Exploring History Through Literature and Writing
This course tackles the challenge of making history and literature feel distant or dull, bringing them vividly to life. Through readings, creative projects, and powerful writing, you’ll uncover the connections between the past and present!
Daysha Rae, M.Ed
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(557)
Popular
Star Educator
What's included
12 pre-recorded lessons
12 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentAssignments
1 hour per week. Learners will be given enrichment activities to do each week in addition to a small writing and research project near the end of the course.Letter Grade
If a parent requests a formal grade report, I will create an assessment for them based on the lessons taught and enrichments completed. Just remember to ask!Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Welcome to Exploring History Through Literature and Writing! 🌟 Explore a Variety of Writing Styles! Learners will engage in: -Creative responses like found poetry -Analytical tasks such as photo and text analysis -Short essay responses with a focus on crafting clear, concise arguments -A culminating research-based mini-essay project This course is designed to develop versatile writing skills while fostering critical thinking and creativity! 💡 Why Take This Course? Through literature and various mediums, we gain insight into how people overcame challenges and triumphed. My teaching style—“I do,” “We do,” “You do”—has proven effective for learners of all abilities. This course is designed to: -Build reading comprehension and critical analysis skills. -Explore universal themes and text structures. -Use primary sources, non-fiction, fiction, music, and video clips to tell historical stories. -Enhance learners’ writing skills 📝 Course Goals Learners will: -Gain an understanding of historical time periods through multiple mediums. -Analyze texts using text-to-world, text-to-self, and text-to-text connections. -Build confidence in writing and analyzing through guided tasks. -Complete a final research-based mini-essay project focusing on their historical era of choice. 📋Course Outline (check out the syllabus for details!) 💻THIS IS A SELF-PACED CLASS Each lesson contains 1-2 video lessons, handouts, and a variety of enrichment opportunities. While not mandatory, if learners turn in enrichments, I will review them and provide feedback on Fridays/Sundays for up to 12 weeks. What Sets This Course Apart? -A mix of historical exploration and skill-building in reading and writing -Respect for all perspectives and open-minded discussions -Extensive, personalized feedback both in class and on assignments 🖋️ Join me for an engaging journey through history, literature, and writing!
Learning Goals
Learners will improve their reading, critical thinking, analysis, and writing skills.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum12 Lessons
over 12 WeeksLesson 1:
The Civil War
We will be exploring the Civil War era with Ambrose Bierce’s short story "A Horseman in the Sky." This powerful tale highlights themes of duty, sacrifice, and the human cost of war. Learners will analyze Bierce’s use of imagery and tone to depict the complexity of choices during wartime. Lesson 2:
The Civil War
We will continue exploring the Civil War era by examining primary source letters and excerpts from Abraham Lincoln’s iconic speeches, including the Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address. These texts provide insight into the themes of unity, sacrifice, and freedom. Learners will create a Found Poem to capture the emotional depth and historical significance of this pivotal time. Lesson 3:
The Progressive Era in Poetry and Prose
In this lesson, we willexplore the Progressive Era through the lens of two iconic poems: Walt Whitman’s “I Hear America Singing” and Langston Hughes’s “I, Too.” You’ll examine how Hughes responds to Whitman’s optimistic portrayal of America, analyze their use of poetic techniques like cataloging and metaphor, and reflect on the contrasting tones and perspectives of the two works. Through this activity, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and social dynamics of the Progressive Era. Lesson 4:
Voices of Change—A Seat at the Table
Building on our exploration of the Progressive Era, learners will engage in the A Seat at the Table activity. By comparing Langston Hughes’ "I, Too" and Walt Whitman’s "I Hear America Singing," they will reflect on inclusion, equity, and the metaphor of “a seat at the table.” Learners will respond to guided questions and discuss the societal impact of these themes. Other Details
Parental Guidance
I recognize that discussions about Emmett Till’s story and legacy can evoke strong emotions. To ensure a safe and respectful learning environment, I will:
1. Begin the lesson by setting ground rules for discussion, emphasizing respect, empathy, and active listening.
2. Acknowledge the emotional nature of the topic and encourage students to express their feelings thoughtfully while respecting others.
3. Provide learners with options for how they wish to engage, such as written reflections instead of verbal participation, if they are more comfortable.
4. Redirect any unsolicited or overly emotional comments by acknowledging the sentiment and gently refocusing on the lesson objectives.
5. Encourage learners to share their thoughts or emotions privately after class if they feel overwhelmed, and offer guidance or resources for further support.
This approach ensures a structured and supportive environment while allowing for meaningful engagement with sensitive material.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Primary Sources:
“The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus
“Second Inaugural Address” and the "Gettysburg Address" by Abraham Lincoln
short historical fiction stories and poems
Mamie Till-Mobley’s statements and the photograph at the train station
Letters and memoirs from Civil Rights leaders
Protest songs and lyrics from the Vietnam War era (e.g., “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel, “Fortunate Son” by CCR)
Secondary Sources:
PBS American Experience documentaries
The materials are chosen to represent diverse views and provide balanced historical context.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
557reviews
Popular
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
North Dakota Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
5 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from College of St. Scholastica
Bachelor's Degree in Music from Jamestown College
Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from Jamestown College
Bachelor's Degree in Finance from Jamestown College
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from Jamestown College
I have been teaching literature and writing to teens for over 25 years. I hold Bachelor’s Degrees in English, Writing, and Secondary Education, as well as a current teaching license. In 2005, I earned a Master’s Degree in Education and continue to take professional development courses annually to refine my teaching practices and stay current with educational trends and new teaching methods. Alongside my work with pre-teens and teens, I am also an English professor at the university level, where I teach writing and literature courses.
During my 21 years as a high school English teacher, I was proud to help our sophomore students consistently achieve the highest reading and writing scores in the state. My teaching approach focuses on building a strong foundation by breaking the writing process into small, manageable steps. I am super patient and encouraging with my feedback and guidance, ensuring students feel supported and confident as they grow in their writing abilities.
My courses are designed to accommodate all types of learners and abilities, providing a supportive environment where every learner can thrive!Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$16
weekly or $190 for all content12 pre-recorded lessons
12 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
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Ages: 12-17
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