Homeschool English Language Arts, Contemporary Classics Section 2
Middle and high school students build strong ELA skills through rich literature, meaningful writing, and engaging projects. Includes novels, short stories, and poetry while growing in critical thinking, analysis, and communication.
Martha Jackson, English Language Arts and Writing
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What's included
8 live meetings
6 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Each week, students will receive clear and manageable assignments to complete at home. The workload can be adapted to fit your family's unique homeschooling style and the student’s learning needs. Expect about 75-100 pages of reading each week, along with optional activities like free-writing prompts. For families using this as part of a full curriculum, students will typically spend 2-3 hours per week on assignments, though some may complete it in 1-2 hours. Since students' abilities and working speeds vary, the time spent on assignments will differ for each learner.Assessment
Throughout the course, students will be informally assessed through class discussions, which helps me adjust the content to better meet their needs. For projects, a grading rubric will be provided, and parents can choose to grade projects themselves, have me provide the grade, or opt out of grading entirely. Regardless of the grading option, all students will receive personalized video feedback on their projects. For families incorporating this class into their broader ELA curriculum, you'll have multiple pieces of student work for your portfolio. If you need any additional documentation to meet your homeschool requirements, please don’t hesitate to reach out.Letter Grade
Parents and students can choose to receive formal grades for both individual projects and the class as a whole. For families maintaining a homeschool portfolio, there will be several pieces of work available to include. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 9
🌍 CONTEMPORARY CLASSICS, SECTION 2 A Middle and High School Language Arts Class for Grades 7–9 📘 A FLEXIBLE, LITERATURE-RICH CLASS As a homeschooling parent, you want your student to grow in reading, writing, and critical thinking. But it can be tough to find a course that checks all the boxes—meaningful literature, engaging discussion, structured assignments, and the flexibility your family needs. This 8-week class was designed for just that. It blends thoughtful discussion, creative projects, and essential writing practice—all while exploring modern stories with lasting impact. This is Section 2 of a 4-part series, but can be taken as a stand-alone course. Section 1 is not a prerequisite. -------------------------------------------- 📖 WHY CONTEMPORARY CLASSICS? What makes a book a classic? In this class, students will read modern works that carry the depth, literary quality, and emotional resonance often found in older classics. As we read, we’ll explore what gives a story lasting power—and how these newer works might stand the test of time. Students will meet weekly to discuss the assigned reading, dig into big ideas, and practice literary analysis in a supportive environment. Class time will include student-led questions, collaborative discussion, and focused instruction to support that week’s reading or writing assignment. Students will complete two creative projects and regular written responses over the course of the class. For a full breakdown of readings and assignments, please see the Syllabus tab. -------------------------------------------- 📚 HOW ASSIGNMENTS WORK Each week, students will receive a checklist with reading, writing, and reinforcement work. Assignments are flexible so families can adapt them to individual needs and learning styles. Expectations are clearly marked so students and parents know what is required for full participation—and what is optional or parent-guided. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for tracking their work using the checklist. Optional grading is available upon request. -------------------------------------------- 🎓 HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT OPTION This course can be used as part of a full year of English Language Arts for grades 7–9. When combined with the other sections in this series, it meets the standard workload for English 1 (Grade 9) credit in many regions. Please check with your local homeschool requirements if you’re pursuing formal credit. -------------------------------------------- 📂 HOMESCHOOL RECORDS & PORTFOLIOS This class includes a wide range of assignments, writing samples, and creative projects that can be used for homeschool documentation. Whether you're maintaining a portfolio, tracking progress for your records, or working toward formal credit, you'll have everything you need. Formal grades and feedback are available upon request. -------------------------------------------- 🧑🏫 WHO THIS CLASS IS FOR This course is ideal for students in grades 7–9 who are reading and writing at or near grade level. Students should have completed grade 6 Language Arts (or equivalent). Independent learners will thrive in this class, but students who need more support at home can also be successful. Reading and writing levels do not affect a student’s ability to participate during live meetings. -------------------------------------------- 📘 RELATED SECTIONS IN THIS SERIES When combined, these classes create a full year of curriculum. All sections are offered on the same days and times for easier scheduling. Contemporary Classics 1: Poetry and Literary Analysis Essay https://outschool.com/classes/homeschool-ela-contemporary-classics-1-poetry-and-literary-analysis-ocyxKtrQ Contemporary Classics 3 https://outschool.com/classes/homeschool-english-language-arts-contemporary-classics-section-3-0eNYu1z9 Contemporary Classics 4 https://outschool.com/classes/homeschool-english-language-arts-contemporary-classics-section-4-08ZxEdz9 -------------------------------------------- 🔁 REFUND POLICY I understand that plans change. If you need to withdraw up to 10 days before class begins, I’ll gladly issue a full refund. Just send me a message and I’ll take care of it.
Learning Goals
Students will learn to ask thoughtful, open-ended questions about the texts they read.Students will learn to analyze how and why authors use literary elements like theme, conflict, and symbolism.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Poetry Discussion, course intro
Poetry Discussion, "The Drone" by Clint Smith, course introduction 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera (winner of the 2022 Newberry Award)
TLC discussion; character development, cause and effect; Body Biography project introduction 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
The Last Cuentista
TLC discussion; dystopian literature elements 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
The Last Cuentista
TLC discussion; dystopian literature elements 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
This class is designed to be flexible and supportive, offering scaffolded assignments adaptable to a range of learning needs. Students with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism have thrived here. Reach out with any questions—I’m here to help!
Parental Guidance
The reading selections for this class are typically found on reading lists for learners ages 12-15. Since each family may have different preferences for what is appropriate, please review the following:
"The Last Cuentista" is a dystopian science fiction novel about Earth’s destruction and the survivors’ journey to a new planet. The story follows Petra Peña, a 14-year-old who wakes up from suspended animation to find that a group called the Collective is erasing history. The book contains no graphic content—there is no explicit language or sex, and drug use is limited to references to “tonics” that may or may not be intoxicating. Violence happens off-screen, such as when characters are removed from the spaceship’s life-support systems. For more details, read the full review on Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-last-cuentista
Throughout the class, we will discuss these works while affirming the value of all humanity, regardless of background, religion, gender, or other differences. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to reach out to me.
Pre-Requisites
This class is designed for students at a 7th to 9th grade level, so they should have completed at least 6th grade ELA material in any program. If you have any questions about your child’s readiness, feel free to message me!
Supply List
Students will need "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera, "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin, and "Flying Lessons and Other Stories" (short story anthology-- this book will be used for sections 2,3, and 4 of this series). Books can be purchased new, used, or borrowed from your local library. Parents also need a *free* account with Teachers Pay Teachers to download and print *free* resources from that site for their learners. All other material will be common household and school supplies, or PDFs sent in the classroom.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Main literary selections are:
"The Drone" by Clint Smith (PDF provided) (poetry)
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera (winner of the 2022 Newberry Award) (dystopian science fiction novel)
Bomb by Steve Sheinkin (National Book Award finalist 2012) (nonfiction novel)
"Flying Lessons and Other Stories" edited by Ellen Oh (for "How to Transform an Everyday, Ordinary Hoop Court into a Place of Higher Learning and You at the Podium" by Matt de la Pena. Selections from this book will also be read and discussed in other sections of this course.)
Joined February, 2021
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in English from University of Mississippi
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English and previously held a Professional Teaching Certificate in Florida for teaching English Language Arts to grades 6-12. Over the years, I have taught middle and high school students both in public schools and in homeschool settings. My experience includes teaching complex novels like The Giver, Lord of the Flies, Night, and A Long Walk to Water—works that tackle challenging themes. I’m well-versed in guiding students through sensitive topics and fostering thoughtful discussions. In this class, we will affirm the value of all humanity, regardless of background, and engage in meaningful conversations around the literature we explore.Reviews
Live Group Course
$136
for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
50 min
Completed by 64 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-15
4-9 learners per class
