Click to view Spring 2024 class schedule
1/2 Grade Novel: Harper and the Scarlet Umbrella
Wednesday 9:30-11:30 PST (12:30-2:30 pm EST)
Jan 31-May 1 *no class Feb. 21, and March 27
This fantasy tale introduces children to many musical vocabulary terms and explores the make believe world of enchantment. Children will learn about friendship, teamwork, and problem solving. They will also work on writing 3-4 complete sentences related to a topic. They will be taught how to identify some parts-of-speech, how to choose great words in sentence writing, and how to follow a story from the very beginning to the final resolutions.
3/4 Grade Novel: Medallion
Wednesdays 9:30-11:30 PST (12:30-2:30 pm EST)
Jan 31-May 1 *no class Feb. 21, and March 27
Medallion is a fantasy coming-of-age story reminiscent of medieval times. In it, our main character goes on a journey, initiated by his pride, and learns many character lessons along the way. Our class will focus on setting and mood, character qualities and character growth, conflict (internal and external), and what it means to be a good leader. These topics will be both discussed in class, and be the topic for their writing assignments. We'll start with the Basic Paragraph, and quickly move to the Expanded Paragraph, learning to add in some familiar stylistic elements toward the end of the semester.
5/6 Grade Novel: The Door in the Wall
Wednesdays 9:30-11:30 PST (12:30-2:30 pm EST)
Jan 31-May 1 *no class Feb. 21, and March 27
Or
Thursdays 9:30-11:30 PST (12:30-2:30 pm EST)
Feb 1-May 2 *no class Feb. 22, and March 28
Robin, child of Sir John de Bureford, has been told what is expected of him as the son of a nobleman. He must learn the ways of knighthood. But Robin’s destiny is changed suddenly when he falls ill and loses the use of his legs. Fearing a plague, his servants abandon him, and Robin is left alone. A monk named Brother Luke rescues Robin. When the great castle of Lindsay is in danger, Robin discovers that there is more than one way to serve his king. This class will focus on the themes of perseverance, kindness, friendship, and courage. Students will also continue learning and practicing the expanded paragraph writing process, specifically focusing on the editing and stylistic elements that make paragraphs excellent!
7/8 Grade Novel: The Hobbit
Tuesdays 10:00 am- 12:00 pm PST (1:00-3:00 pm EST)
Jan 30-Apr 30 *no class Feb. 20, and March 26
Or
Wednesdays 10:00 am- 12:00 pm PST (1:00-3:00 pm EST)
Jan 31-May 1 *no class Feb. 21, and March 27
This classic tale follows the story of an unlikely hero, warns of the dangers of greed, and discovers the wonders of exploration and adventures. Students will discuss loyalty, honor, and resourcefulness in class. Many students will discover the difference between a written tale and its movie! Hint: the book is not the same; it is better! Students will also continue to focus on multi-paragraph writing. They will delve deeper into the more advanced stylistic elements and grammatical layers that enhance writing at the middle school level.
9-12 Grade Novel: The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood
Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 am PST (12:30-2:30 pm EST)
Jan 30-Apr 30 *no class Feb. 20, and March 26
Or
Wednesdays 9:30-11:30 PST (12:30-2:30 pm EST)
Jan 31-May 1 *no class Feb. 21, and March 27
Join us for a romp in Sherwood Forest as we tag along with The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood! Howard Pyle adapts the timeless legends of England’s famed outlaw and not only provides exhilarating escapades, but also explores thoughtful themes of good vs. evil, legality vs. morality, and the bonds of friendship. Students will contemplate the challenge of sticking to their principles in the face of conflict while studying one of the most exciting models in English literature! Students will continue to write five-paragraph essays focused on literary response writing. They will hone their use of stylistic elements and perfect the advanced grammatical skills needed for high school writing.
College Prep Novel: The Count of Monte Cristo
Thursdays 9:30-11:30 PST (12:30-2:30 pm EST)
Feb 1-May 2 *no class Feb. 22, and March 28
For centuries, Alexandre Dumas’ classic, The Count of Monte Cristo, has defended its title as the pinnacle of revenge stories. While many people know of the name, students will dive deeper and study the surprisingly intimate exploration of the complex dynamics between revenge and justice. As they follow the exploits of the millionaire on a mission, they will also discover how the interplay between mercy, grace, and redemption affect the story of one man seeking justice in an unjust world. Students will continue to write more expansive five-paragraph essays focused on literary response writing. They will hone their use of stylistic elements and perfect the advanced grammatical skills needed for college level writing. They will also write in discussion-board posts to practice for their college class experiences.