Middle School Socratic Book Discussion - Where the Red Fern Grows (One Time)
A weekly Socratic seminar discussing middle-school level novels in a lively and engaging "round-table" format.
Melissa L. - Registered IEW Instructor
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(346)
Popular
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Are you reading a novel and have no one to talk to about it? Maybe you have some questions or just want to work through some of the ideas you've learned. If that sounds like you, then come along as I guide a Socratic discussion/seminar on Wilson Rowls' "Where the Red Fern Grows". During class, you will have the opportunity to deepen your reading comprehension and implement tools to develop stronger critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. During class we will have a "round table" conversation while paying special attention to the main elements of reading: *Characters *Setting *Theme *Plot *Conflict *Resolution What is a Socratic seminar? The official definition is "the method of inquiry and instruction employed by Socrates especially as represented in the dialogues of Plato and consisting of a series of questionings the object of which is to elicit a clear and consistent expression of something supposed to be implicitly known by all rational beings." This means that each class will be focused on a piece of literature in which the students will be asked a series of questions to guide an engaged conversation. The goal of each class is to have each student develop and grow their thinking process by teaching them how to learn instead of telling them what to think.
Learning Goals
*Develop a deeper understanding of what is being read, why it was written, and the importance (if any) that the novel holds on past or modern society.
*Apply problem-solving skills to hidden ideas, metaphors, and analogies as we read between the lines.
*Implement critical-thinking skills to answer Socratic questions and create your own questions based on reading.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Students will be reading outside of class and should have the book completed before we meet.
Your child is welcome to join any class and is not required to join all classes.
Please note that some of the books listed may have sensitive content for younger students. The class is set up as middle-school level, however, if you have any concerns regarding the nature and content of any of the books listed please visit Common Sense Media (https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews) for detailed information regarding age-appropriateness and maturity.
Supply List
You will need a copy of the book to read before class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2020
5.0
346reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in English from University of Tennessee - Knoxville
I LOVE reading! So much so, that I went to school for a degree in English, am certified in TEFL and TESOL, and have made a career out of it. But putting all that aside, I am a homeschool mom to two who has spent years teaching my own children to love and enjoy reading. I truly hope to encourage many more students to enjoy the written word and have found that a Socratic seminar has been the best way to achieve this goal.
If I'm not teaching, you can always find me nearby with my nose stuck in a book. Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$14
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
3-8 learners per class
