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Structured Reading in German: Das Mädchen ohne Hände
Jennifer Bjornstad, PhD (German/ELA/study skills)
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(185)
Become a better reader! Come join me to read this Grimm fairy tale—a gripping story of betrayal, intrigue, & fierce determination. Taught by a former college professor.
Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Intermediate - Advanced Level
Guten Tag! In this class, you’ll work to gain more advanced German skills, step by step. + You’ll learn new vocabulary + You’ll practice verbs in the simple past tense + You’ll become an accomplished reader + You’ll learn about the Brothers Grimm and the field of folklore studies I have a PhD in German and 25+ years of experience teaching German, so I really know my stuff. I'm also a former homeschool mom who is warm and encouraging. I’m a careful explainer, and I provide lots of...
8 lessons//8 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1Lesson 1+ play a guessing game (fairy tale titles & summaries) + listen to a lecture about the Brothers Grimm + learn simple past tense: basic formatWeek 2Lesson 2Lesson 2+ play a guessing game (two truths and a lie) + learn key vocabulary, e.g. miller, devil, compassionate, pear tree, changeling + explore the word family “graben” + learn simple past tense: making educated guesses (first set of verbs)Week 3Lesson 3Lesson 3+ describe an image + explore the word family “mahlen” + read summary sentences, part 1 + learn simple past tense: making educated guesses (second set of verbs)Week 4Lesson 4Lesson 4+ review characters, learn new characters + answer plot questions + read summary sentences, part 2 + learn simple past tense: haben, sein, werdenWeek 5Lesson 5Lesson 5+ choose sentence translations + learn key vocabulary, e.g. one day, dark, suddenly, moon shimmer, sluice + explore the word family “reich” + read simplified version, part + learn simple past tense: weak verbsWeek 6Lesson 6Lesson 6+ describe images + read simplified version, part 2 + learn simple past tense: strong verbsWeek 7Lesson 7Lesson 7+ practice pronunciation principles + read full, original text, parts 1 & 2 + learn simple past tense: mixed verbsWeek 8Lesson 8Lesson 8+ learn key vocabulary, e.g. one day, dark, suddenly, moon shimmer, sluice + read simplified version, part 3 + read Phillip Pullman’s analysis + read full, original text, part 3 + retell the story with simple past verbs
This class is taught in English.
- Students who take the Structured Reading classes will be... + confident & proficient readers of intermediate-level texts + masters of the simple past tense They will have taken part in a rich, multi-layered cultural experience.
I have been teaching German, composition, and arts & humanities for more than 25 years, and I speak German with near-native fluency. I have a PhD in German Literature and was the 2014 Indiana German Collegiate Teacher of the Year. I bring first-rate content knowledge and pedagogical expertise to the online classroom, plus a genuine love of working with young learners. Because I have extensive experience at the college level, I know just where high school students are headed and can expertly guide them as they prepare themselves for the next step. My focus on learning strategies and study skills is an added benefit, useful for any learner. See my Profile Page for my resume.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: includedFeedback: includedDetails: Each lesson, learners will watch two different 15- to 20-minute videos (one on the content of the fairy tale and one on the grammar point of the simple past tense) and complete a grammar worksheet. For most learners, watching the videos and completing the worksheet will take a total of 90 minutes.Assessment
Frequency: includedDetails: If you need an assessment beyond the worksheets and accompanying answer keys, let me know.Grading
Frequency: includedDetails: If you wish to seek credit for this class from your school district or need information for your homeschool transcript, I can provide you with a Certificate of Completion with 1) my credentials and 2) the topics the class covers.
This self-paced class works especially well for students with unique learning needs. Students can pause the videos to make notes, rewind to watch a section again for deeper understanding, & do the worksheet at their own pace.
This Structured Reading class is perfect for students who have taken German 1 and German 2 with me. It’s also perfect for anyone who has reached the intermediate level in another way. Message me if you have any questions about your level.
All materials needed for the class are supplied by the instructor.
This story does have a violent beginning, when the main character loses her hands, and involves the betrayal of the girl by her father. As is common in many fairy tales, the situation is (partially) restored at the end. If you feel that this topic is one your learner might find troubling, feel free to have a look at a summary of the story: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Girl_Without_Hands.
Joined November, 2020
5.0
185reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
Indiana Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Indiana Teaching Certificate in Foreign Language
Doctoral Degree in Foreign Language from University of Wisconsin-Madison
Hello parents, hello students! Thank you for giving me the chance to tell you a little about myself and the courses I teach on Outschool. I have been teaching German, composition, and arts & humanities for more than 25 years. I bring first-rate...
Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$44
weekly or $352 for all content8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 5 learners
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Ages: 13-18
