Stephen King's Fairy Tale: A Novel Study
In this 8 week novel study, students will read and study Stephen King's latest fantasy novel.
Naomi
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(36)
What's included
9 live meetings
8 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursHomework
This class will require about four chapters of reading per week. Everyone reads at a different pace. Listening to the audio version is fine. I also require the students tow write one essay. This project will be introduced at week five, and it will be a four-five paragraph essay.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Stephen King is one of the most talented authors of our time. Many of his books are of the horror genre, and might be considered too scary for kids. I have been reading King since aged nine, and have developed a passion for his style of writing. His latest book, Fairy Tale, is not horror; it is a modern day fantasy story. The main character, Charlie, is a high school student who embarks on an archetypal hero's journey, where he must leave his world behind in order to save his dog, Radar. The world he must enter to navigate his quest is a fairy tale world, frought with fun and danger, and he is the main character of it. King develops his characters and plot masterfully. The book is packed with literary allusion, foreshadowing, suspense, irony, metaphor, imagery, and fantastic writing. Students will be asked to read (or listen to) an average of four chapters per week. They will need to obtain their own copy of the book, either paperback, hardcover, electronic (for Kindle or Nook), or students may listen to it on Audible. My expectation is that the chapters listed below will be completed by the time class begins that day. Students will also write a literary analysis of the book. I will teach them how to analyze literature, as well as organize and write a literary analysis. My style of teaching is a combination of lecture and class discussion. I may begin each class with a short discussion question prompt. I will lead a lesson on literature based on the chapters covered, and students will discuss the book. Week 1 (10/3) Introduction to Stephen King Overview of literary terms Week 2 (10/10) Chapters 1-4 Week 3 10/17) Chapters 5-9 Week 4 (10/24) Chapters 10-14 Week 5 (10/31) Chapters 15-19 Introduction to writing literary analysis Week 6 (11/7) Chapters 20-24 Week 7 11/14 Chapters 25-29 Thesis statement practice for essay Week 8 (11/21) Chapters 30-32 Week 9 (11/28) Wrap up discussion Each student will have the chance to read some or all of their essay
Learning Goals
Students will learn literary elements such as allusion, symbolism, tone, foreshadowing, etc
students will discuss how the author's use of those elements contributes to the story
students will write a literary analysis
students will delve deeply into discussions of literature
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Although this isn't a typical Stephen King book of the horror genre, I will caution learners and parents regarding the content of the book. There is nothing very scary or graphic, but there are a few references, descriptions, or words that may not be appropriate for all learners. There are a few swear words smattered throughout. We won't be reading them out loud in class, but they appear in the book. There are a few descriptions of monsters from the fairy tale land that may have eaten people, but it is done in a very "fairy tale" way. It is more alluded to than described. There is a description of the main characters mother being involved in a car accident at the beginning of the story. The main character's father is a recovering alcoholic, so alcoholism is mentioned and discussed.
I will foster positive and safe discussions in class. Nothing in the book is controversial or divisive. I will set parameters around discussions so that everyone feels heard and comfortable.
Supply List
Students will need to purchase or borrow a copy of Stephen King's Fairy Tale. It is available in bookstores and libraries, and for e-readers like Nook and Kindle. Students are more than welcome to listen to the Audible version in lieu of reading it.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have over twenty years of experience teaching rhetoric writing, reading, language arts, and critical thinking skills. I am familiar with the material, and have the experience to foster meaningful learning. I have taught English and Language Arts for many years at the high school level. My experience includes teaching history as well as social studies, as these topics often go hand in hand with literature, writing, and humanities. I have a degree in English Teaching, and I enjoy teaching students how to explore historical events through written material. As an English teacher, I have taught students to read and critically analyze differentiating opinions about fictional works and non-fictional topics and arrive at a substantiated belief. In addition, I have taught in a team taught, multidisciplinary Language Arts/History class at the secondary school level.
In addition, I am a lifelong Stephen King fan. I have been to the Stephen King convention in Bangor. I was the editor and moderator of the Halloween Story, an online project published on the former Stephen King Message Board. I have studied this author and his works in depth. I am very familiar with his life, writing style, and works.Reviews
Live Group Class
$126
for 9 classes1x per week, 9 weeks
55 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-6 learners per class
