Students will study the novel "Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein in a group setting. Throughout the class, students will have the opportunity to expand their vocabulary, complete character analysis, 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 focuses on the beginning of the narrative arc--the exposition. We will study the introduced characters and the introduced conflict within the story. 

Week 2: This week focuses on the rising action of the narrative arc. Students will discuss the characters on a deeper level, as well as the setting of the novel. 

Week 3: This week focuses on the climax of the narrative arc. Students will learn that the climax of the arc isn't the end of the story! They'll focus on key events and discuss how characters have changed throughout the story. 

Week 4: This week focuses on the end portion of the narrative arc--falling action and denouement. Beyond discussing the way the story ends, students will be encouraged to imaging future or alternative endings. In hopes of inspiring continued reading, students will preview the next novel in the book!



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 personal opinions. Students will be provided with assignments to complete before class. We will also do some hands-on tasks during live sessions. 



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.