Literature and Writing for Middle School 
Teacher: Chris MacLeith
 $365 per semester (2 semester course)
Four identical classes offered TUESDAYS - 8: 45 - 10:15, 10:30 - 12:00  THURSDAYS -8: 45 - 10:15, 10:30 - 12:00,  12:45 - 2:15

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
            Sophisicated 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:
TBA soon! 


All other materials wil be provided by the instructor. Many items will need to downloaded and printed at home for htis course, so students should have a good supply of ink and paper.