What will be taught: Over the course of 6 weeks, students read and discuss middle-grade novel A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll while exploring its themes and learning about the historical context of the Salem Witch Trials through games, activities, discussion, and creative writing. 

Content: ages 8 - 14. Reading level: ages 8 - 12.  Reading expectation: 30 - 50 pages a week.

A Kind of Spark by award-winning neurodivergent author Elle McNicoll follows 11-year-old Addie as she embarks on a campaign to pay tribute to the victims of the historic witch trials that took place in her Scotland town many years before. This powerful tale of a young autistic girl making her voice heard and changing the way people see her is a poignant reminder that there is always more to everyone’s story. 

Recommended for kids curious about: belonging, differences, Salem witch trials, neurodivergence, finding their voice. 

Students learn about the Salem Witch Trials and four of the women accused of being witches. 

Students develop closer reading and comprehension skills as well as practice social skills, critical thinking, and self-reflection as they discuss the story applying themes to their life experience and/or understanding of the world. 

Students exercise and develop these skills through weekly guided discussions, in-class and out-of-class quiz games, creative writing prompts, story games, and activities. Each class includes opportunities to share life experiences applicable to the story fostering group connection and, hopefully, a deeper understanding of the story and its themes.

Themes include: friendship, self-belief, empathy, courage, neurodiversity 
Recipient of multiple awards, such as:
-Winner of Schneider Family Book Award, Honor Book
-Waterstones Children Book Prize

"A must-read for students and adults alike." -School Library Journal, Starred Review

Publishers Weekly applauded the representation of Addie's autism, stating, "McNicoll, herself neurodivergent, portrays with clarity Addie’s neurological reality, interpersonal bonds, and thoughtful reflections.

Each week, I post optional To Do Lists on the classroom page intended to provide creative, fun learning opportunities offering additional context to the story, support themes, inspire closer reading, and/or solidify lesson. The To Do List always includes: something to play; something to watch; something to read; something to do; and something to write.

Class Structure: We'll meet once a week for 55 minutes. Each week, I provide engaging discussion questions, a game or activity, and after class post weekly reading expectation as well as the optional To Do List previously mentioned on the classroom page. 

Although we learn about the history of the Salem Witch Trials and practice reading and social skills, the emphasis is on the joy of reading and connection through a shared story and/or a shared interest in The Salem Witch Trials. 

Each class includes: 
-Check-in
-Watch: Video clip relevant to story, Salem Witch Trials, or previous discussions 
-Discussion & Share: weekly reading discussion & applying themes to life experience
-Game or Activity  
-Check-out

Teaching style: I encourage a casual, reflective, and curious group dynamic asking questions while listening for what sounds more interesting or important to the students. I believe kids learn best when they feel safe, seen, and welcomed in a group setting. I teach from a neurodivergent-affirming perspective informed by my work with licensed, neurodivergent consultants and nonprofit organizations as an educator, librarian, parent, and grant writer. 

Background: I have a BA in English and Writing, an MFA in Creative Writing and an MLIS in Library and Information Science. My background includes working as a writer, editor, substitute teacher and librarian developing programs, services, and courses centering literature and/or creative writing. I’ve authored three children’s history books targeting struggling readers published by Full Tilt Press. I'm also a City Chapter Leader for a nonprofit teaching and practicing active, heart-centered listening in public spaces as a path to end the epidemic of disconnection and improve social health. We believe everyone deserves a sense of belonging. 

Story Geek Classes welcome everyone.  

We celebrate neurodiversity (e.g., ADHD, ASD, DYX, 2e, HiCap, G/T). 
I come to class from a neurodivergent-affirming perspective informed from working with licensed neurodivergent consultants as an educator, librarian, advocate, and parent.  

Interaction with educator and students: Students interact with each other and myself once a week for 55 minutes. Discussion about the reading encourages sharing opinions, knowledge, and life experiences to promote positive connections.

Required experience or knowledge: Ability to read approx 35-50 pages a week and speak in-class and/or use chat. 

Topics Covered: Context of Salem Witch Trials, brief profiles of four accused witches

Themes: Friendship, empathy, self-belief, courage, neurodiversity, difference 

Week 1: Introductions: Each Other, Book Club Format, Book, & Author | Context of Salem Witch Trials 

Week 2: Discuss Chapters 1- 4 | Meet: Tituba | Fortune-telling Activity | 

Week 3: Discuss Chapters 5- 9 | Meet: Sarah Good | Creative Writing | 

Week 4: Discuss Chapters 10-13  | Meet: Sarah Osborne | Story Building Game | 

Week 5: Discuss Chapters 14- 16 | Meet: Abigail Hobbs | The Witches Among Us Group Text Game | 

Week 6: Discuss Chapters 17 - 21 | Meet: Yourself | Feedback & Shares | 

Weekly Book Club Format: 
Check-in
Discuss & Share: weekly reading & themes 
Learn Something New: e.g., a witch, context of witch trials, geography, 
Game or Activity: 
Reading & Lesson Comprehension Quiz: *in-class when time allows, after-class, or out-of-class 
Check-out