This class is designed as a complete Middle School ELA course with a Science Fiction theme.  Not only will we be reading science fiction novels, essays, and short stories, we’ll write fiction and non-fiction pieces of our own. Many of our assignments will be Sci-Fi themed.

Students who did not complete semester 1 will be accepted as spots are available.  We will be building on the conventions and skills covered in semester 1.  In semester 1 we reviewed/learned how to deal with run-ons, fragments, commas, and punctuation; we discussed issues like point of view, protagonists /antagonists, characterization, and novel structure; we wrote dialogue, short biographies, book reports and flash fiction; and we read three novels, myths, poetry, and biographies. If you have questions about this or are concerned if your student is ready for the class, please feel free to reach out. 

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 the basics of creative writing as well as essay writing; practice writing on a weekly basis; and read three novels total.  As a class we will read “A Wrinkle in Time.” The students will read two more novels chosen from a curated list as well as a number of classic Sci-Fi short stories.  We will discuss the historical and modern tropes and sub-genres of Science Fiction and learn about the genre through a variety of mediums including poetry, short stories, novels, movies, and songs.

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 to write a short piece (between 200-1000 words) and complete the assigned peer editing and/or do a worksheet. 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 interests. Students will receive feedback on each assignment.

Here is a sample of the schedule for the 12 weeks.  

Unit 1 Writing Non-fiction

Week 1: What is Science Fiction?-Tropes and more
Week 2: Robots and AI -“Robbie” by Isaac Asimov
Week 3: Aliens - “To Serve Man” 
Week 4: Dystopias- “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
Week 5: Pressure: "2BR02B" by Kurt Vonnegut
	
Unit 2: Writing Fiction: A Wrinkle in Time (Alternate choice "When You Reach Me"

Week 6: Setting- Descriptive writing
Week 7: Characterization- Show don’t Tell
Week 8: Plot- Pantsers vs Plotters
Week 9: Literary Analysis- Questions to Ask

Unit 3: Other media and final projects 

Week 10: Poetry
Week 11: Movies and TV shows
Week 12: Final Projects

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, an overall grade for the class.  

I also have a separate tutoring program if your child needs additional instruction.  This is offered both for students who may need homework help, students who need conventions/grammar review, and for students who could use additional enrichment. 

If a student needs accommodations, I am eager to work with them.  ESL learners and neurodiverse learners have been successful in semester 1. No student is ever required to read aloud in class. Learners 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.