U.S. History Thru the Eyes of American Girl Doll: Rebecca
In this 8 week course, students will engage in a discussion of each of the Rebecca books (6 in the series), as well as participate in activities that support learning of the historical time period of the early 1900's
Monica Kelly
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(201)
What's included
8 live meetings
7 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. students will be expected to read a book a week from the series. There will be completion of activities that are not completed in class. There will be a project that spans the entire 8 weeks and will be shared on the last class.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 4
Welcome to American Girl Doll Rebecca! During our live sessions (one per week for 8 weeks), students will engage in a discussion of each of the Rebecca books (6 in the series), as well as participate in activities that support learning of the historical time period. Students will be exposed to different reading strategies, vocabulary exploration, discussion, map work, journal writes, and creative activities such as crafts, games, and even cooking. Outside of our class meetings, students can expect to read a book a week in addition to completing short assignments and/or projects at home. Students will travel through time, back into a period where people came to America through Ellis Island to gain freedom. We will be using the American Girl Rebecca story series to learn about 1914 in America. While this class does not replace a complete curriculum, it is a great supplement to your regular study of U.S. history. Students do not need prior knowledge of the 1900's era. They will be exposed on a "surface" level. Your child can be at any reading level. They will not be asked to read during our live session. They will need to be able to read outside of the live session, but this can be done via audio books, read aloud by parents, etc. Our first live session (no prior reading necessary for this first class) Week 1 Introduction Rebecca -Introduce ourselves -reading focus: Read aloud and discussion of Rebecca and her family -Geography focus: mapping of Russia and New York -Start a timeline of key events during the early 1900’s Outside of class for week 1, students will finish their maps and read Meet Rebecca Week 2 -discussion of Meet Rebecca -vocabulary exploration thru guessing and using context clues to figure out meaning -historical focus: explore Russian traditions -baking: make Potato Knishes -add to our timeline Outside of class for week 2, students will finish vocabulary and read Rebecca and Ana Week 3 -discussion of Rebecca and Ana -vocabulary exploration thru guessing and using context clues to figure out meaning -Historical focus: explore Ellis Island Outside of class for week 3, students will finish vocabulary and read Candlelight for Rebecca Week 4 -discussion of the Candlelight for Rebecca -vocabulary exploration thru guessing and using context clues to figure out meaning -review with an interactive game -historical focus: compare and contrast winter holidays -create a Dreidel and play the game Outside of class for week 4, students will finish their vocabulary and read Rebecca and the Movies Week 5 --discussion of Rebecca and the movies -vocabulary exploration thru guessing and using context clues to figure out meaning -historical focus: silent movies -make root beer floats Outside of class for week 5, students will finish vocabulary and read Rebecca to the Rescue Week 6 -discussion of Rebecca to the Rescue -vocabulary exploration thru guessing and using context clues to figure out meaning -historical focus: compare and contrasting bathing suits and exploring poet Emma Lazarus and the statue of liberty Outside of class for week 6, students will finish their vocabulary and read Changes for Rebecca Week 7 -discussion of Changes for Rebecca -vocabulary review: bingo -catch up Week 8: -celebration of Rebecca -share projects My teaching style is very student-centered. I also like to get to know my students by sharing weekly "what is going on in our world."
Learning Goals
students will improve their vocabulary skills thru weekly vocabulary exploration
students will improve their comprehension thru discussion and reading
students will gain knowledge of the early 1900s thru activities and discussion
students will learn thru theme topic exploration with activities and crafts
Other Details
Parental Guidance
We will be using scissors to make crafts
students will be baking potato knishes. There is an egg required, and an oven will be needed (see ingredients in the material section)
Supply List
folder or journal to draw and keep track of vocabulary etc. Week 2: Potato Knish https://twokooksinthekitchen.com/super-easy-potato-knishes/ 1 package puff pastry dough (2 sheets), defrosted if frozen 3 1/2 cups mashed potatoes (fresh, left over, store-bought or instant) Note 1 equivalent of about 4 large-ish potatoes 2 tbsp oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp dry onion soup mix (optional) or salt and pepper to taste 1 egg plus one tablespoon water, mixed (for egg wash) week 5: Rootbeer floats rootbeer Ice cream
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2019
4.9
201reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
California Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
I have been teaching 20 plus years in various capacities. I have taught k-12 here in the U.S. as well as in Central America. I homeschool my own children with experiential learning including extensive travel to different countries, immersing in different cultures, as an integral part of our curriculum. I also have taught for National University's Education department for the past 15 years. I teach in the teaching credential program. Among the many classes that I have taught, The Diverse Classroom and Multicultural Education are among them.
In my background as an educator and in developing social studies curriculum, I have collaborated with many educators on how to cover these history topics. I have also attended workshops and trainings in the experiences of marginalized groups that have provided me with an understanding of these groups experiences and the historical context for American discriminatory action and thoughts. I am here to provide a historical outlook and provide insight into what was happening in history, but am not here to provide an in depth look at discrimination or the experiences of marginalized groups.
The books may seem to portray generalizations about a certain people. We must remember each family and even each individual person in a certain place or of a certain culture are different. These books are a representation of a certain part of a culture and time period. We will learn that it is often beneficial to put forth an effort to understand one another and show mercy toward others. Whether people are of a different age, race, or shape, we can exercise to be kind.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$80
for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
55 min
Completed by 31 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-10
3-10 learners per class
