Unit Studies
Language Arts
Beyond the Page units can be purchased individually to supplement an existing curriculum.
Age 7-9
Tornado
In this unit, your child will enjoy a story about the special friendship between a boy and his dog. She will also learn about the effects of weather on farm life.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the Amazing Weather science unit.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the Amazing Weather science unit.
Sarah, Plain and Tall
In this unit, your child will experience life on a Kansas farm in the late 19th century and learn how one family comes to appreciate the uniqueness of others and the environment.
He will also explore the elements of a story, the characteristics of historical fiction, the features of persuasive writing, and the steps of the writing process.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit The Land.
He will also explore the elements of a story, the characteristics of historical fiction, the features of persuasive writing, and the steps of the writing process.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit The Land.
Who Was Helen Keller?
What would it be like to live in an environment with no sound or light? Learn how one girl struggles to overcome physical disabilities to improve her life and the lives of others.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Sound.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Sound.
Morning Girl
Experience life through the eyes of a brother and sister in the pre-Columbian Caribbean. Life on their island is dramatically changed when a hurricane blows through, but the biggest change is yet to come. Learn about voice and point of view in narration, and explore expressing ideas through journals and poetry.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Changes in My Environment.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Changes in My Environment.
Communities and Culture
Follow the adventures of the Blinkerton kids as they travel back in time and learn what life was really like in ancient Egypt and the Middle Ages.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Communities Change Over Time.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Communities Change Over Time.
American Heroes
In this unit your child will read biographical sketches about some amazing people who have shaped our nation. He will learn what made these people heroes and how they tried to make the world a better place.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit People Change the World.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit People Change the World.
Poppy
Follow the adventures of a courageous field mouse as she stands up to the great horned owl, Mr. Ocax. See how she struggles to overcome the cycle of power that has gripped her family for generations.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Life Cycles.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Life Cycles.
Charlotte's Web
Appreciate the bond of friendship between a humble pig and an ingenious spider. Journey through the seasons on a farm and discover the life cycles of different farm animals.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit The Water Cycle.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit The Water Cycle.
The Family Under the Bridge
Follow the struggles of a French family as they try to survive under tough economic circumstances. See how the children change the heart of a grumpy old man who learns to care for them and love them. Learn about the city of Paris and how French holiday traditions are similar and different from those in America. Learn to identify a variety of punctuation marks and understand the rules for using them in writing. For the final project, create your own Reader's Theater, based on an event in the book, that can be performed with family members.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Economic Cycles.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Economic Cycles.
One Day in the Tropical Rain Forest
Journey through the rain forest with Tepui on the most important day of his life as he searches for a butterfly that no one has ever seen. Learn how to outline plots, write and dramatize scripts, and be persuasive in writing and speech.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit The Rain Forest.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit The Rain Forest.
The Whipping Boy
In this unit, you will read the tale of Jemmy, the Prince's whipping boy, who ends up running for his life and, worst of all, getting stuck with Prince Brat.
You will learn about the feudal system and what life was really like for a commoner in the kingdom, and you'll get to design your own family crest! Through the lessons, you will begin to recognize and practice using figures of speech, including similes, idioms, metaphors, and hyperbole. For the final project, you'll write and act out a monologue from the perspective of both of the main characters.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Government and the People.
You will learn about the feudal system and what life was really like for a commoner in the kingdom, and you'll get to design your own family crest! Through the lessons, you will begin to recognize and practice using figures of speech, including similes, idioms, metaphors, and hyperbole. For the final project, you'll write and act out a monologue from the perspective of both of the main characters.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Government and the People.
Iggie's House
Experience the struggles and conflict that Winnie goes through as she learns the difference between being a good neighbor and a good friend. Practice writing with proper verb tense agreement, subject-verb agreement, and contractions. Learn to analyze the personalities and motives of characters in a story.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Connected Cultures.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Connected Cultures.
Age 8-10
Little House in the Big Woods
Look at life in the woods through the eyes of a pioneer child as she contributes to the work of the family. Learn how the lives of the pioneers were dependent on their natural environment. Learn capitalization rules, review types of sentences, and practice writing a three-paragraph essay and a formal letter. For the final project, prepare for and host a pioneer family night.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Dirt and Plants.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Dirt and Plants.
The Sign of the Beaver
Examine the relationship between two boys from different cultures as they come to appreciate each other and learn from one another. Explore how the lives of both the Native Americans and the pioneers were dependent on resources found in their natural environment. Practice research skills, learn new vocabulary, and practice persuasive writing. Review story elements and character development. Write, plan, and direct a movie that incorporates new learning.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Native Americans.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Native Americans.
Native American Animal Stories
Read traditional myths, legends, and folktales from a variety of Native American tribes. For the final project, students will write their own myth that explains a natural occurrence.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Ecosystems and Ecology.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Ecosystems and Ecology.
Ben and Me
Examine the life of Ben Franklin and the events surrounding the founding of our country through the eyes of an intelligent rodent named Amos. Appreciate early inventions and the inventive process. Design your own kite to fly. Explore the elements of historical fiction and discriminate between fact, fiction, and opinion.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Magnetism and Electricity.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Magnetism and Electricity.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Explore the theme of good vs. evil and evaluate the proper and improper use of power. Engage in the writing process — from rough draft to final copy. Practice logical thinking, apply the rules of plurals, and work with possessive nouns. Analyze the power of effective imagery in writing. Compare and contrast the novel with the movie.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit The Power of People.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit The Power of People.
The BFG
Learn about the culture of London, England, and the role of the queen. Learn the language and ways of giants! Examine cause and effect in literature. Analyze characters and their actions. Write a newspaper report on an event in the story.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Forces of Nature.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Forces of Nature.
Stories from Africa and Asia
Experience the cultures of Africa and Asia through the eyes of a girl in Botswana and a Japanese girl living in Hiroshima after World War 2. Appreciate the lives of children across the world by examining similarities and differences. This unit provides an introduction to writing a formal report, explores story conflict, introduces haiku poems, and reviews verb tense.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Africa and Asia.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Africa and Asia.
Holes
Meet Stanley Yelnats, a boy who is wrongly accused of a crime and sent to a juvenile detention camp, where he meets a variety of interesting characters. Explore the desert biome and the dangerous animals that live in this region. Recognize irony, understand possessive nouns, and correct run-on sentences and sentence fragments.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Rocks and Minerals.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Rocks and Minerals.
Stories from Europe
Explore traditional types of stories and read stories from three European countries — Ireland, Russia, and Denmark. Learn more about each country, and consider how each story reflects its country of origin.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Europe.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Europe.
Abel's Island
How will a genteel rat learn to survive on his own in the wild? Follow Abel as he learns to rely on his instincts and the natural resources in his environment for survival and the chance to return to the family he loves. Learn the difference between predictions and inferences, practice writing thoughtful questions, and try your hand at the art of reflective writing.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be unit Animal Adaptations.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be unit Animal Adaptations.
Pedro's Journal
Adventure with a young sailor as he journeys to the New World with Christopher Columbus and his crew. Follow their dangerous journey as they struggle for survival on the high seas. Explore the elements of historical fiction, practice using quotation marks in dialogue, and identify and use similes.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Early Explorers.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Early Explorers.
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Read the amazing story of Mrs. Frisby, a mother who struggles for survival as she strives to save the life of her sick son. Along the way, she encounters a group of mysterious rats, whose past is intertwined with her own. These intelligent creatures use modern technology including simple machines and electricity. Explore the genre of fantasy, follow story plots, and learn to recognize homonyms and understand acronyms.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Work, Tools, and Simple Machines.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Work, Tools, and Simple Machines.
Age 9-11
Poetry
Explore poetry and appreciate the language of this unique genre. Learn to use picturesque words to communicate. Analyze the effectiveness of figurative language and apply it to your own verse. Create a variety of poems to share with your friends and family as you host your own poetry reading.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the science and social studies unit The Fifty States.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the science and social studies unit The Fifty States.
The View from Saturday
Follow a diverse group of kids that come together to form an Academic Bowl team. Each child has his or her own unique story to share, and the relationships that form between them enable them to understand the true meaning of friendship. Learn about many different types of verbs (e.g. helping verbs, linking verbs, passive verbs, and active verbs), and how to use them effectively.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the science and social studies unit Energy.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the science and social studies unit Energy.
American Tall Tales and Legends
Discover how Paul Bunyan created the Grand Canyon. Wrestle a rattlesnake with Pecos Bill. Enjoy folktales and legends from the different geographical regions of the United States. Revisit familiar characters and meet many new ones as well. Learn how to identify the different types of stories, understand figures of speech, and practice writing with correct capitalization. Create your own folktale that reflects the region in which you live.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the science and social studies unit My State.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the science and social studies unit My State.
The Cay
A boy and an old man become stranded on a deserted island. Will their differences pull them apart, or can they learn to work together in order to survive? Examine race relations in a unique context. In your writing, practice varying sentence lengths, sentence beginnings and the use of subject verb agreement.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the science and social studies unit The Living Seas.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the science and social studies unit The Living Seas.
A House of Tailors
When Dina is mistaken for a German spy, she is forced to immigrate to America. Although she has heard about the wonderful life that awaits immigrants coming to America, reality proves to be a very different experience.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used concurrently with the Immigration unit.
This unit can be used independently but is designed to be used concurrently with the Immigration unit.
My Side of the Mountain
Sam runs away from home in search of independence and solitude. During his seclusion in the forest, he meets many animal friends and learns to live off of the natural resources available. He soon comes to realize, however, that all humans need the love and companionship of other people.
Study root words, prefixes, and suffixes related to nature. Develop your own idea for a survival story and learn to write a newspaper article.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the science and social studies unit Biomes.
Study root words, prefixes, and suffixes related to nature. Develop your own idea for a survival story and learn to write a newspaper article.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the science and social studies unit Biomes.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Under tragic circumstances, Kit is forced to move from Barbados to live with relatives in the new American colonies. When she arrives, she very quickly learns how different her life will be. She is not accepted because she is different, and she does not understand the lifestyle of her Puritan family.
Become a more effective writer as you explore narrative writing and learn to avoid common mistakes like run-on and fragment sentences.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the Colonization and Revolution unit.
Become a more effective writer as you explore narrative writing and learn to avoid common mistakes like run-on and fragment sentences.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the Colonization and Revolution unit.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Travel through the streets of Paris with an orphan boy on a journey of discovery. Along the way, explore the early history of movie making and the role of magic tricks in the early movies. Analyze an ancient Greek myth and how the moral of the story applies to the main character. Write your own creative story inspired by an unusual or curious person you have learned about in history.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the science and social studies unit, Technology and Inventions.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the science and social studies unit, Technology and Inventions.
The Ballad of Lucy Whipple
California is not only the setting of this story but the name of the main character. California Whipple is not excited about her new life in California and is constantly planning ways to return to her home state of Massachusetts. Explore what life was like for the prospectors and those living in the Gold Rush communities as they struggled to survive and prosper. Practice writing interesting and varied sentences, integrating prepositional phrases into writing, and working through the writing process to produce a persuasive essay.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the science/social studies unit, Westward Expansion.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the science/social studies unit, Westward Expansion.
A Wrinkle in Time
Travel on a journey through space with Meg and Calvin as they try to rescue their father. Meet interesting characters, experience unique places, and battle against an evil force that is threatening Earth. Along the way, you will gain experience with possessive plurals and irregular verbs. You will also be practicing the four creative thinking skills.
This unit can be used independently, but it is designed to be used concurrently with the science unit Space.
This unit can be used independently, but it is designed to be used concurrently with the science unit Space.
Lincoln
Explore the life, decisions, and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Experience the world that he grew up in and the changes that he made through an intriguing photobiography. Analyze how Lincoln was treated by his contemporaries, who both agreed and disagreed with the policies he stood so staunchly behind. Examine Lincoln’s complex relationship with Frederick Douglass and the friendship that eventually developed between these two men. Along the way, learn how to use participles and appositives in your writing.
This unit can be used independently, but it is designed to be used concurrently with the social studies unit State Government and Economics.
This unit can be used independently, but it is designed to be used concurrently with the social studies unit State Government and Economics.
Independent Study
In this unit you will learn how to find, organize, and present information on an interesting subject. You will take notes from sources, write a report, and develop a product to share your findings with others.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the science unit: The Human Body.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the science unit: The Human Body.
Age 10-12
The Wanderer
Take a long and dangerous journey on a sailboat voyaging from Connecticut to England. Experience life on the open ocean in a small sailboat for weeks on end. Sophie, adopted into a new family, has the opportunity to develop her relationships with her uncles and cousins, but is too much closeness a good thing? Over the course of the journey can Sophie come to grips with her past and overcome her fears?
In this unit, learn to identify and use subjects, predicates, predicate adjectives, and direct and indirect objects within sentences. Evaluate character development, explore theme, and learn to identify and use effective voice within writing. Create nautical-themed crafts. For the final project, create a lapbook that reflects the story.
This unit is designed to be used in conjunction with science and social studies Unit 1: Weather and Climate but can also be used as an independent literature unit.
In this unit, learn to identify and use subjects, predicates, predicate adjectives, and direct and indirect objects within sentences. Evaluate character development, explore theme, and learn to identify and use effective voice within writing. Create nautical-themed crafts. For the final project, create a lapbook that reflects the story.
This unit is designed to be used in conjunction with science and social studies Unit 1: Weather and Climate but can also be used as an independent literature unit.
The People of Sparks
In a post-apocalyptic world, society is trying to rebuild. Follow the lives of Doon, Lina, and their people as they leave the safety of their underground word and learn to survive in the new environment they encounter on the surface. Analyze nouns, pronouns and antecedents. Enjoy a variety of ballads and create your own ballad related to the story. Explore the system of local government and how it can help a community function. For the final project design a different setting for the book and evaluate how the new setting could have changed the story.
This unit is designed to be used in conjunction with science and social studies Unit 2: Geography and Landforms, but can also be used as an independent literature unit.
This unit is designed to be used in conjunction with science and social studies Unit 2: Geography and Landforms, but can also be used as an independent literature unit.
Short Stories
Delve into several contemporary and classic short stories. Follow the experiences of a variety of empathetic characters whose challenges range from internal ethical struggles to actual struggles including life on Mars, an exploding volcano, and a deadly shipwreck. Analyze the elements of a short story and what differentiates it from a novel. Practice identifying and correcting run-on sentences and sentence fragments. For the final project, develop your own short story.
This unit is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies in Unit 3: Our Changing Earth, but it can also be used as an independent literature unit.
This unit is designed to be used in conjunction with the science and social studies in Unit 3: Our Changing Earth, but it can also be used as an independent literature unit.
Bull Run
View the Civil War from a variety of unique perspectives. How did slaves react to the war? What hardships did soldiers on both sides face? What role did women play back home? In this unit you will also analyze war propaganda and explore primary source documents – letters written from real soldiers and relatives during the war. For the final project of this unit you will develop an argumentative essay.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the social studies unit Slavery and the Civil War.
This unit can be used independently, but it is also designed to be used concurrently with the social studies unit Slavery and the Civil War.
Albert Einstein
In this unit, you will learn about Einstein’s life and personal relationships as well as his professional life. Facing many obstacles along the way, Einstein was able to change scientific thought through his incredible and mind-boggling discoveries. While Einstein was a flawed man in many areas of his life, he was not only a world-renowned scientist but also an important advocate for peace during some of the darkest days in our history.
Enjoy playing Rummy Roots, a fun card game that will help you learn and apply common Latin and Greek root words. These words help scientists better understand technical terms they encounter in their work. For your final project, you will create a biography scrapbook to highlight some of the major events and accomplishments that occurred over the course of Einstein’s life.
This unit can be used independently, but it is designed to be used in conjunction with the science unit Force and Motion.
Enjoy playing Rummy Roots, a fun card game that will help you learn and apply common Latin and Greek root words. These words help scientists better understand technical terms they encounter in their work. For your final project, you will create a biography scrapbook to highlight some of the major events and accomplishments that occurred over the course of Einstein’s life.
This unit can be used independently, but it is designed to be used in conjunction with the science unit Force and Motion.
Number the Stars
In this Newbery Award winning novel, two friends' lives are turned upside down as a result of the Nazi occupation of Denmark. Jewish people all over Europe are facing persecution, and it is only becoming more extreme. Ellen and her family fear for their freedom and their lives. Annemarie's family risks everything by taking Ellen into their home and eventually helping Jewish families as they try to escape being captured by the Nazi army.
In this unit, learn common proofreading symbols that will help you edit and revise your writing assignments. Then pretend you are a journalist writing an expository piece for a magazine article that highlights Denmark’s involvement in World War II.
This unit can be used independently, but it is designed to be used concurrently with the social studies unit World Wars I and II.
In this unit, learn common proofreading symbols that will help you edit and revise your writing assignments. Then pretend you are a journalist writing an expository piece for a magazine article that highlights Denmark’s involvement in World War II.
This unit can be used independently, but it is designed to be used concurrently with the social studies unit World Wars I and II.
Tuck Everlasting
Winnie has lived a life of privilege and security. Everything changes when she meets the Tucks. The Tucks never grow old, even as the world around them moves on. Winnie is faced with the challenge of risking everything to save the family she has come to love. In this unit children explore myths and legends of "magical waters", recognize the author’s use of effective personification, and are asked to design a marketing campaign. Children practice identifying and labeling parts of speech and write a cause and effect paragraph.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Who knew that just walking to school could be a terrible experience? The Wallace children are tormented and disrespected by many in the community just because they are black Americans. Follow the struggles of this farming family in Mississippi during the 1930s. No matter how hard the family works or how independent they try to be, they are constantly facing discriminatory practices and having to make tough choices about how to respond to injustice. Examine the need for a Civil Rights Movement in order to make America a land of opportunity for all people. Explore a variety of strategies for expanding sentences to make them more informative and engaging. Improve writing through a book report focused on sentence structure, voice, and word choice.
The Giver
What would life be like in a society where everything stays the same and the people experience no pain? A special boy named Jonas is selected to receive insight from a wise elder in the community and realizes there is another way to live that does involve pain but also joy and real life. How will he convince his community of the terrible mistakes they are making and help them to understand the beauty that life holds? Does he have the courage to make a difference and take a risk that could lead to terrible consequences? In this unit children explore characterization, imagery, and symbolism. They practice descriptive writing and for a final project create a memory storyboard of events in their own life.
Esperanza Rising
Enjoy the story of a girl who is forced to migrate from Mexico to California when her family is faced with tragedy. America is not as she imagined, and she must learn to get by on her own hard work and hope. Through this unit, learn more about the Great Depression and the impact it had on families who struggled to survive. Gain a glimpse into the lives of migrant farm workers and the culturally rich Mexican-American community. Practice writing dialogue and using transition words effectively, learn some Spanish vocabulary, and participate in a readers' theater dramatic presentation. For the final project, design a set and a script for a movie trailer based on the book.
The Tree That Time Built
Dig into a fascinating poetry anthology described as "A celebration of nature, science, and imagination." This collection of poems includes contributions from many famous poets including Emily Dickinson, D.H. Lawrence, Walt Whitman, William Blake, and Langston Hughes. Explore figurative language techniques and a variety of forms of poetry. Develop an understanding of poetic license and imagery, recognizing the importance of word choice in writing poems. For the final project create a lapbook to showcase your own collection of poems that pay tribute to the natural world.
Secret of the Andes
Take a glimpse into the life of an Incan boy on a journey of self-discovery. As he struggles to maintain his cultural identity in an ever-changing world, he ventures on a pilgrimage to come to terms with the path that is his destiny. Explore the geography of the Andes mountains and the past and present culture of the people who dwell there. Recognize and practice correct usage of verb tenses and verbals. Follow the steps of the writing process to develop a narrative essay.
Age 11-13
The Pearl
What happens when a simple, honest family man finds wealth beyond imagination? You may be surprised how the discovery changes his life forever. Set in La Paz, Mexico at the turn of the 20th century, this compelling novella teaches valuable life lessons about the consequences of greed and what brings true happiness.
Practice identifying and using a variety of prepositional, verbal, and appositive phrases. Write your own parable to teach a universal lesson.
This unit is designed to be used in conjunction with the science unit, The Hydrosphere, and the social science unit, Egypt and Mesopotamia, but it can also be used as an independent literature unit.
Practice identifying and using a variety of prepositional, verbal, and appositive phrases. Write your own parable to teach a universal lesson.
This unit is designed to be used in conjunction with the science unit, The Hydrosphere, and the social science unit, Egypt and Mesopotamia, but it can also be used as an independent literature unit.
A Girl Named Disaster
Through the eyes of a young teenage girl, experience an African tribe that is struggling to hold on to its cultural traditions. For her own safety, the girl is forced to leave her family, and she begins a journey of survival that will ultimately open her eyes to a world she could never have imagined.
Explore the writing process, practice editing sentences, and develop your own personal narrative writing piece.
Explore the writing process, practice editing sentences, and develop your own personal narrative writing piece.
The Hobbit
Can even the smallest of creatures go up against the likes of elves, goblins, dragons, and kings, and affect or alter the direction of an entire world? This classic novel by J.R.R. Tolkien follows the adventures of the diminutive Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, as he is swept up in an adventure to save Middle Earth from destruction. This story reveals the importance of friendship, perseverance, and hope, while immersing you in a fantastical, action-packed, and magical world.
This unit will provide you with the opportunity to learn about the author and the unique creatures he created. During this process, you will study new vocabulary, sentence construction and grammar, and literary terms and techniques. You will also learn about the characteristics typical of fantasy novels and quest stories.
For the final project, you will practice using your own voice to respond to literature. This will involve constructing an argument, supported by evidence, that defends your understanding or interpretation of the novel and how it reflects or comments on life.
This unit will provide you with the opportunity to learn about the author and the unique creatures he created. During this process, you will study new vocabulary, sentence construction and grammar, and literary terms and techniques. You will also learn about the characteristics typical of fantasy novels and quest stories.
For the final project, you will practice using your own voice to respond to literature. This will involve constructing an argument, supported by evidence, that defends your understanding or interpretation of the novel and how it reflects or comments on life.
A Single Shard
Life in ancient Korea is full of hardship and hunger for an orphan boy named Tree-ear. While he is given a job helping an artisan potter, according to tradition he is not permitted to create the pottery he so longs to make. When visitors from the royal palace come to town, Tree-ear has an opportunity to change his life forever.
Practice identifying and using pronouns and antecedents in writing. Develop a comparison and contrast essay that explores relationships between characters in the book.
Practice identifying and using pronouns and antecedents in writing. Develop a comparison and contrast essay that explores relationships between characters in the book.
Independent Study
In this unit, you will explore a controversial topic of your choice and learn about multiple perspectives on the issue. You will write an argumentative essay and give a presentation to your audience at the conclusion of the unit.
Greek Myths
Explore a tremendous world of Greek gods and goddesses, larger than life heroes, strange creatures, and far away realms. Through the mysterious and fantastical myths of King Zeus, his extended family, and children, you will learn how the Greeks tried to make sense of the natural world around them. Hercules, Perseus, and Helen of Troy are a few of the amazing heroes you will discover.
Throughout this unit, you will play card games to help you learn common Greek and Latin roots. After learning about the characteristics of a Greek myth, you will rewrite a traditional Greek myth with your own modern twist.
Throughout this unit, you will play card games to help you learn common Greek and Latin roots. After learning about the characteristics of a Greek myth, you will rewrite a traditional Greek myth with your own modern twist.
Tales from the Middle Ages
Experience life in the Middle Ages through two Newbery Medal books. In The Midwife's Apprentice, an orphan girl who is struggling to survive gains confidence and bravery through her apprenticeship to a local midwife. Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! is a collection of monologues from medieval characters with very different lives and experiences.
This unit is designed to be used in conjunction with the science unit Light and the Eye and the social science unit The Middle Ages, but it can also be used as an independent literature unit.
This unit is designed to be used in conjunction with the science unit Light and the Eye and the social science unit The Middle Ages, but it can also be used as an independent literature unit.
The Prince and the Bard
In this unit, you will be introduced to three classic works of literature; the book, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, and two of William Shakespeare's plays. In the plays, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet, and in the book, you will discover common themes of love and friendship, and persuasion.
Newton at the Center
Issac Newton discovered many laws across scientific fields from motion to the solar system to light and vision. In this unit, you'll learn about his life, how he built on the work of earlier scientists, and how later scientists built on his theories.
British Poetry
Learn about poetry from Britain in the modern era and how poets slowly broke away from highly structured poems to free-flowing ones. Use what you learn to write poems of your own, culminating in a book of your own poetry about your own era.
Age 12-14
Abigail Adams
This unit focuses on the life of Abigail Adams (1744-1818), wife to President John Adams and the mother of President John Quincy Adams. In this unit, you will learn about the many letters she wrote to her husband that provide great insight into this time in American history. You will also read about the roles she played as an adviser to her husband, a defender of women's rights, and a voice against slavery. Aside from the historical knowledge you will gain, you will also study new vocabulary, learn about the parts of a research essay, practice using active vs. passive voice, and discover the differences among literary genres.
For the final project, you will take on the role of Abigail Adams or President John Adams by creating a one-person play to teach others about this period in history. This living history presentation can be combined with the Revolution social studies unit to create a larger final project performance.
For the final project, you will take on the role of Abigail Adams or President John Adams by creating a one-person play to teach others about this period in history. This living history presentation can be combined with the Revolution social studies unit to create a larger final project performance.
Animal Farm
Animal Farm is a well-known, award-winning novel by the British author George Orwell and is a satire about the Russian Revolution and Joseph Stalin's leadership of the Soviet Union at the time of World War II. Instead of using the names of actual politicians in this story, Orwell replaces them with farm animals and uses them to explore the theme of power: how it gets distributed in society and its corrupting influence. In this unit, you learn about the elements of a story, such as plot and theme, as well as the genre of satire and the literary device of personification. In addition, you will cover the use of pronouns and learn about different letter-writing genres.
Einstein Adds a New Dimension
In this unit, you will learn about Albert Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity as well as other important scientific discoveries. At the same time, you will read about expository writing -- writing that explains or informs -- and the unit begins by introducing the features of expository writing and how they differ from narrative writing. You will also learn about several sub-genres of expository writing, such as process writing, comparison and contrast writing, and cause and effect writing. This unit will also teach you how to strengthen your writing by explaining how to conduct research and find credible sources, how to avoid plagiarism, and how to properly credit your sources on a Works Cited page.
This unit's final project asks you to construct an expository research paper based on a concept or figure from The Story of Science: Einstein Adds a Dimension.
This unit's final project asks you to construct an expository research paper based on a concept or figure from The Story of Science: Einstein Adds a Dimension.
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is considered to be one of the greatest American novels ever written. The story is narrated by a runaway boy named "Huck" who is accompanied by a runaway slave named Jim. The novel follows their adventures traveling up the Mississippi River as they work their way towards Illinois where slavery has been abolished.
The unit begins by providing historical context for the novel including the realities of the institution of slavery in the mid 1800s. During the process of studying the novel, you will learn about the characteristics of narrative writing, such as the use of figures of speech, the use of literary techniques like dialogue and irony, and the use of literary devices like point of view. You will also explore the differences between narrative writing and the genres of expository and persuasive writing. The unit ends with an examination of Mark Twain's influence on modern literature and the reasons for the choices that get made in film adaptations.
The unit begins by providing historical context for the novel including the realities of the institution of slavery in the mid 1800s. During the process of studying the novel, you will learn about the characteristics of narrative writing, such as the use of figures of speech, the use of literary techniques like dialogue and irony, and the use of literary devices like point of view. You will also explore the differences between narrative writing and the genres of expository and persuasive writing. The unit ends with an examination of Mark Twain's influence on modern literature and the reasons for the choices that get made in film adaptations.
Elijah of Buxton
Follow the adventures of Elijah Freeman -- a young African-American boy born free in Canada -- as he travels to the United States in pursuit of a thief. Witness Elijah's first encounters with the horror of slavery and his growing understanding of and appreciation for his own freedom. During the process of reading this book, you will also learn the names and definitions of important literary terms, such as tone, metaphor, conflict, and climax. These will help you identify the basic elements of narratives necessary to interpret, critique, and respond to literature.
For the final project in this unit, you will have the opportunity to create your own personal, first-person narrative using the literary techniques you have just learned.
For the final project in this unit, you will have the opportunity to create your own personal, first-person narrative using the literary techniques you have just learned.
The House of the Scorpion
In a dystopian world where humans are cloned for the benefit of others with no rights of their own, one boy is destined to make a difference. With the help of a bodyguard and a maid, Matt changes his destiny.
Write a persuasive essay in support of or in opposition to human cloning. Research and understand rhetorical and logical fallacies, and develop persuasive techniques.
Write a persuasive essay in support of or in opposition to human cloning. Research and understand rhetorical and logical fallacies, and develop persuasive techniques.
Watership Down
In a world where rabbits take center stage, members of one warren must flee their home in search of a new life. Follow their adventures as they cross paths with other rabbit groups, memorable animals, and humans.
Explore the fantasy genre. Analyze foreshadowing, irony, and character conflict. Then try your own hand at developing a fantasy story.
Explore the fantasy genre. Analyze foreshadowing, irony, and character conflict. Then try your own hand at developing a fantasy story.
The Book Thief
In this unit, you will read The Book Thief, a historical novel by Markus Zusak. The novel follows Liesel, a young girl living in World War II Germany. You will learn about World War II and the influence of Nazi propaganda. This will help you better understand the character motivation of Liesel and her father. You will learn about literary devices and logical fallacies as you explore the relationship between the author, narrator, and reader. For your final project, you will complete three mini projects as part of a Think-Tac-Toe board.
To Kill a Mockingbird
In this unit, you will read To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, a critically acclaimed novel that deals with serious social issues such as rape and racial inequality. This coming-of-age story follows young Jean Louise Finch, also known as Scout, as she navigates life with the guidance of her father, Atticus Finch. Also in this unit, you will learn new vocabulary words and practice diagramming sentences. At the end of the unit, you will watch the movie To Kill A Mockingbird and give an oral presentation over the book.
Great American Poets
In this unit, you will learn about the world of poetry. You will learn the basic structure of various poems and how figurative language contributes to a poem's meaning. You will also learn about the different ways to interpret and analyze a poem. While learning about poetry, you will discuss the works of famous poets Edgar Allen Poe, Robert Frost, and poets of the Harlem Renaissance. Your final project will be a poetry journal complete with poems of your own.
High School 1
Lord of the Flies
In this unit, you will read William Golding's 1954 dystopian novel, Lord of the Flies, and contemplate human nature in the face of unknown, harsh, or threatening circumstances. As you read the novel, you will study Golding's use of several literary elements, including setting, theme, characterization, archetypes, imagery, irony, and tone. This unit also covers dependent and independent clauses, types of phrases, and the characteristics of film adaptations. In the final lesson, you will develop a thesis and outline and then write a literary analysis.
Short Stories
In this unit, you will explore popular short stories and the literary devices that authors use to create them. These devices include irony, characterization, symbolism, and point of view. You will also learn how to analyze a short story and its main themes using textual evidence to support your claims. This unit features work by Edgar Allan Poe, Alice Walker, Langston Hughes, and Kurt Vonnegut. For the unit’s final project, you will plan, draft, and revise a short story of your own creation.
Grammar, Part I
This first-semester grammar unit will review the parts of speech and cover some common problems that writers face, including subject-verb agreement, commonly confused words, and the correct use of pronouns. The unit also covers punctuation use (commas, colons, semicolons, dashes, and parentheses) and provides tips to help you improve your spelling.
Poetry
In this unit, you will learn about various types of poems and how they are structured. You will explore common elements found in poetry including figurative language, sound and rhythm, rhyme schemes, and voice and tone. You will also read The Crossover by Kwame Alexander, a novel in verse about two twin brothers and the game of basketball. You will learn how to recite poetry, and for your final project, you will choose from a series of projects that allow you to explore poetry in a variety of ways.
Nonfiction
In this unit, you will read a variety of nonfiction writing, especially memoirs. The texts are all by authors who overcame challenging personal experiences to advocate for freedom, peace, and human rights. The works studied include the account of a teenager forced to become a soldier in his country's civil war, a letter composed by a legendary civil rights leader, an essay written by an American abolitionist, a speech given by a Holocaust survivor, and the narrative of a young woman fighting to ensure that girls have the right to be educated. For the unit's final project, you will write an informative essay about a topic that is important to you.
Ender's Game
In this unit, you will read Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card and explore the literary genre of science fiction. You will learn more about literary devices such as flashback, point of view, subplot, and internal and external conflict. For your final project, you will choose three small projects that allow you to explore certain areas of the story more closely. This could involve sketching a storyboard, writing additions to the novel, solving puzzles, or learning more about history.
Grammar, Part II
In this unit, you will learn advanced grammar rules concerning pronouns, punctuation (colons, semicolons, and apostrophes), subject-verb agreement, conjunctions, and verbs. You will also explore more commonly confused words. At the end of the unit, you will compete an instructional mini-project demonstrating your mastery of grammar.
Informational Texts
This unit covers a variety of texts whose primary goal is to convey information. The unit's main text is Outliers, a look at some of the hidden factors that influence people's ability to succeed. The unit also explores what readers can learn from primary and secondary historical texts, how science writers and technical writers can take complicated information and communicate it in an understandable way, and how writers use rhetoric to persuade readers. For the final project, students will write and present an argumentative research essay.
Drama
In this unit, you will explore the world of theater by studying different genres of plays and learning the terms associated with plays. You will also learn how playwrights construct a script by analyzing elements of figurative language and character development. You will read two plays: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry and Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. For your final project, you will complete three creative mini-projects related to Romeo and Juliet.
High School 1b
Lord of the Flies
In this unit, you will read William Golding's 1954 dystopian novel, Lord of the Flies, and contemplate human nature in the face of unknown, harsh, or threatening circumstances. As you read the novel, you will study Golding's use of several literary elements, including setting, theme, characterization, archetypes, imagery, irony, and tone. This unit also covers dependent and independent clauses, types of phrases, and the characteristics of film adaptations. In the final lesson, you will develop a thesis and outline and then write a literary analysis.
Short Stories
In this unit, you will explore popular short stories and the literary devices that authors use to create them. These devices include irony, characterization, symbolism, and point of view. You will also learn how to analyze a short story and its main themes using textual evidence to support your claims. This unit features work by Edgar Allan Poe, Alice Walker, Langston Hughes, and Kurt Vonnegut. For the unit’s final project, you will plan, draft, and revise a short story of your own creation.
Grammar, Part I
This first-semester grammar unit will review the parts of speech and cover some common problems that writers face, including subject-verb agreement, commonly confused words, and the correct use of pronouns. The unit also covers punctuation use (commas, colons, semicolons, dashes, and parentheses) and provides tips to help you improve your spelling.
Poetry
In this unit, you will learn about various types of poems and how they are structured. You will explore common elements found in poetry including figurative language, sound and rhythm, rhyme schemes, and voice and tone. You will also read The Crossover by Kwame Alexander, a novel in verse about two twin brothers and the game of basketball. You will learn how to recite poetry, and for your final project, you will choose from a series of projects that allow you to explore poetry in a variety of ways.
Nonfiction
In this unit, you will read a variety of nonfiction writing, especially memoirs. The texts are all by authors who overcame challenging personal experiences to advocate for freedom, peace, and human rights. The works studied include the account of a teenager forced to become a soldier in his country's civil war, a letter composed by a legendary civil rights leader, an essay written by an American abolitionist, a speech given by a Holocaust survivor, and the narrative of a young woman fighting to ensure that girls have the right to be educated. For the unit's final project, you will write an informative essay about a topic that is important to you.
Grammar, Part II
In this unit, you will learn advanced grammar rules concerning pronouns, punctuation (colons, semicolons, and apostrophes), subject-verb agreement, conjunctions, and verbs. You will also explore more commonly confused words. At the end of the unit, you will compete an instructional mini-project demonstrating your mastery of grammar.
Drama
In this unit, you will explore the world of theater by studying a play and learning the terms associated with plays. You will also learn how playwrights construct a script by analyzing elements of figurative language and character development. You will apply this new knowledge while reading Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. For your final project, you will complete three creative mini-projects related to Romeo and Juliet.
Ender's Game
In this unit, you will read Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card and explore the literary genre of science fiction. You will learn more about literary devices such as flashback, point of view, subplot, and internal and external conflict. For your final project, you will choose three small projects that allow you to explore certain areas of the story more closely. This could involve sketching a storyboard, writing additions to the novel, solving puzzles, or learning more about history.