The Decolonized Bookshelf:Books From Diverse Authors & Perspectives, Ages 11-14
What's included
1 live meeting
40 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
1-2 hours per week. students should read the assigned book prior to our class discussion.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Each month we will read two books under the genre of Historical Fiction or Historical Non-Fiction. All titles will be authored by people of color and/or members of other historically marginalized groups. To decolonize your bookshelf means to take a look at the stories being told and consider who is telling those stories and their lens. To look at where stories take place, the events or characters and make sure the voice telling those stories is a member of that community or among those most impacted. This class will be largely discussion based with the teacher providing some guiding questions to begin, redirect or encourage deeper conversations. Students may participate using chat however video is highly encouraged. Students may choose to read the paper, electronic, or use audible files. At times, the audio may be highly recommended if it contains the voice of the author or additional inserts (music, etc.) that would enhance the story. Video clips to introduce students to the peoples or places may also be used from time to time during the class to further enrich the discussion. These clips will always come from either the author or be recommended from the communities associated. The only thing needed for this class is a love of historical books and a desire to discuss them. From time to time, the teacher will allow the students to select a book. We will meet bi-monthly. Please refer to your chosen session for the specific times and dates. ***Please contact me for sibling discounts, if needed***** This will have multiple sessions, therefore I am using the number of the week to share when we will be reading the titles. September: India & Pakistan Week 2: The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani Week 4: Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed October: Civil Rights Week 2: March Books 1-2 by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell I chose two books since they are graphic novels and short reads. Week 4: It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood (Adapted for Young Readers) by Trevor Noah November: Week 2: Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two" by Joseph Bruchac Week 4: If I Ever Get Out of Here" by Eric Gansworth
Learning Goals
Students will learn about people, places, events in history as weel as fictional stories all from a decolonized viewpoint by reading books by diverse authors. Students will engage in critical thinking, making connections between themselves and the books.
Other Details
Learning Needs
I try to choose books with audible versions to allow all types of readers to participate.
Parental Guidance
parents please review all books to make sure they are appropriate for your child. Each book chosen has been listed by the publisher as within the suggested age range for the class. These books are all historical fiction and non-fiction.
Pre-Requisites
none
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a license k-12 educator with a background in history. I currently offer several history classes on Outschool. I have taught middle school history classes for numerous home school cooperatives, independent and public schools. I am the Director of Radical Inclusion for a national non-profit that seeks to center the voices of the most marginalized in political and social systems.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$16
weekly1x per week
40 min
Completed by 12 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
6-12 learners per class