$20
weeklyor $135 for 7 classes
To Kill a Mockingbird Novel Study / Book Club / Reading Comprehnsion Class
New class
Ages 12-15
Live Group Course
Live video meetings
1x per week, 7 weeks
3-10 learners per class
45 min
What's included
7 live meetings
5 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursAssignments
1-2 hours per week. 1-2 per weekCertificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
To Kill a Mockingbird, novel by American author Harper Lee, published in 1960. Enormously popular, it was translated into some 40 languages, sold more than 40 million copies worldwide, and is one of the most-assigned novels in American schools. In 1961 it won a Pulitzer Prize. The novel was praised for its sensitive treatment of a child’s awakening to racism and prejudice in the American South. I believe it to be the best American novel of all time. Yes, THE Great American Novel. It is part of our literary heritage and forms a throughline with Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, that came before, and J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, that came after All three books, each a product of its era, give voice to outsider American kids trying to negotiate an adult world full of hypocrites. All three counterbalance the pain of human failings with the healing balm of humor. The book is perfect for a novel study. There is so much to talk about: from the character motivations to the larger themes about American society. Many adults, some very prominent, site this book as being an influence on the person they became. I will provide guided reading questions so learners can practice close, careful reading. In class, we will spend a lot of time talking about the novel’s major themes. Here are some examples of questions that will guide our class discussions: Chapters 1-3 Questions 1.) What does it mean to "act responsibly?" Explain what a person needs to do in order to "act responsibly" in the 1930's in Maycomb, Alabama. 2.) Who can people trust in Maycomb, Alabama? Identify your impressions of Dill, Calpurnia, Jem, the narrator, Atticus, the Radleys, Miss Stephanie Crawford, and Miss Caroline Fisher. 3.) What are some essential family values and family history that have shaped the people in this community? 4.) What behaviors are acceptable in the Maycomb community? What behaviors are not acceptable in the community? 5.) Which characters inform Scout about proper behavior? How do these characters tell her to act? 6.) What is Walter Cunningham like? What does his behavior during lunch suggest about his home life? 7.) Describe Miss Caroline's interactions with Burris Ewell. What does this suggest about Miss Caroline? What does this suggest about the Ewells? 8.) What do you think of the way Atticus treats Walter? 9.) Does Scout learn anything from Walter's visit? What do you think this is? 10.) Atticus says that you never really understand a person "until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." What does this mean? What does this lesson suggest about Atticus? Is it an easy thing for Scout to learn? Here are some examples of close reading “Homework Questions” Chapter One 1. What does Atticus Finch do for a living? 2. a) From whose point of view with the story be told from? b) How will this affect the information readers receive? 3. Who is Calpurnia and what is she like? 4. Describe Dill’s game. 5. According to Jem’s description, what does Boo Radley look like? 6. Describe the setting of the story. Chapter Two 7. List two reasons why Miss Caroline reprimands Scout. 8. a) How does Miss Caroline Fisher feel at the end of her first day? How do you know? b) What does this tell us about the setting? 9. What does Scout tell us about the Cunninghams? Chapter Three 10. a) How does Scout solve her problem with Walter Cunningham? b) What does this tell us about her character? 11. a) How does Jem Solve Scout`s problem with Walter Cunningham? b) What does this tell us about his character? 12. Why can’t Walter Cunningham pass the first grade? 13. What does Atticus say about the Ewell family Here are some examples of the topics that I will ask students to take notes on as they read and answer via short essays. Discuss how education is presented in the novel, and how it relates to class and home life. Analyze the role of Atticus Finch as a father and role model, and how Calpurnia acts as a substitute mother to Jem and Scout. Examine how race and class affect the citizens of Maycomb, and how the novel presents classism. Identify the setting of the story, and define and recognize the three main components of setting in literature. All students will write an essay for the last meeting: Identify a hero from the novel and explain why he or she is a hero (and why that character’s hero status might be contested, if applicable) “Read it, talk about it, think about it, and then do something to make the world a less unjust place.” Oprah Winfrey on To Kill a Mockingbird
Learning Goals
Students will be able to define and recognize the three main components of setting in literature: time, place, and social conditions.
Students will be able to gain a deeper understanding of setting and its importance in the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, and express it both verbally and in written form.
Syllabus
7 Lessons
over 7 WeeksLesson 1:
Pre-Reading Discussion
We will discuss the historical and social contexts for the book.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Discuss Chapters 1-6
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Discuss Chapters 7-14
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Discuss Chapters 15-20
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This is one of the most widely read novels in American schools and has been for generations. However, it does contain some very disturbing racist langue and violent scenes. Please refer to the following link for a full summery of objectionable content.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/to-kill-a-mockingbird
Supply List
Students will need a copy of the book (hardcopy or digital)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Meet the teacher
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Education from Xavier University
I have a B.A. in liturate and a Master's in Education. I have taught novels to high school and community college students. I have been teaching Langueage Arts here on Outschool for the past 3 years.
Reviews
Other classes by Brian Thomas M.Ed.
Other classes by Brian Thomas M.Ed.
Related categories
Parents also liked
American Girl BOOK CLUB
Kristi Rodenbeck
4.9
(481)
$13 per class
Next session at 1 AM on Thursday
Group Class
1/wk, 30 min
8-13
Book Club: Flora & Ulysses by Kate Dicamillo
Tristan - Book Clubs/Reading Comprehension
5.0
(414)
$12 per class
Group Class
5 wks, 1/wk, 40 min
8-12
Book Club: The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate Dicamillo
Tristan - Book Clubs/Reading Comprehension
5.0
(414)
$14 per class
Next session at 2 AM on Monday
Group Class
1 wk, 3/wk, 40 min
7-10
Bookworms: A Book Club for Middle Schoolers
Dr. Sharon BC
5.0
(126)
$30 per class
Next session at 3 PM on Tuesday
Group Class
1/wk, 45 min
10-14
Book Club: Beverly, Right Here by Kate DiCamillo
Tristan - Book Clubs/Reading Comprehension
5.0
(414)
$12 per class
Next session at 4 AM on Monday
Group Class
1 wk, 5/wk, 40 min
10-13
Book Club: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Tristan - Book Clubs/Reading Comprehension
5.0
(414)
$12 per class
Next session at 7 PM on Fri 3/7
Group Class
5 wks, 1/wk, 45 min
7-10
Book Club: Wings of Fire
Orchard Academy
4.8
(823)
$11 per class
Next session at 3:10 PM on Tuesday
Group Class
1/wk, 30 min
8-12
Middle Grade Fiction Book Club
Kayla Grose
4.9
(15)
$8 per class
Next session at 11 PM on Wed 3/12
Group Class
1/wk, 30 min
9-12
Magic Tree House Book Club
Jordan Hayes
4.8
(18)
$12 per class
Next session at 2:15 PM on Tue 3/4
Group Class
1/wk, 45 min
6-9
Book Club - Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
Sarah Spears
5.0
(4)
$15 per class
Next session at 12 AM on Mon 3/3
Group Class
1/wk, 45 min
7-12
Book Club - The Wild Robot
Sarah Spears
5.0
(4)
$16 per class
Next session at 10 PM on Tue 3/11
Group Class
16 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
8-13
South Asian Book Club
Teacher Paro
5.0
(270)
$9 per class
Next session at 12 AM on Tue 6/17
Group Class
1/wk, 30 min
9-13
Classics for Kids Book Club!
Outschool Educator Jennifer Hall
4.9
(269)
$29 per class
Next session at 2 PM on Mon 6/2
Group Class
1/wk, 50 min
8-13
Book Club: Pete the Cat
Let's Go Learning
4.8
(3,738)
$11 per class
Next session at 2:40 PM on Tuesday
Group Class
1/wk, 30 min
4-9
Harry Potter Book club
Miss Amii
$10 per class
Next session at 9 PM today
Group Class
1/wk, 1 hr
11-15
Summer Book Club!
Michelle Boe - Certified Teacher
5.0
(243)
$12 per class
Next session at 5:45 PM on Mon 7/14
Group Class
1/wk, 40 min
7-9
More to explore
Upside Down Magic
Academic Writing
Basic Home
Decoding
Dungeons And Dragons Teen 231
Maths Uk Key Stage 23 Transition
Intro To Physics
Adhd Skills
Marine Fitness
Rock Painting Fun
Masterpiece Academy Paintings & Drawings Inspired By Famous Artists
Intermediate
Writing And Research
Winter Coding
Math Tables
Beyblade Physics
Java Flexible
Staying Home By Myself
Fantasy Baseball
Calming Sonic