4th & 5th Grade Contemporary Summer Book Club | High Interest Novel Study
Taught by certified ELA teacher with 10+ years experience! Keep your learner reading this summer with our engaging YA book club! Read fun novels, join engaging discussions, and sharpen critical thinking & writing skills.
Meg Connolly, Certified ELA Teacher
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(37)
What's included
10 live meetings
8 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Students must read half a novel each weekCertificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 6
Beginner - Advanced Level
📚 Summer Book Club – Read, Discuss & Engage! 📚 Keep your learner hooked on reading this summer! This laid-back yet engaging book club features high-interest contemporary novels that spark curiosity and foster critical thinking. Why Join This Book Club? 📖 Read one novel every 2 weeks 💬 Engage in fun, thought-provoking discussions with peers. ✍️ Practice analytic writing and collaborative activities 🎯 Prepare for higher-level ELA classes in a relaxed setting. What We’ll Do Each week, we’ll dive into a novel, exploring: ✅ Themes, symbols, motifs & literary devices ✅ Character development & conflicts ✅ Cultural relevance & deeper meanings ✅ How to analyze literature with confidence 🔎 Learners will develop critical reading and discussion skills, preparing them for more advanced literature courses. Who is This Course For? ✅ Readers who love discussing books ✅ Learners wanting to stay engaged in reading over the summer ✅ ESL/ELL learners seeking advanced English practice ✅ Neurodivergent learners looking for a welcoming space ✅ Homeschoolers & students supplementing their ELA studies How We Learn ✅ Guided Socratic Discussions – I encourage thoughtful engagement with the text through open-ended questions. ✅ Collaborative activities - Using Canva whiteboards as a collaborative space, learners work together while developing literary analysis skills ✅ Short Writing Exercises – Learners write before discussing to organize their thoughts. ✅ Live Interaction – Students engage via discussion or chat. Video use is highly encouraged! Meet Your Teacher Hi, I’m Meg Connolly, a certified teacher with: 👩🏫 10+ years experience in brick and mortar & online schools 📜 Bachelor’s degrees in Literature & Philosophy 🎓 Master’s degrees in Teaching ELA & Special Education 🌍 TESOL certification & extensive experience with ESL learners 🚀 Let’s make this summer a season of great books & great conversations! Enroll today.
Learning Goals
The aim ultimate of this course is to:
✅ promote a love of reading
✅ strengthen critical engagement with literature
✅ practice speaking and writing analytically about literature with their peers
✅ prepare students for high-level ELA classes
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)10 Lessons
over 10 WeeksLesson 1:
Maizy Chen's Last Change by Lisa Yee
- Discuss first half of the novel 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Maizy Chen's Last Change by Lisa Yee
- Discuss second half of the novel 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring by Angela Cervantes
- Discuss first half of the novel 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring by Angela Cervantes
- Discuss second half of the novel 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
This class offers a relaxed, inclusive space where neurodivergent learners can engage at their own pace, share ideas comfortably, and explore literature through thoughtful discussion, writing, and flexible participation.
Parental Guidance
All the novels taught in this class are considered age-appropriate. However, be aware that many of them may deal with adult topics. Please research each book and decide if it is ultimately appropriate for your learner.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined September, 2021
5.0
37reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
Non-US Teaching Certificate in English to Speakers of Other Languages
Massachusetts Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Fordham University
Bachelor's Degree in English from Fordham University
🌟 About the Teacher 🌟
Meg Connolly is a certified teacher with bachelors degrees in literature and philosophy. She has masters degrees in teaching ELA, grades 7-12, and in teaching students with disabilities. In addition to her masters, she is TESOL certified and experienced in working with ESL students. She has nine years of teaching experience both in the US public school system and online. She also writes her own fictional short stories for podcasts. Check out her teacher profile for more info.Reviews
Live Group Course
$25
weekly1x per week, 10 weeks
50 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-11
3-10 learners per class
