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In Reading 7 and Literature 8, students read a variety of fiction to broaden their literacy experience and knowledge
base. After completing these two courses, students will have worked with the following types of fiction: historical
fiction, science fiction, fantasy, contemporary realistic fiction, survival fiction, mystery, biographical fiction, and classical
fiction including mythology. Research shows that people who read a lot become more fluent and develop an enjoyment for
reading. To increase comprehension, students need large chunks of time to read with minimal distractions, opportunities
to reflect on what they read and to respond to what they read, and some choice in what they read. The more they consider
their personal reactions to characters and plot lines, the more they visualize and make connections between literature and
their lives, the more comprehension and enjoyment will develop. In Reading and Literature classes, students reflect
and write in journals, they reflect and write reports or create projects, they reflect and participate in discussions.
Events and Announcements
Updated 3/11/10
In Reading, students will read three class novels, several independent novels, and examine literary terms
and topics. Projects are created for four free reading novel selections and are chosen from a list of options. Due
dates for the fourth book project are May 13th/14th. Novels used for projects are checked out from our LMC or Mrs.
K's room and must be approved. Currently, students nearly finished reading The Cay, by Theodore
Taylor, as a class.
In Literature, students also study three class novels and read novels for book
reports, as well as study several literary terms. The book report has a specific, required, 6-paragraph format and is
written about an approved free reading fiction selection checked out from our LMC or my room. Due dates for
the fourth report - rough draft - are May 6th/7th. Once I have returned their edited draft, they have 3-4
class days to type a final copy. Currently, students are nearly finished reading The Pigman, by Paul
Zindel, as a class.
For additional information about the 7th grade book projects or the 8th grade Literature
reports, see the link to those in this website.
New high school English electives that I am teaching this year
include Mythology, Short Story 1 & 2, and Individualized Reading. These classes may be offered as full block classes
or skinnies.
Mythology is designed to enrich students' understanding of language, vocabulary, and allusions;
and students will examine the effects of this literature on human nature and the hero's journey. Myths are universal,
occurring in almost all cultures. They have serious purposes and importance to a culture, dealing with basic questions
about the nature of the world and of human experience. This course will involve intensive study of the myths, sagas,
and legends of a variety of cultures. It involves a considerable amount of reading, writing, and note-taking.
Short Story gives students the opportunity to experience and enjoy the world of short stories. Students will read
extensively. They will discuss literary terms and their application in a variety of short stories. Active
participation in class discussion is required, as well as some written responses to the literature.
Short Story
2 is a similar course of study, focusing on science fiction, fantasy, and plays.
Individualized Reading gives students
the chance to read extensively and increase their reading skills. They will set personal reading goals, read a variety
of literature, record what they read, and conference frequently.
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