Week 1
Lesson 1
"The Ransom of Red Chief"  by O. Henry
In this class, we will read a short story and answer closed and open ended questions that require learners to provide evidence to show and support their understanding of the text. Homework assignment will be due at the beginning of the next class.
 Week 2
Lesson 2
"Names/Nombres" by Julia Alvarez
In this class, we will read a short story that brings awareness to learners about how powerful words can be. After the reading, learners will be introduced to writing a formal correspondence letter to the author.
 Week 3
Lesson 3
Formal Correspondence + Grammar + Punctuation Rules
In this class, we will continue drafting our formal correspondence letters and participate in a grammar and punctuation learning review and exercise. Letters will be due at the beginning of the next class.
 Week 4
Lesson 4
 "I'm Nobody! Who are You?" a poem by Emily Dickinson 
In this class, we read a poem and practice text annotations. Learners will also be introduced to a poetry analysis response.
 Week 5
Lesson 5
The Poetry Analysis
In this class, learners will use a graphic organizer to compose their analysis response. Analysis responses will be due at the beginning of the next class.
 Week 6
Lesson 6
"Click Clack the Rattlebag" by Neil Gaiman
In this class, learners will read the suspenseful short story by Gaiman. Learners will practice text annotations and completing a graphic organizer for the first essay of the course.
 Week 7
Lesson 7
Argumentative Writing
In this class, learners will choose an argumentative writing topic based on our reading of "Click Clack the Rattlebag." We will review the components of an argumentative essay and begin drafting in class.
 Week 8
Lesson 8
Argumentative Writing + Revision and Editing
In this class, learners will continue drafting their essays and review revision and editing strategies. Learners are encouraged to share their written drafts with the teacher for real-time feedback on their progress. Final essays are due at the beginning of the next class. 
 Week 9
Lesson 9
"The Friday Everything Changed" by Anne Hart 
In this class, we will read a new short story that will allow students to critically think about the roles we play in society. We will use a Venn Diagram to help formulate thoughts for a compare-contrast response. The compare-contrast response will be due at the beginning of the next class.
 Week 10
Lesson 10
 "To Build a Fire" by Jack London
In this class, learners will read a compelling short story set in below freezing temperatures. Learners will participate in class discussions about the first half of the shorty story. All learners are encouraged to participate verbally and via the chat box. 
 Week 11
Lesson 11
 "To Build a Fire" by Jack London
In this class, we will finish our short story and be introduced to the final writing prompt for the course. Learners will brainstorm and create a thesis before next class.
 Week 12
Lesson 12
Composing a Literature Response Essay
In this class, we will review the components of a standard response essay. Learners will begin working on the drafts of their essays in class. Learners are encouraged to share their written drafts with the teacher for real-time feedback on their progress. Final essays are due within a week of the course end date.