Kindly note:
This is an ESL friendly class, CEFR  level — B1-B2 (intermediate).
Please feel free to write me via Outschool email with questions.
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Now is the time to use the key skills of  speech and debate in the classroom and the world with E.L. Konigsberg's brilliant and beloved From The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, a book that seamlessly and hilariously blends mystery and art history into an incredible adventure set at one of the most magnificent places in the world, New York's iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Spar Lit Jr. 4: From The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler  is the 4th in my own series of  Spar Lit Jr. Outschool classes, following my Spar Lit Jr:  Understanding Literature Through Speech and Debate (A Wrinkle in Time) and Spar Lit Jr. 2: Understanding Literature Through Debate --A Long Way From Chicago and Spar Lit Jr. 3: Understanding Literature Through Debate--The Westing Game.  These classes, merging literary discussion and debate,  can be taken in any order. 

From The  Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler follows story of runaway sister and brother Claudia and Jamie Kinkaid, who leave their comfortable suburban home to as  Claudia says "to run not from somewhere but to somewhere --somewhere large and warm and comfortable, and beautiful."  The place they choose is all that and more, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.  There they not only encounter some of the finest works in the history of world art, but a mystery involving an exquisite sculpture that may--or may not--have been crafted by Michelangelo himself.  From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is considered a modern classic, a favorite of millions of both children and adults worldwide.

Both first time students and learners who have taken any of my previous  Spar Lit Jr. classes ( A Wrinkle in Time, A Long Way from Chicago, The Westing Game)  are welcome in this class. No previous experience with Spar debate is necessary. 

Our classes will focus on blending the acknowledged technique of Spar debating with understanding literature through debate and discussion.  Spar means “SPontaneous ARgumentation” a quicktime technique that is used to prepare students for formal debate.  Our class will use  Spar debating the key points of literature to explore the Newbery Honor Book From The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. 

The result?  Students will learn to take a position on key issues involving intriguing and provocative literary questions, while gaining a nuanced and thorough understanding both sides of every issue. All students will gain an enhanced exploration of literature while expanding debate techniques. 

This class has been purposely limited to six students to maximize the participation of every learner.  

Moreover, optional writing assignments will be provided after each class as well to give learners the opportunity both to enhance oral speaking abilities and explore creative writing and further enhance their critical thinking skills. These assignments range from creative writing to assertion essay writing, mapmaking to design and puzzles. The teacher will provide a personalized response to all finished work. 

Our 6-session class will run as follows:
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:  Celebration Class, Recap of the Big Ideas in the  Book, Puzzles and Games

Spar is quick debate! With debaters given the Pro or Con position, a short Spar debate can illuminate ideas and provide for more nuanced critical thinking. 

Each class will run as follows:

5 minutes of general introduction

30 minutes of interactive  discussion on the chapter or pages set for the class

20 minutes of ongoing Spar pro/con debate involving key literary questions from the weekly reading


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How does Spar debating work?

10 MINUTE MINI DEBATES!

Students face off in pairs to debate a Pro/Con question involving the specific reading from literature for the day.

COIN FLIP TO DETERMINE PRO/CON

2 minutes

Both students have 1 minute to brainstorm ideas for their position (evidence/arguments)

1 minute
Pro student gives a 1 minute opening statement to make their case (Con student listens quietly and takes notes)

1 minute
Con student gives a 1 minute opening statement to make their case (Pro student listens quietly and take notes)

30 seconds
Both students think!

2 to 3 minutes
Mini crossfire discussion where both students can ask each other questions about opposing statements.

30 seconds
Both students think again to prepare their closing statements

30 second
Con student gives a 30 second closing statement (Pro student listens quietly)

30 second
Pro student gives a 1 minute closing statement (Con student listens quietly

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Our sessions will run as follows:

No previous experience with speech and debate or Spar debating required, However,  this class also provides an excellent outlet for speech and debate students interested in enhancing their ability to communicate their ideas with clarity and style that will be useful in classrooms and in ongoing discussions everywhere.