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Salt to the Sea Historical Fiction Book Study

Class
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Kim Guthriegabs M. Ed
Star Educator
Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(415)
This 4-week book study leads students to discuss the themes in this story of four people escaping from the advancing Soviet Army at the end of World War Two. The people are fictional, but the 1945 World War II setting and events are true.

Class experience

US Grade 9 - 12
Intermediate Level
Express your opinion about the issue you want to focus on for your study and infer what the author’s opinion is about this same issue.

2. Describe a character in-depth and explain how various aspects of the character relate to other literary elements of the novel. (e.g., how does the character relate to the setting or theme?)

 3. Describe how a character’s personality, attitudes, conflict, and relationships change and explain why these changes are important to the novel

4. Infer the author’s purpose for writing this novel. 

5. Explain how the author develops the theme in the novel. 

6. Make connections between the novel and any or all of the following: your personal world, aspects of human nature, society and the wider world, and history.

7.  Create a list of quotes that describe character, conflicts, and themes

Map the setting of the story. 

Create a timeline of the setting. 
I am both state-licensed and certified as highly qualified to teach middle school history and reading. I have taught in a public school classroom for over 15 years. I was the lead history teacher for my school as well as a district reading teacher of the year. Personally, I have spent much of my free time researching and traveling to historical landmarks in the United States and Europe.  I believe that in every story there are three stories: Each side's point of view and the facts. 
Homework Offered
Weekly discussion guides provided by the teacher. Writing prompts for comments on Padlet and Pear Deck. Map the setting of the story. Create a timeline of WWII in Europe.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Optional teacher assessment of writing responses and Kahoot! quiz reviews.
Grades Offered
I will be glad to provide grades based on your choice of assessments: a. quizzes alone b. a combination of quiz results and written assignments c. written assignments d. video feedback and overall book discussion e. combination of all assessments
Readers do not need to have previous knowledge of WWII or its events. I explain the setting and context as the story unfolds. I am always glad to provide extra context or answer any questions that arise from the story. 
The YA novel, "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys. Published by Penguin House books. 
Teacher provided handouts
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
This story is set in Europe during WWII. The story is based on a real event where thousands of people died during the sinking of a ship in the Baltic Sea. We will discuss the Nazi government, ideology, laws, Final Solution, and Operation Hannibal.  It is obvious that we will discuss the death and destruction that war causes and how people react. This study is not taking sides against or for anyone's past government system, but we will talk about moral rights and what is universally accepted as wrong. It is by openly talking about the past, that we can plan for a better future. I expect students to be kind to each other's views during our discussions. 
I will not go into details about the specific details of the horrors of WWII. I will answer questions and direct students to resources to answer more specific questions as necessary. 
The YA novel, "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys. Published by Penguin House books. 
Teacher  prepared Google presentations 
Star Educator
Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(415)
Profile
I believe that students need to see the personal side of the world. When students begin to see a unique story in a history or science lesson, they become engaged and learn. 

   Learners need to see the relevance of what they learn. Then, they... 
Flex Class

$11

weekly or $44 for 4 weeks
4 weeks

Completed by 1 learner
No live video meetings
Ages 13-18

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