Class Time and Duration:
Students will meet for two hours once a week for ten weeks.
Criteria for Class:
Must read the book: A Warden’s Path: From Tough to Smart on Crime.
At the end of the ten weeks students are required to submit at least a two page review/summary of the book which is to include what the student feels is the main message the author was conveying.
At the end of the 1st, 5th, and 10th class, instructors will ask the students for feedback on the class and the book.
Student feedback can be a strong motivator for improving the effectiveness of the course.
1. Define the Objective
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Read the book thoroughly: Understanding the narrative, characters, and the author’s intentions.
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Identify recurring motifs and symbols: Look for elements that appear repeatedly throughout the story.
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Examine the characters’ actions, dialogue, and thoughts: These often reveal the themes being explored.
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Consider the emotions evoked by the author: The atmosphere created by the author can also indicate the themes.
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Connect the book to your own experiences: This can help you relate to the characters and their actions on a deeper level.
By following these steps, you can gain a deeper understanding of the themes and characters in the book, allowing you to engage with the book on a more profound level.
Analyze the author’s thoughts. This is done by understanding the author’s unique perspective, opinions, beliefs, and biases that shape how they present the information or tell a story. This process will allow you, as the reader, to dig deeper into the underlying motivations and intentions behind the author’s words. It can also help to uncover hidden messages in the book and understand the author’s purpose. By analyzing the author’s thoughts, you will be able to develop critical thinking skills and engage with the author on a more profound level.
2. Structure: The Agenda
After the Introduction on the first day, each student will be required to read two chapters each week and those two chapters will be discussed the following week in class. On the tenth week the students will be required to turn in at least a two page review/summary of the book. Class discussion will follow with students sharing with other students something that touched their life from the book or something they wish to share from their review/summary of the book and any final thoughts they may have on the book.
Week 1: Introduction
Introduce the author and the book: A Warden’s Path: From Tough to Smart on Crime
Share with the students what the purpose of the Pitzler Family Foundation is, their mission and vision statement as well as what to expect over the next ten weeks.
Some open-ended questions that may be asked before reading the book and during first day of class:
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Looking at the cover, what do you predict this book might be about?
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What ideas do you think will be present in this book?
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Why do you think the author used this title?
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What do you already know from reading the title?
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What connections can you make after reading the blurb?
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How do you think this book will end?
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What questions could you ask before reading this book?
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Why do you think the author used this title?
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What do you think motivated the author’s reasons for writing this book?
Week 2 to Week 9:
Facilitate a group discussion on themes, characters, or conflicts of chapters read.
Plan an interactive activity, such as:
Small group discussions/debates. Possible open-ended questions to ask during the reading of the book:
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Why do you think the author started the story this way?
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How are you adjusting your predictions after reading these chapters?
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What part of these chapters sparked your imagination?
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How do you think the author is feeling? What evidence supports your thinking?
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Which details were the most interesting to you?
Week 9:
Write at least a two page review/summary to include your thoughts and feelings of the book and what is the most important thing you are taking away from reading this book.
Day 10:
Summarize the key thoughts, feelings, and takeaways from the book.
Possible open-ended questions to ask after the reading of the book:
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What do you think the author hoped you would think after reading the book?
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What was your favorite part of the book?
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Was the book different than you thought it would be?
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What would you change in this book if you could write it?
Key essential components that will be used to ensure structure and create a complete and cohesive reading experience:
Flexibility
Leave room for spontaneous questions or deeper exploration of topics that spark interest. This keeps the class dynamic and engaging.
Use Visual Aids
Incorporate visuals like slides, charts, or even props related to the book to make the session more interactive.
Share the Agenda
Provide students with a copy of the agenda at the start of class or display it on the board. This helps them follow along and stay focused.
By following this structure, we’ll create a well-organized and engaging class agenda that brings the book to life for the students!