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Middle School English - Graphic Novel Collection

In this course, students will explore three classics as they are adapted by graphic novel artists (The Odyssey, Maus, and Animal Farm!) while exploring literary and story elements, plot devices, character, symbolism, and more!
Kaitlyn Fischer: Close-Reading Specialist
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Class

What's included

28 live meetings
21 in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be asked to complete all of their reading outside of class. If some of our writing work is unfinished after class, students will be asked to complete that work outside of class as well. But the majority of work will be completed in class.
Assessment
Students will be given several formal writing assignments throughout the semester. While these are not tests, per se, they can be used as assessment pieces for homeschooling evidence, which many states and countries require. All formal writing in my class will be completed with multiple rounds of written and verbal feedback. Students will have the opportunity to work through their writing skills as a group and 1-1 with me in class!
Grading
Grading - Students will have the opportunity to receive a grade in the form of their choosing.I am happy to provide a grade in the form of a percentage, letter, or both. I can also offer a formal letter for submission to state programs. I ask students throughout the semester about their needs for grading and am happy to work with parents to create a plan that meets their needs! Please note that Grading is NOT required.

Class Experience

US Grade 6 - 8
Come join us on a study of classic literature while reading three graphic novel versions of the stories from across the world: The Odyssey by Homer, Maus by Art Spiegelman, and Animal Farm by George Orwell.

In this semester-long course, students will participate in various reading, writing, and discussion activities while learning about classic literature and graphic novels using research and historical mini-projects that are completed in both individual and collaborative (teamwork) activities and discussions. Each week, students will engage in research, writing, discussion, reading, and journaling/note-taking.

The outline below may shift as the semester goes on depending on student needs, but we will go through the units as prescribed. As a teacher and a parent, I feel it is important to make adjustments based on student needs so that students are getting the most out of their classes and so that they are developing the skills that they need to be successful.

We will take typical holiday breaks according to the United States federal holidays. We will also be taking a full week's break during the spring for "spring break" so that students can spend time with their families if the class is scheduled during the spring.

*** Please note that while the course is designed with 8th-grade students in mind, I have a flexible age range. Students of varying ages are welcome if this class's curriculum, content, skills, teaching style, etc. fit their needs. I encourage all students and parents interested in my class to contact me with questions they might have! ***
Learning Goals
- Students will be able to identify the following literary elements: character and character development, genre, plot development and major plot points, symbolism, themes, and more!
- Students will engage in discussions and debates with one another as we explore more than just reading comprehension but also the complex decisions and author makes and its cultural and historical connections to the time period.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
5 Units
28 Lessons
over 14 Weeks
Unit 1: Introduction to Classic Literature and Graphic Novels
Lesson 1:
Introduction to Semester Course
 - Introduction and Welcome
- Student "Interviews" - Goals, Experiences, and Interests
- Introduction to Basic English Skills
- Prompt Writing
- Introduction to Google Drive 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Introduction to the Classics and Graphic Novels
 - What is a classic novel?
- Why are some novels classic and others are not?
- What is a graphic novel?
- What are the elements of a graphic novel?
- Why is reading the classics in graphic novel form a good way to read classic literature?
- How do graphic novels teach us lessons throughout history? 
45 mins online live lesson
Unit 2: The Odyssey by Homer
Lesson 3:
Introduction to The Odyssey
 - Introduction to the Poem and Author
- The Iliad
- How to Read the Poem
- Elements of Epic Poetry and Epic Heros 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Books I - III
 Book One: Athena Inspires the Prince
Book Two: Telemachus Sets Sail
Book Three: King Nestor Remembers
- Greek Gods and Goddesses Introduction
- Discussion around the First Reading 
45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Supply List
Students will be asked to purchase their graphic novels for our class. Attached are links to purchase the novels for your convenience. Please let me know if you have any questions or need anything!

The Odyssey: https://a.co/d/hmgJZ8o
Maus: https://a.co/d/j5S6bcm
Animal Farm: https://a.co/d/3R8kToX
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2020
5.0
967reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
I teach these novels through multiple classes on Outschool (teaching since early January 2020), both in semester format, as a group class, and in tutoring 1-1 sessions. Here are some of the links to my experiences with the novels. 

Semester Example:
- https://outschool.com/classes/8th-grade-english-semester-world-war-ii-books-Budk1XSP?refuid=l0R3fRwf

The Odyssey Novel Study: 
- https://outschool.com/classes/the-odyssey-by-homer-an-ancient-greek-book-club-Eq2CdCZs?refuid=l0R3fRwf

Animal Farm Novel Study: 
- https://outschool.com/classes/animal-farm-a-dystopian-novel-study-HY8tLz2T?refuid=l0R3fRwf

Night (Similar Novel Study and Topic as Maus): 
- https://outschool.com/classes/night-by-elie-wiesel-a-novel-study-qxQzwjAL?refuid=l0R3fRwf

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Live Group Course
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$29

weekly or $400 for 28 classes
2x per week, 14 weeks
45 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
3-6 learners per class

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