Short Story Classics to Inspire Readers and Prepare Them for SSAT and SAT
Are you worried your 8-11th grader is missing the deeper layers of literature? Students develop critical thinking by exploring vocabulary, character, setting, point of view, and irony through timeless stories. Foundation for SSAT,SAT, AP.
Miss Sue MA MLIS
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(14)
What's included
14 live meetings
11 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursAssignments
1 hour per week. 1-2 throughout the classCertificate of Completion
Certificated K-12, I can email Language Arts teacher the nature of the course in case they would use it in exchange for missing assignments.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Inquire about $20 off coupon for registering and paying in 2024 for 2025 classes. Are you worried your 8th-11th grader is missing the deeper layers of literature? In Short Story Classics to Inspire Readers, students become confident readers by exploring vocabulary, character, setting, point of view, and irony through timeless stories. These skills not only boost classroom success but also prepare them for tests like the SSAT, SAT, and ACT, while complementing advanced programs like HiCap and AP classes. With expert guidance, your student will develop critical thinking and a love for literature to help them shine in any challenge. We read fourteen classic short stories, named in the syllabus, to discover the elements of the novel/short story: plot, character, setting and atmosphere, point of view, irony, symbol, and theme. Students will be introduced to such authors as Liam O'Flaherty, Ambrose Bierce, James Thurber, Eudora Welty, Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson, Katherine Mansfield, Dorothy Parker, O. Henry, W. W. Jacobs, Gwendolyn Brooks, John Galsworthy, Alphonse Daudet, and Ray Bradbury. The class begins with background knowledge, such as the Irish War in "The Sniper," and previews vocabulary. The story is read before class. The class includes discussion, and perhaps a supplemental video clip, and is structured around slides. My teaching style part traditional, and part student-centered. Many of my students from my private tutoring business studying for SSAT, ISEE, HSPT and even the SAT have taken this course. It is good preparation for the types of questions asked on those exams.
Learning Goals
Analyze Story Elements: Identify and evaluate key literary elements such as plot structure, character development, setting and atmosphere, and their contributions to the story's overall impact.Understand Point of View: Explore how different narrative perspectives shape a story’s meaning and influence reader interpretation.
Syllabus
14 Lessons
over 14 WeeksLesson 1:
"The Sniper" Plot
January 10th, 2025 Plot
"The Sniper" by Liam O'Flaherty
Plot is what first gains your interest. In a short story, the events of the plot tell us about a single situation in an orderly and interesting way.
Author, history, Irish War, vocabulary, figurative language 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" Plot
January 17th, 2025 Plot
"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" Ambrose Bierce
Focus: Plot
Topics: The Civil War
The narrative is notable for its use of unreliable narration and a twist ending where Farquhar's desperate desire to escape death creates a vivid, but ultimately illusory, sequence of events. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
"The Catbird Seat" Character
January 24, 2025 Character
"The Catbird Seat" by James Thurber
Because short stories are short, the author focuses on one character, the protagonist. Whose story is it? From what point of view is it told?
Is the character's behavior believable and consistent?
Author, history, business world 1940s,vocabulary, figurative language 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
"A Visit of Charity" Character
January 31, 2025 Character
"A Visit of Charity" Eudora Welty
A short story by Eudora Welty about a 14-year-old girl named Marian who visits an old ladies' home. The story explores themes of selfishness, separation, and the difficulty of healing through love
Symbolism: the apple, the plant, and Marian's bite into the apple
Vocabulary 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
Guthrie, Peter. Little Worlds: Short Story Classics to Inspire Readers, Wayside Publishing, ISBN 978-1877653-52-0 https://www.waysidepublishing.com/languages/english/little-worlds $27 Must have book by first class. Will be used each session. Thank you. 3X5 notecards for vocabulary flashcards Spiral notebook section or document in folder on computer for notes and assignments
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2024
5.0
14reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Washington Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
3 Degrees
Master's Degree in Information Technology from University of Washington
Master's Degree in Theatre Arts from University of Washington
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Washington
Are you looking for expert guidance to help your student thrive in reading, writing, or test preparation?
With 40 years of experience as a certified teacher and librarian, I specialize in helping K-12 students master literacy and achieve academic success. Trained in the Science of Reading and structured literacy, I provide hands-on, personalized tutoring on Zoom. Whether you're preparing for Catholic school or independent prep school admissions, boosting reading comprehension, or supporting a homeschool journey, I can help your student succeed.
Let’s unlock your student’s full potential!
Parent of 5th Grade Girl and 8th Grade Boy, Cincinnati Country Day
"Sue is an excellent tutor! Her thoughtful, insightful approach goes above and beyond in creative writing, drama, literature, and academic writing. Fabulous experience!"
Parent of 5th Grade Boy, SSAT Prep
"Ms. Sue helped my son raise his SSAT score from 1490 to 1941 in just five months! Her dedication and expertise got him into his preferred school. Highly recommend!"
Teacher, Seattle Children's Hospital School
"Sue, thank you for sharing your expertise and dedication! You truly bring out each student's strengths and motivations."
5th Grader, Washington D.C.
"Ms. Sue helped me go from below average to advanced in reading and writing! She made learning fun and gave me confidence for middle school. I wouldn’t be here without her!"
4th Grader, Texas
"Ms. Sue helped me go from struggling to confident in reading. I felt ready for the STAAR test and love how kind and fun she is!"
Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
weekly1x per week, 14 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
2-6 learners per class
