The Golden Compass Book Club
In this 12-week book club, we will read the first book from Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials series. We will read 2 chapters each week, and take class time to discuss characters, themes, and reader reactions.
What's included
11 live meetings
10 hrs 5 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
This is a discussion-based class that will build young readers' confidence in tackling longer chapter books with more complex, young adult themes. We will cover vocabulary that comes up in the text, how Lyra's world differs from our own, character motivation, and the book's overall themes. Each class will open with an open discussion of reader reactions and questions that will be noted for later discussion. I will then guide discussion with some questions for reader comprehension, and then analysis of the chapters. I will also incorporate any questions that come up along the way. My goal is to make sure each student feels welcome to participate in the conversation at their own level, and I will gently push to ensure all students have their voices heard. Week 1: Chapters 1 and 2 Week 2: Chapters 3 and 4 Week 3: Chapters 5 and 6 Week 4: Chapters 7 and 8 Week 5: Chapters 9 and 10 Week 6: Chapters 11 and 12 Week 7: Chapters 13 and 14 Week 8: Chapters 15 and 16 Week 9: Chapters 17 and 18 Week 10: Chapters 19 and 20 Week 11: Chapters 21 - 23
Learning Goals
Students will learn new vocabulary words.Students will practice discussion, reading comprehension, and perspective-taking.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Please read a trusted source of parental guidance about the His Dark Materials trilogy. These books deal with complicated adult themes such as free will, destiny, and loss of innocence. The book takes a critical look at "the Magisterium," a group that strongly resembles today's Catholic Church. In our discussions, we will examine this issue from all sides, and it will be up to each reader to decide their own opinion.
Supply List
A copy of Phillip Pullman's The Golden Compass
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate in Music/Theater/Arts
I have read this trilogy several times, first as a young adult and multiple times since then. I have also discussed it with young people in my life - children I nannied for, students, and relatives. I have read lots of analyses and reviews of the series and look at it with a critical lens. Reviews
Live Group Class
$14
weekly or $150 for 11 classes1x per week, 11 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
2-6 learners per class
