Guided by instructors Julie DenOuden and Kiri Jorgensen, students ages 9-14 will engage through video, online work, and ‘paper and pencil’ assignments to practice a deep Language Arts based analysis of the middle grade contemporary mystery Perfect by Kiri Jorgensen. This course is divided into 6 sections of study.
- Five sections include:
- Guided close reading where students look for clues as they read
- Focus skill analysis based on an element of story
- Vocabulary work where students pick their own words
- An online comprehension quiz that can help track their understanding
- The last section includes:
- Focus Skill culmination writing assignment that uses their previous Focus Skill work as collected data to write their essay
- Enrichment project of their choice
- Final Fun with the Author!
All work goes beyond standards and is geared toward student growth and choice.
14 instructional videos are part of this course, including 3 from the AUTHOR, Kiri Jorgensen. Also included are 5 Downloadable PDF instructions and worksheets for in-person assignments.
Heidi DeStefano –
In her contemporary novel, PERFECT, Kiri Jorgensen provides a window into the mind and world view of a middle school girl with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that is authentic and believable. Jorgensen’s protagonist, Sal, has developed strategies to cope with life in public school, but keeps her isolated. Her interest in photographing snowflakes leads her to discover the joys and heartaches of stepping out of her comfort zone. This book celebrates family, friends, bravery, cooperation, and how each individual has a unique contribution, and is presented in an engaging, contemporary story. I enjoyed learning about snowflake science and thinking metaphorically about them concerning people and life. I was excited to find a book with a protagonist that has OCD, and to see her overcome obstacles and thrive! PERFECT is a great read for understanding a unique mindset, promoting positive values, learning some fascinating science, as well as experiencing the thrill of solving a mystery!