The Book Thief ELA Novel Study
Learners will read and analyze The Book Thief by Markus Zusak while exploring historical fiction, literary devices, logical fallacies, watch the film, & write an illustrated short story with the Moving Beyond the Page(MBTP) literature unit.
Angelia Derrick (she/her)
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(170)
Star Educator
What's included
12 live meetings
11 in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Students will need to read and study the texts, do the weekly workbook activity pages, do short written responses outside of class, and research and write papers/essays. This class has a very heavy reading load as it is a long book.Assessment
Your Final Grade will be determined from your homework grades, project grades, and test grades. Projects grading rubrics will be provided with the assignment. Assignments, papers, projects, and tests will have due dates and late assignments will receive a deduction. Accommodations and extensions can be given when asked for before the due date. Students can opt out of receiving a grade.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 8 - 9
This class uses the Moving Beyond the Page Language Arts curriculum. As such learners will use literature to learn language arts, develop their critical thinking and creativity skills, and use the 6+1 traits of writing approach (Ideas, Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Conventions, Presentations). A Summary of Skills will be provided when you enroll that tells you which state and national (US) standards that each unit covers for your own planning and any documentation requirements that you need to submit to your local authorities. The Book Thief Unit - You will read The Book Thief, a historical novel by Markus Zusak. The novel follows Liesel, a young girl living in World War II Germany. You will learn about World War II and the influence of Nazi propaganda. This will help you better understand the character motivation of Liesel and her father. You will learn about literary devices and logical fallacies as you explore the relationship between the author, narrator, and reader. For your final project, you will complete three mini projects as part of a Think-Tac-Toe board. Week 1 - Learners will begin reading and discussing The Book Thief. They will learn about Markus Suzak (the author), background on World War II, narrator, figurative language, similes and metaphors, and vocabulary. Week 2 - Learners will continue reading and discussing The Book Thief. They will learn about tone, historical references, propaganda, descriptive writing, historical setting, and the value of books. Week 3 - Learners will continue reading and discussing The Book Thief. They will learn about descriptive writing and write and illustrate a short story. Week 4 - Learners will continue reading and discussing The Book Thief. They will learn about logical fallacies, descriptive writing, propaganda, speeches and rallies, and figurative language. Week 5 - Learners will continue reading and discussing The Book Thief. They will learn about figurative language, journalism, and what makes a family. Week 6 - Learners will finish reading and discussing The Book Thief. They will learn about primary sources, allegory, comparison, description, historical fiction, character journeys, complete a final project on figurative language, and watch The Book Thief film to compare/contrast with the book. This book unit is also taught in my 8th Grade English Language Arts Through Literature - Semester B course - https://outschool.com/classes/8th-grade-english-language-arts-through-literature-semester-b-crL9PybT?usid=k5hGyGpE&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The Book Thief takes place during World War II and the narrative includes many of the violent situations that occur during war including deaths of major characters, fights, beatings, whippings, and suicide. There is also foul language and antisemitic/racist language.
Students will research some topics online, read articles on websites, and occasional watch an informational YouTube video to complete homework assignments. The following Moving Beyond the Page Resource List will be provided to learners to help them complete homework assignments and projects - https://www.movingbeyondthepage.com/online/content/resource-list.aspx
Outside sources may be referenced/used in the class for homework. The unit test will be done using a Google Form. Students will be referred to the Google Suite when it comes to other assignments, but they are welcome to use any word processor, slideshow presentation software, etc. that they normally use.
Supply List
Students will need a word processor to write paper assignments, a journal/notebook/google doc is recommended for journaling thoughts and extra/non-workbook assignments, a printer to print up the workbook pages or pdf editor to do them on their computer, and a cell phone with a camera or scanner to turn in workbook pages. Families will need to purchase the Moving Beyond the Page student activity pages to download. Direct links to purchase the student activity pages will be provided after enrollment. MBTP Activity Pages - The Book Thief - $4.99 The following text/book will be used throughout the class. Families may purchase (print, ebook, or audio) or borrow from their local library. Prices listed below were found on Amazon. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - $6.99 Rent/stream/borrow: The Book Thief (2013) PG-13.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined May, 2020
5.0
170reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Film/Cinema/Video Studies from California State University, Fullerton
Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Charter Oak State College
I studied literature throughout my bachelor's program as part of the creative writing emphasis. I have been teaching middle and high school level students for several years how to analyze texts (movies and books), write essays, and creative writing.
Published writer in nonfiction (articles and books) and fiction (short stories, novellas, and novels).
Writing young adult fantasy and space opera under the pen name Angelia Almos.
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Arts: Creative Writing
Certificates from Institute of Children's Literature
Certificates from Institute for WritersReviews
Live Group Class
$240
for 12 classes2x per week, 6 weeks
55 min
Completed by 10 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-14
3-9 learners per class
This class is no longer offered
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Tutoring
More to Explore
Recorder For BeginnersWriting And GrammarLegend Of The NightfangPhysical GeographyDays Of TheUnity And CPaw Patrol PartyEnvironmental JusticeScratch Intermediate Code-a-thonHow To Make Movies On Your PhoneCosplay New YearDungeon Of The Mad Mage Dungeons And Dragons Campaign 2 HoursWrite BookDem AcademyMath 7