Teen Book Club: The Hunger Games

Service Description

This is a teen book club designed for teens who may or may not love reading! In this 6-week course we will complete the first book of the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. This will require students to read or listen to an audiobook version between classes, which averages 20-30 min of reading/listening per day. During class time we will discuss the assigned chapters and accompany our discussion with an interactive project. This makes our classes more lively and fun, and also adds an extra layer of learning literacy and comprehension. Here is a breakdown of our schedule: Week 1 - Introduction and Welcome! We will go over expectations and a reading schedule breakdown. For our first meeting it is not necessary to have read any of the chapters in advance. Instead, we will participate in an activity where I ask students to "Create the Perfect Society". This will set the tone for the book as well as introduce students to the dystopian fiction genre. Week 2: Chapters 1-7. During this week we introduce the setting and main characters. For a hands-on activity we will design a poster for The Reaping using Canva or any photo editing software of their choice. The finished poster can be shared during class or at the start of next week's class if additional time is needed. This week's activity will center heavily around the topic of propaganda, government control and community social structures. Week 3: Chapters 8-14. Discussion will revolve around the Capitol and the stark contrasts Katniss and Peeta experience in the book. For our activity we will participate in a "Capitol Fashion Design Challenge", where students will design a gala outfit for a future or past Hunger Games tribute. The book features many opportunities to explore symbolism, media influence, peer pressure and societal structures. Week 4: Chapters 15-21. (Note: These chapters feature descriptions of death and violence.) For our activity we will participate in a Media Manipulation Analysis. This entails watching clips of some famous reality shows that have aired on TV, prompting discussion on audience influence and manipulation. Students will also discuss the loss of a certain beloved character in the book and will be prompted to write a poem or create artwork that expresses themes of loss, compassion and resistance. Week 5: Chapters 22-27. Discussion of the ending and predictions for the sequels. Our activity is a Kahoot quiz: "Would You Survive The Hunger Games?" Week 6: Movie watch party!