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$75

for 6 classes
Class

Summer Reading Challenge: "The Hobbit" Book Study

Completed by 29 learners
Ages 9-14
Live Group Class
Come explore Middle-Earth and join Bilbo Baggins on his life-changing adventure in "The Hobbit". We'll examine the elements that have helped this story stand the test of time and discuss themes of courage, loyalty, friendship, and greed.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(363 reviews)
Popular

Live video meetings
2x per week, 3 weeks
3-6 learners per class
40 min

What's included

6 live meetings
4 in-class hours
Homework
2-4 hours per week. Students will receive reading guides for each days' readings.

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 7
"The Hobbit", by JRR Tolkien, has been beloved by generations of readers since it was first published in 1937.  Its themes of courage, friendship, and the battle between good and evil are timeless and continue to resonate with readers today.  It’s the classic epic tale of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, who is whisked away on an adventure with a group of dwarves and a wizard. Along the way, they encounter trolls, goblins, a dragon, and other dangers, in a tale full of excitement, action, and suspense. Whether you're a longtime fan of Tolkien or just discovering his work for the first time, "The Hobbit" is a great read!

In this summer reading challenge, learners will follow a recommended reading schedule and meet together six times for group discussion. The class will be conducted in a relaxed, book-club style atmosphere, with a teacher-guided discussion of the assigned chapters for the day.  Before each class, students will be provided with detailed reading guides to help focus their attention on important events in the story and discussion topics for that day.

Class Goals:
•	Understand and analyze the plot, characters, and setting of "The Hobbit"
•	Explore the themes and messages of the story, and relate them to our own lives
•	Develop critical thinking skills through analyzing and discussing the text
•	Improve reading comprehension and vocabulary skills
•	Recognize the figurative language elements that enhance the written text
•	Foster a love of reading and an appreciation for the fantasy genre

Basic Course Outline: 
Day 1: Introduction to Middle-earth and Bilbo Baggins
•	Read chapters 1-3 before class
•	Book discussion of the traits of Bilbo Baggins and the other main characters

Day 2: The Quest Begins
•	Read chapters 4-6 before class
•	Talk about the plot structure and conflicts of the story
•	Discuss the theme of loyalty and courage: "What does courage mean to you?"

Day 3 : The Dark Forest
•	Read chapters 7-8 before class
•	Discuss the setting and atmosphere of Mirkwood
•	Focus on trust and friendship

Day 4: The Lonely Mountain
•	Read chapters 9-11 before class
•	Note the character development of Bilbo Baggins and the other characters
•	Discuss the themes of perseverance and facing challenges
       "Describe a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it"

Day 5: The Battle of the Five Armies
•	Read chapters 12-14 before class
•	Decide which event is the climax of this story
•	Discuss the themes of war, peace, and sacrifice

Day 6: The Journey Home
•	Read chapters 15-19 before class
•	Talk about the ideas of personal growth, friendship, and making a difference
•	Show any optional creative projects

Required Materials: Students should have access to a copy of "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien.  This can be printed text or audio format. For students who choose to use an audio format, I recommend (but don't require) that they have printed text so that they can follow along as they listen.

Syllabus

6 Lessons
over 3 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Introduction to Middle-earth and Bilbo Baggins
 Chapters 1-3: What is a quest? Who are the characters? 
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Quest Begins
 Chapters 4-6: Plot structure and conflicts, discuss the theme of loyalty and courage: "What does courage mean to you?" 
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
The Dark Forest
 Chapters 7-8: Discuss the setting and atmosphere of Mirkwood, Focus on trust and friendship 
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
The Lonely Mountain
 Chapters 9-11: Discuss the themes of perseverance and facing challenges "Describe a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it" 
40 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
The Hobbit is an adventure that includes dragons, dwarves, traveling wizards and one reluctant thief. There is some violence with the battles, discussion of creatures' desiring to eat some characters, and tense fights with dragons, trolls, evil wolves, etc. There won't be any external sites accessed by students in this class. All visual presentations, such as powerpoint slides, will be provided by the teacher via standard screen-share.
Supply List
A copy of "The Hobbit" by JRR Tolkien (may be in print or audio format)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Joined July, 2020
5.0
363reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Bob Jones University
BS Degree in English Education, 30+ years teaching experience for all ages from preschool to adult, former homeschool mom, current loving Nana to the best grandkids ever! 

Reviews



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