Book Club: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
In this literature class, we'll discuss “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster. This is an offbeat fantasy for young readers who love adventure and the unexpected. We will focus on building vocabulary, figurative language, and more.
Mary Gullett
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(501)
What's included
5 live meetings
4 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be asked to read approximately 10 pages a day (4 chapters a week) outside of class. Short homework assignments will be given at the end of each class that should take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete.Class Experience
This is an ingenious fantasy about Milo, a bored ten-year-old who comes home to find a mysterious package waiting for him. When a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room, he drives through only because he’s got nothing better to do. But on the other side, things seem different. Milo visits the Island of Conclusions (you get there by jumping), learns about time from a ticking watchdog named Tock, and even embarks on a quest to rescue Rhyme and Reason. This exciting story is full of wit, word play, eccentric characters and endless adventure; a classic that every child should read. This class will help your child develop their reading, vocabulary, figurative language, book analysis, character development and socializing skills. During each lesson we will have an open discussion about the events of the assigned reading, review new vocabulary words, introduce idioms, homophones and the different lessons that Milo learns during his travels. Students will be asked to read approximately 10 pages a day outside of class and should be ready to discuss topics from the assigned text. If time allows, we may read aloud/along in class but this is optional. Weekly schedule. Meets once per week. Week 1: Chapters 1-4 (Milo through Confusion in the Market Place)* Week 2: Chapters 5-8 (Short Shrift through The Humbug Volunteers) Week 3: Chapters 9-12 (It's All in How You Look at Things through The Silent Valley) Week 4: Chapters 13-16 (Unfortunate Conclusions through A Very Dirty Bird) Week 5: Chapters 17-20 (Unwelcoming Committee through Good-by and Hello) *Please read chapters 1-4 prior to our first class. ⭐ Students should be able to independently read at a fourth grade level or higher for this class. ⭐ A digital or hard copy of the book “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster is required. ⭐ Students should read chapter assignments BEFORE the start of each class to be able to participate in the full discussion. This includes reading chapters 1-4 prior to the first class. ⭐ Check out my other book clubs such as “The Trumpet of the Swan” by E.B. White https://outschool.com/classes/book-club-the-trumpet-of-the-swan-by-eb-white-cause-and-effect-setting-and-more-yuVs6Mm4?usid=hhbkObfm&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link
Other Details
Supply List
Students will need a digital or hard copy of the book “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster. They will also need paper and pencil.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
501reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I hold a bachelor’s degree in special education, along with additional training in teaching the arts and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). With over 20 years of experience working with children, I’ve been a certified teacher, a homeschool mom, and an educator for diverse age groups and subjects. My teaching background spans from severe-profound special education preschool to honors high school, but my greatest passion lies in the arts and creative education. I specialize in drawing, brick building, elementary literacy, special education, and baking—I even own a small bakery!
Art has always been close to my heart, and I love exploring various mediums, including drawing, paper crafts, oil paints, and acrylics. Art is not just a form of expression but also a way to build creativity and confidence. In my teaching, I focus on developing skills, exploring techniques, and inspiring others to find joy in creating unique works of art.
Reading and writing are equally important to me. I enjoy delving into different genres and using storytelling to spark imagination. Teaching literacy allows me to help students express themselves while building essential skills. My goal is to make reading exciting and writing an empowering form of creativity.
Baking is another passion I’m thrilled to share. Teaching baking classes allows me to bring people together through the joy of creating something delicious. From learning essential techniques to exploring creative recipes, I strive to make every class approachable, fun, and rewarding.
Outside the classroom, my husband and I enjoy adventures with our three children, whether camping, hiking, visiting the park, doing arts and crafts, or playing board games as a family.
I can’t wait to bring creativity and joy to our class—see you soon!Reviews
Live Group Class
$14
weekly or $70 for 5 classes1x per week, 5 weeks
50 min
Completed by 14 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
2-8 learners per class
