OBJECTIVES:

Participants will:

• exam and read young adult literature for the following: genres, analyzing themes, real-world connections, multiple perspectives, problem-solving, and personal experiences.
• independently read three selected young adult novels.
• answer online discussion questions.
• reflect upon other participants discussion question answers.
• complete online assessments at various points in the course.

TEXT:

Young adult novels available at schools, public libraries, book stores, and Amazon.

• On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer (ISBN: 978-0547722405) Amazon Link

Joel’s best friend, Tony, is a daredevil. It was Tony’s idea to make the long bike ride to the Starved Rock state park, and Tony’s idea to stop for a swim in the dangerous Vermillion River. So why does Joel feel so much guilt when tragedy strikes?

• Wringer by Jerry Spinelli (ISBN: 978-0064405782) Amazon Link

In Palmer LaRue's hometown of Waymer, turning ten is the biggest event of a boy's life. But for Palmer, his tenth birthday is not something to look forward to, but something to dread. Then one day, a visitor appears on his windowsill, and Palmer knows that this, more than anything else, is a sign that his time is up. Somehow, he must learn how to stop being afraid and stand up for what he believes in.

• Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea (ISBN: 978-0375858246) Amazon Link

It’s the start of fifth grade for seven kids at Snow Hill School. There’s . . . Jessica, the new girl, smart and perceptive, who’s having a hard time fitting in; Alexia, a bully, your friend one second, your enemy the next; Peter, class prankster and troublemaker; Luke, the brain; Danielle, who never stands up for herself; shy Anna, whose home situation makes her an outcast; and Jeffrey, who hates school. Only Mr. Terupt, their new and energetic teacher, seems to know how to deal with them all. He makes the classroom a fun place, even if he doesn’t let them get away with much . . . until the snowy winter day when an accident changes everything—and everyone.

"I ENJOYED THE COURSE."

"GREAT BOOKS! GOOD DISCUSSION QUESTIONS."

"BOOKS WERE ALL RELATED TO REAL LIFE THINGS HAPPENING IN OUR CLASSROOMS."

"WORKING WITH THREE NEW NOVELS AND HEARING/SEEING ALL THE DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES."

"THE THEME OF BULLYING IS VERY RELEVANT TO OUR CURRENT SCHOOL CLIMATE."

"THE DISCUSSIONS WITH OTHER TEACHERS WERE INCREDIBLY HELPFUL AND VALUABLE."

"I WAS HAPPY TO READ A FEW MIDDLE LEVEL TEXTS TO WHICH I KNOW MY STUDENTS WOULD BE ABLE TO EMPATHIZE OR TO MAKE OTHER CONNECTIONS. IT WAS NICE TO BE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT THE BOOKS WITH OTHER ADULTS ABOUT THE READINGS."

"THIS IS THE FIRST TIME FOR ME TAKING A CLASS OF THIS FORMAT. I ENJOYED THE FEEDBACK FROM OTHER STUDENTS AND THE INSTRUCTOR. HELPED TO GET A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON THE ISSUES THESE STUDENTS FACED IN THE STORIES WE READ."

"i LIKED BEING ABLE TO WORK AT MY OWN PACE."

"THE FORMAT YOU USED FOR THE CLASS IS MY FAVORITE - SO EASY TOI FOLLOW!"

"GREAT BOOKS TO READ AND SHARE IDEAS. LISTENING TO HOW OTHERS LOOKED AT EACH CHALLENGING SITUATION THAT STUDENTS FACED AND HOW THEY WERE HANDLED."

"I LOVE READING CHILDREN'S LITERATURE! IT HELPS ME TO BE ABLE TO RECOMMEND MORE BOOKS TO MY STUDENTS."

"I REALLY ENJOYED THE WAY THE CLASS WAS SET UP AND THE FLEXIBILITY IT GAVE YOU - IT ALLOWED YOU TO WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE AND FIT INTO A HECTIC SCHEDULE."

"THIS COURSE ALLOWS TEACHERS TO LISTEN TO OTHER PERSPECTIVES AND HOW THEY INTERPRET EACH INDIVIDUAL SITUATION. WE ALL HANDLE SITUATIONS DIFFERENTLY. IT IS GOOD TO BE ABLE TO SHARE THOSE IDEAS AND LEARN FROM OTHERS."