The Monkey's Paw Seminar
Close read three passages and discuss suspense and fate.
Short Story Seminar for Teens: The Monkey's Paw (Advanced)
A single advanced seminar for teens ages 13 to 17 on one of the best-known suspense stories in English. Teens read it beforehand and discuss how the author creates dread without showing anything.
Class Experience
The seminar opens with a question: what is behind the door? The teacher then leads close reading of three passages, looking at foreshadowing, pacing and what is left out. Teens are expected to quote the text and build on each other's points.
How classes work
This is a single 55-minute live class with up to 5 learners. The teacher demonstrates, learners take part, and everyone shares at the end.
What we'll cover
The Monkey's Paw Seminar – Close read three passages and discuss suspense and fate.
Learning Outcomes
Analyze foreshadowing and suspense
Discuss the theme of fate and consequences
Use quotation to support a reading
Contribute to a seminar discussion
Prerequisites
Ages 13-17. Read the story before class, about 20 minutes. The text is in the public domain and is sent as a free PDF before class.
What You'll Need
- Supplies
- Free PDF of the story
- Device and internet
- Computer or tablet with camera and microphonestable internet connection
The text is in the public domain and is sent as a free PDF before class.
Syllabus
1 LessonsA step-by-step plan of what your child learns, class by class. · 1 Week
Available Times
Next 7 days, US Eastern Time
- Tue, Nov 17 · 10:30 AM
- Tue, Nov 17 · 5:30 PM
- Wed, Nov 18 · 4:30 PM
- Thu, Nov 19 · 5:00 PM
- Fri, Nov 20 · 1:30 PM
- Fri, Nov 20 · 4:00 PM
Parents Often Ask
It is suspenseful but not graphic. It is widely taught in schools from age 13.
Yes. Read the story once before class.
The discussion expects teens to analyze the text and quote from it.
Yes. It is one 55-minute class, with nothing to prepare beyond the materials listed.
The teacher can point you to a club or course on the same topic.
Meet your Instructor
An experienced early elementary reading teacher and tutor with years of practice helping young learners build strong reading and comprehension skills. Instruction focuses on making reading accessible and enjoyable through targeted strategies that improve understanding, fluency, and confidence. Lessons include guided reading, comprehension strategies, and interactive activities tailored to individual needs so students develop a love of reading while gaining measurable skill improvements.
Reviews
New class, no reviews yet
Be one of the first families to join. Parents can leave a review after their first class.
Not satisfied after the first class? Full refund.
More Reading classes
VP
Vasumati P.
Graphic Novel Book Club: A New Graphic Novel Every Month
Beginner
Level
8–12
Ages
45 min
Duration
1 / Week
Classes
Ongoing
Weeks
$16.00per class
See schedule
DM
Dr. M.
Meet Sherlock Holmes: The Blue Carbuncle Book Club (One Class)
Beginner
Level
10–14
Ages
55 min
Duration
1 / Week
Classes
1
Weeks
$19.00per class
See schedule
SK
Shikha K.
Picture Book Party: Story Time and Chat for Ages 4-7
Beginner
Level
4–7
Ages
30 min
Duration
1 / Week
Classes
1
Weeks
$14.00per class
See schedule
MD
Ms. D.
Poetry Book Club: Three Poems in One Class
Beginner
Level
10–14
Ages
50 min
Duration
1 / Week
Classes
1
Weeks
$19.00per class
See schedule
RG
Raj G.
Mystery Short Story Book Club: Crack the Case in One Class
Beginner
Level
9–12
Ages
50 min
Duration
1 / Week
Classes
1
Weeks
$19.00per class
See schedule
PT
Pravin T.
Detective Fiction Camp for Teens: Sherlock Holmes Close Reading (Advanced)
Advanced
Level
12–16
Ages
55 min
Duration
4 / Week
Classes
1
Weeks
$20.00per class
See schedule
PR
Prabhavati R.
Classics Camp for Teens: Four Great Short Stories (Advanced)
Advanced
Level
13–17
Ages
55 min
Duration
4 / Week
Classes
1
Weeks
$20.00per class
See schedule
PM
Phoolmati M.
Graphic Novel Book Camp: Read, Discuss and Draw
Beginner
Level
8–12
Ages
50 min
Duration
4 / Week
Classes
1
Weeks
$20.00per class
See schedule