Full English Language Arts Unit Over Classic Novel to Kill a Mockingbird by Lee

👋 WELCOME 😁 
If this is your first class with me, use this coupon code: VANCEFIRSTCLASS10

CLASS SYNOPSIS
7th, 8th, and 9th grade students will enjoy the fall season by studying this classic book by Harper Lee through analysis, discussion, nonfiction texts, short response, and an essay.

OVERVIEW
     • Students will read 4 to 5 chapters prior to each class (besides the first)
     • Students will learn both the biographical information of the author and the literary period in which they wrote
     • The class will engage in discussions revolving around instructor prompts/questions
     • Additional text-related nonfiction articles will be assigned to students throughout the course that will sharpen their understanding of concepts being discussed
     • Two short-response writing assignments assignments
     • One Analytical Essay will be assigned and developed throughout the course

GRADING SCALE:
    • Class Participation: 25%
    • Reflective writing exercises (average): 25%
    • Analytical Essay: 50%

 TEACHING STYLE
    • I want my students to discuss, interact, and learn from each other! Every chance I get,  I will encourage them to respond to others ideas
    • I hope to facilitate conversation, protect think-time, and pose questions that provoke deeper thought based on the central text. 
    • I hope that students feel as welcomed to think as they are challenged in their thinking. 
    • While I will challenge students to think deeply, their perspective will always be encouraged and celebrated.  
    • I love interacting with my students!  I will be apart of the conversation as well 😁
    • Lecture-style lessons will be taught to ensure all students comprehend concepts and themes
    • Tied to all of my literature courses is an exclusive private tutoring session on Fridays for only $10. When students sign up the course, they will be given a link to that session that they can attend when needed for homework help and instructor-guidance on papers and reading
    • The idea of providing a grade and then moving on is not my style.  If a student is willing to persevere, I want to keep working with them until the learning goals have been achieved
    •  If you need more in-depth guidance on the assignments, I offer exclusive (to my literature courses) private tutoring session on Fridays for only $10! (please reach out for more details)

CONTENT
    • To Kill a Mockingbird provides several opportunities for rich analytical discussion
    • Literary element instruction (as opportunity presents itself from the text)
    • In order to develop a well-rounded analysis of the novel, students will be instructed on the biographical information of the author (Harper Lee), as well as the historical setting in which the novel was written in (American Southern Gothic).  Students will create connections between this information, and the content of the novel throughout the course. 
    • Class discussion will revolve around the following novel-centered themes:
        ‣ Childhood
        ‣ Growing up
        ‣ Racism, classism, gender
        ‣ Empathy
        ‣ Courage
        ‣ Justice
        ‣ Social Expectations