Lockwood and Co Novel Study: The Screaming Staircase Book Club
In this four week course, students will participate in engaging activities to sharpen their literacy skills. Johnathan Stroud's first installment in the Lockwood and Co series is a thrilling read that's sure to capture any reader.
Sara Gatilogo
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(165)
What's included
4 live meetings
2 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Each class will require independent reading covering about 80 pages of text. This book is a real page turner, so many students may have a hard time stopping!Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
In this four week class, learners will participate in meaningful discussions and engaging activities as we read Jonathan Stroud's The Screaming Staircase. Book clubs are an excellent way to engage reluctant readers or help enthusiastic readers dig a little deeper. Students will need their own copy of the text to complete assigned readings before attending class. Please refer to the parental guidance section to be sure you are comfortable with the content before enrolling. An eleven year old who is comfortable with a few spooks should be fine! This class is perfect for some lighthearted fun and a great way to introduce your student to a new book series! Each class will be structured as a discussion where students are encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions on the assigned reading. Each lesson will also include a dramatic read-aloud of a small section from the week's text. We will discuss elements of the text such as theme, setting, character development, and more. See the reading schedule bellow: Lesson 1: Chapters 1-6 Discussion will focus on author and setting: This book is set in London, but not in London as we know it. How has the premise of the novel altered the setting? Lesson 2: Chapters 7-13 Discussion will focus on character development. Jonathan Stroud is able to create characters that feel real and relatable. How does he do this? How do characters develop through the text? Lesson 3: Chapters 14-20 Focus on plot and predictions. After discussing this section, we will predict what we think will happen next. Lesson 4: Chapters 21-26 (finish the book) Focus on themes developed through the story: Appearances can be deceiving, family is more than blood.
Learning Goals
Students will sharpen their literacy skills while fostering their love of reading.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This book includes somewhat graphic descriptions of ghosts and gruesome deaths. It is perfect for students who are not overly sensitive to scary content. Common Sense describes parental concerns as follows: "The main young-teen characters in The Screaming Staircase are very resourceful, very brave ghost hunters (only kids have "the Sight") and inhabit a world where ghosts are nearly everywhere, putting people in danger every night (a "ghost-touch" is painful and can be fatal). There are some super-creepy descriptions involving skeletal remains and a ghost making it appear that blood's dripping all over the room. As it gets darker, the presence and malevolence of ghosts get stronger and one of the characters has a sense of how and why particular ghosts died (always violently). The teen ghost hunters are threatened by the living as well, encountering rapiers, fists, and gunfire. All other content is pretty mild, with language no stronger than 'hellish' and 'screwy.'" https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-screaming-staircase-lockwood-co-book-1
Supply List
Students need a copy of The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2021
5.0
165reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Western Carolina University
Hi! My name is Sara Gatilogo. I graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in Secondary English Education. I am certified in high school English, middle grades Language Arts, and special education. I've been an educator for 6 years in a variety of settings.
Experience:
1 year student teaching with 10th grade honors students
3 years 7th grade Exceptional Children’s Language Arts
3 years ESL online with VIPkid
Almost one year on Outschool and loving every minute of it!
I am passionate about building authentic positive relationships with my students. By modeling healthy relationships and creating a safe place for them to flourish, I hope to give my students life skills beyond the content I teach. I create safe, inviting spaces for kids to build relationships with other students, practicing the skills of empathy in the context of a caring community.
My husband and I have two daughters and two dogs. I love to read, bake, and knit (but not all at the same time!). I can't wait to see you in class!Reviews
Live Group Class
$48
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
40 min
Completed by 7 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
2-9 learners per class
