Students will study the novel "Freak The Mighty" by Rodman Philbrick in a group setting. Throughout the class, students will have the opportunity to explore how characters change throughout the plot of a story, expand their vocabulary, practice writing responses to prompts, and strengthen reading comprehension.


How is the class structured?
Students will receive reading assignments to complete before their live lesson time. Accompanying tasks each week will have students focus on key aspects of the story, including vocabulary, characters, setting, and prediction. During live lessons, the instructor will lead students to give their thoughts on the novel and make connections with the reading. Students will also be able to ask questions of the instructor and classmates. Students will also review the previous week's assignment and complete in-class work to expand their understanding of the week's topic. 

This class allows for conversations and interaction. It is a good course for all students, including students practicing the English language (TESOL) or social skills.


Course Breakdown
Week 1: This week, the instructor will introduce students to the novel's author Rodman Philbrick. While doing so, the group will practice non-fiction reading. Students will also complete anticipation activities to prepare to read the novel.

Week 2: This week focuses on the kind of conflicts in stories. We will study the introduced characters and the introduced conflicts within the novel. 

Week 3: This week focuses on figurative language, specifically similes and metaphors. While studying this, the group will use examples in the book to understand figurative language.

Week 4: This week focuses on studying the main characters. We will discuss the traits and changes seen throughout the story. Students will also receive a project based on the novel to work on this week.

Week 5: This week focuses on presentation practice and reading comprehension. Students will have time to present their projects to the group using the most comfortable format for them. The group will also review the key elements and events of the novel. 



What is your teaching style for this? How much will they interact? How will you teach?

For this class, I led with questions and materials designed for the novel. Questions for discussion will both allow students to demonstrate reading comprehension and express personal opinions. Students will be provided with assignments to complete before class. We will also do some hands-on tasks during live sessions. There is a project assignment during this course. Students will receive several options for which project they would like to complete and how they would like to present it. 



Any required experience or knowledge learners need?
No in-depth academic background knowledge is needed to participate in this class. Students should be reasonably comfortable with technology to participate in any online interactive items during the course, like polls or group games.