Middle School Literature
6th or 7th - 8th grade

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.

Class Time

Tuesdays

9:00am - 10:30am (6th Grade)

10:45am - 12:15pm (7th/8th Grade)

1:00am - 2:30pm (7th/8th Grade)

Thursdays

9:00am - 10:30am (7th/8th Grade)

1:00pm - 2:30pm (6th Grade)

Instructor

Mrs. Chris MacLeith

Tuition

2024-25 (two semester course)

$415 per semester

2025-26 (two semester course)

$425 per semester

PCLC Student Fee

There is an annual student fee for all students taking classes at Pacific Coast Learning Center. Some charter schools allow for this fee to be added to the cost of classes rather than being paid out-of-pocket by parents. If your charter agrees, you may add the cost of the student fee to

your first PO.

Middle School Literature

This is an engaging, fast-paced class where students will learn to write high-quality 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.

Students who are transitioning into the rigors of middle school are recommended to take the 6th Grade course where they can expect instruction to be foundational and equipping for the 7th/8th grade course, where students are prepared to transition to high school work. The coursework is the same for both levels, but the instruction is tailored for the different levels of skill and maturity.

Unit 1- Historical Fiction - True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

Descriptive paragraph writing

Unit 2 - Dystopian Literature – The Giver by Lois Lowry

Outlining and paragraph development
Dialogue and punctuation review

Unit 3 – Fairy Tales – various works

Elements of fairy tale genre
Write an original fairy tale

Unit 4 – Historical Poetry – Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhhah Lai

Formal five-paragraph research essay on immigration and culture

Unit 5- Historical Fiction – Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Oral heritage presentation

Unit 6 – Poetry- various selections

Analysis and writing of various forms of poetry
Includes annual poetry recital

Unit 7- Mystery – The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Formal letter writing
Email etiquette

Class Materials

Students in this class will need to supply the following:
(audio books or digital forms of these works are acceptable)

True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhhah Lai

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Lined paper and paper/pens in class.
All other materials will be provided by the instructor
This class requires printing several materials at home. Please have paper and ink in your printer!