📣 Next novel starts week of January 6th!

Hello, future bibliophiles (or seasoned readers)! 📚 Welcome to my Year 2 High School Classics Book Club! 

This class is perfect for high school students who want to deepen their love for reading, improve their critical thinking, and prepare for college-level literature.

🌟Course Overview🌟

This relaxed but challenging course offers a supportive space where students can dive into classic novels, engage in Socratic seminars, and strengthen their literary analysis skills. 

I believe that, with a little guidance, every student can understand and enjoy even the most challenging books!

🌟Why Take This Course?🌟

This class is ideal for students who want to:
✅ Build a deeper appreciation for classic literature
✅ Strengthen their speaking skills through peer discussions
✅ Improve analytic writing with literary analysis
✅ Prepare for AP Literature and future college courses
✅ Follow a full-year homeschool language arts curriculum

🌟Who Should Enroll?🌟

This course is great for:
✅ Teens who love reading and discussing literature
✅ Homeschoolers seeking a full-year high school English curriculum
✅ AP Literature students looking for extra support
✅ Future English majors
✅ ESL/ELL learners seeking advanced reading instruction with a TESOL-certified teacher
✅ Neurodivergent learners wanting a supportive and inclusive space

🌟Class Format🌟

• Warm-up Discussion (~10 min): Share first impressions of the reading.
• Analytic Writing (~10 min): Respond to literary prompts to deepen understanding.
• In-Depth Discussion (~25-30 min): Explore themes, characters, and questions.
• Closing Activity (~3 min): Reflect on key takeaways or predictions.

Each week, we’ll focus on key literary elements such as:
• Themes, motifs, and symbols
• Character development
• Literary devices and techniques
• Cultural and historical context

Discussion is at the heart of this course, but I’ll also provide direct instruction on more complex novels to make sure everyone understands and enjoys the material.

🌟Curriculum Overview🌟

The course is divided into four thematic units, each with two novels. We’ll spend four weeks on each novel, with optional graded essays or projects for those seeking feedback.

🌟Weekly Breakdown🌟

🍁 Fall Semester 2024
UNIT 1: TIES THAT BIND: LATIN AMERICAN LITERATURE
Book 1: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
1. September 9 - September 15: Chapters 1 through 5
2. September 16 - September 22: Chapters 6 through 10
3. September 23 - September 29: Chapters 11 through 15
4. September 30 - October 6: Chapters 16 to END

Book 2: The House of Spirits by Isabelle Allende
5. October 7 - October 13
6. October 14 - October 20
7. October 21 - October 27
8. October 28 - November 3

UNIT 2: GROWING UP AN IMMIGRANT: AMERICAN LITERATURE
Book 3: My Antonia by Willa Cather
9. November 4 - November 10
10. November 11 - November 17
11. November 18 - November 24

🦃 (Thanksgiving) NO CLASSES: November 25 - December 8 (two weeks)

12. December 9 - December 15
13. December 16 - December 22

☃️ Winter Break NO CLASSES: December 23 - January 5 (2 weeks)

🌸 Spring Semester 2025
(UNIT 2 CONT)
Book 4: Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
1. January 6 - January 12
2. January 13 - January 19
3. January 20 - January 26
4. January 27 - February 2

UNIT 3: DARK FUTURES: DYSTOPIAN LITERATURE
Book 5: Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
5. February 3 - February 9
6. February 10 - February 16
7. February 17 - February 23
8. February 24 - March 2

Book 6: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
9. March 3 - March 9
10. March 10 - March 16
11. March 17 - March 23
12. March 24 - March 30

UNIT 4: SUFFERING & SURVIVAL: LITERATURE OF TRAUMA
Book 7: Night by Elie Wiesel
13. March 31 - April 6
14. April 7 - April 13
🌿 Spring Break NO CLASSES: April 14 - April 20
15. April 21 - April 27
16. April 28 - May 4

Book 8: Beloved by Toni Morrison
17. May 5 - May 11
18. May 12 - May 18
19. May 19 - May 25
20. May 26 - June 1
21. June 2 - June 8: Course Wrap up

🌟Materials & Assignments🌟

Guided reading questions are provided, along with optional essays or projects for feedback. Students preparing for AP Literature will have AP-style prompts available. 

🌟Teaching Approach🌟

I use a mix of Socratic questioning and direct instruction to guide students through complex texts. My goal is to foster critical thinking and deep literary analysis in a supportive, inclusive environment.

🌟Inclusivity & Content Note🌟

This course covers sensitive topics present in classic literature. Please review the reading list to determine if the material is suitable for your learner.

I strive to create a fully inclusive classroom for today's teenagers. I welcome neurodivergent learners and students with unique learning or social needs. When new learners join, I encourage introductions, with 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 is creating a welcoming space where all students can engage with literature and develop their skills. 

Ready to join? Let’s explore some amazing books together!