2024-2025 School Year
Literature Discussion 6 GVL
Combined with IEW 1 for 6th Grade, this is a complete English Language Arts course for middle school students.
All sixth-grade classes must be taken as a package. This is one of four classes in the package.
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:
All 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 will be assigned homework on non co-op weekdays.
- One Day Model students should expect homework assignments 3 or 4 days per week.
- Two Day Model students should expect homework assignments 2 or 3 days per week.
**Summer Homework: Shakespeare Stealer is to be read by the first day of class in September.**
Grades: 6th Grade
Fees: One Day Model: $720 for 6th grade package of 4 classes
Two Day Model: $1440 for 6th grade package of 4 classes
Sections Offered: Sections: Desert, Forest, Jungle, Tundra
Required Materials
Purchase Each Required Title on Booklist:
- The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood (Lexile score 840) Summer Homework: To be read by the first day of class in September
- The Master Puppeteer by Katherine Paterson (Lexile score 860)
- Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates (Lexile score 1090)
- Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (670)
- Poetry Selections: Provided by the teacher
- The Horse and His Boy by CS Lewis (Lexile score 970)
- Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls (Lexile score 700)
- The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare (Lexile score 850)
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.
Sections: Desert, Forest, Jungle, Tundra
Meet Rachel Foister
Education: I attended the University of South Carolina Upstate where I majored in Middle Level Education.
Teaching experience: I have ten years of experience as a middle school English Language Arts teacher.
Homeschool experience: I am excited that the 2024-2025 school year is the first yet that I have the opportunity to homeschool my own two children and work with UHC as a teacher.
Certifications: I have a degree in Middle Level Education with concentrations in English Language Arts and Social Studies. In addition, I have earned endorsements in Gifted and Talented Education and Technology Education.
UHC Courses Taught: 6th grade Literature
Began teaching at UHC in 2024