6th, 7th, & 8th Literature & IEW Writing ELA ( 2nd Semester)
During this 16-week semester-long course, learners will continue their study of the basics of literary analysis through a mash-up of novels, Shakespeare, and more, while building upon the writing methods of IEW's "Structure and Style".
Melissa L. - Registered IEW Instructor
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5.0
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What's included
32 live meetings
26 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Because this is a semester-long course, students will have homework every week. This could include reading and/or writing practice. Please note that weekly assignments are listed within the weekly agenda, on the classroom page, and in the feedback to parents after each class. Worksheets, handouts, and links to outside programs (such as Kahoots or Quizlet) for homework will be posted on the classroom page.Assessment
*Assessments will be given in the form of feedback, review games, and comprehension checks throughout the semester. *Writing will be assessed throughout the course through submitted homework. *Reading comprehension will be assessed weekly based on the student's participation and comprehension of the week's literary analysis topics. There may also be homework assigned for our literature study (varies depending on the reading for the week).Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Who's ready to jump into the next part of our learning journey together? Each week, twice a week, we will split the class into two parts. In the first half of each class, we will focus on the literary element that we are learning for that day. This may include a Socratic discussion, breakout rooms for teamwork, or even games to expand our knowledge of the reading. During the second half of each class, we will work on the day's writing work following IEW's "Structure and Style". Because this is the second year of instruction, we will be moving at a faster pace than year one. At the end of each class, learners will be given follow-up homework to reinforce new ideas and work toward mastery. This is not an introduction to IEW course nor is it a lecture-based course! While there are times when lecturing is appropriate, the success of this course depends on class participation. Yes, even in writing. *Please note this is the second semester (part II) of the full-year Year 2 ELA/IEW Middle School (6th, 7th, & 8th) Lit & Writing Comp course.* Spring 2025 Class Schedule & Topics *Please note that the first semester covered IEW Units 1-6. Units 7-9 will be continued this semester (2nd semester). At this age, students will complete all of the IEW Units. Reading list for 2nd Semester 1. Shakespeare's Sonnets (provided in class) 2. Book 1: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll 3. Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" as retold by Charles and Mary Lamb (provided in class) 4. Book 2: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card 5. Shakespeare's "Macbeth" as retold by Charles and Mary Lamb (provided in class) 6. Book 3: The Princess Bride by William Goldman Plays and short stories will be provided to students in advance. Please see the Sllyabus section for additional weekly details. *Students are expected to come to class prepared with the reading completed before the discussion. *Writing methodology taught using the Institute for Excellence in Writing’s Style and Structure Writing Method. I am a registered instructor with IEW. (Link for verification: https://iew.com/events-classes/instructors/find-accredited-instructor/330449) *Please note that there are 32 classes in total (16 weeks, 2 classes per week). Each class = $15 per meeting. *This course is not graded unless specifically requested by a parent/guardian. Weekly assignments are designated as either completion assignments or using the IEW rubric. Please note that assignments are reviewed and graded in the order they are submitted.
Learning Goals
IEW Unit 7 - Students take what they've learned throughout the year and apply it to writing about topics they already know about and enjoy. This unit also provides the foundation for strong essay writing including introductions and conclusions.IEW Unit 8 - Students will learn how the proper structure for formal essays focusing on the five-paragraph persuasive essay. This is in preparation for high school writing and research assignments.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Curriculum32 Lessons
over 16 WeeksLesson 1:
Review of 1st Semester Skills
(Writing) IEW: Refresher Unit 1 - 3 + (Literature) Five Elements of Literature Review 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Review + Shakespeare
(Writing) IEW: Refresher Unit 4 + (Literature) Intro. to Shakespeare 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Review + Shakespeare
(Writing) IEW: Refresher Unit 5 + (Literature) Shakespeare’s Sonnets 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Review + Shakespeare
(Writing) IEW: Refresher Unit 6 + (Literature) Shakespeare's Sonnets 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
At this age, it is common for students to still need help and direction at home for writing. That's okay! In this class, I encourage parental guidance when students are working at home. Some students may struggle at the beginning with balancing the concepts of class and the physical act of writing. Please know that it is perfectly fine if your child wants to dictate to you as they learn. The goal at this age is to understand the concepts. Mastery comes with continuous practice and patience as each child moves at his/her own pace. If at any point during the class you feel that your child is falling behind or needs additional help, please feel free to reach out to me directly so we can work out a plan.
The books that we read in this course are analyzed critically using the five literary elements: conflict, plot, setting, character, and theme. Below are additional details regarding the books we will be reading in the second semester.
* Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/alices-adventures-in-wonderland
Review from Common Sense Media: Parents need to know that constantly changing predicaments, strange creatures, and the watercolors are very child-friendly. But difficult language, Carroll's nonsense poems, and adult humor will leave some children bored or confused. Still, it's a classic well worth the trouble and particularly fun as a read-aloud.
* Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan - https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/esperanza-rising
Review from Common Sense Media: "Parents need to know that Esperanza Rising is an award-winning work of historical fiction that chronicles the life a Mexican migrant farmworker in the 1930s. In the book's beginning, Esperanza's wealthy father is killed by bandits in Mexico; then, a scheming uncle sets fire to her house and family ranch in order to pressure her widowed mother to marry him. Fleeing to California, Esperanza tries to adjust to the cramped, exhausting life of a farmworker. Thanks to a supportive family and network of friends, she keeps hope alive and begins to work for a new future. Readers will learn a number of Spanish words and about the lives of migrant farm workers during the 1930s as characters deal with strikes, discrimination, harsh living conditions, and more."
* The Midwife's Apprentice byKaren Cushman - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15595.The_Midwife_s_Apprentice
Review from Goodreads: "From the author of Catherine, Called Birdy comes another spellbinding novel set in medieval England. The girl known only as Brat has no family, no home, and no future until she meets Jane the Midwife and becomes her apprentice. As she helps the sharp-tempered Jane deliver babies, Brat--who renames herself Alyce--gains knowledge, confidence, and the courage to want something from life: "A full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world." Medieval village life makes a lively backdrop for the funny, poignant story of how Alyce gets what she wants. A concluding note discusses midwifery past and present. A Newbery Medal book."
During our Shakespeare unit we will be reading multiple plays:
Macbeth - While it is a tragedy, I feel that this one has fewer sensitive topics than the others such as Hamlet or Romeo and Juliet. However, I understand each family’s level of comfort is different so I would like to offer some alternative readings of this story. Each one can be accessed via archive.org, which is a national library service that offers free lending online/digitally. These will be posted on the classroom page once we get to this unit.
Reading should be done regularly so that your child does not feel overwhelmed with having to read large amounts during one or two sittings. I will post the chapters to read in the classroom based on what I feel is a manageable amount for this age group. If your child struggles reading on his/her own or needs extra encouragement when reading, I suggest reading the books together or listening to an audiobook while following along.
This class uses Kahoot, Blooket, EdPuzzle, and Gimkit for gameplay as well as Google Suite tools such as Docs, Forms, and Slides. For gameplay, an account is not needed as learners will be given a code to play directly with the educator. Google Suite tools may require an email address, however, this information is not collected by the educator and meets Outschool's COPPA compliance requirements.
Supply List
Paper, writing utensils, and access at least one form of a writing application (Google Docs or MS Word). All worksheets, handouts, short stories, and poems, and/or links for this semester will be sent via the classroom page as needed. Now about the books... As a homeschooling mom myself, I understand the importance of finding books that won't break the bank. That's why I made it a priority to choose books that have multiple options or discounted versions (usually e-reader). Some books may even be downloaded for free online via Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org/) or via the Internet Archive, a non-profit online library (https://archive.org/). Most of the books can be found at your local library. You can also reach out to your local librarian about setting up Libby or Overdrive to read free digital books on your e-reader. Please make sure that you choose the version that is best for you and your child. With many versions and translations being made from the older works we will be covering there may be slight differences in the text but not in the overall theme or discussion. The goal isn't to create a library full of books that your child only reads once. Instead, it's more important that your child is able to ask questions, ponder new ideas, and form their own intelligent theories about the works that they read. With that said, if they do fall in love with a book be sure to get them a copy that they can read again and again.
Language of Instruction
English
Joined January, 2020
5.0
330reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in English from University of Tennessee - Knoxville
As a lifelong learner, I too am always striving for growth. After years of using the IEW curriculum, I decided I wanted to share what I had learned with others and became a registered instructor with IEW. (Link for verification: https://iew.com/events-classes/instructors/find-accredited-instructor/330449) I have also been a tutor (teacher) for a local classical co-op, studied through literature seminars, and attended practicums to enhance my own reading and writing knowledge.
I am also a certified TESOL/TEFL/EYL teacher, professional writer, beta reader, proofreader, editor, and homeschool mom. I have a love for the English language (I have a BA in English to prove it), the smell of new books, and transferring ideas from mind to paper. My goal is to promote a love of learning while offering a safe and fun environment. I truly have a passion for reading and writing and would love to share my knowledge and experience with your children. Reviews
Live Group Course
$480
for 32 classes2x per week, 16 weeks
50 min
Completed by 33 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
3-16 learners per class
