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Literary Adventures: Exploring Classics and Contemporary Stories Together

In this after-school book club, students will engage with classic and contemporary literature, developing critical thinking, discussion skills, and a love for reading. We will explore themes, characters, and writing techniques that span gen
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours per week
Assignments
2-4 hours per week. Reading outside of class, discussion, and possible creative projects
Certificate of Completion
1-2 throughout the class

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner - Advanced Level
In this after-school book club, students will engage with classic and contemporary literature, developing critical thinking, discussion skills, and a love for reading. We will explore themes, characters, and writing techniques that span genres and time periods, encouraging students to make connections between the text and their own experiences.

The class will meet once a week, starting with an introduction to the weekly reading followed by guided group discussions. Students will be encouraged to share their thoughts, interpretations, and questions. Each session will end with a brief preview of what’s next, along with optional creative assignments such as journaling, artwork, or independent research related to the book. We’ll maintain a flexible, yet organized pace to allow for deeper dives into topics of interest to the group.

My teaching will involve a mix of live discussions, guided reading, and interactive elements like polls, games, and creative activities to keep students engaged. I use slides to visually organize key points and sometimes include video clips to bring historical or thematic content to life. Students will also receive a digital workbook to track vocabulary, plot events, and personal reflections.

My teaching style is conversational and student-centered. I foster a collaborative environment where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas and learning from each other. I balance structured learning with space for creativity and spontaneous discussion. I encourage critical thinking through open-ended questions and offer support where needed.

Students will have frequent opportunities to interact with me and their peers. Discussions form the heart of this class, and I encourage every student to participate. I will lead the conversation by asking questions but also make space for student-led dialogue. I’m available to provide feedback on optional creative projects and am available for students to ask additional questions or chat about the book.
Learning Goals
Students will learn to analyze texts by identifying literary elements such as theme, character development, symbolism, and plot structure.
Through group discussions, students will practice articulating their thoughts, defending their interpretations, and respectfully engaging with differing viewpoints.
learning goal

Other Details

Learning Needs
The class will follow a predictable structure, helping students with ADHD or ASD who benefit from routine and clear expectations. Each session will have a clear agenda, and transitions between activities will be explicitly stated.
Parental Guidance
For this book club, the content will primarily consist of age-appropriate literary works, which will be carefully selected to avoid overly graphic or mature themes. However, some classic or contemporary literature may include challenging topics, such as: Themes of conflict, loss, or difficult life experiences are common in literature and can be emotionally heavy for some learners. For example, books dealing with war, family struggles, or moral dilemmas may be covered. Depending on the book chosen, there may be scenes of tension or peril, especially in adventure, mystery, or historical fiction. Any such content will be discussed with sensitivity. If we incorporate any media content, such as video clips, I will ensure that they are age-appropriate (typically rated PG) and relevant to the lesson. These clips will be used to provide historical or thematic context. We may occasionally use platforms like Google Docs or Padlet for collaborative writing or brainstorming activities. If used, no account is required, as links will be provided directly. Students will not need to provide any personal information to access these tools. At this time, no extra safety precautions or upsetting content beyond what is mentioned is anticipated for the book club.
Supply List
"Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley $9.99 on Amazon
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee $9.71 on Amazon, Free for Kindle Unlimited
Other books as requested by students!
Joined October, 2024
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Virginia Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
I have eight years of experience as a high school English teacher, including teaching AP Literature, Creative Writing, and a range of classic and contemporary works. I have guided students in analyzing literary themes, discussing complex characters, and making connections to real-life experiences.

I have advanced expertise in literary analysis and instruction, developed through my role as a secondary English teacher, where I have prepared students for college-level analysis of complex texts, including novels, poetry, and plays.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, a Masters of Education and am working on an MFA in Creative Writing, providing me with both the content knowledge and teaching strategies necessary for guiding students through different genres of literature.

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Live Group Class
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$20

weekly
1x per week
55 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
6-18 learners per class

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