This is a full semester of middle school literature studies. This 2024 Fall class will meet twice/week for 12 weeks (24 classes).

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TEACHER REFUND POLICY: Many families prefer to book far enough in advance to guarantee a spot in the class as they prepare for the coming academic year. I also realize that plans can shift and change. 

In order to reasonably help families who like to plan ahead, but also allow me the time to fill a space left empty after an unenrollment, please note that if you need to withdraw your learner for any reason up to FIVE WEEKS before the start date of this class, you can contact me with the details and I will be happy to issue a full refund. After that point, the standard Outschool refund policy will apply. 

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Middle school is a pivotal time for literature studies. As students begin to interact with some of the great literary classics, they gain exciting new skills. These skills of analysis and critical thinking develop and grow as students dissect texts, discern themes, and analyze characters' motivations. Classics can be challenging, but with guidance and encouragement, they can also be immensely enriching as students engage with important life themes and discuss them with peers in a teacher-guided setting.

WHAT WILL WE READ?

√ HISTORICAL FICTION
   “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park
[NOTE: This book deals with the 1980's conflict in Sudan and contains some brief scenes of danger and violence. Please see the parent guide section for more details and feel free to reach out if you have questions.]
√ CLASSIC DRAMA
   “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare  
[NOTE: We will read an adapted version of the story before we read some extended excerpts from Shakespeare's original work. Teacher will provide all the materials.]
√ MYSTERY
   “The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin
√ CLASSIC SHORT STORIES:
  “The Adventure of the Dancing Men (Sherlock Holmes)” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
  “A Retrieved Reformation” by O’Henry
  "The Monkey's Paw" by WW Jacobs
√ POETRY DAY:
    “Sonnet 18” by William Shakespeare
    “Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost 
    "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost
    "I'm Nobody! Who are You?" by Emily Dickinson
   and others


WHAT WILL CLASS TIME LOOK LIKE?

*The majority of class time will be spent in literary discussion. I will gently guide these discussion, but will encourage strong student participation.

*Students will receive reading guides and/or notes to aid in their reading and analysis. 

*Students will be expected to read the assigned material before class in order to be ready for our discussion. 

*I will occasionally present a lesson on a specific topic. This may be an introduction to a genre or a new text, lessons on various literary elements, historical background for a story, author information, or various methods of analysis and annotation. These lessons will be presented with engaging visuals and slides and plenty of space for questions.

*We will note any difficult vocabulary to aid in clear understanding of the text.

*Students will be encouraged to ask questions and to interact with the texts in a variety of ways.

*There will be occasional short answer essay assignments detailing a student's thoughts and analysis of a particular literary element or plot event.

CONTENT NOTES:
As we delve into the world of classic literature, it's essential to note that many literary classics, while valuable for their profound themes and insights, may touch upon mature topics such as death, murder, survival, war, injustice, and feelings of loneliness or isolation and guilt. Some stories may also have religious allusions, and I may point them out as they pertain to the author's purpose or intent.
Please know that I have selected texts that are generally accepted as appropriate and suitable for middle school ages. I firmly believe that parents ultimately know what is best for their child, and I welcome any questions or concerns about any content covered in this literature.
See the Parent Guide section for detailed summaries of the literature we will read in this course.

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PLANNED READING FOR SPRING SEMESTER [FOR REFERENCE]

√ HISTORICAL FICTION
   “Inside Out and Back Again” by Thanhha Lai
√ NON-FICTION
    "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day
√ CLASSIC MYSTERY
   “And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie
√ CLASSIC SHORT STORIES:
  “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allen Poe
  “To Build a Fire” by Jack London
√ POETRY WEEK:
  “Ozymandias” by Percy Shelley 
  “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe
  "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes
   and others