What's included
48 live meetings
48 in-class hoursAssignments
1-2 hours per week. Students will be presented with comprehension questions and in-class activities that focus on the readings completed in class.Assessment
includedClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Intermediate Level
In each class, students will focus on the novel Refugee. The novel presents the story of three children embarking on terrifying quests to find safety. Unthinkable risks will be faced by everyone, including betrayals, explosions, and drownings. However, tomorrow is always a possibility. Even though Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud live on different continents and in different eras, their lives will ultimately be connected by unexpected ties. This critically acclaimed book, which was on the New York Times bestseller list for over four years, is as heartbreaking and compelling as it is action-packed and gripping. Its profound perspectives on survival, bravery, and the search for home continue to transform readers' lives. Since each character goes through their own journey while seeking refuge in a new country, students will come across topics such as: war, injustice, oppression, trauma, holocaust, coming of age, kindness, cruelty, empathy, making sacrifices, helping one another, and relationships (family and friends). The class is structured where students get a turn to read in class. Once a section pertaining to a character is read, I will facilitate the class by asking questions about what happened in the section we read. There will be numerous comprehension questions and in-class activities that focus on the pages we've read. Since students will come across many new terms, they will be encouraged to define them and use them in their own sentences. My teaching style is very informative. I like to engage in class discussions and allow students to participate as much as possible so that they can share their thoughts about the topic presented. There will be ample opportunities to interact with me and with group members. Each learner will have access to Google Slides where explanations and questions will be posted. Together, we will explore the novel and embark on a unique journey that each character experiences.
Learning Goals
Analyzing text
Applying different themes
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)48 Lessons
over 24 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction
- Introduction to the novel
- Examining the cover page and making predictions about the novel
- Explaining the structure of the novel
- Prep activities - Each student will receive an opportunity to express their thoughts and expand their knowledge of the following topics: war, injustice, oppression, trauma and holocaust.
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Introduction Continued
- Prep activities continued - Each student will receive an opportunity to express their thoughts and expand their knowledge of the following topics: coming of age, kindness, cruelty, empathy, making sacrifices, helping one another, and relationships (family and friends).
- Reflection questions
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Josef
- Ongoing for the course: Each student will get an opportunity to read a page (sometimes two)
- Reading Josef (pages 1-6)
- Discussion + questions
- Character analysis for Josef (additional information will be added throughout the course)
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Isabel
- Reading Isabel (pages 7 - 11)
- Discussion + questions
- Character analysis for Isabel (additional information will be added throughout the course)
60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Dear Parents,
Please be advised that the novel presents topics that may be sensitive to learners. In these classes, we will be discussing war, injustice, oppression, trauma, holocaust, coming of age, kindness, cruelty, empathy, making sacrifices, helping one another, and relationships (family and friends).
The above topics are presented in the novel. When we come across these terms, there will be an explanation so that the learner understands the reasons behind making sacrifices to freedom and safety.
Josef's journey, for example, takes place in 1939 so learners will come across terms such as: oppression, antisemitism, oppression, holocaust, and paranoia (experienced by his Father).
Mahmoud's journey takes place in 2015 in Aleppo, Syria. He is fleeing Aleppo because of a Syrian Civil War. Learners can expect to come across the following terminology: war, injustice, making sacrifices, and cruelty.
Isabel's journey also entails her fleeing Cuba because of oppression and hunger.
Supply List
Students will need to purchase a copy of the novel titled Refugee by Alan Gratz.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have over fourteen years of experience teaching students of all ages. I have graduated with a 4.0 and hold a Master of Education degree, HBASc (Criminology) degree, Social Service Worker diploma, and Law Clerk diploma.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$51
weekly or $1,224 for 48 classes2x per week, 24 weeks
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-13
5-6 learners per class