Description
Dive into the thrilling world of James Dashner’s The Maze Runner series in this exciting 10-week book club exclusively for teens. Each week, we’ll tackle half a book, breaking it down into meaningful discussions, interactive trivia games, and creative writing prompts. Whether your teen is a seasoned reader or just looking for something fun and engaging, this program helps sharpen reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing skills—all while they immerse themselves in the fast-paced, suspenseful world of The Maze Runner.
Program Highlights:
- 10 Weeks of Fun & Learning: Each 90-minute session is designed to explore the rich themes and complex characters of The Maze Runner series, with plenty of room for creative exploration.
- Interactive Activities: Teens will participate in trivia games, group discussions, and writing challenges that spark their imagination.
- Writing Prompts to Build Skills: From crafting first-person narratives to developing alternate endings, our writing exercises will enhance their creative thinking and prepare them for structured academic writing (perfect for improving SAT essay skills!).
Weekly Breakdown & Activities:
Week 1: The Maze Runner (Chapters 1-26)
- Discussion: Survival, mystery, and the introduction of the Glade
- Activity: Character introductions and trivia
- Writing Prompt: Write a first-person narrative from Thomas’s perspective, focusing on building suspense and vivid descriptions.
Week 2: The Maze Runner (Chapters 27-62)
- Discussion: Plot development and tension
- Activity: Trivia game on the first book
- Writing Prompt: Create an alternate ending to hook readers into the next book.
Week 3: The Scorch Trials (Chapters 1-29)
- Discussion: Analyzing themes of trust and betrayal
- Activity: Character introductions (new) and trivia
- Writing Prompt: Write an opinion paragraph on whether the trials are justified for the greater good.
Week 4: The Scorch Trials (Chapters 30-65)
- Discussion: Character development and conflicts
- Activity: Trivia game on The Scorch Trials
- Writing Prompt: Write an argumentative paragraph on the role of trust in the story.
Week 5: The Death Cure (Chapters 1-28)
- Discussion: Themes of sacrifice and redemption
- Activity: Character introductions (new) and trivia
- Writing Prompt: Write a scene from the perspective of a minor character.
Week 6: The Death Cure (Chapters 29-50)
- Discussion: The conclusion of the series and its impact
- Activity: Trivia game on The Death Cure
- Writing Prompt: Reflect on how the ending ties up the series and how the characters have changed.
Week 7: The Kill Order (Chapters 1-24)
- Discussion: The prequel’s connection to the main series and explore origins and history
- Activity: Character introductions (new) and trivia
- Writing Prompt: Create a backstory for a character.
Week 8: The Kill Order (Chapters 25-48)
- Discussion: The value of prequels in a series
- Activity: Trivia game on The Kill Order
- Writing Prompt: Write a persuasive paragraph on whether The Kill Order adds value to the series.
Week 9: The Fever Code (Chapters 1-23)
- Discussion: Themes of identity and transformation and analyze the prequel’s impact on character development
- Activity: Character introductions (new) and trivia
- Writing Prompt: Write a scene showing a key turning point in the character’s journey.
Week 10: The Fever Code (Chapters 24-45)
- Discussion: The evolution of themes across the series
- Activity: Final trivia game covering the entire series
- Writing Prompt: Analyze the themes of identity and transformation and how they conclude in The Fever Code.
Key Benefits for Teens:
- Engaging and Fun Learning: This isn’t just a book club—it’s a space for teens to enjoy reading while developing critical skills. Through fun trivia, creative discussions, and exciting writing exercises, teens will actively engage with literature.
- Strengthen Critical Thinking: By analyzing characters, themes, and plot developments, teens will enhance their analytical and reasoning abilities, which are essential for academic success.
- Writing Skill Development: The creative prompts and structured writing exercises help teens craft compelling narratives and arguments, which translates into improved essay writing skills (perfect for SAT prep).
- Building Confidence: Each session is designed to boost confidence in reading and writing, giving teens a chance to express themselves creatively while also enhancing their comprehension.
- Community and Connection: Teens will enjoy connecting with peers who share their interest in books, making friends, and exchanging ideas in a supportive environment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who is this book club for?
This book club is designed for teens aged 14-18 who love reading, writing, and discussing books. Whether they’re Maze Runner fans or new to the series, this program offers a fun and educational experience. - How long is each session?
Each session is 90 minutes, giving teens plenty of time to dive into the discussion, participate in activities, and work on their writing. - What materials are required?
Students will need:
- Access to the books in The Maze Runner series
- A stable internet connection for virtual meetings
- Google Docs for writing activities
- Can teens join if they’ve already read the series?
Absolutely! Even if they’ve already read The Maze Runner, this book club offers fresh insights and new ways to engage with the story through analysis, discussions, and creative writing prompts. - Will there be homework?
There’s no mandatory homework, but teens are expected to read the assigned chapters before each session. The writing prompts will be started in class, and teens can choose to expand them at home. - Who is the instructor? Sessions are led by Miss Kyria Kalata, an experienced educator with a background in literature and creative writing. She is passionate about helping students of all ages develop their reading and writing skills.
- How is progress monitored and feedback provided? Teens will receive constructive feedback on their writing and participation. Progress will be tracked through class activities and discussions to ensure they are gaining the intended skills.
- What if a session is missed? I understand that schedules can change. Recorded sessions will be available.
Give your teen the chance to enhance their reading and writing skills in an engaging and supportive environment. Join The Maze Runner Book Club today and watch your teen’s love for literature grow!
