Course Description
See Reviews of Instructor Heather Eades
Writers WRITE and writers READ, and this course offers students a wide selection of opportunities to grow in both areas. Following in the creative style and artistic expression of both Readers in Residence and Writers in Residence, this course designed for high school credit takes a close look at communicating ideas through language, and studies the literary tools writers use to do so in an interesting and engaging manner. Through reading and reflecting on the work of a variety of authors across multiple genres, students will grow in analytic skills, clear communication, and the art and craft of writing well.
My teaching style is lighthearted, relational, and tailored to each group of students in my class. In order to create a relaxed atmosphere where students feel comfortable sharing their original thoughts and writing, I foster a positive and encouraging environment of authenticity, knowing I’m not looking for “the textbook answer,” but rather students’ honest thoughts and opinions backed by support. Many students may not know how to do that coming into my class, but this is the place where we all learn how. Our virtual class time is a safe place to discuss struggles with the text, try some creative writing of our own, as well as celebrate our academic accomplishments in a writing/reading community.
Course Structure
Over the course of the school year, students will read, analyze, discuss, and respond in writing to 8 novels in numerous genres, (including 1 of their own choosing), a literary essay, and several poems. We will meet for an online live classtime/writer’s group/literary circle each Wednesday, with recordings of each class posted on Thursday for those who missed. There will be 8 writing assignments (both analytical and creative), and 1 larger project at the end of the year. Students can also expect to participate in written online group discussions in Canvas each week, as we read through the literature pieces together. This class will require several hours of reading and writing each week.
Who should enroll?
This class is aimed at 8th-10th graders. This class will require several hours of reading and writing each week.
Technology Requirements:
- High speed, broadband Internet
- Sound card and microphone (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
Evaluation and Feedback
Students will receive extensive comments and individualized feedback on their written assignments via Canvas. I guide students through the process of clearly communicating both their personal thoughts about the texts and their academic responses through analytic writing. My end goal is to have students be able to understand the process of analyzing literature, communicate their thoughts with cited evidence and support in both group discussions and writing, and to work toward creating written responses to the literature through creative composition and analytic writing.
Homework is given each Wednesday after class, with assignments to be turned in before class the following Tuesday evening. Students can expect feedback on their work by Friday evening, the week it is turned in (Monday, for larger assignments). Final grades are based on class participation, weekly homework assignments, and major projects. I will send out a mid-year evaluation and end of year evaluation with additional parent communication as needed.
Communication
I will confirm registration with parents and provide a welcome email with clear details on how to navigate this course. All parents are welcome to join us in Canvas as observers and I will respond to all parents and student questions via email or Canvas message within 24 hours. I prefer communication through Canvas on our course website.
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