What's included
9 live meetings
7 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students will have reading to complete each week. If projects are not completed during class time, students may have to finish them for homework.Progress Report
includedClass Experience
This novel study is designed for high school students to explore "The Book Thief" through interactive discussions and creative projects. Students are expected to complete assigned chapter readings outside of class. In-class time will be dedicated to comprehension discussions, engaging activities, and projects that deepen understanding of the novel's themes, characters, and historical context. "The Book Thief: Novel Study" encourages students to engage deeply with "The Book Thief" through structured chapter discussions, creative projects, and reflective activities. By combining literary analysis with hands-on projects, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the novel's themes, characters, and historical context.
Learning Goals
Students will strengthen their reading and reading comprehension skills.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum9 Lessons
over 9 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction and Chapters 1-2: "The Gravedigger's Handbook"
Overview of the novel’s setting, narrative style, and themes introduced in the first two chapters. Discuss Death as the narrator and the significance of the book The Gravedigger's Handbook. Introduce the Character Diary Project, where each student selects a character and writes diary entries from their perspective.
Project: Start the Character Diary Project by writing the first diary entry from the chosen character's perspective, focusing on their introduction in the novel.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Chapters 3-6: "Arrival on Himmel Street"
Analyze the arrival of Liesel on Himmel Street, her relationship with her foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, and her initial interactions with Rudy. Discuss Liesel's early experiences and the development of her character. Discussion on the characters' first impressions and the relationships forming in the story.
Project: Write a diary entry from the perspective of the chosen character, reflecting on their thoughts and feelings about recent events.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Chapters 7-10: "The Heavyweight Champion of the School-Yard"
Explore Liesel’s struggles at school, her fight, and her budding friendship with Rudy. Discuss the importance of literacy and the symbolic role of books in these chapters. Create a "Word Cloud" of impactful words and phrases from these chapters and discuss why these words are significant to the characters and the story.
Project: Continue the Character Diary Project by adding an entry that reflects on a pivotal moment involving literacy or friendship.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Chapters 11-15: "The Jesse Owens Incident" and "The Joy of Cigarettes"
Discuss the social and political climate of Nazi Germany, as seen through Rudy's idolization of Jesse Owens and Hans's subtle defiance against Nazi ideology. Participate in a role-playing exercise where students take on different characters to debate a moral dilemma presented in these chapters.
Project: Add a diary entry focusing on how the historical events and societal pressures impact the chosen character’s actions and thoughts.
50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
"The Book Thief" contains mature themes that may require parental guidance, including depictions of death, war, and violence, as well as the realities of life in Nazi Germany. It also addresses heavy topics like the Holocaust and loss, which could be unsettling for some readers.
Supply List
"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak
paper
pencil
coloring supplies
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
11 teachers have teaching certificates
Iowa Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Alabama Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Michigan Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Massachusetts Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Massachusetts Teaching Certificate in English to Speakers of Other Languages
Kansas Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Kentucky Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Virginia Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Texas Teaching Certificate in English to Speakers of Other Languages
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Texas Teaching Certificate
Oklahoma Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Texas Teaching Certificate
Non-US Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
9 teachers have a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Education from Saginaw Valley State University
Master's Degree in Education from University of Houston Clear Lake
Master's Degree in Education from American International College
Master's Degree from Duke University
Master's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from University of Houston-Clear Lake
Master's Degree in Education from Lesley University
Master's Degree in Civil Engineering from University of Ottawa
Master's Degree in Special Education from Moreland University
Master's Degree from Oklahoma State University
12 teachers have a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Babcock University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Mount Holyoke College
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Asbury College
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Furman University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Longwood University
Bachelor's Degree in English from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Houston Clear Lake
Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Whitworth University
Bachelor's Degree from Angelo State University
Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Language from Angelo State University
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from Bohai University, China
Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from University of Missouri
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Oklahoma State University
Teachers will have at least 5 years experience teaching high school english.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$180
for 9 classes1x per week, 9 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
2-12 learners per class