Holes, by Louis Sachar: A Novel Study for Intermediate Readers
The Novel Study of "Holes, "by Louis Sachar uses a reciprocal teaching approach to strengthen individual reading comprehension skills such as identifying character attributes, clarifying word meaning, creating summaries, and more.
Dr. Harper, Ed.D.
Average rating:
4.6
Number of reviews:(361)
What's included
60 live meetings
60 in-class hoursAssignments
2-4 hours per week. Each group of chapter readings will have a word study assignment and a separate reading comprehension questions assignment. Both of the assignments will be started in class and completed outside of class.Certificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
Intermediate Level
In this novel study, reading comprehension strategies and vocabulary used in the novel will be taught using reciprocal reading strategies. These strategies include making predictions, clarifying word meaning, developing and answering questions, and summarizing. The topics covered will be topics specific to the novel's theme that 'not everything is as it seems.' Some of those topics include fair and unfair punishment, self-confidence, destiny, keeping promises, character counts, and how events contribute to character development. The class will be structured as a study with a focus on clarifying meaning of unique vocabulary, guided reading, making predictions, character analysis, story plot, summarizing, and reading comprehension. It will be taught using an interactive discussion process involving all students in making contributions related to their understanding or questions connected to the novel's plot and characters. The teaching style used will be the style of a facilitator or coach. Learners will be encouraged to interact with the teacher through class discussions and by contacting the teacher in the classroom outside of regular class time.
Learning Goals
Students will improve skills and strategies in areas of thinking, reading comprehension, vocabulary development, writing, listening and speaking, and literary elements related to characterization, motive, plot, foreshadowing, point of view and irony.
Syllabus
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)60 Lessons
over 20 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to Holes
Getting acquainted and previewing course materials. Assignment: Word Study (40 words). 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Chapters 1-3 Word Study & Guided Reading
Clarifying words with dictionary definitions (quiz). Start guided reading of chapters 1-3 making predictions before and during reading. Assignment: Story and attribute character maps. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Chapters 1-3 Guided Reading
Check & discuss the story and attribute maps. Begin working on the discussion questions. Assignment: Finish discussion questions. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Chapters 1-3 Discussion Questions
Check and discuss the discussion question assignment for chapters 1-3. Assignment: Word Study for chapters 4-6 (40 words). 60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
Students will need to have a copy of the novel Holes, by Louis Sachar. The teacher will post handouts in the classroom that students will use for classroom activities and assignments.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined December, 2018
4.6
361reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
3 Teaching Certificates
California Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
California Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Texas Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Doctoral Degree in Education from University of Phoenix
I am a certified teacher in both Texas and California. By teaching credentials include reading specialization, ELA specialization, and language development specialist. My highest degree is my doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Technology.
I have 30 years of teaching experiences in both elementary and secondary public school classrooms, two years of guest teacher experiences in two different school districts, and six years of online teaching experience with a focus on teaching ELA/reading, study skills, and specialty classes such as dissertation facilitator. Reviews
Live Group Course
$95
weekly3x per week, 20 weeks
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-6 learners per class
