The Handmaid's Tale: Is It Possible? Novel Study Flex Class

***There are 𝙉𝙊 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀 𝙈𝙀𝙀𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙂𝙎. This course will follow a flexible schedule. Students will be able to work on the assignments on the students schedule.***

"The Handmaid's Tale" presents a compelling portrayal of a dystopian future, where a majority of women are infertile. IThe remaining fertile women are captured, subjected to psychological manipulation, and assigned to affluent and influential men, all in a desperate and misguided bid to ensure the survival of humanity.

During this flexible course students will work on developing and sharpening the following skills: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, critical thinking, and language skills.
These learning goals will be met through independent reading assignments, exercises, and asynchronous class discussion to analyze the book. 

How this flex course works:
There are NO LIVE MEETINGS. This course will follow a flexible schedule. Students will be able to work on the assignments on the students schedule.
All reading should be done prior to answering the weekly discussion questions. Students will be expected to read an average of 60 pages before each meeting. This reading will take 1.5-2 hours for average readers. Students will use the teacher provided vocabulary worksheets while reading because books are more enjoyable when you know what all the words mean. 

I recognize that High School students have busy schedules, therefore their class obligation will be to do the reading assignment, participate in the online discussion, and answer the final essay question. Each week there will be optional activities available for those students who want more learning opportunities within the Flexible Class format. A class grade will be available upon parent request.

Mondays @12am EST: The teacher will upload the reading assignment, vocabulary worksheets, and writing and/or other assignment when applicable. Guided discussion questions and applicable assignments will be posted in the Outschool classroom. Students will use the Outschool classroom to interact with each other and the teacher through the guided discussion and the sharing of assignments. Learners may respond via written comment or upload a video or audio response. The guided discussion will be moderated by the teacher. Please note that due to students being in different time zones that some discussion questions may span a few days to allow time for all students to participate. Student interaction will vary based on the number of students enrolled. The teacher can be reached via the Outschool classroom or Outschool messaging system.

Week 1:
Read Chapters 1-12
Vocabulary List and worksheet.
Guided Discussion in Outschool Classroom
Research the author. What can you find out about the life and times of Margret Atwood?
Art project: Read the description of the Commander's Wife's face on page 15. Draw her.
For next week read chapters 13-19

Week 2:
Vocabulary List and worksheet.
Guided Discussion in Outschool Classroom
Create character maps for Offred and a character of your choice to share with the class. Character map should include Physical Traits, Character Traits, and a quote. Include a drawing of what you think the character may look like. To be shared during Week 3.
For next week read chapters 20-28

Week 3:
Vocabulary List and worksheet.
Guided Discussion in Outschool Classroom
Group discussion: What is a symbol? Identify symbols in the book.
Start thinking about your final essay question: What is freedom? (This is not a 5 page essay, unless you want it to be)
For next week read chapters 29-38

Week 4:
Vocabulary List and worksheet.
Guided Discussion in Outschool Classroom
Create a job description for the position of Handmaid, Martha, and Wife to share with the class in week 5. 
Create outline for final essay question "what is freedom?"
For next week read chapters 39-45

Week 5:
Vocabulary List and worksheet.
Guided Discussion in Outschool Classroom
Create a trip advisor review for your trip to Gilead. Share with the class.
For next week read chapter 46 and submit your final essay "What is freedom?"

Week 6:
Vocabulary List and worksheet.
Guided Discussion in Outschool Classroom. We will discuss the overall themes of the book. 
Class is expected to comment on each classmates final paper.