2025-2026 School Year
Literature Discussion 6 SPT
Tuesdays AND Thursdays
All sixth-grade classes must be taken as a set. This is one of four classes in the set.
Combined with IEW 1 for 6th Grade, this is a complete English Language Arts course for middle school students.
Course Description
The purpose of this class is to help the students expand their knowledge of literary terms, their depth of understanding of the author’s viewpoint, and to compare and contrast each book to a Biblical understanding of the world. Class time will be spent note taking, discussing and challenging the students’ thought processes, and integrated group activities. We will refer to different sections of the books and read them aloud for a better understanding. Students will need to possess a copy of each book, which the student will bring to class, but you may also listen to the audio version if needed. The class will be taught on an advanced thinking level. Even if your student has read a book listed, being in a book study will open up another world to them when discussing the content of the book.
To be successful in this class:
Students should expect to read at least seven to eight chapters a week in preparation for class. Students also will complete vocabulary, worksheets, assigned projects, and journaling for homework to enhance comprehension and improve critical thinking skills. Homework is to be done every week with parental supervision; there will be no exceptions. Students who aren’t prepared for discussion each week will be at a disadvantage.
Homework: Students should expect homework assignments 2 to 3 days per week.
**Summer Homework: Student must have completed Shakespeare Stealer before the first day of class**
Grades: 6th Grade
Fees: Tuition: $1440 for 6th grade package of 4 classes
Required Materials
Purchase an unabridged copy of each required book listed below. Books are in the order they will be read.
- The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood Lexile score 840) Summer Homework: To be read by the first day of class in September
- Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates (Lexile score 1090)
- Poetry Selections: Provided by the teacher
- Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (670)
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (Lexile score 940)
- Hatchet by Gary Paulsen (Lexile score 1020)
- Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls (Lexile score 700)
*After each book (except for poetry and drama, which are rated differently), you can find the Lexile score, which is an estimate of the reading level for each book. You can learn more about Lexile scoring, what it means, and how to use it here.

Meet Madison Arbuckle
Education:
- BS in English from Bob Jones University
- Masters of Education in Literacy from Clemson University
Certifications:
- Middle School Language Arts
- Secondary English
- Literacy Teacher
- Gifted and Talented
- ESSL
Teaching Experience:
- 8 years teaching middle school Language Arts for Greenville County Schools
Began teaching at UHC in 2023