Summer Reading Challenge for Gifted Students 12 - 14
In this 8-week class, students will be challenged to read and discuss a book every week.
Jill Harper
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(285)
What's included
8 live meetings
6 in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 8
Join us for a fun and challenging book club where we meet weekly to discuss a new book. Every time we meet, I will lead a round-table discussion for each book we read. We will discuss topics ranging from the author's intent to character and plot development. Then we will all share our opinions as we analyze the works. By facilitating the discussion, I will model to the students how to clearly express their thoughts and debate and discuss topics with their peers. Every student in the class will have an opportunity to share their opinion. Over the course of eight meetings, students will read a variety of books across genres. Students need to read each book before the meeting in which we discuss it. Reading time will vary per student but will likely take 2 to 4 hours a week. I have chosen these books to get teens excited and engaged with the writing, making them want to share their thoughts with others. Before the first meeting, please have your student read A Skeleton in the Family by Leigh Perry . Our complete list of books is as follows: Meeting 1 - To Kill a Mockingbird: The Graphic Novel Adaptation by Harper Lee (Author), Fred Fordham (Author) Meeting 2 - Meeting 3 - Extinction by Douglas Preston Meeting 4 - A Skeleton in the Family by Leigh Perry Meeting 5 - A Crane Among Wolves Kindle by June Hur Meeting 6 - Star Splitter by Matthew J. Kirby Meeting 7 - Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie Meeting 8 - Scythe by Neal Shusterman Please note that we need a minimum of 5 students for this class to run. If you enroll your student, please do not purchase the books until we hit the minimum. Thank you!
Learning Goals
Book clubs in middle school/high school are a great way to teach students to form and share opinions with others which is an important skill to have as they get older. I run all book clubs, so every student can answer questions that I pose and participate in the lively discussion. I also know that some students prefer to participate through chat than on a microphone. This is completely acceptable. My goal for the students is to get them to share their thoughts however they feel comfortable doing that.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
These books sometimes deal with big issues but all of the books are middle grade and age-appropriate. There are warnings for romance, war, death, violence, racism, historical events, and sexism.
If students want to discuss any big issues in the book club, I will listen to what they are feeling and respond in an appropriate way but will also redirect to the questions I have planned for the students. As every family is different, please review all books before signing up your student. Amazon, GoodReads, Common Sense Media, and Kirkus are all good resources for this.
Supply List
Learners must have access to all books and come to class each week prepared to discuss the week's selection. Links are affiliate. Booklist: Meeting 1 - A Skeleton in the Family by Leigh Perry Meeting 2 - Spin by Rebecca Caprara Meeting 3 - The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee Meeting 4 - The Getaway by Lamar Giles Meeting 5 - Legends & Lattes Travis Baldree Meeting 6 - Star Splitter by Matthew J. Kirby Meeting 7 - A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie Meeting 8 - The Shining by Stephen King
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Jill Harper
4.9
285reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from University of California Santa Barbara
Hello! My name is Jill and I am passionate about education and have extensive experience teaching in the online community. I love overseeing book clubs for tweens and teens, sharing my love of literature and writng, and offering classes that encourage and inspire students to share their thoughts and opinions with their peers.
My goal is to expose students to a wide range of books that they may not pick up on their own. For teens, I have also developed book clubs that focus on one specific area and curate book lists that add depth to the course descriptions for when it is time to apply to colleges.
Outside of Outschool, I am an educational consultant and homeschool expert at Simplify Homeschool. I run a group for homeschooled parents on Facebook called College Confident Homeschoolers and specialize in developing year long plans for teens and parents based on goals and interests. Additionaly, I support families with the college application process.
As for my own background, I began breaking away from the educational norm and deciding my own path when I took the California High School Proficiency Exam at age 16 and enrolled in community college. From there I went on to the University of California, Santa Barbara and graduated with honors with a B.A. in film studies. I completed the credentialing program from National University.
I am well-versed in all things related to homeschooling and education. I specialize in the area of homeschooling gifted tweens and teens, twice-exceptional students, and students with disabilities, including both learning and physical disabilities. This interest stems from raising three amazing children who are living with disabilities.
I welcome and support all learners in my classes and enjoy supporting every student no matter where they are at in their educational journey.Reviews
Live Group Class
$130
for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
45 min
Completed by 26 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-14
4-12 learners per class
