Outschool
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Log In

Historical Fiction Book Club Camp: A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Join our book club adventure about this gripping tale of a family torn apart by the Berlin Wall, and a brave girl's daring escape plan from East Berlin. Together, we'll explore themes of courage, resilience, and the power of hope.
Hub of Curiosity
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(697)
Class
Play

What's included

6 live meetings
5 in-class hours
Assessment
Parent may request evaluation feedback on learner preparedness, participation, and fluency in the concepts discussed. These points will be evaluated through class participation.

Class Experience

REFUND POLICY:
Hub of Curiosity wants parents and caregivers to be able to enroll in our classes with peace of mind.  We are busy parents as well and understand that life happens!  The refund policy for Hub of Curiosity classes is as follows:

Semester-length co-ops are fully refundable until 30 days prior to the start of class.  Withdrawing 15-30 days prior to the start of the co-op will result in a 70% refund.  14 days before the start date, the class is non-refundable.  

Fixed-length classes (ex: meets 4x or 6x) are fully refundable until 14 days prior to the start of class.  14 days before the start date, the class is non-refundable.  

Details about Outschool’s Refund Policy can be found here:
https://support.outschool.com/en/articles/4626920-standard-refund-policy-and-automatic-refunds

Welcome to our immersive book club experience where young readers aged 9-14 will embark on an unforgettable journey through Jennifer Nielsen's gripping novel, 'A Night Divided.' Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, this heart-wrenching tale follows the courageous story of Gerta, a young girl whose family is tragically divided by the construction of the Berlin Wall. As Gerta navigates the challenges of life in East Berlin, she embarks on a daring quest for freedom, risking everything to reunite with her loved ones on the other side.

In addition to exploring the riveting narrative of 'A Night Divided,' our book club will offer a unique opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of life behind the Iron Curtain. Through captivating life experience clips, we'll hear from an individual who grew up in Communist Poland, providing invaluable insight into the historical context and personal perspective that shaped the events depicted in the novel. These immersive experiences will enrich our discussions, fostering empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the resilience of individuals living under oppressive regimes.  Plus, a mind-blowing story about the first time our guest speaker ever saw an American shopping cart!

In addition to the historical fiction text, we will explore historical events through presentation and conversation, including:

◘Origins of the Cold War
◘Countries and notable leaders from this world conflict (including Pope John Paul II - which may be a surprise to some!)
◘The Yalta Conference
◘Spies, spies, spies: the CIA and the KGB
◘Cold War Propaganda 
◘Minuteman Missile Facility 
◘Checkpoint Charlie
◘Berlin Airlift

We’ll end our time together with a Kahoot game where learners will identify traits of Communism vs. Capitalism.  

Join us as we delve into the pages of 'A Night Divided,' where bravery knows no bounds, and the human spirit shines brightest in the darkest of times. Together, we'll embark on a literary adventure that transcends borders, sparking meaningful conversations and igniting a passion for history, empathy, and the power of storytelling.
Learning Goals
In addition to enjoying an incredibly well-written and insightful book, learners will gain a deeper understanding about the origins of the Cold War, life under Communism, the concept of propaganda and how it was utilized during this historic persiod, and more.
learning goal

Syllabus

6 Lessons
over 2 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Book Club Discussion
 Discussion on chapters 1-8, the origins of the Cold War, and the Yalta Conference.  We'll watch a short video clip from a person who shares their experiences growing up in Communist Poland and later moving to America. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Book Club Discussion
 Discussion on chapters 9-16 and countries/notable leaders from this world conflict (including Pope John Paul II - which may be a surprise to some!) 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Book Club Discussion
 Discussion on chapters 17-24 and the roles of both the CIA and the KGB.  We'll watch a short video clip from a person who shares their experiences growing up in Communist Poland and later moving to America. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Book Club Discussion
 Discussion on chapters 25-32 and notable events such as the stand-off at Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Airlift.  We'll watch a short video clip from a person who shares their experiences growing up in Communist Poland and later moving to America. 
50 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Supply List
A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielson - either the physical book or the audiobook are both excellent options for class

Book club participants will read approximately 60 pages or listen to approximately 80 minutes in the audiobook independently between meetings.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
  • Kahoot
Sources
A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielson - either the physical book or the audiobook are both excellent options for class
Joined October, 2018
5.0
697reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
North Carolina Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Judith Smetana
Ohio Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Judith Smetana
California Teaching Certificate
Maura Knowles
Texas Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Andrea Phillips
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Melissa Riggs
Texas Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Melissa Riggs
Kentucky Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Melissa Riggs
Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Idaho
Giselle S. Veach
Master's Degree in Education from University of North Texas
Melissa Riggs
Bachelor's Degree in International Business from The Ohio State University
Judith Smetana
Bachelor's Degree in Communications from San Francisco State Universtiy
Maura Knowles
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Idaho
Giselle S. Veach
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Idaho
Giselle S. Veach
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management from Nova Southeastern University
Meagan Tauber
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of North Texas
Melissa Riggs
Bachelor's Degree in Art and Design from Arizona State University
McKenzi Aguirre
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from University of Alabama at Birmingham
Tiffany Barnes
Associate's Degree in Animal Science from The Ohio State University
Judith Smetana
Meagan is an avid reader, but that wasn’t always the case.  In school, Meagan skimmed (if we are being generous) many of the books assigned and thought reading was torture.  It wasn’t until Meagan left school and discovered the freedom to choose her own books and read purely for the love of reading that she fell in love.  

Meagan’s sweet spot in historical fiction and devours anything set during WWII and in Europe.  She’s a passionate bookworm and eager to embark on this year-long challenge with learners.  

Meagan has been leading a book club on Outschool entitled Rebel Girls Book Club: Amazing Women in Historical Fiction for about 4 years.  

Watch Meagan's intro video here:  https://youtu.be/s_P4jmzt7Sg

Reviews

Live Group Course
Share

$102

for 6 classes
3x per week, 2 weeks
50 min

Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
3-6 learners per class

About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyManage Data PreferencesTerms
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2024 Outschool