Instructor: Jackie de Laveaga, M.Ed.
Course Description: Living History Through Literature is a project-based course series offered to 5th through 8th grade students. These courses will weave the study of literature into a meaningful and engaging encounter with a specific era of history. In LHTL: Ancient History 1, we meet Ranofer in Ancient Egypt around 1400 BC. Ranofer wants only one thing in the world: to be a master goldsmith like his beloved father. But how can he when he is all but imprisoned by his evil half-brother, Gebu? Ranofer knows the only way he can escape Gebu's abuse is by changing his destiny. But can a poor boy with no skills survive on the cutthroat streets of ancient Thebes? Then Ranofer finds a priceless golden goblet in Gebu's room and he knows his luck−and his destiny−are about to change.
Students will study the historical context of the novel and participate in engaging literature discussions. In this project-based course, students will engage in short quizzes and in projects of their choice. Project options will include fiction writing, preparing period-specific food and/or costumes, creating classic art remakes, recreating scenes from the novel (Legos, clay, K’nex, digital drawing, hand-drawing, etc.), building a timeline, mapping, and more.
Course Outline:
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Class 1: Overview of Historical Context and Novel Introduction
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Class 2: Literature Discussion; Project Introduction
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Class 3: Literature Discussion; Cultural Overview
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Class 4: Literature Discussion; Fiction Writing Tips
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Class 5: Literature Discussion; Final Project Instructions
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Class 6 Literature Analysis and Historical Connections; Student Project Showcase
Course Materials: The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw, ISBN-10: 0140303359 or ISBN-13: 978-0140303353. Your student will need Word 2007 or later version or the ability to convert a document to a Word-compatible document (this can be done free online – let us know if you need assistance).
Homework: Weekly quizzes and reading assignments. Each week, students will work on one project-based assignment that will culminate in a final novel project submission. Homework (including novel reading) will take 1.5-3 hours per week. Parents are encouraged to support younger students by reading texts aloud and helping with project planning and execution.
- Teacher: Jackie deLaveaga