"A Boy Called Christmas" Book Club
In this book club students will read Matt Haig's "A Boy Called Christmas" (Now a Netflix original movie) and share what they love about it while expanding their comprehension and learning about character, motivation, and theme.
Mary Goodrich
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(114)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursClass Experience
In this class you will follow a boy named Nikolas on every step of his adventure to becoming Father Christmas. We will engage in rich discussions about the book, deepen comprehension by clarifying what we don't know (vocabulary, references that we don't get, etc) and expanding upon what we do (identify characteristics of Nikolas and those he meets along the way, seek to understand the motivations of each character, ask and answer questions, and look for themes.) Book Synopsis: "BELIEVE IN THE IMPOSSIBLE You are about to read THE TRUE STORY OF FATHER CHRISTMAS If you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away. (Because this book is FULL of impossible things.) Are you still reading? Good. Then let us begin..." Meeting 1: Introductions- Get to know your classmates and teacher through a fun, quick activity What do you think Father Christmas was like as a child? Meet the book- We'll read the back cover together and build anticipation. Vocabulary- Introduction to a few words that will help you enjoy and understand the reading assignment. (Students will be given the opportunity to share what they know about each word before I give definitions. I will use visuals when possible.) Read aloud- If time allows, I will read a few pages of the book so we can start experiencing it together which will help build our class community. As I read, I will ask questions to clarify and/or improve comprehension. Homework- Read the first third of the book. (Approximately 100 pages. Exact chapter names will be posted in the classroom.) Meeting 2: First five minutes: group check-in to continue building community Discussion: What has happened so far? Who are the characters and why do they do what they do? Students will be asked comprehension questions specific to the reading and the group's needs. What questions are coming up for you as you read? Predictions: Where is the story ultimately going? What will happen next? Vocabulary for the next reading assignment. Read aloud- If time allows, I will read a few pages of the book so we can continue experiencing it together which will help build our class community. As I read, I will ask questions to clarify and/or improve comprehension. Homework: Read the next third of the book. (Approximately 100 pages. Exact chapter names will be posted in the classroom.) Meeting 3: First five minutes: Group check-in to continue building community Discussion: What happened in the last reading assignment? Are there new characters? Have any characters changed? Students will be asked comprehension questions specific to the reading and the group's needs. What questions are coming up for you as you read? What themes (big ideas and deep meanings) have you noticed in the book so far? Predictions: Where is the story ultimately going? What will happen next? Vocabulary for the next reading assignment. Read aloud- If time allows, I will read a few pages of the book so we can continue experiencing it together which will help build our class community. As I read, I will ask questions to clarify and/or improve comprehension. Homework: Read the rest of the book (Approximately 100 pages.) Watch the Netflix movie if you want to. Meeting 4: First five minutes: Group check-in to continue building community Discussion: What happened in the last reading assignment? How have the main characters changed? Students will be asked comprehension questions specific to the reading and the group's needs. What unanswered questions do you have? What themes (big ideas and deep meanings) have you noticed in the book? Discussion of the whole book: What did you think of the book and why? What surprised you? What do you think will happen in the next book in the series? Books vs. movie discussion Last 5 minutes or so of the class: Closing comments and good-byes.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This book is considered appropriate for students of this age group, but PLEASE research the series to see if it is a good fit for your child. While there is fun and frivolity in this book, there is also sadness, poverty, and some violence. Along with magical elves and flying reindeer, there are also "Truth Pixies" who like to watch the heads of others explode. That actually happens in one scene, but the truth pixies ultimately decide to stop doing that. To help you start your research, below is a link to a blog post called "A Mother- Daughter Review of "A Boy Called Christmas"." It features a synopsis and public praise of the book, as well as two reviews of "A Boy Called Christmas" one by an 8 year-old, and the other by her mother. (Their opinions are their own and this is just a suggested starting place for you.) https://batchofbooks.com/2016/12/boy-called-christmas.html
You can find more reviews, a book trailer, and read the first few pages of "A Boy Called Christmas" by Matt Haig here: https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/13565/A-Boy-Called-Christmas-by-Matt-Haig.html
I will neither confirm nor deny the existence of Santa Claus or any other mystical creatures. If it comes up, I will refer students to parents.
Supply List
Each learner needs a copy of "A Boy Called Christmas" by Matt Haig. They might need to use it during class, so make sure they can access it whilst attending our class meetings on Zoom.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined November, 2019
5.0
114reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Vermont Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree from University of Louisville
I believe that children are the world's best learners! When they are motivated by a genuine interest in something, they are super focused and there is no stopping them. My classes are student centered and, therefore, build on each student's background knowledge, strengths, and needs. My goal is to always create a learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and can practice taking risks in a safe environment.
In 2007 I earned a Master of Arts degree in teaching and highly qualified teacher status in my home state where I am licensed to teach kindergarten through sixth grade. Since finishing my degree I have taught all grades K-6 in various capacities. I have taught all subjects and particularly love guiding children as they deepen their appreciation for books. For the past six years I have worked as a math specialist, teaching both grade level math classes and math intervention.
When I'm not teaching I love to travel, spend time with my family, read, write, swim, and cuddle with my adorable cat, Jake. Every November I participate in National Novel Writing Month, the goal of which is to write an entire 50,000 novel from scratch by the end of the month. In my six years of participation I have met that goal twice! Whether I write 50,000 words or not, it's a great way to relieve stress and stay motivated to write.Reviews
Live Group Class
$48
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
3-6 learners per class
