$15
weeklyor $60 for 4 classes
Read, Think, Discuss! Middle School Book Club & Reading Skills Lab
New class
Ages 11-14
Live Group Course
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(57 reviews)
Rising Star
Live video meetings
1x per week, 4 weeks
3-9 learners per class
50 min
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
1-2 hours per week. Ongoing, informal assessment via: Group discussion Annotation activities Optional creative projectsAssessment
Ongoing, informal assessment via: Group discussion Annotation activities Optional creative projectsClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
📖 Welcome to a reading experience designed just for middle school learners! In this 4-week book club, students will choose from a list of popular, age-appropriate middle grade books, then dive into the story while building key reading strategies like: ✅ Annotation ✅ Making inferences ✅ Exploring character development ✅ Discussing theme and author’s craft Our first class features a Book Talk, where learners will preview exciting book options across multiple genres and choose one to read during the course. Discussions and skill-building activities will guide them in connecting with the text while developing confidence and comprehension. This course balances literary learning with student enjoyment, empowering readers to think deeply and talk meaningfully about what they read—all in a welcoming, inclusive space. 📚 Book Choices (Student Select One): 📕 Front Desk by Kelly Yang (Realistic Fiction – Immigration, Family) 📘 Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling (Realistic Fiction – Disability Representation) 📗 Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston (Fantasy/Adventure) 📙 The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (Animal Fiction – Empathy) 📘 New Kid by Jerry Craft (Graphic Novel – Identity & Belonging) 📕 City Spies by James Ponti (Mystery/Adventure) 📗 Ghost by Jason Reynolds (Sports Fiction – Growth Mindset) 📘 The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (Fantasy/Sci-Fi Blend) 📙 A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat (Fantasy – Moral Themes) 📕 Marcus Vega Doesn’t Speak Spanish by Pablo Cartaya (Cultural Identity/Family) 🎯 Students will choose their book in Week 1. Small-group discussion pods may be used if there are multiple selections.
Learning Goals
✔ Annotate texts for deeper comprehension✔ Make inferences using evidenceSyllabus
4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Book Talk & Reading Strategy Kickoff
Book choice exploration
Setting personal reading goals
Annotation & Active Reading skills 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Characters & Inference
Character development activity
Using textual evidence
Discussion & reflection 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Theme & Literary Craft
Figurative language & theme analysis
Symbolism, author’s message
Peer discussion 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Final Discussion & Creative Showcase
Book reflection
Optional creative book review
Book celebration! 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
My classes are inclusive, student-centered, and supportive of different learning styles. I use a flexible structure that encourages discussion, builds confidence, and meets students where they are.
Parental Guidance
All books are age-appropriate and widely taught in classrooms. Some stories may include themes such as family challenges, identity, or emotional growth. Parents are encouraged to help their learner select a book aligned with their preferences.
Supply List
📂 Optional Materials: 📘 A copy of the selected book (digital, physical, or audiobook) 📝 Sticky notes, pens, or digital annotation tools 📒 Reading reflection journal (digital or paper)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Meet the teacher
Joined August, 2020
4.9
57reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Northwood University
I’ve spent over 15 years in education, including the past nine years working closely with homeschoolers, co-op learners, and small group classes. My passion is helping students grow into confident, thoughtful readers by building skills like comprehension, annotation, and critical thinking—all in a way that’s engaging, encouraging, and fun.
I specialize in working with diverse learning styles, including neurodivergent learners such as students with ADHD, autism, or executive functioning challenges. My goal is always to create a classroom where all students feel successful, supported, and empowered to participate, no matter their reading level or experience.
I’ve taught a wide range of subjects including English, History, Book Clubs, Personal Finance, and STEM-based courses, but literature is my first love—especially when it comes to helping students connect personally to what they read. Whether we’re exploring themes, analyzing characters, or having a great book discussion, I strive to make reading both meaningful and accessible.
In my book clubs, I guide learners beyond surface-level comprehension, encouraging them to ask deeper questions, make inferences, and talk about the big ideas behind the story. I believe middle school is a critical time to help students build these skills—and to show them that reading can be both powerful and enjoyable.Reviews
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