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The Book Thief: Novel Study

Join us for a captivating journey through "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, where every chapter comes alive through lively discussions, creative projects, and engaging activities!
Wild and Unstructured Learning
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:
(1,065)
Popular
Class

What's included

9 live meetings
7 hrs 30 mins in-class hours
Homework
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
included

Class 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.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
9 Lessons
over 9 Weeks
Lesson 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.
Joined October, 2020
4.8
1065reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Alabama Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Ambria Parrish
Michigan Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Melaney Kosarek
Massachusetts Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Ms. Kristen
Massachusetts Teaching Certificate in English to Speakers of Other Languages
Ms. Kristen
Kentucky Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Barbara (Ms Bobbi) Wells
Kansas Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Barbara (Ms Bobbi) Wells
Non-US Teaching Certificate in English to Speakers of Other Languages
Maiko
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Lianne
Virginia Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Molly Thomas
Texas Teaching Certificate in English to Speakers of Other Languages
Patricia Trevino
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Patricia Trevino
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Patricia Trevino
Texas Teaching Certificate
Andrea Snow
Oklahoma Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Andrea Snow
Texas Teaching Certificate
Lara Chomout
Non-US Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Yinghui S McClellan
Master's Degree in Education from University of West Alabama
Ambria Parrish
Master's Degree in Education from Saginaw Valley State University
Melaney Kosarek
Master's Degree in Education from American International College
Ms. Kristen
Master's Degree from Duke University
Ms. Jo Anna
Master's Degree in Education from University of Houston Clear Lake
Patricia Trevino
Master's Degree in Education from Lesley University
Andrea Snow
Master's Degree in Linguistics from Nagoya Gakuin University (Japan)
Maiko
Master's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from University of Houston-Clear Lake
Diane Sullivan
Master's Degree in Civil Engineering from University of Ottawa
Ankur Mishra
Master's Degree in Special Education from Moreland University
Robbie Cox-Chatman
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Montevallo
Ambria Parrish
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Mount Holyoke College
Ms. Kristen
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Asbury College
Barbara (Ms Bobbi) Wells
Bachelor's Degree in English from Nagoya Gakuin University (Japan)
Maiko
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Furman University
Ms. Jo Anna
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Longwood University
Molly Thomas
Bachelor's Degree in English from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Diane Sullivan
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Houston Clear Lake
Patricia Trevino
Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Whitworth University
Andrea Snow
Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Language from Angelo State University
Lara Chomout
Bachelor's Degree from Angelo State University
Lara Chomout
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from Bohai University, China
Yinghui S McClellan
Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from University of Missouri
Robbie Cox-Chatman
Teachers will have at least 5 years experience teaching high school english. 

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Live Group Course
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$180

for 9 classes
1x per week, 9 weeks
50 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
2-12 learners per class

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