$10

weekly

or $110 for all content

Reading to Think: Developing Critical Thinking Through Short Stories

Completed by 1 learner

Ages 13-17

Self-Paced Course

Boost your child's critical thinking, vocabulary, and love for reading with our flexible, self-paced short story class. Your child will explore classic tales and respond to discussion questions while building vocabulary and writing skills.

Teacher Jade's Writing Academy

Average rating:

4.9

Number of reviews:

(1,595 reviews)

16 pre-recorded lessons

12 weeks of teacher support

Choose your start date

1 year of access to the content

Enroll Now, Start Anytime

Go at your own pace

Your learner can start learning when they want and progress at the speed that works best for them.

Enroll Now, Start Anytime

Start when you want.

Learn at your own pace

Access course material for a full year.

Get hands-on support from teacher.

About Learning Overview Schedule Teacher Reviews

What's included

16 pre-recorded lessons

12 weeks

of teacher support

1 year access

to the content

Assignments

2-4 hours per week. All submitted work will receive feedback.

Certificate of Completion

included

Class Experience

US Grade 8 - 11

Intermediate Level

𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
This class focuses on analyzing significant themes in literature using a selection of impactful short stories. Students will explore four categories: Courage and Bravery, Empathy and Understanding, Twists and Surprises, and Family and Relationships. This class will help learners develop skills in analyzing themes, identifying literary devices, expanding vocabulary, and enhancing critical thinking.  

𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 
Each week, students will read one short story from the assigned group and respond to discussion questions, selecting one or two to analyze the story’s themes and deeper meanings. Weekly vocabulary quizzes will reinforce words encountered in the stories. At the end of each section, students will have the option to complete a written assignment of 250-300 words, providing a deeper analysis of the material. This structure balances independent work with opportunities for interaction.  

𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲
The teaching approach is self-paced, offering flexibility with structured guidance. Short video clips will introduce and explain themes, literary devices, and story backgrounds.  Optional submitted assignments will receive personalized feedback.

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀
Reading short stories provides numerous benefits. Their concise nature makes them approachable while still offering rich themes and literary elements. They encourage critical thinking by presenting complex ideas in a focused format, while exposure to diverse language helps expand vocabulary. Additionally, short stories introduce students to a variety of perspectives, building empathy and understanding.  

𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 
This class aims to improve students’ analytical skills, vocabulary, and appreciation for literature. By engaging with diverse stories, learners will explore different perspectives, strengthen their writing abilities, and gain a deeper understanding of literary themes and characters. Students will leave the class with a greater ability to think critically and engage thoughtfully with the material.  


This flexible course allows your learner to complete each lesson at their own pace.  While Outschool provide a year of access and interaction with the feedback for the duration of the course, the instructor will extend access as needed so learners can continue to receive personalized feedback.

Learning Goals

Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing themes and literary devices in short stories.

Expand vocabulary through weekly quizzes.

Syllabus

16 Lessons

over 12 Weeks

Lesson 1:

How to Read

 This lesson teaches students how to read for understanding by actively engaging with texts. They will learn about summarizing key ideas, identifying the author’s purpose, and using context clues to understand unfamiliar words. Students will also focus on making connections within the text and asking themselves questions about the material to deepen their comprehension. The goal is to help students become more thoughtful and efficient readers before they began reading the text for this course.

Lesson 2:

Introduction to Courage and Bravery

 Students will read The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell, where the theme of courage is explored through a dangerous hunt. The lesson will focus on how characters face fear and danger. Students will discuss what bravery looks like in difficult situations and examine how the story shows the value of courage. Vocabulary quiz included.

Lesson 3:

Bravery in Different Forms

 This week’s story, Rules of the Game by Amy Tan, examines a young girl, Waverly, and how her bravery is shown not through physical challenges but in her emotional struggles with her mother. Students will discuss how the characters show courage in non-traditional ways and reflect on personal challenges. Vocabulary quiz included.

Lesson 4:

Fairness and Integrity

 In The Scholarship Jacket, Martha Salinas is determined to win the scholarship jacket, a prestigious award given to the top student. However, when she faces discrimination, she must decide whether to accept an unfair decision or stand up for what is right, teaching the importance of self-respect and perseverance.  Vocabulary quiz included.

Other Details

Learning Needs

This self-paced class supports unique learning needs with flexible pacing, clear instructions, and engaging activities. Learners get manageable tasks, visuals, and personalized feedback for a supportive, stress-free experience.

Parental Guidance

Please note, all stories are listed in the syllabus. Feel free to use goodreads.com or commonsensemedia.org to learn more about each short story. However, the selected stories are age-appropriate, but you can determine your level of comfort based on the themes. The stories your child will read in this class cover a range of important themes that relate to both personal growth and societal issues. Each group of stories explores different aspects of the human experience, such as courage, empathy, unexpected outcomes, and relationships.

Pre-Requisites

There are no prerequisites for this course. It's open to all learners who enjoy reading and want to improve their critical thinking, vocabulary, and writing skills. A curiosity for stories and a willingness to participate are all they need!

Supply List

All class material will be provided by the instructor.  However, for the optional writing assignments, learners should have access to w writing program or application.  Alternatively, they may type directly in Outschool's chat to submit work.

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Sources

All class material will be provided by the instructor. Readings will be provided as .pdf files. The vocabulary quizzes will be through Google forms which does not require a login.

Offered by

Teacher Jade's Writing Academy

Joined November, 2017

4.9

1595reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

1 teacher has a Graduate degree

Master's Degree in Education from University of Minnesota

(Teacher) Jade W. | M.Ed. & Licensed Instructor

2 teachers have a Bachelor's degree

Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from University of Tennessee Knoxville

Aliya Benabderrazak

Bachelor's Degree in History from University of Minnesota

(Teacher) Jade W. | M.Ed. & Licensed Instructor

𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝗮𝗱𝗲 (𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿):
I began my teaching journey in college by volunteering with AmeriCorps, where I developed a passion for education and community service. After completing my M.Ed. and obtaining my teaching license, I taught in traditional public schools. However, I quickly realized that the school environment was not the ideal setting for myself or my child. This led me to transition to homeschooling and teaching online, where I have found my true calling.


For the past fifteen years, I have been teaching writing courses, helping students develop their writing skills and gain confidence in their abilities. I am a licensed educator with specialized training in reading and child development through courses at the University of Minnesota. Additionally, I have received training from the Minnesota Literacy Council, further enhancing my expertise in literacy education. My primary objective in each class is to create a comfortable learning environment where students can thrive and build their reading and writing confidence.