English by the Books: "The Penderwicks" Book Club - Grammar & Literary Elements

Students will learn to not only enjoy a story but also to appreciate the author's use of literary elements, writing mechanics, and mastery of English grammar.  In order to write well, you have to read great writing.  The overall goal of this class is for students to read with joy and wonder while gaining English language tools to improve their own writing craft.

I'm a lifelong reader and self-professed bibliophile.  My teaching style is classical in nature and literature based.  I have been homeschooling my own children and teaching other homeschool students for 8 years with Socratic seminar steeped in living books.  I believe reading great books leads to producing great thinkers and writers who can better communicate their ideas.  I have led many themed book club groups for children over the years.  I've also taught English grammar until I started diagramming sentences in my sleep.  But, I've found the most impactful study of the English language combines reading great books and studying great writing.

Weekly homework assignments include assigned chapter reading (3 chapters a week) and a fun extension activity.  The reading will take 1-2 hours per week depending on the reader's abilities.  The chapter reading will be discussed in class so please write down any questions or thoughts you want to share in class.  All extension activities will take approximately 30 minutes or less per week and will be shared verbally with the class.  Total time commitment: approximately 1.5 - 2.5 hours outside of class per week.

All students will receive verbal feedback in class and written feedback at the conclusion of the course regarding improvements and suggestions for continued learning.

55 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 0 - 1 hours per week outside of class.