Joy Pope, Instructor
Grades 7-8
In this course, students will be introduced to literary analysis. They will learn the elements of plot,
conflict, characterization, and theme. They will practice personal connections, interpretations, and
responses to literature which show higher order understanding of the text. Students will practice their
literary analysis skills by responding to literature through customized study guides, reader response
prompts, book projects, group discussions, presentations, and essays.
Students will receive direct in-class instruction on written literary analysis and interpretation. They will develop vocabulary from their reading and learn terms to use while discussing and writing about literature. The instructor will provide instructional study guides each week. When writing assignment are given, the instructor will provide specific directions and checklists tailored to each type of composition, so parents can help students more effectively at home to improve their writing. A parent-editor will be required to work with his/her student to complete any formal writing assignments.
Students must plan for 45-60 minutes of homework three to four days a week.
Parents must provide oversight for student’s daily progress on assignments, function as a parent-
editor for all writing assignments, and facilitate discussion questions. Homework will be evaluated
weekly Grades will also be updated weekly on Google Classroom. Students who do not have a 80%
at the end of fall semester will need instructor permission to continue into second semester. At
spring break, students are required to have an 80% or above to guarantee registration in a Sound
Learning English class the following year. Visit Sound Learning’s General Course Requirements for
more information.
Pre-requisites:
—New Students: Successful completion of Following Narnia Vol 1, Vol 2, or equivalent is required. Students must read and write at grade level. Please contact me if you have questions regarding these requirements
—Returning Students: Students must have an 80% or above in Following Narnia Vol 1 or 2 and instructor approval to enroll in Literature 1. Please contact me for my recommendations.
—Please visit Sound Learning English Department Sequence for more information.
Course Day and Time: Mondays, 1st Period, 8:15-9:25
Tuition: $250 per semester, $500 yearly
Required Student Materials:
—-The Cay, Theodore Taylor
—-The Giver, Lois Lowry
—-2-3 student selected books for reader response, book project, and literary analysis essay units
—-Project/Presentation materials (TBD)
—-English handbook, dictionary, and thesaurus – either online or hardcopy
—-I will provide study guides for instructional units. Student will be responsible to print them.
Recommended Materials: (not required) Fix it! Grammar (Levels 1-6)
Grammar will not be formally taught in this class. For parents who want a structured grammar program, Fix it! Grammar encourages students to immediately apply new grammar knowledge in context, aiding in the transfer of grammar skills into their own writing. Student lessons require both independent and interactive work with a parent to apply terminology and strategies from Teaching Writing: Structure and Style.
After determining student placement, purchase of a Fix It! Grammar teacher’s manual also provides free access to a downloadable PDF copy of the student workbook for each level.
Fix It! Teacher’s Manual
Spiral Bound, $19.00 (Each Level)
Contact Information: E-mail jpopecreekside @msn.com Phone 360-710-1810