Spar Lit Jr. 6: Understanding Harriet the Spy Through Speech and Debate
Cindy Frank
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In this 6 week multi-day course we will explore the deeper meanings of one of the best-loved children's novels, Harriet the Spy, using debate techniques. ESL friendly, CEFR level — B1-B2 (Intermediate). #academic
Class experience
US Grade 3 - 6
Intermediate Level
Kindly note: This is an ESL friendly class, CEFR level — B1-B2 (intermediate). Please feel free to write me via Outschool email with questions. *** Expressing our important ideas, stating our points clearly, making ourselves understood, has never been more important for each of us than it is now. Learning the skills of speech and debate, while understanding great books, continues with Spar Lit Jr. 6: Understanding Harriet the Spy Through debate! Harriet the Spy, by Louise Fitzhugh, is...
6 lessons//6 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1Introduction and discussion chapters 1-2Discussion chapters 1 -2 and Spar Debate sparked by: "We learn about the world best (or as Dostoyevsky says “perceive the divine mystery of things”) by loving everything." Position 1: agree with the above statement. Explain Position 2: disagree with the above statement. We learn about the world as Harriet does, by observing everything and being completely honest about what we are seeing.Week 2Lesson 2Discussion chapters 3 4 5Discussion chapters 3 4 5 and Spar Debate sparked by: “Politeness is the art of choosing among our thoughts.” Madame de Stael Position 1: Agree with the above statement Position 2: Disagree with the above statement. Politeness is something altogether different. Explain.Week 3Lesson 3Discussion chapters 6 7 8Discussion chapters 6 7 8 and Spar Debate sparked by: Different views of courage. Spar Statement: It takes courage to make changes in our lives, to change paths and direction. Position 1: Agree with this statement. Position 2: It takes courage to live every day, standing up for what is right both for others and for ourselves.Week 4Lesson 4Discussion chapters 9 10 11Discussion chapters 9 10 11 and Spar Debate sparked by: arriet’s friends are furious when they realize she’s been writing very honest notes on all of them in her private notebook. Spar Statement: We have a right to write whatever we choose to write. Position 1: Agree with the above statement. If we keep our ideas private we should be able to think and say whatever we’d like to say about people, even if it’s hurtful. Position 2: Disagree with the above statement. We shouldn't ever hurt others.Week 5Lesson 5Discussion chapters 12 13 14Discussion chapters 12 13 14 and Spar Debate sparked by: "Neither Sport nor Janie has forgiven her at all." Spar Statement: When people have been hurt, even by someone who they are very close to, they have a right to be angry for as long as they want to be. Position 1: Agree with the above statement. Explain. Position 2: Disagree with the above statement. Instead people should try to understand why someone has made them mad or hurt them, try to talk to them.Week 6Lesson 6Discussion chapters 15-16Discussion chapters 15-16 and Spar Debate sparked by: Ole Golly quotes John Keats: “Beauty is truth, truth beauty, that is all Ye know on earth, all Ye need to know.” Position 1: Agree with Keats quote. Truth itself is a thing of honor and beauty. Explain why this is important. Position 2: Disagree with Keats quote. Life on earth is a lot more complicated than this! Explain.
Students successfully completing this course will be able to: *To gain confidence in speaking and organization *Understand all the basic ideas of debate and rhetoric *Gain deeper understanding of literature through debate * To communicate effectively through speaking, thinking adroitly and responding fluently * Improve memory retention and organizational skills * Gain confidence and poise in oral presentation * Expand vocabulary and word usage *To gain deeper understanding of the nuances of literature
Longtime teacher of literature for both middle and high school students. Founder and former coach of an award-winning Speech and Debate team that competed at local, state and national levels, long-time speech judge for local, regional, national speech events for NCFL and National Speech and Debate Association, former teacher of high school debate and rhetoric, art history, literature, and AP Language and Composition.
Homework Offered
Students will be required to read the portions of the text we will be considering for the upcoming week. Optional homework assignments will be given after each class. If students are able to complete the homework a detailed response will be sent to each learner.0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
I will be in touch with learners and parents throughout the course to give feedback on student progress.Grades Offered
Pencil and paper always! Copies of Harriet the Spy are available on Amazon or second-hand through Thriftbooks, and at Libraries everywhere. Any edition of the book is fine for this class.
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Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(588)
Hello, Everyone, I'm Cindy Frank! *Proud ACE Educator and INDEPENDENT TEACHER *Classes limited to 6 students--all have a voice in the classroom * All classes taught, written, and created by me for my learners *Each session a full 55 minutes of...
Group Class
$165
for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
55 min
Completed by 29 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
3-6 learners per class
