Novel Study
Grades: 3-4 & 7-9
In our new summer Novel Study workshop, students will read, discuss, debate, and analyze an entertaining and intellectually challenging novel together (see below) — under the guidance of amazing, PhD-educated instructors! At the end of the workshop, we will have an optional group screening and discussion of the film version of the book (with popcorn!).
In the process of this exciting literary adventure, students will practice the “close reading” skills necessary to get the most out of almost any text — whether for pleasure or academic interest — including how to isolate and analyze literary elements, central themes, and key ideas. Taking the discussion beyond the confines of the classroom, students will also be encouraged to make “real-world connections” to the text (e.g. considering it in light of current news events) and debate its relevance to the modern world and their own lives. Finally, students will have the opportunity to write thoughtful academic responses to literature that will be useful models for success in their English classes.
This Year’s Novel for Grades 3-4
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Despereaux Tilling is a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea.
Roscuro is a rat who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light.
Miggery Sow is a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish.
These three characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and, ultimately, into each other’s lives.
What will happen to them? Join our novel study to find out!
This Year’s Novel for Grades 7-9
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
In this dystopian exploration of censorship and the value of free speech, the American government has banned all books. Any books that are found are burned on the spot by “firemen” employed for the purpose. (Did you know that paper burns at 451°F?)
But one fireman begins to question the wisdom of burning the books they find, and he starts sneaking some of the books home. His decision will change everything he thought he knew…
