does. Why does he tell us about Ghost’s past right away? What does he want us to know? 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Chapter 2 (Pages 19–28) – Plot
The story starts picking up as Ghost makes some big decisions. We’ll talk about how these events move the plot forward and what they might mean for him down the road. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Chapter 3 (Pages 29–40) – Text Structure + Theme
We’ll focus on how the author builds the story and start thinking about some of the bigger ideas, like how people overcome challenges or prove themselves. 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Ghost by Jason Reynolds deals with mature themes such as bullying, poverty, parental conflict, and trauma, including references to domestic violence and gun violence. While these topics are handled thoughtfully and age-appropriately, some learners may find certain scenes emotionally challenging.
Discussions will be guided carefully to ensure a supportive and respectful environment for all students. No third-party tools requiring accounts will be used in this course. Parents are encouraged to review the novel ahead of time to determine if it is appropriate for their learner.
Supply List
Novel: Ghost, by Jason Reynolds Google Classroom access Paper/pencil
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Ghost, by Jason Reynolds
Joined April, 2021
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
I have taught Ghost by Jason Reynolds for two years in a middle school classroom, where it quickly became a student favorite. The novel’s relatable characters and engaging themes have made it a powerful tool for building reading comprehension, critical thinking, and a love of literature among my students. I have several years of experience working with middle school learners, tailoring lessons to their interests and needs while fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. My approach ensures students connect deeply with the story, develop confidence in their reading skills, and enjoy the learning process.Reviews
Live Group Course
$45
weekly or $360 for 16 classes2x per week, 8 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-14
2-9 learners per class
