Recommended Reads
GRADES 3-5
Front Desk by Kelly Yang
Mia Tang has a lot of secrets. She lives in a motel, not a big house. Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its guests. Her parents hide immigrants. And if the mean motel owner, Mr. Yao, finds out they’ve been letting them stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed. She wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math because English is not her first language? It will take all of Mia’s courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?
Curriculum
This curriculum outline provides a structured approach to exploring “Front Desk,” ensuring that students engage deeply with the text and its themes while developing their reading, writing, and analytical skills.
Week 1: Introduction to the author, Kelly Yang. Discuss her background and how it influences the story.
Objective: Students will understand the background and setting of the novel.
Week 2: Characters and Setting
Objective: Students will identify and analyze main characters and setting.
Week 3: Themes and Conflicts
Objective: Students will explore major themes and conflicts in the novel.
Week 4: Plot Development and Literary Devices.
Objective: Students will analyze plot development and identify literary devices
Week 5: Themes in Depth and Author’s Message
Objective: Students will analyze the climax and resolution of the novel
Week 6: Final Projects and Assessment
Objective: Students will demonstrate their understanding through projects and assessments.
– Group projects and presentations
– Class participation in discussions and activities
Materials Needed:
– Copies of “Front Desk” by Kelly Yang
– Vocabulary lists
– Character charts
– Art supplies for creative projects
– Access to discussion forums or collaborative tools
Meeting Times
Thurs, June. 20, 12:00 – 12:45 pm
Thurs. June 27, 12:00 – 12:45 pm
Thurs. July 11, 12:00 – 12:45 pm
Thurs. July 18, 12:00 – 12:45 pm
Thurs.July 25, 12:00- 12:45 pm
Thurs. Aug 8, 12:00 – 12:45 pm
GRADES 6-7
How To Stay Invisible by Maggie C. Rudd
Being alone is something Raymond is used to. Twelve-year-old Raymond Hurley has never had a place to call home. His free-wheeling parents move their family from town to town, but one day they just up and abandon him. All alone with nothing but a duffle bag full of clothes and his reliable pup, Rosie, he is forced to live in the woods behind his middle school. With a fishing pole in hand and survival guide checked out from the library, Raymond, learns that his fate will depend not just on his wilderness skills, but on the people and animals he chooses to trust.
Curriculum
Week 1: Introduction to the Novel
Objective:Students will understand the background and setting of the novel.
Week 2: Characters and Setting
Objective: Students will identify and analyze the main characters and setting.
Week 3: Themes and Conflicts
Objective: Students will explore major themes and conflicts in the novel.
Week 4: Plot Development and Literary Devices
Objective: Students will analyze plot development and identify literary devices.
Week 5: Mid-Point Review and Deepening Understanding
Objective: Students will review key concepts and deepen their understanding of the novel.
Week 6: Climax and Resolution
Objective: Students will analyze the climax and resolution of the novel.
Week 7: Themes in Depth and Author’s Message
Objective: Students will explore themes in depth and understand the author’s message.
Materials Needed:
– Copies of “How to Stay Invisible” by Maggie Rudd
– Vocabulary lists
– Character charts
– Art supplies for creative projects
– Access to discussion forums or collaborative tools
Meeting Times
Tues. June 18 @12:00-12:45 pm
Tues. June 25 @12:00-12:45 pm
Tues. July 2 @12:00 -12:45 pm
Tues. July 9 @ 12:00-12:45 pm
Tues. July 16 @ 12:00-12:45 pm
Tues. July 23 @12:00-12:45 pmTues. July 30 @12:00-12:45 pm