Do you have a child with a passion for justice and for making the world a better place? Does she love video games, too? If so, this class may be for you! During our 8 weeks together, we will be doing a deep dive into the American Girl doll, Courtney Moore, a resilient gamer girl from California in the 1980s.  Every week, we will have a discussion about Courtney's story and time period, as well as make crafts that reflect Courtney's experiences. Students will be reading both of Courtney's books (Courtney Changes the Game and Friendship Superhero) independently during the course, but no reading needs to be done prior to the first class.  

This is a multidisciplinary class that explores reading strategies, historical knowledge, vocabulary integration, read aloud, geography, journaling, crafts, and more! 

Here is a sample of what to expect during a class:  

WEEK 1: An Introduction to Courtney's World 
-Introduce ourselves
- Book Walk-- exploring the book we're about to read and why we're excited to read it.
-Overview of Courtney's story, exploring California and the 1980s.
-- Theme to Explore: "Dreams"
-Vocabulary Words: exhilarating (2), surging (3), eavesdropping (36)
-Homework: Read Courtney Changes the Game chapters 1-5, work on vocabulary, and journal about "dreams". Make sure to have the materials to make the Pac Man craft next week! 

WEEK 2: Discussing Courtney Changes the Game, chapters 1-5
-- Quick discussion about our opinions on the book
--  Main focus of class discussion: "Dreams".  Share our journals.
--Listen to the song "Whip It", by Devo
-- Activity: Pac Man Clothespin Craft 
-- Homework: Read chapters 6-10. Theme to explore for those chapters: Teamwork. Vocabulary:  dubious (38), endorsement (59), pummeled (74). Bring ingredients to make ranch pizza to the next class!  

WEEK 3: Discussing Courtney Changes the Game, chapters 6-10
-- Quick discussion about our opinions of the book.
--  Share our journals.
-- Activity: Making Ranch Pizza
-- Theme to Explore for chapters 11-15: Courage
-- Homework: Read chapters 11-15. Journal about change, and study the vocabulary words transformed (p. 79), malfunction (p. 85), pizzazz (p. 86). Bring paper, pencils, and crayons to next class. 

WEEK 4: Discussing Courtney Changes the Game, chapters 11-15
-- Quick discussion about our opinions of the book
-- Main focus of class discussion: "Courage". 
--History Connection: Famous Women in Politics / The Challenger Explosion
--Activity: Creating our own superhero video game character!
-- Theme to Explore for next week: "Friendship"
-Vocabulary Words: cosmos (2), epic (7), anxiously (21)
-Homework: Read chapters 1-6, work on vocabulary,  journal about "friendship". Make sure to have the ingredients to make Maureen's Guac for next class! 

WEEK 5: Discussing Friendship Superhero, chapters 1-6
-- Quick discussion about our opinions on the book
--  Main focus of class discussion: "Friendship".  Share our journals.
-- Comparing historical events to the ones portrayed in the book
--Planning our own "Noonafterwardsback" day.
-- Homework: Read chapters 7-11. Theme to explore for those chapters: Friendship & Respecting Privacy. Vocabulary: tubular (43), hemophilia (46), bogus (67). 

WEEK 6: Discussing Friendship Superhero, chapters 7-11
-- Quick discussion about our opinions of the book.
--  Share our journals.
-- Activity: Learning about Ryan White and comparing his situation to the character, Isaac's. 
-- Theme to Explore for chapters 12-17: Bravery
-- Homework: Read chapters 12-17. Journal about bravery, and study the vocabulary words  rad (69), outrage (73), assured (p. 96)

WEEK 7: Discussing Friendship Superhero, chapters 12-17
-- Quick discussion about our opinions of the book
-- Main focus of class discussion: "bravery". Discuss journals
--Activity:  Comparing Courtney to Molly McIntire 
--Homework: Get final project done!

WEEK 8:  Project Party!
In this class, we will share out our projects and discuss our lasting impressions of the book. 


This class is inclusive, which means students of all abilities are welcome. If you student needs any accommodations please let me know and we will work together to ensure that they have the best possible class experience. 

I am excited to discuss leadership and resilience with your child! They will learn all about grit, acceptance, and love through taking this class and exploring Courtney's story.