Outschool
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Log In

The Hunger Games - Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Novel Study & Movie Adaptation

Students will delve into The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and its movie adaptation, exploring the concept of a prequel, discussing why authors choose to write them, and the impact on the original story (did it work or not).
Paul Kopulos, MFA
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(153)
Rising Star
Class

What's included

7 live meetings
5 hrs 15 mins in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. The homework for this class will include the reading of the chapters before class, weekly vocabulary, the character's web worksheet, and the final story project.
Certificate of Completion
included

Class Experience

US Grade 7 - 10
“It's the things we love most that destroy us.” Coriolanus Snow

In this 7-week course, students will delve into The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the prequel to The Hunger Games. Participants will engage in a comprehensive novel study and discussion, exploring the book through inquiries, vocabulary exercises, and various theories.

They will explore the concept of a prequel, discussing how authors choose which stories to tell and the reasons behind these choices. Through engaging discussions, students will gain insights into the creative decisions that shape a prequel and its impact on the original story.

To maximize their learning experience, students must read the assigned chapters before each live class, where they will actively contribute to discussions centered around the material. Active student participation is crucial to gauge their comprehension of the content. Each week, students will receive a set of vocabulary words to complete before class, aiding in a deeper understanding of the text. Additionally, occasional pre-class worksheets will be provided to assist students during the discussion sessions.

Students will create assignments to infuse creativity, such as drawing or constructing something in Minecraft, crafting short stories featuring the characters, and more. The course will culminate in a final project: creating a short fan fiction story. This narrative should extend the storyline beyond Coriolanus and Panem, providing a unique perspective on what unfolds after the book's conclusion.
Learning Goals
Comprehension and Analysis: Students will develop a thorough understanding of the plot, themes, and characters in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by engaging in in-depth discussions and analyses of each chapter.
Literary Elements: Students will identify and analyze key literary elements such as setting, Point of View (POV), symbolism, and the Hero's Journey, enhancing their ability to interpret and appreciate complex narratives.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
7 Lessons
over 7 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Chapter 1-5
 Before class, read chapters 1-5 and complete weekly vocabulary words. We will begin with a discussion and review of The Hunger Games trilogy for broader context. Our focus will be on literary elements in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, specifically setting, Point of View (POV), and symbolism. We'll recap and discuss the complexities of chapters 1-5 and map the Hero's Journey within Songbirds and Snakes. Finally, students will start filling in character web worksheets. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Chapter 6-10
 Before class, read chapters 6-10 and complete the vocabulary words. In class, we will recap and discuss chapters 6-10 and continue filling out the character web worksheets. We'll also further explore the Hero's Journey within The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, engaging in a deeper analysis of the plot. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Chapters 11-15
 Before class, read chapters 11-15 and familiarize yourself with the assigned vocabulary words. In class, we will discuss the themes and events in chapters 11-15 and explore the symbolism in Part II of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. We'll analyze the significance of the songs sung by Lucy Gray and continue dissecting the Hero's Journey. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Chapters 16-20
 Before class, read chapters 16-20 and complete the assigned vocabulary words. In class, we will discuss the events and themes in chapters 16-20 and continue exploring the symbolism in Part II of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. We'll sustain our examination of the Hero's Journey and engage in collective insights from the readings. 
45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a book with many meanings and messages. Although this is a dystopian novel, the problems it reflects can be seen in our current society (i.e., desensitization to violence on tv, reality tv shows that blur the lines between real human suffering and being removed from the game, war, famine, haves vs. have-nots). The book has violent scenes where kids are required to kill kids, but the scenes are not there to glamorize the violence. The violence is there to demonstrate the terrible world these kids inhabit. We may touch on the violence, but we are going to be looking past the violence and focus more on the personal morals and issues of the characters and the society where they live. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me.
Supply List
Students will need to have a physical, digital, or audio copy of the book The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins and be able to watch the movie.
 2 files available upon enrollment
Language of Instruction
English
Joined April, 2020
4.9
153reviews
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in English from Simmons University
Reflecting on my early years of learning, what stands out most in my memories are the subjects I found joy in, the teachers who made learning a delightful experience, and the freedom to explore topics that fascinated me. These are the very aspects of homeschooling that I cherish while educating my children. My kids pursue classes they genuinely enjoy by tailoring their education to their interests and seamlessly integrating various aspects of learning into their favorite subjects. At the same time, I have the opportunity to teach subjects that I'm passionate about. It's truly a win-win situation.

I completed my MFA in Writing for Children at Simmons University in Boston, MA, where I honed my skills and expanded my knowledge in this specialized field. This program has allowed me to deepen my understanding and expertise in writing for young audiences, an area I am passionate about. While at Simmons, I finished a few manuscripts (one for young adults, two picture books, and a middle-grade novel), which I am now looking to publish.
 
I love learning, researching, telling stories, and creating new and exciting worlds that my kids and I visit often. When they were young, we would lie in bed and tell stories "in the round." What are stories in the round? This is when one family member would start a story, and then the next person would add to that story, and so on until we finished the story or laughed too hard to continue. This is why my daughter now loves telling her own stories, has created a whole new universe for many of her characters, and plans to take on Marvel and DC.
I am also an avid animal lover and have been since childhood. This is why I decided to get my Bachelor of Science in something that I truly loved - animals. While working at a humane society in Vermont, I found a degree program created by the Humane Society of the United States. I now have a B.S. in Humane Leadership from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Some of my classes highlight animals, such as "The Pawprints of History 1 & 2" and "Civil War Dogs."

I thrive in interactive teaching environments. I value students' active participation in the learning process and cherish being an integral part of their educational journey. I particularly enjoy helping them discover the connections between lessons taught by different educators, enabling them to see the bigger picture and making the learning process enjoyable and engaging for both the students and myself. Witnessing the wealth of knowledge children possess and having the privilege of enlightening and learning from them is an awe-inspiring experience.

One quote by George Santayana profoundly resonates with me: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." This quote encapsulates the essence of why I hold a deep appreciation for history, not just any history. I am particularly drawn to the peculiar and fascinating aspects that often go unnoticed. Moreover, I deeply value delving into the multifaceted aspects of history, uncovering and highlighting the invaluable contributions and rich experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women, children, people of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, and more. Throughout my four years of teaching history, I have pursued various courses at esteemed institutions such as Simmons University, Duquesne University, UMASS, and CCV in Vermont.

I have diverse interests spanning various subjects, including storytelling, intriguing history, captivating geography, animal studies, novel analysis, and exploring TV and movies. I am eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to engage with you in our class!

Reviews

Live Group Course
Share

$17

weekly or $115 for 7 classes
1x per week, 7 weeks
45 min

Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-16
2-8 learners per class

About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyManage Data PreferencesTerms
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2024 Outschool