Classical Middle Grades Literature and Writing-King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table by R. Green
In this semester-long multi-day literature class, learners will discuss, analyze, and write about King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table, by R. Green. This class is suitable for strong 6th, 7th, and 8th grade readers.
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What's included
32 live meetings
24 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Outside reading is required for this class. A chapter will be covered in most class periods. Comprehension questions will also be completed. There are several quizzes to be completed at home. Three writing pieces (expository, persuasive, and fantasy narrative) will be completed. There will be other enrichment activities to deepen understanding of the story, most of which will involve writing. Depending on how swiftly a student works, the outside work should be completed by most students in 1-1.5 hours for each class meeting.Assessment
A letter grade can be assigned if desiredGrading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
If you like adventure and quality, classic literature, this class is for you! We will be doing an in-depth, chapter-by-chapter reading of King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table outside of class and analyzing the story together in class. Some portions of the chapter will be re-read aloud in class to practice fluency and dramatic expression. Discussion is such an important part of connecting to a story and interactive, teacher-led discussion and dissection of story and writing elements will be the focuses of this class. We will also be reviewing key vocabulary and comprehension questions for each chapter. This advanced literature class is intended to be the bulk of your child's literature and writing instruction for the semester. Students will be writing well-constructed answers to comprehension questions and will also have additional assignments that involve creative, expository, and persuasive writing. I am delighted to meet with students for extra, one-on-one editing sessions after a writing piece is completed. There will be optional enrichment activities offered for students that enjoy more extension. I will use slideshow presentations and other apps (like Kahoot!) within class to facilitate meaningful discussion and review. Students will be expected to read the assigned chapter before class, as well as complete the comprehension questions outside of class. Any question that your child is confused about can be saved to discuss during class. We are in this to learn together! The vocabulary and key words to know for the next chapter will be covered at the end of class in preparation for reading and answering the questions for the next class. Most weeks, two chapters will be covered with quizzes and a final test given throughout the semester. This schedule will change somewhat based on learner needs and extra activities for extension based on pacing but should stay fairly close to this plan: Week 1: Class Introductions Introduce context for time period and family tree Discuss Book 1, Chapter 1 (review vocabulary, comprehension questions, and quotations) Assign roles and dramatically read part of the chapter Discuss the historical accuracy of King Arthur with evidence Summarize Arthur and Merlin's relationship Week 2: Discuss Book1, Chapters 2 and 3 (review vocabulary, comprehension questions, and quotations) Discuss knights and chivalry Practice making an outline Begin brainstorming for research project Week 3: Discuss Book1, Chapter 4 (review vocabulary, comprehension questions, and quotations) Discuss examples of the chivalrous code with characters Begin character webs Begin research project and characteristics of expository writing Week 4: Do Review for Quiz #1 and Discuss Book 2, Chapter 1 (review vocabulary, comprehension questions, and quotations) Research about medieval castles and draw picture Discuss credible sources and how to cite sources QUIZ at home Week 5: Discuss Book 2, Chapters 2 and 3 (review vocabulary, comprehension questions, and quotations) Paragraph about Gareth Discuss common characteristics of "romances" in literature Share expository research paper/project Week 6: Discuss Book 2, Chapter 4 (review vocabulary, comprehension questions, and quotations) and do Review for Quiz #2 Discuss and write a persuasive paragraph about Tristram and Iseult Discuss connections between chapter 4 and other stories/myths QUIZ at home Week 7: Discuss Book 2, Chapter 5 (review vocabulary, comprehension questions, and quotations) Discuss jousting Begin discussing argumentive writing techniques and begin planning paper topic Week 8: Discuss Book 2, Chapter 6 and 7(review vocabulary, comprehension questions, and quotations) Begin work on creative writing adventure story-share in next class for guessing the object game Dramatically read the poem "The Wooing of Sir Keith" Discuss medieval weapons Continue work on argument paper Week 9: Discuss Book 2, Chapter 8 (review vocabulary, comprehension questions, and quotations) and do Review for Quiz #3 Discuss honor and write persuasive paragraph about why (or why not) it is important to knights Edit paper QUIZ at home Week 10: Discuss Book 3, Chapters 1 and 2/3 (review vocabulary, comprehension questions, and quotations) Discuss the Holy Grail Practice with true and false statements from the book Discuss honor and the easy/hard path Finalize argument paper Week 11: Discuss Book 3, Chapters 4/5 and 6/7 (review vocabulary, comprehension questions, and quotations) Compare Naciens and Merlin Discuss the value of the quest for the grail using persuasive techniques Share argument papers Week 12: Do Review for Quiz #4 Begin discussing short story techniques Begin brainstorming for narrative Orally summarize main ideas of the novel so far Update character webs with new information Week 13: Discuss Book 4, Chapter 1 (review vocabulary, comprehension questions, and quotations) Continue writing story story Compare the actions and responses of Lancelot and Arthur Practice choosing descriptive and precise language in writing Practice editing for word choice Week 14: Discuss Book 4, Chapter 2 (review vocabulary, comprehension questions, and quotations) Analyze Arthur's decisions and state of power Edit short story Week 15: Discuss Book 4, Chapter 3 and do Review for Quiz #5 Take Quiz at home Analyze what Arthurian legends are factual history and what are fantasy Re-read favorite parts of the book Share final short stories Grammar review games Week 16: Flexible week for extension or catch up
Learning Goals
Key Ideas and Details:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.1
Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.2
Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3
Describe how a particular story's or drama's plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.
Craft and Structure:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.5
Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.6
Explain how an author develops the point of view of the narrator or speaker in a text.
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.A
Introduce claim(s) and organize the reasons and evidence clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.B
Support claim(s) with clear reasons and relevant evidence, using credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.C
Use words, phrases, and clauses to clarify the relationships among claim(s) and reasons.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.D
Establish and maintain a formal style.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.E
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from the argument presented.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.A
Introduce a topic; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.B
Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.C
Use appropriate transitions to clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.D
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.E
Establish and maintain a formal style.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.F
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from the information or explanation presented.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3.A
Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3.B
Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3.C
Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence and signal shifts from one time frame or setting to another.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3.D
Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to convey experiences and events.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3.E
Provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events.
Production and Distribution of Writing:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.4
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1-3 above.)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.5
With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1-3 up to and including grade 6 here.)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.6
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of three pages in a single sitting.
Research to Build and Present Knowledge:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.8
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
Range of Writing:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.10
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This book has considerable Middle Ages-related violence using weapons like swords.
Supply List
**A personal copy of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table by Roger Green is required. Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Arthur-Knights-Round-Puffin-Classics/dp/0141321016/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=king+arthur+and+his+knights+of+the+round+table&qid=1603774637&sr=8-3 **A copy of the Student Literature Guide is required and can be purchased from https://charter.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/king-arthur-student-guide/.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
- Kahoot!
Joined August, 2020
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Teacher expertise and credentials
1 teacher has a teaching certificate
Kentucky Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
3 teachers have a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Education from Indiana University
Master's Degree in Education from Western Kentucky University
Master's Degree in Education from University of the Cumberlands
3 teachers have a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Indiana University
Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Western Kentucky University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from The Master's University
It will not be the focus of our discussion and I will not be dwelling on it at all but this book does involve infidelity between two of the characters in the story. There is also time-period related violence frequently involving Middle Age weapons.
I am a certified teacher who has 7 years of experience in the classroom, both in public school and in a classical school. I have 6 years of experience homeschooling. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Library Media Science EducationReviews
Live Group Class
$395
for 32 classes2x per week, 16 weeks
45 min
Completed by 8 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
3-8 learners per class
