Essentials in Literature 8 Subscription Combo

Includes everything you need:

• Student Text/Workbook
• Teacher Handbook
• Novel
• 12 month access to ONLINE lesson-by-lesson video instruction (DVDs will not be included - your subscription will arrive by email after your order is invoiced)
• plus Digital Access

Essentials in Literature is a literary analysis curriculum that features a student textbook/workbook combination with video subscription instruction, from teacher Matthew Stephens, presented online over four units: fiction, nonfiction, novel, figurative language/poetry.

Literary analysis occurs across the curriculum by exploring short stories in the fiction unit. Short works of nonfiction such as excerpts from biographies and autobiographies as well as informative articles, propaganda techniques, and narrative nonfiction are analyzed in the nonfiction unit. Figurative language and poetry are explored in the final unit following a six week novel study.

Using primarily short works to analyze poetry and prose allows students to focus on literary elements and active reading skills individually in short, easy lessons and activities; however, one long literary work is the subject of literary analysis within each level as well in order to ensure students are able to apply the same skills to longer works. Video lessons taught by teacher, Matthew Stephens are precise, to the point, and model literary analysis.

Each literary piece is explored through multiple before, while, and after you read activities over a series of five days. Story Assessments (Independent Practice) provide comprehension and application practice through a variety of assessment techniques included but not limited to multiple choice, matching, long answer, tabled literary analysis application, and written response.

Summative Assessments are the culminating activity for each individual unit with multiple choice, matching, short answer/fill in the blank, true/false, tabled literary analysis application, and written response assessment techniques.

Students are taught to analyze literature not only for its literary value but also as a way to connect with authors, characters, events, and places. Students will be challenged to become better readers, writers, and critical thinkers as they prepare for college and careers.

Level 8 Overview

Unit 1: Fiction (Short Stories)
· Fiction unit terms and explanation
· 6 short stories (application)
· 1 summative assessment

Unit 2: Nonfiction (Short Literary Works)
· Nonfiction unit terms and explanation
· 6 nonfiction works (application)
· 1 summative assessment

Unit 3: Novel
· 1 Novel (literary analysis application)
· 1 summative assessment
· 1 major writing activity

Unit 4: Figurative Language/Poetry
· Figurative Language/Poetry Unit terms and explanation
· 6 units of up to 8 literary works (application)
· 1 summative assessment

Parent Note: One literary piece for this level is a narrative nonfiction piece in which the author recounts his horrifying experiences as a Jewish boy under Nazi control. Some may find his experiences graphic and/or disturbing. All “questionable” excerpts are listed in the teacher handbook so that parents/teachers may preview questionable material before students read. A list of ways to handle these types of excerpts in literature as a whole is provided as well.

Level 8 Sample Lesson

Level 8 Literary Works