Not Stuffy, Stale or Stodgy: Ongoing Literature for Middle School

Together the teacher and learners will explore important authors from around the world such as Pablo Neruda, Shakespeare, E.E. Cummings, Robert Burns, Du Fu, J.R.R. Tolkien, and more. I know that at this age literature can sometimes seem out of reach, out of touch, and out-right boring. But I have found that learners can love poetry when they are supported with new vocabulary, lots of time for discovery and discussion, and a teacher who finds it all fascinating. I love talking to learners about the ways that their interests, experiences, and ideas intersect with literature. 

For each author we will read a short work, talk about their time and place in history, and discuss the genre and literary elements of the work we are reading.  Most classes will include a very short video, reading the poem aloud, and then discussion of the implications of the piece and connections/comparisons to other pieces of literature.

Students may be invited to read aloud or share their own poetry.  However no student will be required to do so.  

 
Week of April 19: J.R.R. Tolkien- Far over the Misty Mountains Cold
Week of April 26: Du Fu- Pounding the Clothes (擣 亦) including the Chinese folk tale- The Woman who Cried Down the Great Wall.
Week of May 3: Pablo Neruda - Ode to a Large Tuna in the Market ( Oda al gran atún en el mercado) and Robert Frost- A Dust of Snow
Week of May 10: Shakespeare- Sonnet 29 and Kahlil Gibran- When my Sorrow was Born 
Week of May 17: Walt Whitman- When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomy and Emily Dickinson- Faith is a Bee and A Bird Came down the Walk
Week of May 24:  Edna St. Vincent Millay- Dirge without Music and Emily Dickinson- Because I could not stop for Death


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. 

Students may be invited to read aloud or share their own poetry.  However no student will be required to do so. If a student needs accommodations, I am more than willing to help out. Please contact me before class begins to discuss your learner’s needs.