Newbery Award Winners: The Witch of Blackbird Pond- A Book Study
This award-winning story tells of how a young girl, accused of Witchcraft in the American past, perseveres and triumphs over her accusers.
Barbara (Ms Bobbi) Wells
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(313)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. 1. Weekly reading assignments. 2. A book project assigned in week 2 and due in week 4.Assessment
Participation in discussions, completion of the book project and class attendance are used to assess a students progress.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Intermediate Level
Description: Students will read and discuss the award-winning book, 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond' by Elizabeth George Speare. In four sessions students will be assigned the chapter readings for each class. Then we will discuss the sections read, thinking critically and exploring some literary devices used. In each class the teacher will encourage responses to insights into the ideas presented. Students will explore ways they can relate to the story and its ideas in today's society. A book project will be assigned in the second class, and it will be due for presentation at the fourth class. Class Content: 1. A summary of the chapters read 2. Group discussion about the content and ideas 3. References to literary devices used by the author 4. Exercises to encourage critical thinking Inclusive Reading Practices: Some students may prefer to read the entire book beforehand. Some students may want to read only a little each week. Students should review the chapters for the group discussions, even if they have already completed reading. There is an audio version of the book available through Audible. This may be a good alternative for students who may have difficulty with print. Here is a source for the purchase of books in Braille. They have this title in stock: http://www.braillebookstore.com/The-Witch-of-Blackbird-Pond.1 Sensitivity to reading ability will be practiced and students will be allowed to decline oral reading opportunities if they are uncomfortable reading aloud. Methods of Instruction: Assigned reading, group discussion, projects, questions and answers, quiz type games, and oral reading exercises. Class Content: Class 1- Introduction to the Book- chapter 1 discussion and overview of weekly activities Class 2- Chapter discussions and activities-Project assignment Class 3- Chapter discussions and critical thinking exercises Class 4 -Chapter discussions, conclusions and Project presentations. Learning Goals:
Learning Goals
1. Reading for enjoyment
2. Gain understanding of specific Literary techniques- such as foreshadowing, and creating believable settings that add to the readers understanding
3. Relate fictional historical events to current events through similarities in the human condition
4. Learn from peers through group discussions and interactions.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Class 1- Introduction to the Book-
Chapter 1- discussion and overview of weekly activities, vocabulary, characters 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Class 2- Chapters 1-9
Chapter discussions and activities-Project selection and assignment, reflections 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Class 3- Chapters 10-16
Class 3- Chapter discussions and critical thinking exercises, reflections 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Class 4- Chapters 17-21
Class 4 -Chapter discussions, conclusions, reflections, and project presentations. 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Suspicion of and discrimination against people perceived as different, in this case strong and independent women, is the theme in this book. Women and their adherence to expected roles and behaviors in Puritan society was strict and unforgiving. The consequences of stepping outside the expected norm for a woman could be fatal, as was exhibited by the infamous Witch trials. These had not yet begun in the colonies, at the time of the story, but they were already rampant in Europe. Suspicions were beginning to cause accusations and unrest in what was to become the future USA. Religious intolerance and the lack of rights and options for women, within a Puritan community, are the themes of this book.
"Historical fiction necessarily reflects two distinct pasts, the historical past it takes as its subject matter, and the historical past of its creation as well as beliefs and attitudes held in the present in which it is read. Thus, The Witch of Blackbird Pond has as much to say about present-day America and the United States of the 1950s as it does about the Connecticut of the 1680s." Sara L. Schwebel, Historical Fiction and the Classroom: History and Myth in Elizabeth George Speare’s The Witch of Blackbird Pond.
For this reason both the institution of Slavery and The American Indigenous people are portrayed through the myth and lens of those times. While Speare presents slavery as a vile institution through the eyes of the Puritans, Kit, has never really given much thought to what it means outside her own pampered experience. American Indians (Indigenous people) are feared by the settlers, and only the settlers' perspectives are presented in the book.
In order to address both of these mythological and biased points of view, of two very real groups of people, questions will be included to encourage the students to think of the situations presented from the point of view of the slaves and of the native people. Emphasis will be given to highlighting throughout the story the influence of her own culture and time on the way Ms Speare represents slavery, Native people, women and Puritans. If any parent wants to contact me regarding perspective, or their student's reactions to the book or classroom discussion please do so.
Supply List
A copy of the book, 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond'. The paperback version, Audible and Kindle versions are available from Amazon starting at $6.99, but you can purchase from any bookstore of your choice. Most libraries will have this book on their shelves. Your copy can be a hard copy, electronic copy, or audio copy. If English is your second language feel free to read the story in your first language, if available. You will however, be expected to discuss in English as your teacher is not bi-lingual.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2019
4.8
313reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Asbury College (University)
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Education and have taught English classes for many years. I have loved reading since I read my first chapter book at age 7. I soon discovered science fiction, fantasy and historical fiction and have been in love with these genres ever since. More than anything else I believe instilling a love for good literature and reading helps students develop imagination, good character, and a lifelong habit of learning. Much can be learned and is learned from the characters in books and the lessons they have to teach us. Reviews
Live Group Class
$19
weekly or $75 for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
50 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
1-6 learners per class
