In this class you will follow a boy named Nikolas on every step of his adventure to becoming Father Christmas.  We will engage in rich discussions about the book, deepen comprehension by clarifying what we don't know (vocabulary, references that we don't get, etc) and expanding upon what we do (identify characteristics of Nikolas and those he meets along the way, seek to understand the motivations of each character, ask and answer questions, and look for themes.)  

Book Synopsis:
"BELIEVE IN THE IMPOSSIBLE You are about to read THE TRUE STORY OF FATHER CHRISTMAS If you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away. (Because this book is FULL of impossible things.) Are you still reading? Good. Then let us begin..."

Meeting 1:
Introductions- Get to know your classmates and teacher through a fun, quick activity
What do you think Father Christmas was like as a child?
Meet the book- We'll read the back cover together and build anticipation.
Vocabulary- Introduction to a few words that will help you enjoy and understand the reading assignment. (Students will be given the opportunity to share what they know about each word before I give definitions. I will use visuals when possible.)
Read aloud- If time allows, I will read a few pages of the book so we can start experiencing it together which will help build our class community.  As I read, I will ask questions to clarify and/or improve comprehension.

Homework- Read the first third of the book. (Approximately 100 pages.  Exact chapter names will be posted in the classroom.)

Meeting 2:  
First five minutes: group check-in to continue building community
Discussion: What has happened so far?  Who are the characters and why do they do what they do?  Students will be asked comprehension questions specific to the reading and the group's needs.  What questions are coming up for you as you read?
Predictions:  Where is the story ultimately going?  What will happen next?
Vocabulary for the next reading assignment.
Read aloud- If time allows, I will read a few pages of the book so we can continue experiencing it together which will help build our class community.  As I read, I will ask questions to clarify and/or improve comprehension.

Homework: Read the next third of the book.  (Approximately 100 pages.  Exact chapter names will be posted in the classroom.)

Meeting 3:
First five minutes: Group check-in to continue building community
Discussion: What happened in the last reading assignment? Are there new characters? Have any characters changed?  Students will be asked comprehension questions specific to the reading and the group's needs.  What questions are coming up for you as you read?  What themes (big ideas and deep meanings) have you noticed in the book so far?
Predictions:  Where is the story ultimately going?  What will happen next?
Vocabulary for the next reading assignment.
Read aloud- If time allows, I will read a few pages of the book so we can continue experiencing it together which will help build our class community.  As I read, I will ask questions to clarify and/or improve comprehension.

Homework: Read the rest of the book (Approximately 100 pages.) Watch the Netflix movie if you want to.

Meeting 4:
First five minutes: Group check-in to continue building community
Discussion: What happened in the last reading assignment? How have the main characters changed?  Students will be asked comprehension questions specific to the reading and the group's needs.  What unanswered questions do you have?  What themes (big ideas and deep meanings) have you noticed in the book?
Discussion of the whole book: What did you think of the book and why?  What surprised you?  What do you think will happen in the next book in the series?  
Books vs. movie discussion
Last 5 minutes or so of the class: Closing comments and good-byes.