Keep handy for any occasional notes.
~ Pencil and paper.
~ A traditional composition book. 
~ Digital docs are fine too.

*Gel pens, skinny markers, highlighters, and sticky notes are a great option for the more creative note taker.

*** High School literature can have direct and indirect themes that may be mature and sensitive for some learners. Note, some literature may contain biblical references and allusions. My goal here will be to describe the reference and how it is used in literature. 

Classroom discussions are vital and will be facilitated with great care, maturity, and professionalism. Any sensitive issues that may arise through inferencing, personal connections, interpretation, and writing must be relevant to the text. The students will be redirected as needed.

I have identified any potential concerns below. Feel free to message me with any questions.


~ Echo and Narcissus by Ovid (Myth)
This myth is traditionally taught in 9th and 10th grade. Nymphs are in the vocabulary section, and there is a character that is a nymph; nymphs populate the world of mythology. This passage creates inferences of seduction and desire through the use of figurative language. 
~ Excerpt from The Odyssey: The Sirens by Homer (Poem)
This poem is traditionally taught in 9th grade. I am using this poem to connect the nymphs in the previous passage and the sirens in the poem. The word RAPTURE is in the vocabulary section and is about the siren's song. Rapture is defined as a feeling of intense pleasure or joy. 
~ A Dead Woman's Secret by Guy de Maupassant (Short Story)
Reference to God, Christ, crucifix, and religion. The dead woman's daughter, Sister Eulalie, is a nun. The passage contains the following quotes; "She, the daughter, quite penetrated with virtue that had bathed her in this austere family had become the spouse of God through disgust with men." and "The nun passionately kissed one hand of her dead mother, which hung down, a hand of ivory-like that of Christ in the large crucifix which lay on the bed." In addition, the ending does contain an ironic twist; it alludes to infidelity. 
~ Excerpt From Frankenstein: The Creature's Request (novel excerpt) Mary Shelley, Author
Includes biblical references; devil, Adam, and the fallen angel. Contains references to scourge, blood, and murder.
~ The Open Window by Saki
Contains references to a rectory, a residence of priests. 
~ The Fly by Katherine Mansfield
References the death of a child and a gravesite. Contains the drinking of whiskey and a descriptive killing of a fly.
~ Home Burial by Robert Frost (Poem)
References the death of a young child and the in-depth analysis of how both parents grieve. 
~ The Story of the Bad Little Boy by Mark Twain
References sin, prayers, and a "Sunday-school book."
~ The Storyteller by Saki (Short Story: Fiction)
References the catching and eating of a fat little pig for supper. A character tells the story of a wolf eating a "horribly good girl."
~ Dr. Heidegger's Experiment by Nathaniel Hawthorne
References the Church of England, Puritans, and the Fountain of Youth. Includes the mention of young, burning passion and coquetry.