The One and Only Ivan Novel Study: Perspective Changes Everything
In this multi-day novel study using The One and Only Ivan, we will explore the author's craft through comprehension discussion, purpose, artistic expression through figurative language, and character evolution throughout this beloved book.
Wendy Avolio, M.Ed.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(21)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Learners will dive into a novel study filled with higher-level thinking skills using Katherine Applegate's beloved New York Times Bestseller The One and Only Ivan. We will study different characters, settings, artistic/figurative language examples, and the driving force behind the author's development of these perspectives. Learners will be expected to actively participate throughout each session for them to gain a greater interaction and connection with the text. Keeping a journal/notebook will allow the learners to refer to significant concepts as they read and study other novels in the future. Learners must complete the reading of the novel before class begins and may wish to annotate the text as we discuss each week. SESSION 1: Discuss the background of the real Ivan, the author's force behind the book, make personal connections, artistic language SESSION 2: Comprehension questions to set a purpose for reading, to extend understanding, and to promote higher-order thinking; choose favorite moments and be ready to share during our 3rd session SESSION 3: Activities based on the novel including communication / habitat SESSION 4: Writing prompt completion and sharing
Learning Goals
Students will study the HOW? and the WHY? this novel has made such an impact on readers of all ages.
I do: introduce each session's learning goals and activities
You do: interact, participate, and connect with the text
We do: complete each activity developing broader perspectives throughout
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Please understand that for some learners, reading about animals and their treatment by humans is a sensitive topic. Please make sure to read the parent review material for this novel here:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-one-and-only-ivan?utm_expid=.RCp3TD4oT6qWuBfx5635Eg.0&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
We will also watch a short video clip about the history of the real Ivan that may be sensitive to students thinking about him separated from humans and his own species for such a long time. Please feel free to preview this ahead of class.
https://youtu.be/fCuFU2RdUGc
Supply List
A copy of The One and Only Ivan that students may decide to annotate as we discuss, a journal/notebook, pencil/pen, highlighter or post-it notes/flags to go back and locate passages later if desired
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
https://youtu.be/fCuFU2RdUGc
Joined October, 2020
5.0
21reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
As an elementary certified teacher as well as a secondary English/Literature certified teacher, I have taught countless novels--each of which has its own set of challenging material and/or discussion potential and possibilities. I have sessions filled with activities that focus on the main ideas and positive takeaways from the novel as well as plan engaging classes that study structures, the author's craft, and characterization. Although some parts of the novel reference things in the animal world that are indeed quite sad, the overall themes and lessons learned from this novel are absolutely positive with a happy ending after all. I am certainly sensitive to learners' questions and comments, yet our class time will focus more on overall positive messages. I highly suggest that since completing the novel in its entirety before registering for this class is required, you may decide to read together with a sensitive learner. Reviews
Live Group Class
$15
weekly1x per week, 4 weeks
50 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
2-8 learners per class
