7th & 8th Grade Literature Studies: Middle School Language Arts, Spring Semester
Full semester literature course for middle school, with a focus on the classics. Learners explore a variety of genres [classics, historical fiction, mystery, short story, poetry] as they learn to analyze literary elements and themes.
Alison Stephens
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What's included
24 live meetings
18 in-class hoursHomework
4+ hours per week. Students will read the assigned chapters outside of class. I will provide reading guides to help students notice the important details. These guides may have vocabulary activities, comprehension questions, or thinking questions to foster class discussion. Students will be given occasional short answer writing assignments to express their thoughts and opinions on the texts.Assessment
I will offer detailed feedback for any writing that is submitted for the class. I will offer a completion grade for any worksheets/reading guides that are completed and submitted. There may be optional assignments. I will note the completion of these and include them in a verification letter of course completion at the end of the course.Certificate of Completion
I will offer a certificate letter of completion for any student who demonstrates their engagement and participation in class. Submitting approximately 75 to 80% of the homework, participating in class discussions, and being focused and engaged during class will all be considered as evidence of successful completion.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Intermediate Level
This is a full semester of middle school literature studies. This 2025 Spring class will meet twice/week for 12 weeks (24 classes). _________________ 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. ______________ 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 in 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 “Inside Out and Back Again” by Thanhha Lai √ NON-FICTION "The Enigma Girls" BY Candace Fleming √ 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 "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant √ POETRY WEEK: “Ozymandias” by Percy Shelley “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes 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.
Learning Goals
Students will read, analyze, and interact with middle school classic literature, demonstrating understanding and mastery through literary response and class discussion.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)5 Units
24 Lessons
over 12 WeeksUnit 1: Introduction
Lesson 1:
Introduction, Literary Elements and Annotation
This lesson will provide time to introduce ourselves and will include an overview of the books we will read and information about various expectations and class procedures
We will review basic literary elements and introduce various methods of text annotation and notetaking. 45 mins online live lesson
Unit 2: Inside Out and Back Again
Lesson 2:
Book and Author Introduction Part 1
Introduction to Historical Fiction, Author, Setting, and World Events
Book Discussion 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Part 2
Book Discussion 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Part 3A
Book Discussion 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Here are summaries of the literature we will read for this course. These summaries are composed of various excerpts from publishers, readers, and/or Common Sense Media summaries. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
1. "INSIDE OUT AND BACK AGAIN" by Thanhha Lai is a poignant novel in free verse that tells the story of ten-year-old Ha and her family's journey from war-torn Vietnam to the United States. The book follows Ha's experiences as she adjusts to life in Alabama, facing challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and prejudice. Through Ha's eyes, readers witness her struggles, triumphs, and the strength of her family's bond as they navigate a new country and build a new life.
Potentially sensitive elements:
*War, Loss, and Adjustment:
The story is set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, and Ha and her family
experience the loss of their homeland and loved ones. They face challenges such as racism and the struggle to adapt to a new language and culture.
"Inside Out and Back Again" is ultimately a story of hope, resilience, and the power of family that offers valuable insights into the immigrant experience.
2. "THE ENIGMA GIRLS" BY Candace Fleming is a powerful and fascinating non-fiction account of the brave and dedicated young women who helped turn the tides of World War II for the Allies, with their hard work and determination. Bletchley Park was a well-kept secret during World War II, operating under the code name Station X. The critical work of code-cracking Nazi missives that went on behind its closed doors could determine a victory or loss against Hitler’s army. Working alongside some of the world's most brilliant cryptographers, it was teenaged girls who kept Station X running. Some could do advanced math, while others spoke a second language. They ran the unwieldy bombe machines, made sense of wireless sound waves, and sorted the decoded messages.
3. "AND THEN THERE WERE NONE" by Agatha Christie is a classic mystery novel that follows ten strangers who are invited to a secluded island under various pretexts. As they settle in, they begin to find themselves being killed off one-by-one. As tensions rise and suspicions mount, the remaining guests must work together to uncover the identity of the murderer among them before it's too late.
Potentially sensitive elements:
*Violence/Suspense: The novel contains descriptions of murder and violence, although these are not graphic in nature. Given the nature of the plot, death is a central theme in the story. But, in true Agatha Christie style, the deaths are treated as simple plot points, secondary to the main purpose of discovering the solution to the mystery. The book is a classic mystery thriller, and the suspenseful atmosphere may be intense.
Despite these sensitive elements, "And Then There Were None" is a classic mystery novel that is widely regarded for its intricate plot, clever twists, and suspenseful atmosphere.
4. "THE TELL-TALE HEART" by Edgar Allan Poe is a classic Gothic short story that explores the depths of human madness and guilt. The story is narrated by an unnamed narrator who is navigating the effects of guilt as they seem haunted by the heart of one that they have murdered.
Potentially sensitive elements:
*Dark atmosphere with themes of guilt and madness: The story explores themes of guilt, madness, and the consequences of one's actions and has a dark and suspenseful atmosphere, which may be intense for some readers. The story delves into the mind of a narrator who is clearly suffering from feelings of guilt and paranoia.
"The Tell-Tale Heart" is a classic work of literature that is often studied for its exploration of the human psyche and its masterful use of suspense and tension.
5. "TO BUILD A FIRE" by Jack London tells the gripping tale of an unnamed man's struggle for survival in the harsh Yukon wilderness. The man, accompanied only by a dog, is traveling through the freezing cold. Despite warnings about the extreme cold, he underestimates the dangers of the wilderness and sets out on his own, facing unexpected challenges. As a result, the man must confront the realities of nature and his own mortality.
Potentially sensitive elements:
*Death/Survival Themes: "To Build a Fire" explores themes of survival, resilience, and the power of nature, which may be intense for some readers. The story ends with the death of the protagonist.
"To Build a Fire" is a classic work of literature that is often praised for its vivid portrayal of the Yukon wilderness and its exploration of the human struggle against nature.
6. "THE NECKLACE" by Guy de Maupassant follows Mathilde Loisel, a woman who dreams of a glamorous life beyond her modest means. When she borrows a beautiful necklace to wear to a prestigious ball, an unexpected event sets off a chain of life-altering consequences. Filled with themes of pride, desire, and the price of vanity, this story delivers a powerful and ironic lesson about appearances and reality.
Supply List
Learners will need their own copy of the following books (print, digital, or audio): “Inside Out and Back Again” by Thanhha Lai "The Enigma Girls" by Candace Fleming “And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie The short stories and poems will be provided as printable pdf files for students.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
5.0
344reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Bob Jones University
BS Degree in English Education
30+ years teaching experience for all ages from preschool to adult
Former homeschool mom (all four kids are now amazing, kind, successful adults)
Current loving Nana to the best grandkids ever! Reviews
Live Group Course
$30
weekly or $360 for 24 classes2x per week, 12 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-15
2-14 learners per class
