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The Mystery Book Club: Agatha Christie

In this 4 week club, we will dive into 4 Agatha Christie novels. Fans of true crime, murder mysteries, and detective work can come together, read, and enjoy the Queen of Mystery's best novels. Student's won't want to put their books down!
Dr. Hopkins, Ed.D
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:
(8)
Class

What's included

4 live meetings
3 in-class hours
Assignments
4+ hours per week. Students will need to read the novel prior to attending class each week.

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12
In this four week club, students will read four Agatha Christie Novels including
The Mysterious Affair at Styles, The Murder of Rodger Ackroyd, Murder on the Orient Express, and Death on the Nile. Agatha Christie has many nicknames, including the Queen of Mystery, for being the best selling fiction writer of all time and paving the way for mystery and true crime novels.

The topics covered in these books include:
1) How to pick out red herrings and actual evidence
2) How to connect clues to the characters
3) Christie's writing style
4) How to improve personal detective abilities

Students will be required to read the book prior to class. We will read the books in this order:
Week 1: The Mysterious Affair at Styles
Week 2: The Murder of Rodger Ackroyd
Week 3: Murder on the Orient Express
Week 4: Death on the Nile

The class is structured as a group discussion. I will have questions for guidance to facilitate the discussion but will pull on students to participate. The questions are designed to avoid yes or no answers and to engage the students in thoughtful and meaningful conversations. These conversations will lead to students developing observational skills that lead to better detective abilities when reading mysteries.

I like to use a variety of tools to ensure students are engaged. I adapt to the learning styles of each student in the class. 

The students will be interacting with both me and other students in the class throughout the 45 minutes. It is an active discussion. If your child is shy, we will work in ways to get their participation without pushing them too far out of their comfort zone. 

If you are interested in this style of book club but are interested in another set of books, please request a class! I would love to make that happen!

Learning Goals

Improve detective skills in deciphering clues and red herrings.
Improve discussion skills; engaging with classmates in conversation about the book.
learning goal

Syllabus

4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
The Mysterious Affair at Styles
 The Mysterious Affair at Styles is the first detective novel by British writer Agatha Christie, introducing her fictional detective Hercule Poirot. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Murder of Rodger Ackroyd
 The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is a detective novel by the British writer Agatha Christie, her third to feature Hercule Poirot as the lead detective. The novel was published in the UK in June 1926 by William Collins, Sons, having previously been serialised as Who Killed Ackroyd? 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Murder on the Orient Express
 Murder on the Orient Express is a classic detective novel written by Agatha Christie, first published in 1934. The story revolves around a fictional famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a murder that occurs on the luxurious Orient Express train during its journey from Istanbul to Calais. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Death on the Nile
 In this famous Agatha Christie mystery, Hercule Poirot's Egyptian adventure aboard a glamorous river steamer descends into a terrifying search for a murderer, with enough twists and turns to keep you unsettled and guessing until the final, shocking discovery. 
45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Agatha Christie novels are murder mysteries. With this knowledge, we will be discussing death and murder- in a fictional setting. However, weapons, poison, and acts of violence are to be expected in the content.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
1) The Mysterious Affair at Styles 2) The Murder of Rodger Ackroyd 3) Murder on the Orient Express 4) Death on the Nile
Joined May, 2021
4.8
8reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Arizona Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
Welcome!

I am Dr. Sarah Hopkins, Ed.D. I am currently a Dean of Students and have been teaching for almost a decade. I have taught 4th grade, junior high Social Studies, and high school AP history, special education, and student leadership. 

I am excited to offer a variety of technical writing classes and fun book clubs for a wide range of students. 

As a Doctor of Education I understand the technical aspects of writing and love teaching students how to craft meaningful essays and papers. My writing classes are designed to teach high school students the best practices for research papers and persuasive essays, using MLA and APA format, to help prepare for college. These classes are designed for groups but I can offer additional 1:1 classes for students who want more practice and feedback.

Additionally, I am an avid reader and believe that reading accelerates a child's learning. To spark a love of reading, I offer book clubs for students of all age groups. I currently focus my book clubs on Mystery series (books based on age groups) but will design courses upon request. If you have a favorite genre, let me know! 

I can't wait to get started!

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$10

weekly
1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
2-6 learners per class

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