ELA Book Study for Teens (Teacher Read-A-Loud) 2xweek
Enroll your teen in my 8-week course where we'll read David Almond's "Skellig" together. Each week, they'll participate in two sessions: a read-aloud lesson and a lesson focused on writing, grammar, and understanding the story's context.
Ms Riot: Empowering Teens Through Education
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(52)
Star Educator
What's included
16 live meetings
12 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Homework will provided once a week. It may be creative, or more skills-focused. Learners can still participate with lessons should you choose to not complete the additional tasks.Certificate of Completion
Please confirm whether you would like a certificate of completionClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
Beginner - Intermediate Level
Join me for an enriching 8-week journey into the world of David Almond's "Skellig," designed specifically for teens who may benefit from extra support while exploring a text. Our course meets twice a week, providing a structured yet engaging approach to reading and comprehension. This course is tailored for teens who may find traditional grade-level reading classes a little challenging to engage with. The supportive environment and structured approach I use will help them build confidence and improve their reading and analytical skills while enjoying a captivating story. By the end of the course, students will have read the complete book and gained valuable insights and skills that will aid their future literary explorations. 📖 Each week begins with a reading session where I will read "Skellig" aloud to the class. During these sessions, we will pause to discuss the story, ensuring that students fully grasp the narrative and its nuances. This interactive approach encourages engagement and helps students develop a deeper understanding of the text as we explore themes, characters, and plot together. These lessons will focus on comprehension and enjoyment. 📖The second lesson of the week is dedicated to a variety of enriching activities. These will include grammar and writing exercises. We'll focus on developing students' language skills through targeted grammar lessons and writing prompts that relate to the story. 📔Literary Exploration: We'll delve into the hidden meanings behind character names and the literary connections to figures like William Blake and Charles Darwin, fostering a deeper appreciation of the text's layers. 📔I love teaching this book, as it offers a more simple text with complex themes and use of allusion. It is ideal for learners who may need a little extra support or confidence building when analysing a novel.
Learning Goals
Develop Critical Reading and Analytical SkillsFoster Critical Thinking and Discussion Skills
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum16 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Lesson 1
The first lesson of each week is focused on reading the book. This will be teacher-led, with learners following along with the text. There will be plenty of stopping - to focus on vocabulary, comprehension and context. There is no reading required outside of lesson time.
There may also be time for comprehension question practice, where learners will write their own answers to questions. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Lesson 2
The second lesson of each week will allow us to dive deeper into something that we read earlier in the week. Activities may vary a little depending on the pace of each cohort. They may cover writing activities, spelling or grammar activities, or context knowledge.
We will explore who the author is, and consider what we have learned in the opening of the book. We will consider how language has been used to hook the reader in. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Lesson 3
The first lesson of each week is focused on reading the book. This will be teacher-led, with learners following along with the text. There will be plenty of stopping - to focus on vocabulary, comprehension and context. There is no reading required outside of lesson time.
There may also be time for comprehension question practice, where learners will write their own answers to questions. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Lesson 4
The second lesson of each week will allow us to dive deeper into something that we read earlier in the week. Activities may vary a little depending on the pace of each cohort. They may cover writing activities, spelling or grammar activities, or context knowledge.
We will explore how characters have been developed and how foreshadowing can be used in narrative fiction. 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
"Skellig" by David Almond is appropriate for teens, but there are a few elements that may warrant parental guidance:
- Themes of Illness and Death: The book explores the serious topics of a critically ill newborn and the emotional impact on the protagonist, Michael.
- Supernatural and Mysterious Elements: Skellig, the enigmatic character found in the garage, possesses both angelic and human qualities, which might provoke questions about life, spirituality, and the nature of existence.
- Emotional Complexity: The novel deals with complex emotions and family dynamics as Michael navigates his worry for his sister and his evolving friendship with Mina.
- Mild Language and Mature Concepts: There are occasional uses of mild language and some mature ideas related to growth, change, and facing fears.
- Themes of Education and Evolution: One character is home educated and their family's reasons behind this are debated in the book. The characters learn about Charles Darwin and evolution.
Supply List
A copy of the text "Skellig" by David Almond
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined January, 2024
5.0
52reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Brighton
🌈I am passionate about helping teens strengthen core skills to succeed. This can often mean applying the content and skills often covered in lower-grade levels, allowing teens to develop skills and confidence by meeting them where they are.
🌈I focus on building confidence and foundational skills in a nurturing and empowering environment. I help teens master core concepts, overcome academic challenges, and develop a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.
🌈At the heart of my teaching philosophy lies a belief that learning should be an adventure, sprinkled with curiosity. We can be serious about learning without it always being too serious.
🌈I am a teacher who welcomes all students exactly as they are. I have a lot of experience with neurodivergent children and am a neurodivergent adult myself. Cameras can be turned off if preferred (after a quick hello with the camera on).
🌈I create quite low-demand classroom experiences. I encourage and welcome participation, but am very quick to adapt to learners who are unable or unwilling to partake in an obvious and active manner. This can mean only using the chat, or even only listening.
✨✨
👋 Hi there! I'm Ms. Riot, your certified and passionate educator with a flair for innovation and a heart for student growth. Hailing from London, England, I qualified as a teacher in 2007 with my Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) in Primary Education and certified with my Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Here in the UK, I am certified to teach from 5-18 years old.
🌏I have taught around the world, including at a not-for-profit summer camp in New York, volunteering in Kenya and India, and completing a teaching placement in Arizona.
🏫As a classroom teacher, I developed creative classrooms where students felt safe enough to fail. My passion for reading also allowed me to develop a new career as a high school librarian, supporting teens who had not discovered that a library could be a space for them. I have also taught students English up to the age of 16 at a prestigious online school.
🖼️More recently, I have worked within the learning department in a large museum, teaching at a range of online schools and designing curriculum for education resource companies. I also deliver lectures to trainee teachers, supporting them to develop their practice.
🖥️I have been teaching online for a year, for different schools and platforms.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$42
weekly or $336 for 16 classes2x per week, 8 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-16
2-5 learners per class
