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:(326)
Star Educator
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. ~ Primary Focus: Reading Comprehension ~ Deepen understanding and build confidence in responding to literary questions. 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 a more manageable 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 for 19+ 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 Early Childhood - 12th Grade. LEARNING SESSIONS ~ The students, together with their peers and me, will read one short story per class. The students will see me annotate and highlight the text throughout the class. ~ Test-taking strategies, reading comprehension questions, and short written responses are a regular part of my interactive lessons. ~ Generally, the students will experience a combination of direct instruction, note-taking, discussion, reading, writing, vocabulary, and the application of skills. Therefore, my students can expect to experience independent and group interactions during class. ~ Please note the writing in this course is in the form of guided literary responses. I will help model responses - as needed. However, we do not always have sufficient time to actively complete short written responses during class. ***This is NOT a formal writing course with explicit writing and grammar instruction. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT I provide a twelve-month rotation of passages per reading grade level. Learners may jump in and out as needed. Parents are expected to monitor their subscription needs and absences. Please do not request a refund for missed classes. Your subscription holds your seat, it allows you access to the weekly materials, and it does not allow others to enroll in sold out classes. NOTE - I AM CURRENTLY EDITING THE 2025/2026 timeline ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SPRING 2025 ~ Spring Break #1; no classes the week of February 17th ~ Spring Break #2; no classes the week of April 14th ~ Spring classes will end by Saturday, May 17th ~ Summer classes will begin the week of June 2nd ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Week of January 6th- Genre: Themes: Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, text evidence, character perspective, author's craft, and literary response. Text: PENDING Week of January 13th - Genre: Fiction Themes: Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, character motivations, cause & effect, text evidence, and literary response. Text: What Do Fish Have to do With Anything Week of January 20th - Genre: Themes: Struggles and perseverance. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, metaphors, analysis of the narrator, and literary response. Topic: Martin Luther King, Jr. Week of January 27th - Genre: Poetry Themes: Honesty and identity. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, characterization, text evidence, author's craft, and literary response. Text: Identity Week of February 3rd - Genre: Fiction Themes: Motivations and character traits. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, cause & effect, vocabulary, plot, relationships, and characterization. Text: Awa Week of February 10th - Genre: Scinece Fiction / Dystopian Themes: Freedom; isolation versus independence. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, text evidence, imagery, interpretation, and literary response. Text: Cooking Time ~~~~~~~~~~ Winter Break/Spring Break #1 No classes the week of February 17th - 22nd ~~~~~~~~~~ Week of February 24th - Genre: Fiction Themes: Wisdom, attitude, and awareness. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, relationships, motivations, conflict, setting, text evidence, and literary response. Text: The Last Leaf by O. Henry Week of March 3rd - Genre: Fiction Themes: Barriers, perseverance, and kindness. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, relationships, mood, characterization, conflict resolution, and literary response. Text: A Retrieved Reformation by O. Henry Week of March 10th - Genre: Science Fiction / Dystopian Reading Comprehension Skills: Character analysis, text evidence, and literary response. Text: Examination Day Week of March 17th - Genre: Fiction Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, characterization, traits, point of view, and literary response. Text: Sunday in the Park Week of March 24th - Genre: Fiction Themes: Judgement, assumptions, and error. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, author's craft, conflict, interpretation of the character's attitude, and literary response. Text: The Fan Club Week of March 31st - Genre: Fiction Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, character traits, and attitude. Text: The Reef Week of April 7th - Genre: Fiction, Short Story Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, characterization, traits, point of view, and literary response. Text: Through the Tunnel ~~~~~~~~~~ Spring Break #2 No classes the week of April 14th - 19th ~~~~~~~~~~ Week of April 21st Genre: Nonfiction - Historical Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, characterization, traits, point of view, and literary response. Topic: WWII & WASP Week of April 28th Genre: Nonfiction - Historical Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, characterization, traits, point of view, and literary response. Topic WWII & Holocaust Week of May 5th Genre: Nonfiction Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, characterization, traits, point of view, and literary response. Topic: Miep Gies & Anne Frank Week of May 12th (last week of Spring classes) Genres: Mixed Text; Speeches & Diaries Themes: Perserverence and adversity Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, characterization, traits, point of view, and literary response. Topic: D-Day END OF SPRING 2025 ************************************ Summer 2025 ~ Summer classes begin the week of June 2nd ~ No classes the week of June 30th - July 5th ~ Summer classes will end by Saturday, August 16th ************************************ Week of June 2nd: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Text: Growing Up Week of June 9th: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of June 16th: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of June 23rd: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. ********** HOLIDAY: No classes June 30th - July 5th ********** Week of July 7th: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of July 14th: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of July 21st: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of July 28th: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of August 4th: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of August 11th: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. END OF SUMMER CLASSES 2025/2026 School Year ************************************* Fall 2025 ~ my classes will begin the week of September 8th Mid-Fall Break ~ no classes the week of October 13th Thanksgiving Break ~ no classes the week of November 23rd ~ Thanksgiving (USA) is on November 27th, 2025 END OF FALL 2025: Winter Break ~ no classes from Dec 21st - Jan 4th ************************************* CURRENTLY EDITING 2025/2026 TIMELINE ************************************ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
326reviews
Star Educator
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 19+ 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 Thursday). 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 228 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-8 learners per class
