Middle School English Language Arts (Semester 2-Science Fiction)
What's included
12 live meetings
11 in-class hoursHomework
4+ hours per week. Since this is a flipped classroom setting (students do most of their learning at home through reading and assignments and meet with the teacher and classmates weekly for discussion and presentations) there is a lot of homework. Students will read every week including novels, short stories, and poetry. We may do worksheets/blookets to practice skills they are struggling with. They will be responsible for writing, peer-editing, self-editing and presentations. In total I would expect students to work a minimum of 5 hours outside of class a week to keep up. Please understand this class is designed as a full semester of English Language Arts.Assessment
If a parent desires a grade assigned, please contact me before the semester begins. I am willing to provide a homework grade, final project grade and overall grade for the class. All homework will be marked with feedback.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner - Intermediate Level
This class is designed as a complete Middle School ELA course with a Science Fiction theme. Not only will we be reading science fiction novels, essays, and short stories, we’ll write fiction and non-fiction pieces of our own. Many of our assignments will be Sci-Fi themed. Students who did not complete semester 1 will be accepted as spots are available. We will be building on the conventions and skills covered in semester 1. In semester 1 we reviewed/learned how to deal with run-ons, fragments, commas, and punctuation; we discussed issues like point of view, protagonists /antagonists, characterization, and novel structure; we wrote dialogue, short biographies, book reports and flash fiction; and we read three novels, myths, poetry, and biographies. If you have questions about this or are concerned if your student is ready for the class, please feel free to reach out. Though the topic is fun, this course is designed to cover an entire semester of middle school English and as such requires significant work outside of class. We will review or learn the basics of creative writing as well as essay writing; practice writing on a weekly basis; and read three novels total. As a class we will read “A Wrinkle in Time.” The students will read two more novels chosen from a curated list as well as a number of classic Sci-Fi short stories. We will discuss the historical and modern tropes and sub-genres of Science Fiction and learn about the genre through a variety of mediums including poetry, short stories, novels, movies, and songs. Outside of class, students will be responsible for reading or watching various materials. This varies from reading a piece of literature to watching a short biographical or historical video. Each week along with their reading/watching students will be responsible to write a short piece (between 200-1000 words) and complete the assigned peer editing and/or do a worksheet. The final project requires the students to present material to the class. Throughout the semester, students will have the opportunity to tailor homework and reading to their individual interests. Students will receive feedback on each assignment. Here is a sample of the schedule for the 12 weeks. Unit 1 Writing Non-fiction Week 1: What is Science Fiction?-Tropes and more Week 2: Robots and AI -“Robbie” by Isaac Asimov Week 3: Aliens - “To Serve Man” Week 4: Dystopias- “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson Week 5: Pressure: "2BR02B" by Kurt Vonnegut Unit 2: Writing Fiction: A Wrinkle in Time (Alternate choice "When You Reach Me" Week 6: Setting- Descriptive writing Week 7: Characterization- Show don’t Tell Week 8: Plot- Pantsers vs Plotters Week 9: Literary Analysis- Questions to Ask Unit 3: Other media and final projects Week 10: Poetry Week 11: Movies and TV shows Week 12: Final Projects This is a discussion-intensive course. All students are expected to interact with respect and civility. I understand that the topics and themes can be controversial and invite disagreement. However, kindness facilitates productive and persuasive conversation. I will mark and return all homework or projects. The act of editing and revising is what makes students better writers. Spelling, vocabulary development, grammar, and writing conventions are important and will be practiced regularly If a parent desires a grade assigned, please contact me before the semester begins. I am willing to provide a homework grade, final project grade, an overall grade for the class. I also have a separate tutoring program if your child needs additional instruction. This is offered both for students who may need homework help, students who need conventions/grammar review, and for students who could use additional enrichment. If a student needs accommodations, I am eager to work with them. ESL learners and neurodiverse learners have been successful in semester 1. No student is ever required to read aloud in class. Learners can access the material in audio format and/or submit their homework in video form. If students find class discussion difficult, they can interact with the material through increased writing and with the class through the chat function. Please contact me before the semester begins to discuss your learner’s needs.
Learning Goals
Students will read widely in the realm of science fiction, recognize classic tropes and character types, improve their skills at composition and literary analysis, and be better equipped for self-editing and peer-editing.
Syllabus
3 Units
12 Lessons
over 12 WeeksUnit 1: Short Stories/Non-fiction
Lesson 1:
Defining Science Fiction
Through discussion and Socratic questioning, the class will develop a definition of Science Fiction (SF) and identify tropes from the genre. We will also being our lessons on writing non-fiction.
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Robots and AI
After reading Isaac Asimov's short story, "Robbie" from homework, students will discuss the presentation of robots and AI in Asimov's work as well as in SF in general. Students will also be learning about the basics of analyzing a short story.
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Aliens
After reading, "To Serve Man" for homework, students will be discussing the idea of the "twist" as a critical component of short stories. We will also be learning about the trope of "aliens" across the genre of SF.
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Dystopias
After reading, "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, students will be discussing dystopias. They will list dystopias they are familiar with and compare and contrast their characteristics.
55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parents need to be aware that topics like euthanasia, suicide, murder, cannibalism, aliens, and the supernatural come up in the novels or short stories. Several of the short stories included a 1-3 "bad words." None of the novels or short stories have material that struck the teacher as being explicit or inappropriate for middle school aged learners. However, parents are the best judge of their individual reader, their maturity, and their sensitivities. Please carefully examine the literature list and contact me with any questions or concerns.
Supply List
Parents will need to find an edition of "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeline L'Engle. This does not have to be purchased if it is available at your local library. Learners will choose two more novels from a curated list. These will also need to be purchased or borrowed.
3 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
I teach all kinds of English classes including writing, grammar, literature, and ESL. I am an avid reader of fiction and non-fiction especially poetry, science fiction, and fantasy.
I have been teaching for more than 10 years. I taught English as Foreign Language in three different Chinese universities for a total of eight and a half years. These classes included comprehensive English, listening and speaking, writing, and pronunciation. I taught BA, MA, and Ph.D. students. Since we have returned to the United States, I have taught childbirth classes, online ESL through VIPkid, and Sunday School.
I am also a professional writer. I have a traditionally published book, another at my publisher waiting to be edited, and a novel in its second draft. I love giving students the chance to communicate, write, and learn in community with others.
I balance all this with being a homeschool mom. I have homeschooled my two daughters a total of fifteen years. My older daughter attended our local public high school, so I am familiar with public school needs and requirements as well.
I love sharing the wonder of language with learners young and old--both those who are learning English for the first time and those who are diving into the joys of literature.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$25
weekly or $300 for 12 classes1x per week, 12 weeks
55 min
Completed by 61 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
3-8 learners per class