Read Aloud Over Lunch: Agatha Christie's Mysterious Affair at Styles
Reading a book together is always better than reading it alone, including Agatha Christie’s first major novel. It’s in this novel that she introduces her famous detective, Hercules Poirot. We'll read the whole story together over 4 weeks.
New on Outschool
What's included
8 live meetings
4 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. There will be some assigned reading, especially if we don't finish reading the assigned chapter(s) in class.Assessment
I can give some feedback if parents need it, about homework completion and being involved in class discussions.Class Experience
US Grade 10 - 12
First we’ll talk about the author and the time period this book was written in. I’ll have a powerpoint presentation we’ll go through. Then we’ll dive into the book, reading one to two chapters each class. In the beginning of each class we’ll discuss what happened in the story so far and then read. Students are invited to join a discussion of what we read at the end of each class. Reading out loud can be challenging and sometimes it’s nice to just sit back and listen. Students should have a copy of the book so they can follow along. They can buy a copy, borrow one from the library, or download a copy for free from Project Gutenberg. We’ll try to get through each chapter or chapters in each class but if we get into discussion, whatever we don’t finish will be assigned as homework. However, if the students don’t have time to finish the reading on their won, we’ll always review the reading in class before we start reading the next chapter (s).
Learning Goals
By the end of the course students will have a better understanding of the time period this book was written in.Students will be able to discuss the story, the plot, and the characters.
Syllabus
8 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Chapter 1
We’ll talk about the author, Agatha Christie, and the time period it was written and read aloud as much as the first chapter (I Go to Styles) that we can. If we don’t finish the chapter, students should finish reading it on their own. 30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Chapter 2
First, we’ll review chapter 1 and then we’ll start reading chapters 2. 30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Chapter 3
We’ll review and then read chapter 3 (The Night of The Tragedy) 30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Chapters 4 and 5
Since the tragedy happened in the last chapter, we’ll talk about it a little to review before we read chapters 4 (Poirot Investigates) and 5 (“It Isn’t Strychnine, is it?”). We’ll also talk about what Strychnine is. 30 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Since this is a murder mystery, students should know that someone does die, so there is death in the story.
Supply List
We will be reading through Agatha Christie's Mysterious Affair at Styles. It's in the public domain and can be easily borrowed from the library if the student doesn't want to purchase their own copy (or they can print it up from online for free by looking for the book on www.gutenberg.org)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2024
New on Outschool
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in English from The Master's College
My name is Miss Rachel. I'm married to a wonderful man, Charlie, and we have three lovely children (whom we are homeschooling). Being an avid reader, I love teaching literature and writing. I have also written a number of children's books and a children's newspaper too. Learning should be fun and classes shouldn't be too long so students can enjoy the class better. My hobbies include exploring, nature, traveling, arts and crafts, going to the beach, and I have lived overseas a number of years before this.Reviews
Live Group Course
$12
weekly or $45 for 8 classes2x per week, 4 weeks
30 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 15-18
2-6 learners per class
