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Literary Course for Middle Schoolers-Novel Study, Vocabulary & Literary Elements

In this class, students will dive into a new book each month, enhancing their comprehension skills through engaging discussions and activities. This can also be used as a homeschool literacy course for 6th or 7th graders.
Rachel Capes
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(99)
Class

What's included

64 live meetings
42 hrs 40 mins in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be assigned chapters to read before each class. A worksheet will accompany each reading assignment, focusing on various tasks such as: - Predicting future events in the book. - Analyzing character development. - Identifying cause and effect or problem and solution scenarios. - Reflecting on how they would have responded in certain situations.
Assessment
Vocabualry quizzes will periodically be given as an optional assessment.

Class Experience

US Grade 6 - 8
We are beginning Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler on Monday,December 2nd

Course Overview:
In this engaging literature course, middle school students will read a new book each month, enhancing their comprehension, vocabulary, and understanding of literary elements. Through assigned readings, interactive worksheets, and lively class discussions, students will deepen their appreciation for literature while developing essential language arts skills.

Monthly Breakdown:

Book 1: Holes: 
Book 2: Number the Stars by Lois Lowy
Book 3: Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Book 4:  Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler
Book 5: Tuck Everlasting
Book 5: Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry
Book 7: Crash by Jerry Spinelli
Book 8:Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Book 9: The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

Weekly Class Structure:

Pre-Class Assignments:

Students will be assigned chapters to read before each class. A worksheet will accompany each reading assignment, focusing on various tasks such as:
 - Predicting future events in the book.
 - Analyzing character development.
 - Identifying cause and effect or problem and solution scenarios.
 - Reflecting on how they would have responded in certain situations.

In-Class Activities:

Book Discussions:
 - Engage in in-depth discussions about the book, encouraging every student to share their insights, ask questions, and participate actively.

Literary Elements:

-Introduce and explore a new literary element each week, enhancing students' understanding of themes, character development, plot structure, and more.

Vocabulary Review:
 - Review vocabulary from the previous week's reading, answering questions and reinforcing understanding through interactive activities.

Comprehension and Literary Analysis:
 - Discuss comprehension questions related to the text and literary elements, ensuring students grasp the material and can apply critical thinking skills.

Worksheet Sharing:
 - Share and discuss completed worksheets, allowing students to present their thoughts and learn from their peers.

Vocabulary Introduction:
 - Introduce new vocabulary that students will encounter in their upcoming reading, preparing them for a deeper understanding of the text.

Goals:

 - To foster a love for reading and literature in middle school students.
 - To develop comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical skills through diverse literary works.
 - To encourage active participation, critical thinking, and effective communication during class discussions.
 - To provide a structured yet dynamic learning environment that nurtures students' intellectual and personal growth.

This course promises to be an enriching and enjoyable journey through the world of literature, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to appreciate and analyze texts more deeply.
Learning Goals
To foster a love for reading and literature in middle school students.
To develop comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical skills through diverse literary work
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
64 Lessons
over 32 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Holes: Chapter 1-5
 This lesson will introduce the vocabulary words "perseverance" and "desolation" while teaching the literary concepts of setting, character traits, and palindromes. Students will learn how these elements and vocabulary words are used to enhance storytelling and character development in literature. 
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Holes: Chapter 6-10
 This lesson will introduce the vocabulary words "preposterous" and "intensity" while teaching the literary concepts of summarizing, flashback, and foreshadowing. Students will learn how these elements are used to create deeper meanings and build suspense in literature. 
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Holes: Chapter 11-15
 This lesson will introduce the vocabulary words "engraved" and "paranoid" while teaching the literary concept of character traits. Students will learn how these traits help define and develop characters in a story, contributing to their depth and relatability. 
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Holes: Chapter 16-20
 This lesson will introduce the vocabulary words "evict" and "callused" while teaching the literary concept of character change. Students will explore how characters evolve over time and the factors that influence their transformation in a story. 
40 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Supply List
You will need to print off the one-page worksheet for each class. 

Students will also need the book we are reading. This can be purchased, borrowed from  a friend, or borrowed from the library. 

August: Holes by Louis Sachar
September: Number the Stars
October: Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
November: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
December: Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry
January: Allies by Alan Gratz
February: Crash by Jerry Spinelli
March: Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan
April: The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Students will need to have a copy of the book that we are reading.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
99reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Education from Walton University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Georgia State
I hold a Master's in Literacy and have 12 years of experience in public school education, including two years as a literacy coach. As a homeschool mom who loves to read with my four children, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a passion for literature to this course.

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Live Group Class
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$18

weekly or $576 for 64 classes
2x per week, 32 weeks
40 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
3-12 learners per class

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