This class is designed for middle school English with a fantasy theme.  Not only will we be reading fantasy novels, short stories, and poems, we’ll write fantasy pieces of our own, and many of our assignments will be fantasy-themed! 

Though the topic is fun, this course is designed to cover an entire semester of middle school English and as such requires significant work outside of class. We will review or learn conventions such as capitalization, subject/verb agreement, pronoun, punctuation, quotations, and antecedents; practice writing on a weekly basis; and read fairy tales, novels, short stories, and poetry.  We will discuss the historical and modern tropes and sub-genres of Fantasy and learn about the genre through a variety of mediums (including novels, short stories, poetry, art, music, and movies).

Outside of class, students will be responsible for reading or watching various materials. This varies from reading a piece of literature to watching a short biographical or historical video. Each week along with their reading/watching students will be responsible for writing a short piece (between 200-1000 words) and completing the assigned peer editing and/or doing an exercise. The final project requires the students to present material to the class. Throughout the semester, students will have the opportunity to tailor homework and reading to their individual interest. Students will receive feedback on each assignment.


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. 

I will mark and return all homework or projects.  The act of editing and revising is what makes students better writers. Spelling, vocabulary development, grammar and writing conventions are important and will be practiced regularly  If a parent desires a grade assigned, please contact me before the semester begins. I am willing to provide a homework grade, final project grade, and overall grade for the class.  Students and parents should understand that the teacher considers plagiarism as well as the use of generative AI in composition to be unacceptable.  Parents will be contacted if such a problem is suspected and no grade or feedback will be given. 

If a student needs accommodations, I am eager to work with them.  For instance, they can access the material in audio format and/or submit their homework in video form. If students find class discussion difficult, they can interact with the material through increased writing and with the class through the chat function.  Please contact me before the semester begins to discuss your learner’s needs.