2025 MS104-2 Summer Thursday Class (Rising G5)

Course Overview:

This intro-level course introduces students to 3 types of writing: creative, expository, and persuasive. At the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of two creative fiction stories, 4 expository essays, and one persuasive essay. Students will also read novels from various genres, including fairytales, science fiction, fantasy, humor fiction, and historical fiction. In each class, the instructor will provide a PowerPoint to aid students' learning; students can also access a library of video lectures intended to be watched as supplemental lessons to support students’ learning. Video lectures are not intended to substitute lectures; instead, they are intended so students will learn course material with repetition. Office hours will be available by appointment, and students should always contact the instructor for support.

Summer Book List:

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien (pre-class reading)
The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (2 weeks)
Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls (2 weeks)
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein (3 weeks)
The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick (2 weeks)

Summer Extra Reading:

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred D. Taylor
It Ain't So Awful, Falafel, by Firoozeh Dumas
Each Tiny Spark, By Pablo Cartaya
The War That Saved My Life (#1), by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures, by Kate DiCamillo