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Homeschool Middle School English Language Arts: World Literature, Section 2

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Martha Jackson, English Language Arts and Writing
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Over 8 weeks, students will grow in their ability to read, think, write, and communicate critically and effectively. Literature selections will include novels, short stories, and poetry from world authors. Discussion and project based.

Class experience

US Grade 6 - 8
8 lessons//8 Weeks
 Week 1
Lesson 1
Introduction to class format / assignments, guided poetry discussion
poetry discussion, "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night," course overview
 Week 2
Lesson 2
The Boys Who Challenged Hitler
class discussion, The Boys Who Challenged Hitler; project introduction, foreshadowing
 Week 3
Lesson 3
The Boys Who Challenged Hitler
class discussion, The Boys Who Challenged Hitler; non-fiction text features
 Week 4
Lesson 4
The Boys Who Challenged Hitler
class discussion, The Boys Who Challenged Hitler, plot diagram
 Week 5
Lesson 5
Project Presentations, "Lather and Nothing Else" (short story),
Project Presentations; complete Venn Diagram between TBWCH and LANE, explain compare / contrast essay (scaffolded assignments for different writing levels)
 Week 6
Lesson 6
Breaking Stalin's Nose
Logical Fallacies overview / background for "Breaking Stalin's Nose," revising and editing practice; submit compare/ contrast rough draft for feedback
 Week 7
Lesson 7
Breaking Stalin's Nose
BSN discussion, literary perspective / unreliable narrators
 Week 8
Lesson 8
Project Presentations and Blackout Poetry
present "Breaking Stalin's Nose" project (six word memoir), create Blackout Poetry
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.  I have several years of experience teaching novels set in WW2 at the high school and middle school level, including "Night," "Number the Stars," and "The Boys Who Challenged Hitler" in various contexts, dealing with the inherent complex issues that arise with this topic.  As we discuss challenging topics in this class, we will affirm the value of all humanity, regardless of country of origin, religion, economic status, gender, etc. 
Homework 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.) 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.
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. 
"The Boys Who Challenged Hitler" by Phillip Hoose

"Breaking Stalin's Nose" by Eugene Yelchin

Shorter selections will be provided for students.  These books can be purchased from Amazon, ThriftBooks, Abebooks, or even borrowed from the library (although I prefer students to have their own copy). Students do not need a specific version of these books. If purchased used, these books can be found for a total of around $10. 

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. 
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Parents should know that "The Boys Who Challenged Hitler" is a nonfiction book about young Nazi resisters in Denmark.  They are arrested and imprisoned, which is chronicled in the book, but it is not graphic.  While this book is set in WW2, it is not centered around the Holocaust.  A detailed summary can be found here: https://www.supersummary.com/the-boys-who-challenged-hitler/summary/

"Breaking Stalin's Nose" is told from the perspective of a young boy who unknowingly experiences some of the terror of Stalin's reign in the USSR.  There are strong implications that people have been arrested and murdered, but it is never explicitly stated.  This book has a lower reading level than is typical for most middle grades books, however the content is very mature.  For a detailed summary look here: https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/Breaking-Stalins-Nose/

I will not be explicitly teaching about the Holocaust in this class, but am prepared to deal with any questions that arise in our student-led discussions. As we discuss these novels in class, we will affirm the value of all humanity, regardless of country of origin, religion, economic status, gender, etc.  If you have questions, please don't hesitate to message me.  
"The Boys Who Challenged Hitler" by Phillip Hoose

"Breaking Stalin's Nose" by Eugene Yelchin

"Lather and Nothing Else" by Hernando Tellez (PDF provided)
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Popular
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(496)
Profile
Hi!  My name is Martha Jackson. I mainly teach writing and literature, and I absolutely love it.

My classes focus on breaking down complex ideas into bite-size pieces, giving students concrete tools to grow in specific areas (conducting research,... 
Group Class

$136

for 8 classes
1x per week, 8 weeks
50 min

Completed by 105 learners
Live video meetings
Ages 11-14
4-9 learners per class

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