Mr. J.'s "Book Report Project" Reading Club
What's included
4 live meetings
2 in-class hoursHomework
Students will read independently, complete some basic reading comprehension activities, and create a final book report project each month.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
*PLEASE BE ADVISED: THIS LISTING IS FOR FOUR WEEKS ONLY. SEPARATE ENROLLMENT IS REQUIRED EVERY MONTH. This course is designed to be a repeating, ongoing style course with a new project every month. TRY YOUR FIRST MONTH FOR ONLY $20 (JJEREMONTHLY20). We all grew up doing the classic, boring book reports. And let's face it, book reports are good and help develop a variety of skills, but most of us hated them. This class is all about making those book reports into something better and a lot more fun. In this class, each month students will choose their own book to read. Then we will meet for four weeks, completing a couple simple reading activities during the first three weeks then finishing off with student presentations of their creative book report project. Each month will feature a new and exciting project idea, such as the literary pizzeria. In this project, students will design a pizzeria based on the book they read. They will give it a name, design a menu based on characters in the book, decorate a pizza box, and even make a pizza (out of playdough or clay). This is all about understanding the story, setting, and characters on a much higher level and being creative in the approach. For example, if one of the characters happens to be a vampire, his pizza would use blood instead of tomato sauce and definitely would not have garlic. Each project is unique and a lot of fun. Kids will love making them and love sharing their work with each other. Students may enroll in as many or as few months as they wish. Also note that there are two similar courses listed. This course is the "book report version" and social club. There is also the more traditional academic version, focusing more on classic literature with specific texts and topics assigned and additional reading comprehension assignments ("Outside the Box Project Based Reading). Basic class structure: Week 1 Students will introduce the book they will be reading, we will go over weekly assignments, and introduce and explain the monthly project. Week 2 Characters and setting: Students will draw pictures and/or complete graphic organizers to identify major characters and setting. Week 3 Student generated vocabulary activities and discussion questions Week 4 Final project presentations. Monthly Projects September: The Sandwich Shop October: Maps and Box Scenes November: Hats and T's December: Memory Box January: Literary Pizzeria February: Superbowl Potluck March: Movie Poster and More April: A Story in Photos May: Cereal Box June: Literary Theme Park July: Burger Joint or Restaurant August: Cardboard Models
Learning Goals
In this course students will…
-determine theme;
-analyze plot and its various phases;
-examine how literary elements affect plot progression, assist in character development, and convey meaning, including: motif, symbol, foreshadowing, echoing, flashback, opposition, metaphor, irony, foil, choice of language;
This course provides opportunities to for students to develop the following skills:
1.Explain the function of character.
2.Explain the function of setting.
3.Explain the function of plot and structure.
4.Explain the function of the narrator or speaker.
5.Explain the function of word choice, imagery, and symbolism.
6.Explain the function of comparison.
7.Develop textually substantiated arguments about interpretations of a portion or whole text.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Since books in this course are student choice, parents are responsible for screening students' individual selections as they see fit.
Supply List
Students will need a variety of artistic supplies for each project. Specific supplies will vary per student and are at parent discretion.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
California Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Bachelor's Degree in English from University of California Santa Barbara
Credentialed teacher with almost 20 years of experience in education. Certified AP English teacher, forensics coach(speech and debate), with an extensive background in drama. I have taught in multiple states in the U.S. and spent three years teaching in China. I am traveler, chef, poet, and storyteller, specializing in writing instruction, literary analysis, creative projects, and above all, building student teacher relationships.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$10
weekly or $40 for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
30 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
3-12 learners per class