The Sisters Grimm Book Club: Book 1 - The Fairy Tale Detectives
In this 40-minute, twice-a-week novel study with Ms. Pamela, we will explore the world of The Grimm Sisters through activities and discussions as we talk about the five story elements, comprehension, vocabulary and literary terms.
What's included
6 live meetings
4 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Reading the required segments assigned. Please do not read ahead so we are all on the same page in our discussions and we can enjoy the book together as a group. If you do choose to read ahead, please do not share additional information with the class until we get to that part of the book.Assessment
Questions will be asked during each class to be sure children know what happened in our story during the reading the week prior.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 7
In this three-week teacher-led; 40-minute, twice-a-week course, we will read Book 1 of The Sisters Grimm - "Fairy-Tale Detectives" by Michael Buckley. We will play theme-related games, look at the story elements, and answer study questions for reading comprehension. We will also discuss vocabulary words. This is a book series of nine books. This could be an entire year's of reading if taken consecutively. We will also be looking at a variety of literary terms throughout the series such as Characterization, Climax/Plot, Irony, Dynamics, Metaphor, External Conflict, Falling Action, Figurative Language, Foreshadowing, Heroes, Hyperbole, Idiom, Imagery, Mood, Onomatopoeia, Oxymoron, Personification, Point-of-View, Pun, Red-Herring, Setting, Symbolism, Theme, and Tone to name a few. An excerpt from Common Sense Media's website: "These are very suspenseful stories, with frightening villains and lots of gore-free violence, including spear battles, bombs (a school is blown up with no one in it), and occasionally murder. One of the most frightening characters in the series is actually Little Red Riding Hood-- portrayed here as a psychotic kidnapper. Note that whereas the first three books are fairly light and suitable for 8- and 9-year-old readers, the later books may be too dark for under-10s."
Learning Goals
Learners will learn about story elements
Learners will gain reading comprehension through answering study questions
Learners will learn new words by keeping a vocabulary journal
Learners will learn some new literary terms
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum6 Lessons
over 3 WeeksLesson 1:
NO required reading before the first class.
We will go over the reading schedule of this class, learn how to keep a vocabulary journal, and learn a little bit about the author, Michael Buckley. We will draw a cover for our book based on the summary we read in class. We will talk about what a fairy tale is and the characteristics of a fairy tale. What makes a good fairy tale?
40 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Have chapters 1 and 2 read before class.
We will go over vocabulary words. We will answer reading comprehension study questions. We will determine the protagonist/s of the book. We will draw a character wheel where we will write adjectives and talk about each of the characters we have met in depth so far.
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Have chapters 3 - 5 read before class.
We will go over vocabulary words. We will answer reading comprehension study questions. We will talk about what makes a good fairy tale. Discuss our favorite fairy tales and why. We will play a "Would You Rather?" game.
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Have chapters 6 - 7 read before class.
We will go over vocabulary words. We will answer reading comprehension study questions. We will play a game titled, "How Well Do You Know Your Fairy Tales?"
40 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
An excerpt from Common Sense Media's website:
"These are very suspenseful stories, with frightening villains and lots of gore-free violence, including spear battles, bombs (a school is blown up with no one in it), and occasionally murder. One of the most frightening characters in the series is actually Little Red Riding Hood-- portrayed here as a psychotic kidnapper. Note that whereas the first three books are fairly light and suitable for 8- and 9-year-old readers, the later books may be too dark for under-10s."
Supply List
The book by Michael Buckley - The Sisters Grimm - "The Fairy Tale Detectives" (Book 1) Paper and something to write with such as colored pencils, pens, markers, or just a pencil. A notebook to keep a vocabulary journal
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Associate's Degree in Education from College of DuPage
Hello, I am Ms. Pamela!
If this is your first class on Outschool, ✨Use code MSPAME20 to save $20 on this class!✨
A Bit About Me:
I am passionate about learning and have been privileged to engage with over 900 learners from 25 countries since teaching my first class on Outschool in 2020. My classes span a range of ages and subjects, with a focus on full curriculum semester classes for preschool through third grade. I offer many craft classes, often by request, and I am always up for teaching a book club as I am an avid reader. I am always working on more too!
My Background:
With 35+ years of teaching experience, I've held various roles, including Montessori teacher, private early elementary teacher, center director, preschool owner, homeschool co-op leader, and private tutor in math, writing, and early reading skills. In my previous position, I taught the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum and I have incorporated many of the basic ideas into my personalized curriculum.
We homeschooled our daughter from preschool to eighth grade. I have run a homeschool co-op, a preschool program, an early learning center, and scouting groups. I have an educational background in Early Childhood Education and American Sign Language.
My Teaching Style:
I believe that learning needs to be fun, and listening is just as important as talking and teaching. I am not one to mute a learner unless necessary but will encourage raising hands and taking turns during our games and discussions for all ages. I prioritize active participation and mutual respect.
Something Fun:
Crafting is a lifelong passion of mine, encompassing quilting, sewing, crocheting, knitting, painting, and jewelry making. I'm delighted to share my expertise through crafting classes on Outschool, and I'm always open to requests for new or existing classes.
Communication:
I strive to be responsive to emails, typically replying within a day. My teaching hours are from 8 am to 6 pm CST, during which I also attend to administrative tasks.
Missed Classes, Cancellations, Refunds:
I pride myself on being punctual and ready for class. We do live in Tornado Alley and take storms seriously since being hit by a tornado last March 2023. I try to warn ahead of time if possible. I will reimburse you for technical issues on my side or offer a single transfer for one-time classes if needed. I will teach only one or two students. Some of my best classes have happened with only one or two learners. It can make for great in-depth discussions!
I cannot wait to meet your child.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$20
weekly or $60 for 6 classes2x per week, 3 weeks
40 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
1-6 learners per class