Middle School Book Club Discussion - Reading: Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks

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In this 30-minute weekly book club for middle school kids, students will engage in rich discussions of novels and novellas, focusing on developing stronger reading comprehension and analytical skills. The class will change books every month or so, with each book offering new opportunities to explore key literary elements such as plot, characterization, setting, themes, tone, mood, central ideas, and writing strategies.

**Students are welcome to join the book club mid-book! If they enter during the middle of a novel, they can catch up on the prior reading before the next class. Guided questions and optional assignments will help them get up to speed and fully engage in discussions moving forward.**

CURRENT BOOK:
Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks

SCHEDULE:
*Each section should be read PRIOR to attending class so students are ready to engage in a meaningful discussion with prior knowledge.

3/25- Chapters 1-8
4/1- Chapters 9-16
4/8- Chapters 17-25
4/22- Chapters 26-29
4/29- Chapters 30-49

What will be taught:

The focus of each session is to deepen students’ understanding of the text they are reading. Guided questions will help students focus on the most important aspects of the book, and we'll discuss how these elements contribute to the overall story and meaning. Students will also have the opportunity to discuss their personal interpretations, ask questions, and build connections to the themes and ideas explored in the book.

Topics that will be covered:

Each week we’ll dive into different aspects of the book, such as:

-Plot structure and how events shape the story
-Character development and motivations
-Setting and its impact on the mood and themes
-Themes and central ideas explored by the author
-Mood and tone and how they influence the reader’s experience
-Writing strategies like narrative voice, symbolism, and pacing

Class Structure:

The class will consist of weekly discussions, with students coming prepared to talk about specific chapters or sections of the book. Each session will begin with a brief introduction, followed by a discussion on the assigned reading, where I’ll guide students through key topics. We’ll focus on conversation rather than lectures, making it a more interactive experience.

Homework Each Week:

-Students will be expected to read the required pages before each Book Club meeting. They will be provided with guided questions to keep them focused and give them an idea on what will be discussed during class. It's optional to complete it/take notes.

Teaching Style:

My teaching style is student-centered, emphasizing open, supportive conversations where everyone feels comfortable sharing. I’ll provide clear guidance with pre-reading questions that help students focus on important elements of the text. I’ll also encourage participation by asking students to share their thoughts and questions about the reading, and I’ll make sure to guide them to deepen their understanding through thoughtful prompts.

Class Interaction:

Students will have the opportunity to interact with me throughout the class. I’ll lead the discussions, but the class will be highly interactive, with students actively participating by sharing their insights, asking questions, and engaging with their peers’ ideas. There will be no formal lectures or slides; instead, the focus will be on thoughtful discussions. I will also provide optional assignments to help students explore the book further and deepen their understanding. Each class will be conducted in a warm, supportive atmosphere where every student’s opinion is valued.

This class is perfect for students looking to improve their reading comprehension, build their critical thinking skills, and engage with literature in a fun, supportive environment!