Bookflix Book Club: The Fellowship of the Ring

This class is designed for first-time readers as well as those who have read the book before. One thing is for sure, you are going to experience "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" like never before. You will be not only reading, but interacting with the story on a critical-thinking and creative level. Each week, you will read two chapters and choose from a list of activity options, such as putting a character on trial, writing comic strips, creating a diorama, or writing a song based on your reading. And our grand finale will include discussing the movie!

Students will read the assigned chapters before class. Any form of reading is equally acceptable: reading on their own, being read to, listening to an audio book, etc. In class, we will begin with general discussion about the book: What happened, what did you like/dislike, what surprised you, what do you predict, etc. This will include comprehension and critical-thinking questions and important quotes and vocabulary. We will then move into more focused discussion questions relating to the character and plot development, author's choice of words, relating fiction to our own lives, etc. 

My live classes are designed to be low-pressure and high-enjoyment. I realize that students vary widely in their reading levels, reading enjoyment, comfort speaking on screen, and many other ways. I work hard to make my classroom a safe, comfortable, and engaging place for all students. I do not test or quiz. I do not call on students by name. I ask open-ended questions to the whole class and those who wish to answer do so. Students who are a bit camera-shy, but still want to participate in the discussion may do so by typing into the chat box.

My goal as a teacher is to spark a love of reading in the next generation. Reading is such a gift and I fear that too often it is regarded as a burden. I wish to restore the idea that reading is magical and enjoyable. I hope that your learner can join me on this timeless adventure, as we set off with Frodo Baggins on his very first journey. The discussion schedule is as follows:

Week 1: History and Biography (No reading is required for our first meeting.)
Week 2: Book 1 - Prologue and Chapter 1
Week 3: Chapters 2-3
Week 4: Chapters 4-5
Week 5: Chapters 6-7
Week 6: Chapters 8-9
Week 7: Chapters 10-11
Week 8: Chapter 12
Week 9: Book 1 Review
Week 10: Book 2: Chapters 1-2
Week 11: Chapters 3-4
Week 12: Chapters 5-6
Week 13: Chapters 7-8
Week 14: Chapters 9-10
Week 15: Book 2 Review
Week 16: Movie Discussion