7th to 8th Grade: Ongoing Reading Course; Literature for Middle School
Weekly Short Stories for ELA & English Language Arts: Spring, Summer, and Fall Semesters; A supplemental #academic, reading comprehension, and analysis class that builds confidence; I'll present a valuable blend of genres, critical thinking skills, and short answer prompts.
Marisa Hammond Olivares; (GT, ELA, ESL, ELL, SPED)
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(303)
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What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
As this is an ongoing class format, all work will be initiated and completed in class.Assessment
Informal & Formative assessments are a natural part of my teaching style.Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 8
This class is best suited for 7th and 8th-grade students. Small-Group Instruction This allows me to work closely with each student to evaluate students' learning strengths, locate gaps in their reading development, and tailor lessons focused on specific learning objectives. Ongoing Format This is an ELA supplemental course in an Ongoing format. This provides an easier payment option through weekly installments. Plus, this format eliminates the fear of a long-term commitment for parents and students. You may drop in and out as needed. However, be aware that seats cannot be held and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. About me - ~ I have taught English Language Arts in middle school for 17 years. ~ I am ELA certified for grades 4th through 8th. ~ I am certified as a generalist in Early Childhood - 4th Grade. ~ I am certified in ESL for grades Early Childhood - 12th Grade. ~ I am certified in Special Education for grades Early Childhood - 12th Grade. LEARNING SESSIONS We will read one short story per week. In addition, students will experience a combination of direct instruction, note-taking, discussion, reading, writing, vocabulary, and the application of skills. Students can expect independent and group interactions with the teacher and classmates. ************************************ FALL TIMELINE 2023 Classes begin on Sept. 11th ************************************ Week of September 11th: Greed The Golden Touch by Nathaniel Hawthorne ~ Literary Devices; Characterization and Theme ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading. ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of September 18th: Morality, Curiosity & Humor The Storyteller by Saki ~ Conflict, resolution, and word choice ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of September 25th: ~ Plot, Conflict, and Conflict Resolution ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading. ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of October 2nd: ~ Characterization and Motivation ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading. ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. ******************************** Mid-Fall Break No Classes the Week of October 9th ******************************** Week of October 16th: ~ Imagery and Setting ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading. ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of October 23rd: Literary Focus; Irony & Plot Twist After Twenty Years by O. Henry ~ Foreshadowing, Inferences and Context Clues ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading. ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of October 30th: The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe ~ Figurative Language; similes, metaphors, and imagery ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading. ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of November 6th ~ Figurative Language; personification, symbolism, and motifs ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading. ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of November 13th ~ Outlining ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading. ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. ******************************** Holiday Break: Thanksgiving No Classes the Week of November 20th ******************************** Week of December 4th ~ Tone and Mood ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading. ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of December 11th ~ Poetic Forms ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading. ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of December 18th ~ Rhetoric; Ethos, Pathos, and Logos ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading. ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. End of Fall ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ winter break ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Week of January 8th: Fiction; Short Story The Bet by Anton Chekhov ~ please read the parental guidance section. Week of January 15th: Nonfiction; Historical Figures Martin Luther King Excerpts of the I Have a Dream Speech; Imagery and Metaphors ~ Excerpts of Rosa Parks Week of January 22nd What Do Fish Have To Do With Anything by Avi ~ Figurative Language and Imagery Week of January 29th Paired Passage with Mixed Genres; Poetry & Nonfiction ~ Figurative Language and Imagery ~ Theme: Identity & Happiness Week of February 5th - ~ Setting and Sensory Details Week of February 12th ~ Conflict and Conflict Resolution ~~~~~~~~~~ Spring Break #1 No classes the week of February 19th ~~~~~~~~~~ Week of February 28th The Last Leaf by O. Henry ~ Irony and Inferencing Week of March 7th After Twenty Years by O. Henry ~ Character relationships and motivation Week of March 14th A Retrieved Reformation by O. Henry ~ Points of view and character perspective Week of March 21st ~ Fiction: Theme, characterization, and conflict resolution. Character relationships, motivation, and irony. Week of March 28th ~ Fiction: Theme, characterization, and conflict resolution. Irony and inferencing. Week of April 9th ~ Fiction: Theme, characterization, and conflict resolution. Character perspective and irony. Week of April 16th ~ Fiction: Theme, characterization, and conflict resolution. Figurative language, sensory details, and setting. ~~~~~~~~~~ Spring Break #2 No classes the week of April 22nd ~~~~~~~~~~ Week of April 29th ~ Nonfiction: WWII & WASP (women pilots during WWII) ~ Nonfiction: WWII & Holocaust Week of May 6th; Biographies & Memoirs ~ Nonfiction: Anne Frank & Miep Gies Week of May 13th; Synthesis Introduction to D-Day (brief summary) Ronald Reagan's 40th Anniversary of D-Day speech (excerpt) Anne Frank's June 6, 1944 diary entry (excerpt) ************************************ SUMMER TIMELINE ************************************ Week of June 5: Short Story ~ Fiction: Theme, characterization, and conflict resolution. Figurative language, sensory details, and setting. Week of June 12: Short Story ~ Fiction: Theme, characterization, and conflict resolution. Figurative language, sensory details, and setting. Week of June 18: Short Story ~ Fiction: Theme, characterization, and conflict resolution. Figurative language, sensory details, and setting. Week of June 26: Short Story ~ Fiction: Theme, characterization, and conflict resolution. Figurative language, sensory details, and setting. ************************************* Important dates for July: ~ No classes the week of July 1st ************************************* Week of July 8th: Short Story ~ Fiction: Theme, characterization, and conflict resolution. Figurative language, sensory details, and setting. Week of July 15th: Short Story ~ Fiction: Theme, characterization, and conflict resolution. Figurative language, sensory details, and setting. Week of July 22nd: Short Story ~ Fiction: Theme, characterization, and conflict resolution. Figurative language, sensory details, and setting. Week of July 29th: Short Story ~ Fiction: Theme, characterization, and conflict resolution. Figurative language, sensory details, and setting. Week of August 5th Short Story ~ Fiction: Theme, characterization, and conflict resolution. Figurative language, sensory details, and setting. Week of August 12th Short Story ~ Fiction: Theme, characterization, and conflict resolution. Figurative language, sensory details, and setting. End of Summer
Learning Goals
Improve reading analysis, develop critical thinking skills, and build confidence in the creation of literary responses. My goal is for my students to gain confidence in their interpretations and responses.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The Bet by Anton Chekhov
~ The conversation in the opening scene is a dinner party where the guests debate capital punishment and life in prison. This topic is what leads to the bet taking place. A character voluntarily agrees to 15 years of solitary confinement for 2 million dollars. The remainder of the story focuses on how the character evolves and gains knowledge through the books he reads while in confinement.
Supply List
~ pen/pencil/paper ~ students may take notes on their own digital device
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
4.9
303reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Bachelor's Degree from Texas Woman's University
My English courses are centered around thought-provoking critical reading skills, effective writing, and verbalizing one's interpretation of a literary text. I believe in living, laughing, and learning. My learning goals are for my students to gain a greater depth of understanding far beyond the text.
My professional background:
~ I have taught English Language Arts (ELA) in the middle school setting for 16 years (Texas public schools).
~ I understand the Common Core Standards for my content area.
~ I have been an ELA Curriculum Writer in my district for over ten years.
~ I am ELA certified in the State of Texas for grades 4th through 8th.
~ I am certified as a generalist in Early Childhood - 4th Grade.
~ I am certified in ESL for grades Early Childhood - 12th Grade.
~ I am certified in Special Education for grades Early Childhood - 12th Grade.
~ In addition to education, I am an online writer for various websites. I have a background in Corporate Management, International Sales, Grant Writing, and I have worked as a Project Director for a non-profit organization.
~ I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance with a minor in English from Texas Woman's University.
My philosophy of teaching:
I believe strongly in developing independent thought, voice, and empathy. I enjoy enlightening students in the skills necessary for analyzing multiple viewpoints, building evidence-based opinions, and creating awareness toward opposing arguments. Civility and kindness are essential to me, and I encourage my students to be respectful as they develop their own opinions and counterarguments. Importantly, promoting metacognition in my students is a common approach in my teaching style. Yes, I LOVE teaching!
My family:
My daughter, Briana Olivares, is a teacher here at Outschool. She has had the gift of music since her earliest years, and she enjoys sharing this beautiful art form with her students. My son keeps us entertained and laughing. He is heartwarming, sweet, and has autism; he has taught me so much as a teacher and mother. My rock and supportive husband has been in Corporate Restaurant Management for over 32 years. Yum!
Requests for courses are welcomed!
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Communication:
Outschool is my primary occupation, and I prioritize live classes during teaching days (Monday through Saturday). While I may not respond promptly during these days, I aim to reply within 24 hours (usually sooner).
Offline Hours:
I am offline on Saturday afternoon and Sunday, although I do periodically check messages and aim to respond promptly.
Materials:
In alignment with my teaching approach, all of the related materials and optional homework lessons will be provided in a PDF at the END of each respective lesson (NOT before). My lessons are interactive, guided experiences where all necessary materials are presented and annotated during class. Additionally, all classes are recorded for students' reference.
Assignments & Feedback:
Students are responsible for completing any unfinished assignments from class. I encourage all students to send their responses for feedback through private message.Reviews
Live Group Class
$16
weekly1x per week
50 min
Completed by 212 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-8 learners per class
