Recommended Grades: 5th - 7th

Books: “Hana's Suitcase", "Number the Stars", "Diary of a Young Girl", "Night", and "The Boy on the Wooden Box"

Times: Tuesdays 11:00 - 12:00

• If any classes need to be made up as a group, they will be tacked on to the end of the semester. 

Cost: $375 - Includes all materials

Located: at 1625 West Edlund Road in Wasilla

Welcome to the 5th to 7th-grade book club, where young minds begin a powerful literary journey! This semester, we are delving into the profound and poignant world of Holocaust literature. Here's why joining our book club and studying these impactful books is an essential and enriching experience for young readers.

1. Fostering Empathy and Understanding:

Reading Holocaust literature allows students to step into the shoes of individuals who experienced one of the darkest periods in history. By connecting with characters facing adversity, students develop empathy and gain a deeper understanding of the human experience.

2. Learning about History through Personal Narratives:

Holocaust books often tell stories through personal narratives, providing a unique perspective on historical events. This approach humanizes history, making it more relatable and engaging for young readers. Through these narratives, students not only learn about the past but also reflect on its impact on individuals and society.

3. Encouraging Critical Thinking:

Studying diverse genres within Holocaust literature encourages critical thinking. Whether through historical fiction, memoirs, or diaries, students analyze different perspectives and evaluate the complexities of moral and ethical decisions. This critical engagement helps sharpen their analytical skills.

4. Connecting Literature to Contemporary Issues:

While delving into Holocaust literature, students can draw connections between historical events and contemporary issues. This interdisciplinary approach fosters a broader understanding of the world, encouraging students to reflect on how the lessons of the past can inform their actions in the present.

Join us on this thought-provoking literary journey, where young minds come together to explore, discuss, and grow. The book club provides a safe and supportive environment for students to engage with profound themes, fostering a love for reading and a deeper understanding of the human experience. Together, let's turn the pages of history and build a brighter future through the power of words

What Else to Expect: 

 1. Developing Critical Reading Skills:

In this class, students won't just read; they'll learn how to extract valuable information from the text. Through guided discussions, activities, and assignments, they'll sharpen their critical reading skills, enabling them to analyze themes, characters, and historical context within each book.

2. Building a Robust Vocabulary:

Every week, our students will expand their vocabulary by encountering and learning new words from the texts. Vocabulary-building exercises will enhance their language skills, enabling them to articulate their thoughts more effectively and comprehend complex ideas.

3. Crafting Thoughtful Journal Entries:

Journaling is a key component of this class. Students will learn to express their thoughts, emotions, and reflections on the books they read. Journal prompts will encourage them to delve deeper into the text, connecting personal experiences and opinions to the themes explored in Holocaust literature.

4. Formulating Engaging Essay Questions:

As part of their academic growth, students will master the art of crafting insightful essay questions. This skill not only enhances their comprehension but also fosters independent thinking as they explore broader themes and connections across the selected books.

5. Nurturing a Lifelong Love for Reading:

Beyond the academic aspects, this class aims to instill a lifelong love for reading. By engaging with gripping stories like "Number the Stars," "The Hiding Place," and "The Diary of Anne Frank," students will discover the power of literature to captivate, inspire, and transform perspectives.

6. A Holistic Learning Experience:

This class is designed to offer a holistic learning experience, combining literature, history, language arts, and critical thinking. By intertwining these elements, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Holocaust and its lasting impact on the world.

Join us on this multifaceted journey of exploration and learning. This class is not just about reading; it's about equipping students with the skills to navigate and understand the world through the lens of literature. Together, we'll delve into the past, unraveling stories that transcend time and leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.

Registration:  If you are associated with a homeschool program and would like me to direct bill the school, please put your homeschool in the PROMO code section of registration (the homeschool will be all one word, no spaces, and no characters). I will follow up with another email with the appropriate form. If you need to, you are more than welcome to email Matsulearnandisnpire@gmail.com to register. 

I am a direct bill vendor with the following homeschool programs: Mat-Su Central, IDEA, CyberLynx, Raven, PACE, Twindly Bridge, Denali Peak, and Totem.

Disclaimer: 

Please note, once you commit to attending the workshop, the cost of the workshop will be deducted from your student's allotment. Workshop costs are refundable until 7 days before the event. Please contact me via email at: Matsulearnandinsipire@gmail.com, as soon as possible if you are unable to attend the workshop, and I will make every effort to fill your spot with another student and refund your allotment account. Thank you!