"The Ranger's Apprentice ELA" (Part 1) Middle School English and Reading

In this course students will…
-determine theme;
-analyze plot and its various phases;
-examine how literary elements affect plot progression, assist in character development, and convey meaning, including: motif, symbol, foreshadowing, echoing, flashback, opposition, metaphor, irony, foil, choice of language; 
-understand the mono-myth (Hero’s Journey) and character archetypes;
aligned with core ELA standards

I have been working in education for nearly 20 years, primarily as a high school English teacher and speech and debate coach. I am certified and experienced in both AP English Literature and Composition and AP Language and Composition. I have also taught at the middle school and primary school levels, and I have taught traditional ELA and ESL course in both the United States and China, as well as teaching online. I specialize in literary analysis and writing instruction, but I am also known for my fun and engaging projects and have an extensive background in Project Based Learning.

Estimated reading time 2-4 hours a week, 15-25 hours total. 
Assignments and projects: 2-4 hours per week, approximately 10-15 hours total. 
Total estimated time for course: 25-40 hours. (Approximate weekly average: 5-8 hours)
*Students will be provided with ample time for each assignment, allowing them to manage their time efficiently or work ahead if desired.
**Projects are creatively driven and are designed to be fun and engaging while reaching and exceeding learning targets and standards. Actual time will vary based on student ability and level of interest in the specific project.

Assignment breakdown
-Students will independently read 5 young adult novels.. (300-400 pages per book,  estimated reading time, 4-6 hours per novel)
-Students will complete a reading guide for each novel, including vocabulary (about 30-60 minutes per novel)
-Students will complete two ongoing projects each week (about 90 minutes each week). These include the heroes and monsters character catalogue, adding characters and historical figures each week, about 1-2 hours per week and 1 weekly postcard.
-Students will complete two small and two large projects during this course (about 3-5 hours total)

Students will be assessed regularly based on their participation and engagement in class discussion.  Students will also be assessed through project evaluation as it applies to the learning targets.

Students will receive a grade for this course.  Assignments are graded using the 5-point scale and weighted as follows:
20% Class Participation and Engagement
20% Heroes and Monsters Character Catalogue and postcards
60% Project (15% each)

Full semester grades will be determined by averaging grades of Part 1 and Part 2.

The 5-point scale:
A=5 (4.5-5): Far surpasses all standards and expectations
B=4 (3.5-4.4): above average, exceeds standard
C=3 (2.5-3.4):  Meets standard expectations and requirements
D=2 (1.5-2.4): Needs improvement/meets some expectations but falls below standard
F= 1 (0-1.4): Does not meet standard expectations
0=0: did not turn in or did not complete

A note on grading: My classes are designed to be easy to pass provided students put forth the effort; however, I do not grade easily. I expect my students to always give me their best effort, but quality of a finished product and assessment of learning, knowledge, and understanding require more than just effort.  In other words, I am an easy C, but a hard A. 

1 hour 30 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 4+ hours per week outside of class.

Books in this course (all books by John Flanagan)

The Ruins of Gorlan	
The Burning Bridge	
The Icebound Land		
The Battle for Skandia / Oakleaf Bearers		
The Sorcerer of the North / The Sorcerer in the North	
The Siege of Macindaw