Students will grow in their ability to read, think critically about, and discuss literary works from a variety of authors writing about cultures different from their own.  Students will grow in their understanding of key literary terms.  Students will be able to express their learning verbally and creatively in a variety of ways. 

I have a Bachelor of Arts in English, and held a Professional Teaching Certificate in Florida to teach English in grades 6-12.  I taught middle school Language Arts in public schools in Florida, and for the past several years I have taught comprehensive Middle School Language Arts classes to homeschoolers.

Homework Offered
For families using this class as part of their ELA curriculum, you will have several pieces of work from this class to include in a portfolio. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there are other elements you need to meet homeschool requirements in your state / province / country. Student work will include about 50-60 pages of reading (maximum) per week and will also include several different optional activities (including free-writing prompts). If families are using this as part of a complete homeschool curriculum, students should expect to spend 2-3 hours of work outside of class, however it will be possible to complete the work in as little as one to two hours per week for most students.  Because student's abilities vary greatly, the amount of time it takes students to complete assigned work will vary greatly.  
2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Students will be informally assessed through class discussion to ensure student understanding and so I, as the teacher, can adapt the class to student's needs.  

Students will need to complete weekly reading to participate in class discussions, but all other assignments are considered optional, depending on how families are using this class. Please see the homework section above and reach out with any questions. 
Grades Offered
Projects will have a grading rubric provided and parents have the option of using the rubric to provide a grade for their learner, or having me grade projects (or opting out of grading all together.)

If parents wish to have a formal course grade for their student, I'm happy to provide that as well. 

This class is designed to support a variety of learning needs with scaffolded and adaptable assignments. Dyslexic, ADHD, and Autistic learners have had great success in this class. Please reach out if you have specific questions. 

Because this class is aimed at learners who are in grades 6-8, students need to have completed a minimum of 5th grade level ELA (a formal curriculum is not required). If you have questions about this, please reach out. 

"I, Juan de Pareja" by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino

"Inside Out & Back Again" by Thanhha Lai

"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry