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Homeschool High School Literature Year 2: Engaging ELA Novel Study for Teens

Completed by 14 learners
Ages 14-18
Live Group Course
Next book starts week of January 27th! Join this engaging English Language Arts course, where we read classic novels and discuss them in Socratic seminars. Graded projects & essays enhance critical thinking and writing skills.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(37 reviews)

Live video meetings
1x per week, 33 weeks
3-10 learners per class
50 min

What's included

33 live meetings
27 hrs 30 mins in-class hours
Homework
2-4 hours per week. Learners will be asked to read roughly 1/4 of a novel per week. Exact page numbers will depend on the novel. For each novel, there will be workbook pages or discussion questions provided that act as a reading companion. I do not grade this work.
Assessment
For each unit (2 novels thematically linked), I provide optional project and essay prompts. Learners can complete an essay or a project to submit for feedback. Essays and projects will be submitted via Google Classroom.
Letter Grade
If students submit an essay or a project, I will provide a rubric with a final letter grade, as well as comments within the essay or project itself.
Progress Report
I am always available and happy to work with caregivers to ensure that their learner's specific needs are met. If you wish to touch base with me about your learner, or discuss something in particular, don't hesitate to reach out and I will provide feedback.
Certificate of Completion
At the end of the semester (December) or the course (May), learners can request a final grade report. Learners must be enrolled in the class for at least four novels (two units), and must have submitted at least two essays and/or projects to qualify. I am unable to accurately assess a student's performance otherwise. Grades will be an average of: class participation, in-class writing, and essay/project grades, weighted evenly. Grade reports will include a written report as well as letter/number grades.

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12
Intermediate Level
NEXT BOOK STARTS WEEK OF JANUARY 27th - ENROLL NOW! NOTE SYLLABUS CHANGE BELOW.
Hello, future book lovers (or seasoned readers)! 📚 Welcome to my Year 2 High School Classics Book Club! 

In this class, we read, discuss, collaborate, and (most importantly) enjoy great books and each other!

🌟Why Take This Course?🌟

This class is perfect for learners who want to: 

✅ Develop a richer appreciation for classic literature

✅ Enhance their speaking abilities through discussions

✅ Refine their analytical writing with literary analysis

✅ Prepare for AP Literature and upcoming college classes

✅ Follow a complete homeschool language arts curriculum



🌟Additional Course Benefits🌟

This class will help learners:

✅ Enhance critical thinking skills:

Learners develop the ability to analyze and interpret complex texts, fostering skills applicable in various subjects.


✅ Learn collaboratively: 

Learners engage with peers in meaningful discussions, promoting teamwork and social interaction.


✅ Develop a growth mindset: 

Navigating challenging literature encourages resilience and a growth mindset among learners.


✅ Improve writing skills: 

Feedback on writing assignments helps students express their thoughts clearly and effectively.


✅ Prepare for college-level courses: 

Exposure to classic literature prepares learners for the demands of college-level courses.

🌟Who Should Enroll?🌟

This course is suitable for: 

✅ Teens passionate about reading and discussing literature
✅ Teens who want to boost their confidence in reading and writing

✅ Homeschoolers needing a full-year high school English course
✅ AP Literature learners seeking additional support

✅ Aspiring English majors

✅ ESL/ELL learners wanting advanced reading instruction from a TESOL-certified teacher

✅ Neurodivergent learners seeking a nurturing and inclusive environment

🌟Course Overview🌟

This enjoyable yet challenging course creates a supportive environment for learners to explore classic novels, participate in Socratic seminars, and improve their literary analysis abilities.

Each week, we’ll examine key literary components such as: 
• Themes, motifs, and symbols

• Character development

• Literary devices and techniques

• Cultural and historical context

While discussions are central, I also provide direct instruction for more complex texts to ensure every learner can engage with and enjoy the material.

I believe every learner can appreciate and enjoy even the toughest reads with a little encouragement!

🌟Curriculum Overview🌟

The course comprises four thematic units, each featuring two novels. We’ll dedicate four weeks to each novel, with optional graded essays or projects for those seeking feedback.

🌟Class Format🌟

• Warm-up Discussion (~10 min): Share initial thoughts on the reading.

• Analytic Writing (~10 min): Write responses to literary prompts to deepen comprehension.

• In-Depth Discussion (~25-30 min): Explore themes, characters, and questions.

• Closing Activity (~3 min): Reflect on key insights or predictions.

🌟Materials & Assignments🌟

I provide weekly materials and optional essays or projects for feedback. Learners preparing for AP Literature will also have access to AP-style prompts.

🌟Teaching Approach🌟

Using a blend of Socratic questioning and direct instruction, I guide learners through complex texts. My aim is to cultivate critical thinking and thorough literary analysis in a supportive, inclusive environment.

🌟Inclusivity & Content Note🌟

This course discusses sensitive themes found in classic literature. Please review the reading list to decide if the material is appropriate for your learner.

I strive to create a fully inclusive classroom for today’s teens. I welcome neurodivergent learners and those with unique learning or social needs. When new learners join, I encourage introductions and offer the option to share preferred pronouns.

🌟About the Teacher🌟

I’m Meg Connolly, a certified teacher with 11 years of experience in ELA and special education. My passion lies in creating a welcoming environment where all learners can engage with literature and enhance their skills.

Ready to embark on this literary journey? Let’s dive into some incredible books together!

---
Syllabus Change for Unit 3: Dark Futures - Dystopian Literature. 

We'll be reading one novel and two shorter novellas for this unit. 

Here's the reading schedule for the unit: 

Book 5:  Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

1.  January 27 - February 2nd: Chapters 1 through 13

2.  February 3 - February 9: Chapters 14 through 26

3.  February 10 - February 16: Chapters 27 through 37

4.  February 17 - February 23: Chapters 38 through "Historical Notes" (END)

Book 6: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

5. February 24 - March 2: Part 1 (exact chapters TBD)

6. March 3 - March 9: Part 2 (exact chapters TBD)

Book 7: We by by Yevgeny Zamyatin

7.  March 10 - March 16: Part 1 (exact chapters TBD)

8. March 17 - March 23: Part 2 (exact chapters TBD)

Learning Goals

Learners will analyze how an author's choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it and manipulate time contribute to the overall meaning and tone of the text (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.5)
Learners will cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1)

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
4 Units
33 Lessons
over 33 Weeks
Unit 1: Ties That Bind: Latin American Literature
Lesson 1:
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
 - Introduction to One Hundred Years of Solitude
- Discussion on the first part of the novel. 
50 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Chapters 6 through 10)
 - Discussion on the second part of the novel 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Chapters 11 through 15)
 - Discussion on the third part of the novel 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Chapters 16 through 20)
 - Discussion on the final part of the novel
- Discussion of overall themes and key takeaways 
50 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Learning Needs
This course offers a supportive, inclusive environment for neurodivergent learners. With engaging discussions and personalized feedback, it fosters critical thinking while accommodating diverse learning needs and encouraging self-expression
Parental Guidance
All the novels taught in this class are pulled from standard high school literature curriculum in the United States. However, be aware that many of them deal with adult topics. Please research each book and decide if it is ultimately appropriate for your learner.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:

Meet the teacher

5.0
37reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Massachusetts Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Non-US Teaching Certificate in English to Speakers of Other Languages
Master's Degree in Education from Fordham University
Bachelor's Degree in English from Fordham University
Meg Connolly is a certified teacher with bachelors degrees in literature and philosophy. She has masters degrees in teaching ELA, grades 7-12, and in teaching students with disabilities. In addition to her masters, she is TESOL certified and experienced in working with ESL students. She has ten years of teaching experience both in the US public school system and online. She has taught a wide range of courses throughout her career, from self-contained special education ELA to AP Literature. Check out her teacher profile for more info.

Reviews

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