weekly
or for 6 classes
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom - A Novel Study
Completed by 5 learners
Ages 13-15
Live Group Course
Live video meetings
2x per week, 3 weeks
2-6 learners per class
40 min
What's included
6 live meetings
4 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be asked to read the novel outside of class time since we will be spending our time in class discussing the novel, debating amongst ourselves, and analyzing the novel, history, and significance of the novel as it can be applied to our own lives.Assessment
Students will be given several optional formal writing assignments throughout the semester. While these are not tests, per se, they can be used as assessment pieces for homeschooling evidence, which many states and countries require. All formal writing in my class will be completed with multiple rounds of written and verbal feedback. Students will have the opportunity to work through their writing skills as a group and 1-1 with me in class!Grading
Grading - Students will have the opportunity to receive a grade in the form of their choosing.I am happy to provide a grade in the form of a percentage, letter, or both. I can also offer a formal letter for submission to state programs. I ask students throughout the semester about their needs for grading and am happy to work with parents to create a plan that meets their needs! Please note that Grading is NOT required.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 10
Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a New York Times Bestseller. It follows the story of Eddie, a war veteran spending a seemingly meaningless life fixing broken-down amusement park rides at the beautiful and famous Ruby Pier. While celebrating his 83rd birthday at work, something tragic happens, an accident involving a falling ride while trying to save the life of a little girl. When he opens his eyes next, he stands in heaven. While heaven is not the Garden of Eden-like place he dreamt it to be, but rather a place of meeting where one meets five people who changed your life in unimaginable ways. He does not know whether or not it ended with success or tragedy, but his journey to discovering the truth will lead us to question - what is the meaning of life. As students read this novel, we will participate in a series of activities designed to get students thinking about and questioning their own purpose in life. We will strive to think deeply and critically about the life we live, the influence that we have on others, and the relationships we develop around us. Our discussion will center around reading comprehension and analysis of the novel while asking ourselves the same questions posed to Eddie in the novel. In the end, we will focus on the five lessons taught to Eddie as seen in our weekly schedule posted below!
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)6 Lessons
over 3 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction
- Introduction to the Novel and Author
- Introduction to Purpose and Meaning
- Introduction to Historical Time Period
- Reflection and Discussion: What is the meaning of life?
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Reason
- Eddie, His Life and Death
- Eddie and the Blue Man
- Heaven: Its Use as a Literary Device
- Reflection and Discussion:
- Do things happen without reason?
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Sacrifice
- Eddie and the Captain
- Reflection and Discussion:
- What is the meaning of sacrifice
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Forgiveness
- Eddie and Ruby
- Reflection and Discussion:
- To what extent should forgiveness be given? To what extent do we deserve it?
40 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Because the novel centers around the death and the afterlife, these will be topics that we cover in class. But it is important to note that the conversation will not focus on the death of the character but rather the importance of the life that he lived. We will examine the consequences of his actions, both good and bad, through while looking at our own perspective and lives. The title discusses the idea of heaven but is not based in a religious idea. Rather, it is a literary device used as a means to develop the theme of connection, relationships, influence, and more in the novel. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out!
Supply List
Students will be asked to purchase the novel or to get a copy of the novel for class. We will frequently reference the novel as we do our discussion so students are asked to bring their book to class every single day to make sure that they are able to participate and to be successful in our class discussions!
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Meet the teacher
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
I have taught many book studies in my professional career. I am currently running multiple novel studies on Outschool that have been met with great success and interest. I love taking part in discussions and ensuring that the students' needs and interests are met as they read.
Reviews
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