Literature and Writing for Middle School
Teacher: Chris MacLeith
$365 per semester (2 semester course)
Four identical classes offered TUESDAYS - 9:00 - 10:30, 10:45 - 12:15, 1:00-2:30 THURSDAYS -9:00 - 10:30 & 1:00 - 2:30
Tues 9:00 & 10:45 and Thurs 9:00 -CLASSES CLOSED - WAITLIST AVAILABLE
To be added to the waitlist for a closed class, begin the registration process and use the code 8884747 to access the registration form, selecting the waitlisted class in the dropdown menu. If a spot opens up in this class, you will be notified by the instructor.
Good literature takes us to different times and places, introduces us to fantastic characters, and teaches us to imagine and tell good stories. The more we read, the better we communicate in spoken and written word. Written word is powerful and developing the ability to write well is essential. Junior high students will be exposed to engaging classical works of literature covering a wide range of genres, while emphasizing the development of excellent writing skills. This is an engaging, fast-pace class where students will write essays, expand their vocabulary, participate in group activities, memorize and recite, and give oral presentations. This class will prepare students to excel in English through high school and beyond.
Unit 1 - Art of Writing - Storytelling
Sophisticated Sentences - Parts of Speech Review
Journal Writing
Unit 2 - Who’s Who? - 1st person/3rd person; Pronouns; Possession; Prepositions
Mythology
Literature TBD
Write an original myth
Unit 3 - Phenomenal Paragraphs
Realistic Fiction
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Character Analysis
Unit 4 - Terrific Thesis & Topic Sentences
Biography/Autobiography Research Project
Literature TBD
Five paragraph research project
Multi-media presentation
Unit 5 - Shakespeare
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
Recitation and/or acting out scenes
Unit 6 - Poetry
Write original poem
Poetry recital
Unit 7 - Formal Letter Writing
News Article Writing
Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
Various works by Edgar Alan Poe
Unit 8 - Historical Fiction
Literature TBD
5 Paragraph Essay
Unit 9 - Science Fiction
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeliene L’Engle
Short answer essay
Class Materials:
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeliene L’Engle
Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
All other materials will be provided by the instructor. Many items will need to downloaded and printed at home for this course, so students should have a good supply of ink and paper.