Middle Grade Mysteries (Book Club)
In this 5-week class, students will read two books featuring Enola Holmes, the sister of Sherlock Holmes. They will dig into the stories by deciphering codes, discussing theories, and responding to a special literary question each week.
What's included
5 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Students will have a reading assignment and a question/topic to prepare for each week.Progress Report
Students will receive informal feedback on their discussions and materials. If formal feedback or a grade is desired, please reach out to me.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Intermediate Level
In this class, students will explore the mystery genre for middle grade readers. We will delve into the who, what, where, when, and why as it is presented in the books we read. Students will learn about the structure of the plot and other literary elements that are relevant to the development of the story. A considerable amount of discussion time will be spent on character development and making predictions that make sense. Students will participate in discussions and activities that relate to the books. I welcome all students to my Outschool classroom, and their ideas will be met with acceptance and interest. I value student input and encourage positive interactions among my students. Students will interact with one another often.
Learning Goals
Students will understand the structure of the plot.Students will use reading strategies such as making predictions, visualizing, questioning, inferring, synthesizing
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)5 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
Who is Sherlock Holmes?
In this lesson students will determine what it takes to be a detective. They will be introduced to the famous literary detective, Sherlock Holmes, and develop an understanding of his role in the book The Case of the Missing Marquess.
Students will gain background information about the book. They will read chapters 1-8 for our next meeting. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Lurking Through London
In this lesson, students will develop an understanding of the setting, characters, and plot as they are presented in the first eight chapters of The Case of the Missing Marquess.
Students will make predictions, decipher codes, and discuss characters and plot. They will read chapters 9-end for our next meeting. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Clues, Crimes, and Culprits
In this lesson, students will pull together the clues that lead to solving the case of the missing Marquess.
Students will gain background information about the next book: The Case of the Left-Handed Lady. They will read chapters 1-8 for our next meeting. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Bewildering Blossoms
In this lesson, students will discuss the relationship between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. They will gather information about the characters as they are revealed in traditional literature and compare them to these characters.
Students will analyze Enola's clues about flowers and make connections to the mystery she is striving to solve. Students will read chapters 9-end for our next meeting. 40 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
As with anything your child reads, it is important for you to have conversations with your child about the content. The books are rated for middle grade, so the content will meet general guidelines for students in grades 6-8.
Pre-Requisites
Students should enjoy reading and be willing to share their ideas with others.
Supply List
BOOK: The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer BOOK: The Case of the Left-Handed Lady by Nancy Springer Paper Pencil
1 file available upon enrollment
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
The Missing Marquess, by Nancy Springer
The Left-Handed Lady, by Nancy Springer
Joined March, 2025
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a state-certified 6-12 grade English/Language Arts teacher with a Library Media Specialist certification. I have taught in the public school system for 30 years and have worked with students in grades 6-12. I have experience with all levels of readers, including students with reading challenges to students studying advanced placement courses in their senior year of high school.
In my current position as middle school librarian, I surround myself with books and middle schoolers every day. I love the energy and enthusiasm these students embody.Reviews
Live Group Class
$15
weekly1x per week, 5 weeks
40 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
1-9 learners per class
