Book Club: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is a classic children's book full of wonder, magic, and adventure. In this four-week class, learners will participate in meaningful discussions and engaging activities as we read J. K. Rowling's introductory novel to the world of Harry Potter. Book clubs are an excellent way to engage reluctant readers or help enthusiastic readers dig a little deeper. Students will need their own copy of the text to complete assigned readings before attending class.

Whether your student has never heard of Harry Potter or is an enthusiastic fan on their third re-read, this class will be full of fun for all. We will explore the text and it's themes through discussion and a variety of engaging critical thinking activities. Class will be conducted in a casual, book club style with plenty of time for discussion. I will also read aloud important or exciting parts during class to enrich our discussion.

The reading schedule will be as follows:

Lesson 1: chapters 1-4
Discussion and activities will focus on author and setting. We will start class with some fun facts about J. K. Rowling and a discussion of the meaning of Setting. What do we know about England in the 1990s? How does this effect the plot of the book?

Lesson 2: chapters 5-8
Focus on character contrast and development. We will start class with a discussion of literary foils. What are examples of foils in this story? How does Rowling use this narrative device?

Lesson 3: chapters 9-12
Focus on plot and predictions. We will work together to fill out a plot map with what we have read so far. After discussing this section, we will predict what we think will happen next.

Lesson 4: chapters 13-17 (finish book) 
Focus on themes developed through the story: What is right vs. following the rules; friendship and bravery.