Course Description
See Reviews of Instructor Colette Bailes
This live online English class for middle school students builds on English Foundations 1, but is NOT a prerequisite for taking this class. English Foundations 2 is suited for 7th–8th graders (at least 12 years old) who need an online class that includes writing, literature, grammar, and vocabulary all in one class.
This comprehensive class seeks to prepare middle school students for high school English. An advantage of any outside English class is having someone other than “Mom” to review/grade the student’s compositions. Class interaction with the other students will also enhance the class.
Students will:
- Apply the steps of the writing process and effective traits of writing to their own compositions, as well as understanding the purpose and audience of each writing assignment.
- Write “warm-up” paragraphs to increase confidence in writing.
- Write multi-paragraph essays covering the four types of writing: descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive, using teacher review to improve each composition.
- Write a “coming-of-age” short story (either autobiographical or imaginative).
- Prepare and present an informative or persuasive speech.
- Demonstrate an understanding of English grammar, including: punctuation, mechanics, spelling, sentence structure, and parts of speech.
- Review the basic elements of literature (setting, character, plot, point of view, conflict, and theme), preparing a creative project with definitions and examples for each term.
- Identify techniques of literature such as irony, symbolism, and figures of speech, including: allusion, idioms, synecdoche, and understatement.
- Review different genres of writing and discuss their differences, as well as read short stories and novels in various genres.
- Improve their reading comprehension through thought-provoking questions and discussion of the novels read together.
- Identify the sounds and techniques used in poetry, prepare a poetry presentation, and write several of his/her own poems.
- Learn new vocabulary words in context in the novels read together.
- Learn new vocabulary words through the Wordly Wise curriculum.
Course Structure
We will systematically work through the writing process focusing on the six Writing Traits and the specific conventions for each of the following writing types: descriptive, narrative, expository and persuasive. By structuring each of the new writing types in this manner, students will learn an effective process for successful writing.
Who should enroll?
This class is open to all 7th and 8th graders who would like a structured, formal English class.
Technology Requirements
- High speed, broadband Internet
- Headset and microphone (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
- Microsoft Word and Power Point is extremely helpful. If using a different word processing program, the document should be saved or exported as a pdf in order to submit it on Canvas.
Evaluation and Feedback
Student’s writing assignments will receive much feedback prior to being graded according to a rubric featuring the effective traits of writing. Grammar and vocabulary exercises are usually graded automatically by Canvas. Literature questions are graded based on effort. Students in English Foundations 2 take both grammar quizzes and regular tests on literature terms and writing concepts.
Communication
Parents are welcome to contact me via email with questions before registering, but it is not necessary before enrolling a student. Once I know a student has registered, the family will receive a welcome packet with additional information about the course. I will contact parents if there is a concern that a student is not keeping up with the work or frequently turning in late assignments.
Yoriko Sides (verified owner) –
If you are a parent looking for a solid and amazing English class for 7-8th graders, this is IT!! Look no further!! My 7th grade daughter goes to a brick and mortar school and we wanted to supplement/challenge her. My husband and I have noticed a tremendous growth in her writing, in particular! When she started a year ago, she was repetitive and always used monotonous expressions. When we read her writings she submitted to Ms. Bailes lately, we were stunned. She does not just “lecture”. She teaches the students HOW to write, read and use the right grammar and she makes sure the students understand. You would not believe the detailed corrections she gives to their assignments. She is the hands down THE BEST English teacher my daughter has ever had!!! (AGAIN, SHE GOES TO A GOOD BRICK AND MORTER SCHOOL! She was just awarded at the school, the highest English Average for the whole class!! ) it is all thanks to Mrs. Bailes!
Parent –
-Consistent meeting times
-Excellent teacher response to all assignments. I was blown away by the individualized feedback for each assignment, which enables the student to grow, regardless of their current caliber of work.
-Teacher truly cared about the students. We had an issue come up partway into the year and the teacher was very caring and responsive, and gave grace to our child.
Brett –
This was by far the best class I have ever done. It was very thorough and I learned a variety of things. Mrs. Graybill, is very nice, helpful, and forgiving. 5 stars
Laura –
English Foundations 2 has been the best language arts course I’ve ever come across. Mrs. Graybill is the kindest, most wonderful teacher. She has designed a phenomenal class covering many language arts subjects in one course throughout the year. We love how organized her class is! My child loves Mrs. Graybill’s incredible live classes, the detailed weekly lessons, her amazing PowerPoints, and all the valuable assignments she teaches, along with the helpful feedback she provides. Canvas is an excellent site and Mrs. Graybill has put together fun, interesting, structured lessons which really challenge students and helps them become confident learners, writers, and communicators. My child has never learned so much in a class before, and we deeply appreciate Mrs. Graybill and all her time and effort she has put into this course.
Jan (verified owner) –
My son takes Middle School Tools B with Mrs. G this year. This English course covers everything a 7th Grade should learn and much more. The online classes are fun, and the atmosphere’s supportive and inspiring. Mrs. G really knows how to draw the best out of her students. Love reading her thoughtful comments and feedbacks every week. She’s an amazing teacher. My son has certainly come a long way since he took his first class.
Note: The title of this class was changed from Middle School Tools B to English Foundations 2 but the content remains the same.
Black Shire –
This class was really helpful. It has helped me a lot with grammar things and the requiered books were very enjoyable. Mrs. Graybill, as a teacher is very talented. I had quite a bit of trouble with many things, and so I had lots of questions which Mrs. G. answered patiently. This class has helped me to branch out and try different things, and has offered many challenges. Mrs. G. is a very encouraging, helpful, fun, and understanding teacher. I only found one thing that I didn’t like in this class and that was the many grammar questions, and that is because I don’t really like grammar. Over-all I was very honored to get to know Mrs. G. and be a part of her class! I recomend this class to any one who has had grammar problems, writing issues, ect. Thank you Mrs. G. for your teaching!
Susan (verified owner) –
We highly recommend this class and Bev Graybill as a teacher! My youngest daughter has had the wonderful experience of learning from Mrs. Graybill for Middle School Tools A & B. The class is so well organized and planned which has made it so easy for my daughter to “own” this class and all of her lessons, quizzes, assignments, etc. The independence that is has helped foster has been great. Mrs. G is an extremely supportive and encouraging teacher. After homeschooling for over 20 years, I regret not finding out about this class earlier for some of my other daughters. I review other homeschooling families through our umbrella group and am frequently recommending this class to families. I wholeheartedly recommend this class taught by Mrs. G!
Tonja –
Mrs. Graybill has been such an incredible support to myself and daughter through the Middle School English class this year! My daughter absolutely loves the class, and I really appreciate the support that Mrs. G is willing to give! She is passionate, kind, knowledgeable and willing to go above and beyond to help my daughter. She has learned so much in just this one year, we look forward to many more of her classes! I highly recommend her! Thanks Mrs. G!
X.B. Student –
It is really helpful. English is not my first language, but thanks to this class I can speak and write more fluid English.
Since I was in Puerto Rico when Irma and Maria hit, we moved for this semester to Florida, and I have been able to do better in school.
It has been an honor to take this course, and I recommend it 100%.
Noemi Bernier-Vera –
when I chose the course I was a little scared, since it was the first time my son was going to take an online course.
When I wrote directly to Mrs. Graybill’s she was very diligent calling to answer all my questions. When me or my son wrote she responded very quickly.
From the beginning all the material was well organized, with excellent content and above all relevant for the degree. My son improved his writing, reading, acquired more vocabulary and get more confidence in the language. The dynamics of the online classes with the other students was very interactive and dynamic for them.
My son always felt challenged and improving during the class.
At the moment we faced the crisis of hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. She always showed empathy and a lot of solidarity to help him in the process we were living in the country.
I definitely recommend this course or any other that she offers.
Arpan Kumar –
Mrs. Graybill is an amazing teacher. Through quizzes and lessons, she teaches about the rules of grammar and writing. She always takes the time to grade assignments personally and gives comments where necessary. These classes have really improved my writing and especially my grammar skills, and I would highly recommend this class to anyone looking to improve their writing skills.
Shannon Kauffman (verified owner) –
My son has been in Mrs. Graybill’s Middle School Tools B class this year and has grown a lot as a writer and also as a reader. He has always been a strong reader but lacked the deeper level thinking needed in higher level reading. I feel that this class has helped him in this area. This is our first venture into online classes and it has been a wonderful experience. Mrs. Graybill is very knowledgeable and friendly. She grades assignments in a timely manner and thoroughly explains any errors that my son has made to him. She has been very encouraging and supportive of him throughout this year. When he has had questions, she responds quickly to his emails. I have enjoyed the independence my son has shown in completing the daily assignments. I love that she breaks the days down with suggested work so that he can pace himself with the assignments and not become overwhelmed. I look forward to when my daughter will be able to take this class.
Rebecca Klabunde –
Both my daughter and my son have taken courses and we couldn’t speak more highly of their experience! Mrs. Graybill is warm, friendly, and helps all of the students feel at ease. She is both thorough in her explanations and dependable to answer questions in a timely manner. We also appreciated her willingness to work with each and every student, individually, if they struggled with a particular area. Her patience comes across in all that she does and it’s evident that she works hard to make sure that each of her students succeeds! We all think that Mrs. Graybill is AMAZING!