Middle School Book Study: Zen and the Art of Faking It (Book Club)
In this 10-week literature circle, learners will read and discuss Zen and the Art of Faking It. Class sizes are small to encourage participation and engagement.
Sheila Weems, EdD
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(6)
What's included
10 live meetings
8 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursAssignments
1-2 hours per week. Learners will read with focus questions in mind and share their thoughts during class.Progress Report
includedClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner - Advanced Level
Take $20 off this class with coupon code: WEEMSBOOKSTUDY20. This course begins with a getting to know you session and discussion of the author, Jordan Sonnenblick. Learners will independently read three to four chapters a week and participate in a literature circle-styled guided discussion during class. They must have a copy of the book in either print or digital format. The culminating activity will be a written book review of Zen and the Art of Faking It.
Learning Goals
Encourage Independent ReadingIncrease Reading Comprehension
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)10 Lessons
over 10 WeeksLesson 1:
Nice to Meet You!
We will get to know each other and be introduced to author, Jordan Sonnenblick. Learners will be briefed on class routines and expectations. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Introduction and Chapters 1-3
We will discuss the characters and setting as well as our guided reading questions. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Chapters 4-7
We will discuss the characters and setting as well as our guided reading questions. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Chapters 8-10
We will discuss the characters and setting as well as our guided reading questions. 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
From Common Sense Media:
Parents Need to Know (12 and up)
Parents need to know that this book is a sure hit with both male and female middle school readers. The dialogue keeps the tone light while the book touches on heavy themes, including lying by the main character (for starters, he's adopted from China and tells peers his whole family is Chinese), a con-artist abusive father in jail, a mother and son struggling financially, another mother deserting her daughter and husband, and a bully punching the main character. There's some mild wishful romance, and at the end there is a lesson about facing the truth.
Supply List
A copy of Zen and the Art of Faking It (print or digital). https://amzn.to/4eEvZiR Pencil/Pen Printouts are supplied weekly.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2024
5.0
6reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Arkansas Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
3 Degrees
Doctoral Degree from Capella University
Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Harding University
Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Liberty University
Dr. Sheila Weems has taught literacy and literature at all levels of K12 and the undergraduate level in higher education.Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
weekly or $200 for 10 classes1x per week, 10 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
1-4 learners per class
