Discussion Topics for SCHOOLED

SCHOOLED DiscussionTopics


After reading a whole-class novel, many teachers like to add follow-up activities such as class discussions, essay writings, posters, or other projects.  To make the most of these activities, it helps to have some specific topics in mind.  Since I’ve just finished working on materials for Gordon Korman’s novel SCHOOLED, I thought I would write about some follow-up topics that came to mind.

  1. Outsiders

Ask students why they think outsiders, such as Capricorn Anderson, are often treated so meanly when they enter a new school?  What could be done to make school a more welcoming place for new students?

  1. Education

Ask students what Capricorn learned from his time at C Average, and what C Average learned from Capricorn.

  1. Realistic or Not Realistic

Ask students whether they think the situation in Schooled could really happen?  Have them explain the reasoning for their answer?  Can they think of a similar situation that could actually happen?   What are some of the realistic and non-realistic elements in the story?

  1. Two Worlds

To compare life on Garland Farm with life at C Average Middle School, have students create a comparison chart that includes categories such as education, friends, clothing, food, etc.  Then follow up with a discussion or writing assignment about how Capricorn managed to find some common ground between those two very different places.


Other materials for SCHOOLED:

Schooled Novel Study    I Have Who Has- Schooled



Linked with Focused on Fifth for “What Are You Reading?” and with TheLiterary Maven for “On My Bookshelf”:

  On My Bookshelf is a monthly reading link up hosted by The Literary Maven. Share great books you have read for personal pleasure, for development of your teaching skills, or as additions to your classroom library.

3 responses to “Discussion Topics for SCHOOLED”

  1. I do love Schooled! C Average Middle School always makes me chuckle!

  2. I totally agree…I think that every book we read to children have with which they can identify and there are so many ways and ideas we can use as you mentioned. I am not familiar with the books, but they sound fun!

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