LITERATURE

Literature I (Grades 3 -5) The first book we'll read for the spring term will be the wonderful classic (and great read-aloud) by Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows. I'm not requiring a certain edition (though this is one you may want to get in hardback), but do make sure you get the original, not an abridged edition. Our other two books were not available through Barnes and Noble when I checked, but can be ordered from Rainbow Resource Center (www.rainbow resource.com) for $4.95 each. One is the 1956 Newbery winner by Virginia Sorenson, Miracles on Maple Hill, a story of family troubles (the father has just returned from being a prisoner of war) and the healing that comes through their time at Maple Hill. This book could correspond to a unit on nature study, as the family lives through an entire year in the Pennsylvania countryside. The other book is British author Mary Norton's delightful story of the tiny Clock family who live under the kitchen floorboards, The Borrowers. Reading will be done during the week, with classtime reserved for discussion. Poetry Unit

Literature II (Grades 6 - 8) Spring term will begin with a poetry unit. No book to buy: I'll supply handouts of the poems we'll use for analysis, discussion, and enjoyment. Our other two books will be Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl (Bantam Books, $5.99) and Baroness Orczy's The Scarlet Pimpernel (Puffin Classics, $5.99), the latter about a mysterious Englishman who leads French aristocrats in daring escapes during the French revolution. Reading will be required outside of class, with study questions to aid in comprehension and to facilitate class discussion.

(Reading great literature is arguably the best way to build vocabulary, develop critical thinking skills and gain an understanding of the past)  

 AGE RANGE OF STUDENTS:

Literature I: 9 – 11
Literature II: 12 - 14

MATERIALS:  TEXT REQUIRED TO BE PURCHASED,Folder with pockets, pen or pencil 

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