Welcome to our book-to-movie club!  Led by an experienced ELA educator and former children's librarian, this book club focuses on the love of reading and stories in general. Learners are encouraged to notice story elements, practice close reading skills, and reflect on themes. 

Each class meeting includes a warm-up question, discussion time, a brief lesson on a literary element or technique, and a game or activity.  

New students may join any week of the month. 

Each month, we read one modern classic novel in thirds over the first three weeks of the month before comparing it to its movie version in the fourth week of the month. It's easy for learners to know how far to read each week. All they need to do is divide the book's total page count by three. 

Students can expect a mix of thought-provoking conversations, humor, and general silliness, especially when playing a game. 

Below is the reading schedule for 2024-25 and the weekly class structure. Get ready for a fantastic literary adventure!

NEW STUDENTS: New students may enroll anytime during the month. 

READING SCHEDULE: We read and discuss the novel in thirds over the first three weeks of the month.  For example, if a book is 300 pages, such as The One and Only Ivan, we read 100 pages each week. 

Example: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate | Total Page count = 300 pages  | 300 pages ÷ 3 weeks =  Read 100 pages per week 

2024-2025 BOOK SELECTIONS & READING SCHEDULE 

2024 November 

November: Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo  
Week 1 | Discuss Chapters 1 - 8  | Topic: Story Elements 
Week  2 | Discuss Chapters 9 - 18 | Topic: Plot Elements 
Week 3 | Discuss Chapters 19 - the end | Topic: Character Development
Week 4 | Discuss & Compare the Movie |  Topic: Opening & Closing Images 

2024  December: The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson 
Week 1 | Discuss Chapters  | Topic: 
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4 

2025 Jan - June *Please check with me before purchasing titles. Schedule is subject to change. 

January: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler 
Week 1 | Discuss Chapters 1 - 4 | Topic: The Role Setting  
Week 2 | Discuss Chapters 5 - 8 | Topics: POV 
Week 3 | Discuss Chapters 9 - the end | Topic: Resolutions & Readers' Satisfaction 
Week 4  | Discuss the Movie  | Topic: Character Arcs 

February 2025: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate 

March 2025: My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

April 2025: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit 

May 2025: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery 

WHAT WILL BE TAUGHT
-Identify and apply literary terms and techniques
-Practice close reading skills 
-Practice supporting opinions and inferences with text examples
-How to find a story's theme

Critical and creative thinking: 
-Learners notice and consider the author's tone and perspective as well as the director's intentions and how well the two align.
-Learners compare/contrast the story's book and movie versions, considering each format's impact on rising tension, character development, expression of themes, and major plot points. 
-Learners notice and consider the role of setting and narrator on the plot, themes, and readers/viewers experience. 
-Learners answer creative thinking questions and/or receive creative writing prompts related to the story. 
Ex: Write imaginary dialogue between Character A & B discussing their favorite memory from childhood. 
-Learners practice critical thinking by considering author intentions, character motivations, and readers' assumptions 
-Learners practice critical thinking, going beyond, "I don't know why I think/infer/predict that." and on to reference textual examples, expression of themes in the story, and personal bias' or experience. 

Weekly CLASS STRUCTURE 

1. Warm-Up  5 minutes | Learners answer a question thematically aligned with that month's book.  

2. Use What We Know 5 - 10 minutes | Brief review of story words (i.e., literary terms) or the previous week's lesson 

3. Book Discussion  15 - 20 minutes 

4. Learn Something New 10 - 15 minutes | A brief lesson on one literary element, device, concept, or genre 10 - 15 minutes 

5. Activity or Game  15 minutes 


After Class Option: t's not uncommon for my classes to go over the time limit when learners are enjoying a game/activity or if the learners want to socialize with each other or share something with me they made or wrote during the week.  

TEACHING STYLE
I believe students learn best when comfortable in the group and engaged with the content. I ask questions that encourage reflection on themes, application of literary terms and techniques, and creative & critical thinking. If a student answers, "I don't know" when asked how they came to an inference or opinion, they're encouraged to refer to the text and consider how/when/if their life experience influences their understanding or interpretation. 

In class, I use slides, prompts, activities, quiz games, video clips, and any resource that provides context to the story or invites deeper reflection and closer reading skills. 

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION 
Our classroom (and world) is more dynamic when diverse. I welcome all cultures, races, gender identities, learning styles, abilities, and personalities. I enjoy encouraging ESL students, having experienced living and learning in another language myself, and I teach from a neurodivergent-affirming perspective. This means I believe neurodivergence is a difference not a deficit and support accommodations and education. 

Please don't hesitate to tell me about your learner and how I can best support them. 

INTERACTION 
Students interact with the teacher and each other throughout the 55 minute class through check-in, answering discussion questions, playing games, and activities. 

COST
Please reach out if budget limits prevent a student from joining or continuing in the class. I'm happy to offer coupons and/or otherwise navigate the cost. Really, just ask! :)