Short Story Literary Analysis & Essay Writing: Reluctant Reader & Writer Series
In this 5-week self-paced course, students will gain a deep understanding of the short story, "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allen Poe along with its story elements, literary devices, historical context, then write a guided final essay.
What's included
10 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentAssessment
Any optional assessment given in this class will be feedback-based, meaning students can submit work to me if they choose for my feedback. My feedback can be helpful for me to see if the student is gaining the understanding students need to write and speak on the topic. This is optional.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner Level
Literary analysis and helping reluctant students are my two passions - this course is the perfect smash of the two. With my degrees in English literature and creative writing, along with my experience teaching and writing, I have created this course with a scaffolding approach so any student can learn literary analysis and literary essay writing without overwhelm and dread. ⚠️You do not have to read the short story before enrolling in the class. We read it together in different formats (the text is provided in this course). This class is perfect for: 👁️ reluctant readers and writers 👁️ students struggling in English Language Arts class 👁️ lovers of literature and/or Edgar Allen Poe Outcomes of the course: ⏱️Comprehensive understanding of the short story ⏱️Understanding literary devices and story elements and how they add meaning to the short story ⏱️Equip students with the confidence to discuss this story with anyone (including tests!) ⏱️Write a guided essay with ease This course is taught using: 🏚️Engaging videos 🏚️Printable activities 🏚️Graphic Organizer 🏚️Digital activities 🏚️Guided templates 🏚️Confidence-building quizzes I have helped many reluctant readers and writers develop a love and understanding of story. I hope to help your child too! I always respond to questions and help requests as fast as possible if I am not in a live class or sleeping, but will always respond within 24 hours. 💜Love, Teacher Bethanie
Learning Goals
By the course's end, students will gain a proficient understanding of the story, "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allen Poe. After completing this course, students can master any test or discussion on this topic while learning how to write about literature!
Syllabus
10 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to the course: "Harken and observe . . ."
In this introductory video lesson, students will get a good feel for what we will accomplish in this course, how the weeks & assignments are broken down, and what to expect.
Lesson 2:
Making Connections: "Suspicion of foul play . . ."
Reflect on how you feel about getting into trouble about something you've done. Students will reflect on this prompt, see examples of how to respond, and be given prompts and templates to help them write a response.
Lesson 3:
Whetting the appetite & making predictions: "A single dim ray . . ."
Students will watch a book trailer, play a game to help notice key details in the teaser trailer, then make predictions based on some prompts provided.
Lesson 4:
What is Horror? "The groan of mortal terror . . ."
~Horror genre - what it means and how it helps us understand before we read
Other Details
Learning Needs
This class is designed with a scaffolding approach for reluctant readers and writers, which may include students with some learning disabilities. However, it's a rich course that any student can benefit from.
Parental Guidance
This short story has elements of mental health (sanity/insanity) and murder. The course will not focus on murder, but rather how to story elements and literary devices (plus historical context) adds meaning to the story itself.
Pre-Requisites
Students should be able to read the text independently (it's OK if they don't understand it at first read!) and be able to read and follow basic directions.
Teacher expertise and credentials
3 Degrees
Bachelor's Degree in English from Marylhurst University
Associate's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from Columbia Gorge Community College
Associate's Degree in Science from Columbia Gorge Community College
I hold several degrees in literature and writing, and literary analysis in creative writing is my speciality. I'm so happy to finally start offering courses for high school students who love literature, or who need help nurturing a love for literature even with heavy or disturbing subjects & topics.
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$12
weekly or $60 for all content10 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
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Ages: 14-18