Literary Luminaries: Young Gifted Readers Reading Club (10-13)

This is a class for younger students (ages 10-13) who have advanced reading levels, yet may not be ready to read "Of Mice and Men" or texts that include heavy violence, profanity, or high-school themes. The texts in this class prepare students for deeper reading, historical and literary conversations, yet are more appropriate in content.

Students will also be exposed to British and world literature, so students have a chance to learn about the cultures and world through literature.

Although I have curated a list of texts that I feel are appropriate for your learner's age group, please feel free to look over all texts or reach out if you feel your learner may not be ready for the topic. Texts that I pick may occasionally include mild profanity or mention wars/violence, however, they will not describe violence in details.

Note: Most classes may require short reading assignments prior to class. PDFs of these readings will be posted at least 4 days before class starts. Please make sure that your learner is able to read the text before enrolling in class. Email me if you need a copy of the text. I typically am very responsive.

Skills taught:
poetry analysis
plot elements and structure
irony
figurative language
vocabulary in context
grammar
theme and writing thematic statements
comprehension and analysis
writing effectively for a purpose
"showing" instead of telling
using textual evidence effectively
inference
writing for different audiences
literary criticism 
annotating texts/active reading
editing strategies
testing skills 

Schedule: 
1. Test Prep Warmup
2. Vocab Practice Mini-lesson
3. Mentor Text Analysis and Reading Skill
5. Closing, go over next week's reading

JANUARY 2025

Week of Jan 16: Role of the Trickster Figure in literature: Texts: Woodpecker and the Theft of Fire, Coyote & the Origin of Death, Coyote and the Buffalo, and Raven & Coyote as Trickster Figures

Week of Jan 22: The Declaration of Independence, Text Structure

Week of Jan 29: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, hero's code in literature

Week of Feb 5: Reading Sonnets (Spenser, Shakespeare, Petrarch)

Week of Feb 20: Phaethon

Week of March 2: Because I could Not Stop for Death

Week of March 9: Atalanta the Female Warrior

MISSED CLASSES
If your student misses a class, a recording will always be accessible on the classroom page. The PowerPoint lesson and notes are always available as well. Do note that learners that leave and then come back (i.e. pausing a subscription) may not be able to see my posts if I posted anything while they are away. Reach out to see if you missed anything. Recordings are unfortunately unavailable for weeks that your learner does not attend AND if they have not been present for a live class (Outschool Policy).

REFUND POLICY 
If your student is not able to attend in person but stays enrolled, refunds will not be issued. This is because the student can still access the materials, recordings, and receive feedback for assignments. I do provide refunds for emergency situations. If you have a tech or Zoom issue, contact Support and mention the Happiness Guarantee.