Turning Pages Book Club: LOTR Bk 0.5 The Hobbit
In this five week class, we will read the book and spend time discussing literary devices, plots, world building, and love of all things LOTR while reading The Hobbit
Rose Mueller
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(275)
What's included
5 live meetings
4 hrs 35 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Each week, students will be assigned additional reading of the assigned book, asked to journal about the segment read, asked to complete handouts associated with the material and come to class ready to discuss material.Assessment
Learners will be graded on completion of handouts and journal entries when uploaded in to the Classroom and are provided by request to parents.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Learners beware. The Hobbit’s plot couldn’t be simpler: Over the mountains and through the woods, to Smaug’s house we go. Kill the dragon, get the gold. It is the very essence of an adventure story. Who can’t sympathize with a group of grumpy, bearded refugees who have been evicted from their homeland by a greedy despot? And then there is the reluctant thief they have hired to assist them! The fact that they squabble, refuse to listen to directions, and end up starting a war only makes them more fun to read about. It is a magical world full of unknown possibilities and together we will explore it using character mapping, discussions of literary devices such as foreshadowing, and overarching themes found in literature. Students will read the book and dive into the world of JRR Tolkien using discussions, worksheets, and out-of-class activities to gain a deeper understanding of the book. Activities and discussions will be based on the set of chapters assigned that week. Parents: Please be aware that the student must have a copy of the book, The Hobbit, in order to participate and the student should read chapters 1 & 2 before the first class meets.
Learning Goals
- Use of spoken and written language through activities for writing and speaking that emphasize persuasive, reflective, informative, and narrative communication
- Provides the student with an organizer for interpreting text (Character Analysis) and guided questions to support understanding and critical analysis
- Encourages discussion within and beyond the classroom about the specified text and invites similar exploration of the related novels
Syllabus
5 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
Week One
Introduction to Middle-Earth and Hobbits: What makes hobbits unique, and how do they contrast with other races in the story?
Character Mapping: Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf – Map their initial characteristics and relationships.
Why We Still Read The Hobbit: Written in 1937, why does this story continue to resonate with readers nearly 100 years later?
Themes of Adventure: Bilbo’s reluctance to leave his peaceful life. Discuss the "Tookish" vs. "Baggins" sides of Bilbo’s personality. 55 mins online live lesson
2 assignments
Lesson 2:
Week Two
Bilbo’s First Test: How does Bilbo end up joining the expedition, and what does he leave behind? What biases do the dwarves have against hobbits?
Character Mapping: Thorin Oakenshield and Gollum.
Gollum and the Ring: Explore the introduction of Gollum. What skills does Bilbo demonstrate in dealing with Gollum, and how does this encounter change him?
Elves vs. Dwarves: Compare the dwarves' and Bilbo’s reactions to Rivendell. 55 mins online live lesson
2 assignments
Lesson 3:
Week Three
Bilbo's Transformation: By Chapter 5, Bilbo has evolved from a simple hobbit to a cunning adventurer. How has he changed, and why?
The Magic Ring: Why does Bilbo hesitate to tell the dwarves about the ring? What ethical dilemmas does the ring introduce?
The Wood-Elves: How are the Wood-Elves portrayed compared to other elves? Are they inherently good despite capturing the group?
Loyalty and Leadership: Why does Bilbo stay loyal to the dwarves, and who should lead the expedition now? 55 mins online live lesson
2 assignments
Lesson 4:
Week Four
Facing the Dragon: How does Bilbo’s exploration of Smaug’s lair compare to the dwarves’ approach? What are the characteristics of dragons in Tolkien’s world?
Bilbo’s Ethical Dilemma: Why does Bilbo keep the Arkenstone? How does he justify it, and what does this reveal about his character?
The Battle of Five Armies: How do the dynamics between the "good" races (men, elves, dwarves) change with the arrival of goblins and wargs? Discuss Thorin’s moral degeneration. 55 mins online live lesson
2 assignments
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parents please be aware that any book that includes dragons, dwarves, traveling wizards and one reluctant thief probably also includes swashbuckling battle scenes, monsters, bad poetry and other dangerous bits. Readers beware, the poetry may be a bit much for more sensitive learners.
Supply List
Teacher will provide handouts, selected recommended websites for activities and optional crafts associated with assigned reading. At the end of each session, I will supply the handouts and sites needed for the coming week. Parents are responsible for providing a copy of the book (The Hobbit) and printing expected handouts to be used in class. Class image used with permission from www.freepik.com Designed by Freepik
4 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined March, 2020
4.9
275reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am considered rather tall for a hobbit.Reviews
Live Group Class
$15
weekly or $75 for 5 classes1x per week, 5 weeks
55 min
Completed by 55 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
1-12 learners per class
