8th Grade English Semester: World War II Books
In this 12-week novel study, students will learn about World War II in Europe by discussing two novels, Soldier X and The Book Thief, and working through research and history activities with their peers.
Kaitlyn Fischer: Close-Reading Specialist
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What's included
24 live meetings
18 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be asked to complete all of their reading outside of class. If some of our writing work is unfinished after class, students will be asked to complete that work outside of class as well. But the majority of work will be completed in class.Assessment
Students will be given several formal writing assignments throughout the semester. While these are not tests, per se, they can be used as assessment pieces for homeschooling evidence, which many states and countries require. All formal writing in my class will be completed with multiple rounds of written and verbal feedback. Students will have the opportunity to work through their writing skills as a group and 1-1 with me in class!Grading
Grading - Students will have the opportunity to receive a grade in the form of their choosing.I am happy to provide a grade in the form of a percentage, letter, or both. I can also offer a formal letter for submission to state programs. I ask students throughout the semester about their needs for grading and am happy to work with parents to create a plan that meets their needs! Please note that Grading is NOT required.Class Experience
US Grade 8
Come join us on a study of World War II in Europe while reading two critically acclaimed novels, Soldier X by Don Wulffson and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak! In this semester-long course, students will participate in various reading, writing, and discussion activities while learning about World War II in Europe using research and historical mini-projects that are completed in both individual and collaborative (teamwork) activities and discussions. Each week, students will engage in research, writing, discussion, reading, and journaling/note-taking. The outline below may shift as the semester goes on depending on student needs, but we will go through the units as prescribed. As a teacher and a parent, I feel it is important to make adjustments based on student needs so that students are getting the most out of their classes and so that they are developing the skills that they need to be successful. We will take typical holiday breaks according to the United States federal holidays. We will also be taking a full week's break during the spring for "spring break" so that students can spend time with their families if the class is scheduled during the spring. *** Please note that while the course is designed with 8th-grade students in mind, I have a flexible age range. Students of varying ages are welcome if this class's curriculum, content, skills, teaching style, etc. fit their needs. I encourage all students and parents interested in my class to contact me with questions they might have! ***
Learning Goals
- Students will be able to identify the following literary elements: character and character development, genre, plot development and major plot points, symbolism, themes, and more!- Students will engage in discussions and debates with one another as we explore more than just reading comprehension but also the complex decisions and author makes and its cultural and historical connections to the time period.
Syllabus
3 Units
24 Lessons
over 12 WeeksUnit 1: Introduction to World War II
Lesson 1:
Introduction and Welcome
- Welcome and Introduction
- Setting Up for Class 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Introduction to European World War II
- Resources for Historical Context
- World War II Introduction in Context with Book
- Introduction to the Novel and the Author 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Intro. Continued
- World War II Terminology
- Military and Government Terms
- German, French, and Other Languages
- Maps of the War
- Military Organization
- Axis and Allies 45 mins online live lesson
Unit 2: Soldier X by Don Wulffson
Lesson 4:
Intro. Continued
Topics Continued: - World War II Terminology
- Military and Government Terms
- German, French, and Other Languages
- Maps of the War
- Military Organization
- Axis and Allies 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
While there is no Common Sense Media review for Soldier X, this is a good reader's review of the novel and covers many of the topics we would discuss. If students come across any topics that are concerning, they are encouraged to reach out to the teacher. We will be discussing many topics in both books such as violence, death, war, suffering, and more. Please reach out if you have any questions!
- https://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/blogcritics/article/Book-Review-Soldier-X-by-Don-Wulffson-887232.php
Here is the Common Sense Media parental guide for your review. Please let me know if you have any questions!
- https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-book-thief
Supply List
Students will be asked to obtain a copy of the novels to use in class. The goal of the class is to read the novel in a deep manner and to discuss it in a Socratic Seminar. Without the book, students cannot complete this portion of the class. Here are three places that I recommend finding the book! Soldier X: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Soldier-X-Don-L-Wulffson/dp/0142500739/ref=sr_1_1?crid=DOQ7NG1IGOI0&keywords=soldier+x&qid=1680626412&sprefix=soldie%2Caps%2C386&sr=8-1 Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/soldier-x-don-l-wulffson/1100734282?ean=9780142500736 The Book Thief: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Thief-Markus-Zusak/dp/0375842209/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+book+thief&qid=1636808071&sr=8-1 Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book-thief-markus-zusak/1100189892?ean=9780375842207 Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Book-Thief-Audiobook/B002V00YSK?qid=1636808059&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=HYK61KTFFSEM88J8GDSE
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Book Summaries:
Soldier X:
"Sixteen-year-old Erik Brandt barely knows what Germany is fighting for when he is drafted into Hitler’s army in 1944. Sent to the killing fields of the Eastern Front, he is surrounded by unimaginable sights, more horrific than he ever thought possible. It’s kill or be killed, and it seems clear that Erik’s days are numbered. Until, covered in blood and seriously injured, he conceives of another way to survive. Filled with gritty and visceral detail, Soldier X will change the way every reader thinks about the reality of war". - Citation below!
The Book Thief:
"When Death has a story to tell, you listen" - The Book Thief (Citation provided below)
Told from Death's perspective, the novel follows Liesel Meminger who is a young girl whose mother gave her up to foster care and whose brother has recently passed. But when she steals a book from the gravediggers who bury her brother, Liesel sets her life on an unexpected path. Adopted by the Hubermanns, she lives life in Nazi Germany as normally as she can. These are dangerous times that are made even more dangerous by the fact that her family takes in a Jewish man and hides him in their basement. Liesel's world becomes both incredibly big and small all in the same moment and she must do her best to survive in an increasingly deadly environment aided by the help of a few friends, her adoptive family, a set of stolen books, and Death himself.
Citations:
"Soldier X." Penguin Random House, Penguin Random House, 2023,
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/286645/soldier-x-by-don-l-wulffson/.
Zusak, Markus. The Book Thief. New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 2005.
Joined January, 2020
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987reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
I already teach The Book Thief on Outschool as a novel study and it can be found at this link: https://outschool.com/classes/the-book-thief-a-novel-study-JEBkbptj?usid=l0R3fRwf&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link
I taught Soldier X at the middle school level and I enjoyed reading the novel when it came out when I was in middle school myself!
I also teach many semester classes for both middle school and high school ages. Here is an example!
https://outschool.com/classes/middle-school-english-a-semester-JDnTCdCb?usid=l0R3fRwf&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_linkReviews
Live Group Course
$330
for 24 classes2x per week, 12 weeks
45 min
Completed by 11 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-13
3-6 learners per class
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