Book Club: The Dark and Twisted Gothic Tales of Edgar Allan Poe
Class experience
US Grade 5 - 8
In this self-paced class students will read stories by author Edgar Allan Poe. Like the fairy tales of our childhood, his short stories provide morals for society—morals cloaked in murder and mystery. Students will receive a PDF version of the story of the week, plus a brief video providing comments on historical events and the themes the author explores in his writing. Students who wish to receive feedback on their written work, may post their essay to the Outschool classroom on Fridays....
5 lessons//4 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1The Tell-Tale HeartThis week learners will read Poe's, "The Tell-Tale Heart." In addition to having access to a PDF version of the story, learners will receive a short video (6 minutes) that comments on the author's life and the time period in which the story was published. The lesson is accompanied with a writing prompt (PDF) and a series of questions to think about (designed to develop reading comprehension and analysis skills).Week 2Lesson 2The Black CatThis week learners will read Poe's, "The Black Cat." In addition to having access to a PDF version of the story, learners will receive a short video (approximately 13 minutes) that comments on some literary devices used by writers and practices in the justice system from the time period in which the story was published. The lesson is accompanied with a writing prompt (PDF) and a series of questions to think about (designed to develop reading comprehension and analysis skills).Week 3Lesson 3The Fall of the House of UsherThis week learners will read Poe's, "The Fall of the House of Usher." In addition to having access to a PDF version of the story, learners will receive a short video (approximately 13 minutes) that comments on one of the literary devices used in the work and common American social expectations during the story's time period. The lesson is accompanied with a writing prompt (PDF) and a series of questions to think about (designed to develop reading comprehension and analysis skills).Week 4Lesson 4The Pit and the PendulumThis week learners will read Poe's, "The Pit and the Pendulum." In addition to having access to a PDF version of the story, learners will receive a short video (approximately 13 minutes) that comments on historical events that influenced the story. The lesson is accompanied by a writing prompt (PDF) and a series of questions to think about (designed to develop reading comprehension and analysis skills).Lesson 5Final Commentary on The Pit and the Pendulum and on other Poe worksThis bonus video provides learners with commentary on, "The Pit and the Pendulum." In addition learners will receive a short video (approximately 10 minutes) that comments on the literary devices used in the story. The lesson is accompanied by a writing prompt (PDF), a PDF version of "The Raven," a safelink to a YouTube clip of an animated version of "The Raven," and a PDF listing some recommended Gothic Literature.
- Improving reading comprehension skills - Improve Critical Thinking Skills - Improved Ability to Analyze Text - Describe How a Story's Plot Unfolds - Develop an Understanding of Others Perspectives - Produce Clear and Coherent written response
Ms. Rae has over 8 years of experience teaching creative writing to Middle School students. She has been teaching ESL learners online for 6 years. "I love reading but as technology increases it's easy to forget the joy that a good book can provide. Growing up with a passion for old literature (probably the only 8th Grader in my school reading Agatha Christie novels for fun) I still find it hard to connect with many of today's fictional best sellers. As a professional actress and dancer, it is common for artist to revisit old works looking for new meanings. I have always felt that anyone who hates either dance or reading simply hasn't found the right fit yet. There are tons of different types of non-fiction books and I look forward to exploring this author with you."
Homework Offered
Students are required to finish a literary analysis each week in addition to reading one short story a week.0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Grades Offered
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Students under age 11 are welcome to attend but by registering for this class it is understood that the student is mature enough to discuss the subject matter of the stories being provided. The subject matter of the short stories are dark in theme (murder, deceit, alcohol consumption by adults) and it is understood that participants are mature enough to read this type of fiction. This class uses Google Docs. No special account is required to use this tool. If your family does not have access to Google Docs please email us prior to registration so that we can remit the assignment using alternate methods.
A pdf copy of each story will be made available for students.
Choreography by Rae has been creating self-confidence boosting programming since 2015. We're more than just movement. Academic and Life Skills: - Creative Writing - Essay Writing - Tutoring - Decluttering & Organization - Storytime Coding &...
Self-Paced Class
$12
weekly or $45 for all content5 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher feedback
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 1 learner
Ages: 11-16