Joy Pope, Instructor
Grades 8-10
CLASS IS FULL – Contact us to be placed on the waitlist
This course is a customized literature and composition class. Students will learn what “good” readers do as they analyze literature. They will review elements of plot, conflict, characterization, and theme. They will learn how to recognize worldviews and be critical thinkers. They will practice personal connections, interpretations, and responses to literature which show higher order understanding of the text. Students will also practice skills in group discussion and public presentation.
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 assignments 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 will need to 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. Grades will be updated weekly at Schoology.com. Students who do not have a 80% at the end of fall semester will need instructor permission to continue into second semester. 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. It is helpful if students know the basics of literary analysis since this is an advanced class (elements of plot, conflict, characterization, theme, and literary terms). 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 Vol 2, and/or Literature and Composition 1 and instructor approval to enroll in Literature and Composition 2. 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: $230 per semester = $460 yearly, plus registration fees
Required Student Materials:
—-Dragon’s Gate, Laurence Yep
—-Call of the Wild, Jack London
—-Student selected novel
—-Presentation materials (TBD)
—-English handbook, dictionary, and thesaurus – either online or hardcopy
—-I will provide study guides for instructional units. Students will be responsible to print them each week.
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