Michelle Obama's Becoming (Young Reader): Middle School Book Club &Writing Class
In this 10-week class, students read, discuss and write about the popular memoir of former First Lady Michelle Obama. The book used is adapted for young readers. Students will write three (3) short essays and have online & live discussions.
Teacher MoMo , MFA
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(481)
What's included
10 live meetings
8 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. 1.) Discussion questions -- a concise paragraph must be posted to the class site 2.) Three (3) short essays (rough drafts and final draft) 3.) Reading -- specific chapters for specific weeks 4.) Reading journal to help with literary analysis and comprehensionAssessment
Students' essays will be graded base on teacher's rubric that has been used at international universities.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Michelle Obama is a role model for our present times. She is intelligent, honesty, a leader and a trailblazer. In March 2021, her bestselling memoir, Becoming, was adapted for young readers. This new adaption gives middle school students the chance to read about her incredible life and learn lessons that will help them as they begin their life journeys. In this 10-week class, we will read through the entire adaption and write three (3) short essays to connect the book to students' personal lives. Students will also strengthen their concise writing skills by posting a paragraph answer to discussion questions on our class site. During live discussions, students are expected to share their opinions, questions and doubts about the text. Students must complete reading prior to class meeting. For example, students must read Chapters 1-4 before our class meeting of Week 2. As Outschool prefers students to learn from multiple perspectives, students should read book reviews of this autobiography from The Guardian, The New York Times and The Washington Post. These book reviews from well-respected newspapers will give students context for understanding Michelle Obama's selected words to describe her personal life as she perceives she personally lived it. **All students are expected to be respectful of their classmates and teacher. If students disagree on a certain point, students must remain respectful in the discussion. It is necessary that this class space is welcoming, encouraging and accepting.*** Michelle Obama's Becoming (Young Reader) Syllabus Week 1 *Introduction: Syllabus review, Michelle Obama trivia game, writing review ** Please review all news article prior to this class, Week 1 ** Week 2 Part 1 A : Becoming Me (Chapters 1-4) Discussion Question #1 (concise paragraph posted to discussion board) Short Essay #1: Narrative Essay Week 3 Part 1b: Becoming Me (Chapters 5-8) Short Essay #1: rough draft due Week 4 Writing workshop : Narrative Essay review/ discussion of rough drafts Short Essay #1 due Week 5 Part 2a — Becoming Us (Chapters 9-13) Discussion Question #2 (concise paragraph posted to discussion board) Short Essay #2: Compare & Contrast Essay Week 6 Part 2b — Becoming Us (Chapters 14-18) Short Essay #2: rough draft due Week 7 Writing workshop : Compare & Contrast Essay review/ discussion of rough drafts Short Essay #2 due Week8 Part 3a — Becoming More (Chapters 19-21) Discussion Question #3 (concise paragraph posted to discussion board) Short Essay #3: Opinion Essay Week 9 Part 3b — Becoming More (Chapters 22-24) Short Essay #3: rough draft due Week 10 *Review of book & epilogue *Mini-Writing workshop: Opinion Essay review/ discussion of rough drafts *Discussion Question #4 (concise paragraph posted to discussion board) *Short Essay #3 due
Learning Goals
Students will enhance their understanding of former First Lady Michelle Obama as a part of world history. Students will also improve their writing skills for paragraphs, short essays and concise writing. Through discussions, online and live, students will gain more confidence in sharing thoughts in public.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
1.) This book discusses issues of race, racism, sexism, marriage, and politics from the perspective of former First Lady Michelle Obama.
2. ) Michelle Obama provides one of many "perspectives of marginalized groups" on America; therefore, so some people may express some disagreement with her perspective; thus, parents should be prepared to discuss conflicting perspectives with their child.
3.)As an experienced educator with more than 15 years of teaching experience in the USA, six foreign countries and online, I will address all questions, comments and concerns of students with honesty and clarity. When applicable, I will use clear references and suggest further reading/research on the topic. Students will always be advised to discuss issues with parents.
4.) All students are expected to be respectful of their classmates and teacher. If students disagree on a certain point, students must remain respectful in the discussion. It is necessary that this class space is welcoming, encouraging and accepting.
5.) If you feel your child may have a highly emotional response to this story and social issues like sexism and racism, it is advised that the child not attend the class.
Supply List
1.) Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers By MICHELLE OBAMA https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/647924/becoming-adapted-for-young-readers-by-michelle-obama/ 2.) Becoming by Michelle Obama – review https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/nov/18/becoming-by-michelle-obama-book-review-peter-conrad 3.)Isabel Wilkerson on Michelle Obama’s ‘Becoming’ and the Great Migration https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/06/books/review/michelle-obama-becoming-memoir.html 4.). For eight years, Michelle Obama watched every word. In her memoir, she’s done with that. https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/for-eight-years-michelle-obama-watched-every-word-in-her-memoir-shes-done-with-that/2018/11/09/e2df2e54-e388-11e8-b759-3d88a5ce9e19_story.html
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined August, 2020
4.9
481reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree from USC
Bachelor's Degree from UCLA
I have a BA in Sociology from UCLA in Los Angeles. I also have a Master of Professional Writing (Nonfiction) and a Graduate Certificate in Gender Studies from USC in Los Angeles. For several years, I taught academic writing in English and lead book discussion at universities in Costa Rica, Ecuador and South Korea. I also host a monthly book club for friends and colleagues. With a combination of real life experiences, writing training and cultural studies in college, I am eager to engage young readers in a discussion on Michelle Obama and enhance students' writing abilities. Reviews
Live Group Class
$200
for 10 classes1x per week, 10 weeks
50 min
Completed by 7 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-13
4-10 learners per class
