Outside the Box: Project-Based Reading for the Reluctant, Creative, & Terrified!
This alternative reading course will have students learning through reading, audiobooks, & film, as they learn about major texts, characters, plotlines, & more. This is an ongoing style, full-year course, divided into 12 monthly units.
"Mr. J." (Jeremy Ballard)
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(99)
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What's included
4 live meetings
2 in-class hoursHomework
Students will read independently (or listen to audiobooks or watch films), complete some basic reading comprehension activities, and create a final book report project each month.Class Experience
US Grade 2 - 5
TRY YOUR FIRST MONTH FOR ONLY $20 (JJEREMONTHLY20).
*PLEASE BE ADVISED: THIS LISTING IS FOR FOUR WEEKS ONLY. SEPARATE ENROLLMENT IS REQUIRED EVERY MONTH. This is a full year course divided into 11, 4-week units. Each month will feature a different topical focus and unique monthly project. Monthly units do not build upon each other and may be taken in any order. Students may take courses individually or collectively and may begin at any time. For grading purposes, two units (2 months/8 weeks) constitutes one quarter, and 8 units (8 months/32 weeks) constitutes a full year. See information below for each months scheduled content and projects.
Not every kid loves to read, so, I am taking a different approach. As an alternative English and reading course, we will replace the heavy reading with films and graphic novels, analyzing them and discussing them through a literary lens, the same as if we were reading the books. Sure, reading would be better, but core standards and analysis can be taught through film as well. This course is designed to promote student reading, literary appreciation, and analysis through reading and film. Students may choose to read novels, listen to audiobooks, or watch films in order to develop an understanding of both classic and contemporary literary works, characters, and themes. Each month (4 weeks) a specific topic or work will be selected. This may be one major work, or a collection of smaller related works. Students will learn about these texts as they work to build and create a culminating project each month. While most months will have a specific focus, some months will allow for students to choose between options. In addition, the first and last month of the cycle will allow students to choose their own book, be it one of their favorites, or something brand new to them.
This is a full year course divided into 11 four-week units and designed similarly to a monthly ongoing format. A new unit will start at the beginning of every month. While the units do not build on each other, each monthly unit is self-contained, meaning students must enroll for one month at a time. Students are welcome, however, to begin the series any month that they wish. 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 more traditional academic version with specific texts and topics assigned. There is also a "book report" version that is similar, but allows students to choose their own book each month (Mr. J.'s Book Report Project Reading Club).
Basic class structure:
Week 1
Introduce monthly topic and texts, 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 Topics, Texts, and Projects
September
Texts/Topic: Student Choice
Project: The Literary Pizzaria
October
Texts/Topic: Mythology (Percy Jackson, Clash of the Titans, Jason and the Argonauts, and Hercules)
Project: Cereal Box
November
Texts/Topic: Sherlock Holmes (short story, BBC, and Enola)
Project: Photo Noir Story
December
Texts/Topic: Holidays ("A Christmas Carol" and "It's a Wonderful Life")
Project: Snow Globe/winter scene
January
Texts/Topic: Robin Hood
Project: Maps and Castles
February
Texts/Topic: Roald Dahl ("Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "James and the Giant Peach")
Project: The Sweet Shop
March
Texts/Topic: Spies and espionage ("Spy School," "Spy School for Girls," or "Curtsies and Conspiracies," plus James Bond)
Project: Spy Kit
April
Texts/Topic: Superheroes ("Mighty Marvel Masterworks" student choice)
Project: Creating a Superhero
May
Texts/Topic: "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"
Project: Burger Joint
June
Texts/Topic: "The Count of Monte Cristo" (Great Illustrated Classics)
Project: Styrofoam Head
July
Texts/Topic: Student Choice Book Report
Project: Hats and T-shirtsLearning 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;
-understand the mono-myth (Hero’s Journey), The Heroine’s Journey, The Villain’s Journey, and character archetypes;
-develop an understanding of modern pop-culture.
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
All required books and films in this course are generally approved for ages 8-12; however, individual sensibilities may vary and parents are always advised to preview materials.
Books and films will be discussed through literary analysis and not the allegory.
Supply List
Students and parents are responsible for acquiring their own books and obtaining access to any films we may watch. 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.
Joined August, 2022
4.8
99reviews
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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 8 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-11
3-9 learners per class
