Classic Book Club for Clever Minds: Literacy Lessons for Ages 9-12
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
2-4 hours per week. Students will be expected to read each book before the classClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 6
Intermediate Level
Learners will spend 50 minutes every-other week discussing the various literacy aspects of books, most of which were written before 1990. The schedule is adjusted to a bi-monthly schedule to allow students time to critically read and digest each book to the fullest extent. During each class, learners will be encouraged to read with a purpose, share points of view and discuss literary elements. Each lesson will begin with each learner having the opportunity to share "good things" with the rest of the class. This helps the club members bond which then enhances class discussions later in the lesson. Next, each lesson will discuss characterization, plot structure and setting elements. In addition, each week will have a different literary emphasis and discussion focus. Learners will know the topic in advance in order to help develop their critical reading skills. Although these book club classes will be fun and social, learners will also build real-world skills such as critical thinking, creativity and communication during each lesson. There are so many amazing books to be read! I am excited to be hosting a class which focuses on rich, lively literature that may not be as familiar to students as the more recent books. In that vein, If you have a book to suggest, I am all ears! The scope and sequence is as follows: Week of June 16: Rabbit Hill - Robert Lawson Characters, Setting, Plot Plot Development Week of June 23: Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm - Kate Douglas Wiggin Characters, Setting, Plot Character Development Week of June 30 Misty of Chincoteague - Marguerite Henry Characters, Setting, Plot Setting Development Week of July 7: Mary Poppins - PL Travers Characters, Setting, Plot Imagery Week of July 21: The Lemonade War - Jacqueline Davies Characters, Setting, Plot Conflict Week of July 28 Because of Winn Dixie - Kate DiCamillo Characters, Setting, Plot Culture Week of August 11 Charlotte's Web - EB White Characters, Setting, Plot Symbolism Week of Aug 18 The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo Characters, Setting, Plot Perspectives Inference Onomatopoeia Week of Sept 1 Sideways Stories from Wayside by Louis Sachar Main Idea Details Week of Sept 15 From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs Frankenwiler by E. L. Konigsburg Characters, Setting, Plot Point of view Week of Sept 29 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne Characters, Setting, Plot Tone, Mood Week of Oct 13 The Water Horse - Dick King Smith Characters, Setting, Plot Simile, Metaphor Week of Oct 27 Bridge to Terabithia - Katherine Paterson Climax Week of Nov 10 Hatchet - Gary Paulsen Imagery Week of Nov 24 The Mouse and the Motorcycle - Beverly Cleary Theme Week of Dec 8 Half Magic - Edward Eager Hook, Exposition Week of January 5 Ginger Pye - Eleanor Estes Rising Action Week of Jan 19 The Indian in the Cupboard - Lynn Reid Banks Falling Action Week of Feb 2 Nim's Island - Wendy Orr Resolution Week of Feb 16 A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle Problem/Solution Week of March 2 A Horse and His Boy - CS Lewis Cause/Effect Week of March 16 Arabel and Mortimer - Joan Aiken and Lizza Aiken Personification Week of March 30 Abel's Island - William Steig Characters, Setting, Plot Inference The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame Characters, Setting, Plot Round, flat, dynamic, static allusion
Learning Goals
Students will learn to read critically and to notice and apply various literary elements to whatever book they read
Other Details
Parental Guidance
I use Canva as a presentation tool. Learners do not need to access this site.
Supply List
Learners must obtain a copy of each book to be discussed.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Alaska Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Master's Degree in Education from University of Alaska, Fairbanks
I hold a master's with an emphasis in reading, and I home schooled my six now-adult children wherein we read and learned from classical books like those listed above.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$21
weekly1x per week
50 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
1-6 learners per class