This class is taught in English.

1. Trace and analyze the elements of authoritarianism and totalitarianism throughout the text.
2. Analyze the novel as an allegory - a critical commentary on the dangers of distorted Socialism and Soviet Communism.
3. Analyze Orwell's use of irony and its effects on the reader throughout the text.
4. Examine the elements of the fable in the text and analyze the advantages of the fable format for conveying social and political criticism.
5. Evaluate and discuss the novel as a critical commentary on the shortcomings and flaws inherent in human nature.
6. Evaluate and explain the role of religion in the text and tie it to the role of religion in the Soviet Union.
7. Analyze the character of Boxer as a symbolic depiction of working classes in the early twentieth-century Soviet Union.
8. Analyze the elements and effects of propaganda.
9. As a result of this class, you will be able to analyze the allegorical significance of characters and events in Animal Farm.
10. Compare and contrast the story with current events in the USA and World Governments.
11. Analyze how the plot and characters of Animal Farm mirrored the events and people of the Russian Revolution

I have had the pleasure of teaching "Animal Farm" in my Social Studies classes for many years, it is one of my most favorite adult fables and has a very important history lesson hidden within it. Not only do students learn in Social Studies, but they learn in Language Arts as well.  

My Teaching Approach:

My journey in education has been enriched by a pursuit of knowledge, including several EDU college credits alongside my undergraduate degrees and a graduate degree in education. Informed by educational theories like constructivism, humanism, realism, idealism, and brain-based learning, I've honed my craft as a high school teacher, embracing the roles of guide, coach, and mentor.

I have adopted a contemporary teaching approach, one thoroughly examined by scholars and supported by compelling statistics. This approach has proven successful in traditional brick-and-mortar schools as well as in virtual educational settings. In my master's and doctoral programs in higher education, it is the cornerstone of our pedagogical philosophy.

In my virtual classroom, I employ a "flipped classroom" model. Here, students engage with assignments prior to our live meetings, where they become the "teachers," sharing their newfound knowledge, interests, and essential insights during the live meetings making it an "open classroom" model too. Students are encouraged to ask questions and make comments, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment. I actively participate by offering additional information to each student's answers in their assignments along with context. I also participate in the live meetings doing the same thing and creating a shared learning experience.

This method aligns with the "open classroom" philosophy, emphasizing a collective journey toward a common goal: learning while having fun. We collectively dissect the assignments, analyze, and arrive at conclusions during our live meetings. Each session concludes with an introduction and guidance for the upcoming week.

As professional educators, we recognize the shift away from lengthy lectures in live meetings, recognizing that students benefit from interaction. We aim to be coaches, guides, and mentors, both individually and for the entire class. Strategic questioning during discussions facilitates meaningful conversations, creating valuable teaching moments.

The courses I offer are academically advanced and accelerated. To succeed, students must cultivate strong time management skills and maintain a high level of motivation. I don't just teach the material through traditional homework, projects, and review quizzes. I also employ videos, instructional materials, and lively discussions during our live meetings. Moreover, I emphasize teaching students how to learn, encouraging independent research and resourcefulness.

When students present questions, I often guide them to explore answers through internet research, promoting critical thinking and resource evaluation. The same approach is applied when reviewing homework, as I ask supplementary questions that go beyond the textbook, encouraging further exploration.

Through these methods, I empower students not only to learn but to understand how to learn as responsible adults. They gain control over their education, a valuable skill if harnessed effectively.

Homework Offered
I want to assure you that the homework assignments may seem extensive at first glance, but they are designed to be manageable, flexible, and adaptable to each student's individual needs and abilities. Your well-being and comfort are paramount in my class, and I'm more than willing to make accommodations as needed to ensure an enjoyable and effective learning experience for each student.

The due dates for homework are intentionally flexible, allowing students to work at their own pace. No student should ever feel stressed or overwhelmed in my class. I understand that every student is unique and may have different capabilities and requirements.

Here's an overview of the homework schedule:

**Week 1: Chapters 1-4:**
- Live Class for an introduction and instruction.
- Read chapters 1-4.
- Complete four short Chapter Assignments.
- Submit one Review Quiz privately to the Teacher for homework.

**Week 2: Chapters 5-7:**
- Live Class for comprehension, discussion, and Q&A.
- Lecture and introduction for the next week's material.
- Read chapters 5-7.
- Complete three Short Chapter Assignments.
- Submit one Small Project privately to the Teacher.
- Submit one Review Quiz privately to the Teacher for homework.

**Week 3: Chapters 8-10:**
- Live Class for comprehension, discussion, and Q&A.
- Lecture and introduction for the next week's material.
- Read chapters 8-10.
- Complete three Short Chapter Assignments.
- Submit one Small Project privately to the Teacher.
- Submit one Review Quiz privately to the Teacher.
- Complete a final project comparing the movie to the book for homework.

**End of Week 3: Extra Meeting**
- Final Live Class for comprehension, discussion, and Q&A.

Additionally, we'll have fun by playing Kahoot games in our live meetings. I'm always available to help and support each student, both during live meetings and every day of the week through private messaging.

Remember, the amount of effort a student invests in the class will determine their level of understanding and engagement. This class may be condensed and slightly accelerated, but I'm flexible with the due dates and the amount of homework assigned. Differentiated instruction and assessment are key here – your student's needs come first. If you find that the schedule doesn't align with your student's abilities or requirements after the first week, please reach out to me via private direct message. We can work together to tailor the class to your student's needs, ensuring they enjoy the learning process without feeling overwhelmed.

Good time management skills and self-motivation are valuable in this class, as most of the work is self-study. Learning to create a schedule and practice time management will be beneficial. Rest assured that I'm here to provide support, answer questions, offer guidance, and even arrange private one-on-one live video meetings when necessary. Your success and enjoyment are my top priorities.
2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Even though I don't rely on standard assessments, tests, or quizzes, my approach is more akin to a "portfolio" system. I assess students on a weekly basis, taking into consideration the following criteria:

1. Participation in our live video meetings, held once a week.

2. Active engagement with the weekly assignments, along with their responsiveness to my feedback on their answers.

3. Thoroughness and dedication demonstrated in their work and research on the weekly projects (if assigned), as well as their responsiveness to my comments on their project.

4. Overall engagement in the class as a whole.

It's important to note that these assessments are tailored to each student's unique needs, abilities, challenges, and issues. Just as instruction is personalized, assessments are also individualized and crucial for the progress of each student.

Let's collaborate to foster a positive and enriching learning experience for your teen. If you have any concerns or suggestions, feel free to share them with me via a private message through your Outschool Parent Account at any time throughout the course! Together, we can ensure a supportive and conducive environment for your teen's education.
Grades Offered
We don't necessarily need to view high school in terms of a full year, long semesters, or any specific timeframe. This rigid approach often results in a lot of time being wasted. Instead, let's consider it in terms of grade levels and credits. Keep in mind that high school credit is earned based on the amount of work and knowledge gained, not on weeks, or months. By adopting this perspective, we can help our teenage learners progress more efficiently.

It's essential to remember that while you have the freedom and flexibility to structure your homeschooling, you still need to adhere to your state's home education laws. Legally, parents are recognized as teachers by the Department of Education. However, within these guidelines, you have room for customization.

I can issue a certificate of completion for this class along with a letter grade and one credit. You can easily copy, paste, and print the weekly schedule from the Class Description or Learning Outcomes sections to showcase your teenager's progress. As the class nears its end, simply send me a private message through your Outschool Parent Account to request the certificate of completion by the third day after our final meeting if you wish to have one.

I refrain from providing grades during the class, but I encourage you to reach out privately for updates on your teen's progress as frequently as you'd like. I value and welcome ongoing parent engagement throughout the entire course. The cumulative grade at the conclusion of the class is determined by considering the following factors:

1. Participation in our once-weekly live video meetings.

2. Active engagement with the weekly assignment combinations and their responsiveness to my feedback on their answers.

3. Thoroughness and dedication demonstrated in their work and research on the weekly project (if assigned), as well as their responsiveness to my comments on their project.

4. Overall engagement in the class as a whole.

Feel free to connect with me at any time if you have questions or if you would like an update on your teen's academic journey. I believe that open communication is key to fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

The certificate of completion will include the student's first name, "Outschool," the course name, the course's end date, my full name and title as the Outschool teacher, 0.5 credit (per certificate), and a final letter grade ranging from A to D-. It's worth noting that I don't fail any students, as I believe that everyone, regardless of their level of involvement, gains valuable knowledge from the class. It's important to note that these assessments are tailored to each student's unique needs, abilities, challenges, and issues. Just as instruction is personalized, assessments are also individualized and crucial for the progress of each student.

A = Excellent
B = Great
C = Satisfactory
D = Needs Improvement

Let's work together to create a positive and enriching learning experience for your teen.

I support unique learning needs by incorporating various teaching methods, offer flexible assignments, flexible due dates, additional resources, & fostering an inclusive environment. I also communicate regularly with students & parents.

This class requires very good time management skills and self-motivation to complete most of the coursework independently. While students work flexibly on their assignments, I'm always available through private messages.