Ancient Literature (5/6)

Ancient Literature (5/6)

Class Overview

This year-long class is a combo 5th and 6th grade core class that covers English Language Arts Literature and Composition using Ancient History as the theme focus. This class is for the more independent reader and writer as homework expectations require students to read every week and be able to complete writing and presentation tasks in class and at home. It is a rigorous course.

It will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:05AM to 11:05AM. Students enrolled in this course will be enrolled for the entire class time on BOTH days, BOTH semesters.

The structure of this class will be an interdisciplinary project-based learning approach. Students will read historical fiction novels that align with ancient history themes, create timelines, write different types of essays, and choose from a variety of projects to help facilitate cooperative learning across all subjects. Students will be encouraged to speak in front of others and present their projects. Learning will take place in a safe, exciting, and interactive environment where students are taught how to have a growth mindset as they work collaboratively.

My goal with this course is to support, challenge, and encourage all students and spark a love of learning, reading, writing, and collaboration. I am looking forward to reading our novels together and immersing ourselves in ancient history.

Coursework + Coursework at Home (Homework):

At Ethos Academy, we offer core classes through a hybrid learning model. This means students will complete weekly coursework at home in addition to in-class instruction. This work is essential to student success in the course.

Please plan for approximately 1-2 hours, depending upon how quickly your child completes activities and reading, on each homeschool day (M, W, F).
All students work at different paces, and some may require more time than others. I will not be collecting or grading homework, however, it is important that home coursework is completed and brought to class for class discussions and activities.
Most of the coursework will be composed of reading, writing, discussions, and class projects to be finished at home. Many assignments are to be completed in student composition notebooks, with all questions and vocabulary work provided to students in class in their notebooks.

Classroom Supplies

Please have the following items available for class use:

2 Compositions notebooks (for all coursework and assignments)
Mechanical pencils w/ extra lead (no pencil sharpeners please, these are super messy and distracting)
Colored pencils (no markers please)
Yellow and green highlighter
Glue sticks
Scissors

Required Curriculum

All students will be expected to read independently in this class. Throughout the year, we will be reading five novels/literature books. Each book/novel will take about six weeks to read through and study. Chapters will be assigned to be read at home. In class, we will discuss and study different literary elements that include the following: plot, conflict, character, setting, point of view, theme, tone/mood. We will also be discussing the historical context of the time periods these novels encompass.

A short portion of the day will be dedicated to giving mini lessons in novel vocabulary and writing. Grammar and spelling instruction/curriculum will not be included in this course, so please plan accordingly.

Literature Books/Novels:

Other Required Materials Needed:

Payment Information

The cost of this course is $480 per semester, plus a $15 material fee for copies and other classroom supplies.

The material fee is collected during the registration period.
The material fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Parent Partnership, Student Expectations & Classroom Culture

5th and 6th grade is an important season for students to grow in responsibility, organization, and independence as they transition into middle school and this class is designed to support that growth. At the same time, strong parent partnership remains essential.

Parent Partnership

Parents play a vital role in encouraging and supporting their students as they learn to manage assignments and develop strong study habits. Your encouragement, structure at home, and positive communication about school make a meaningful difference in your student’s success.

Parents are always welcome to contact me with any questions, concerns, or clarification needed throughout the year.

Student Responsibility

To get the most out of our class time together, students are expected to take ownership of their learning by:

Writing down all assigned coursework during class

Completing assigned coursework at home (homework) in a timely and thoughtful manner

Checking TeachHero regularly to confirm what is expected to be completed at home

There is never a reason for a student to be unsure of what has been assigned. Between in-class directions, written notes, emails, and TeachHero updates, expectations will always be clearly communicated.

Learning to track assignments and follow through is an important life skill, and I am excited to help students build that confidence this year.

Classroom Culture & Expectations

I strive to create a positive, fun, and engaging learning atmosphere in our classroom. At the same time, a strong learning environment requires students to be respectful of one another and focused during instruction.

This means that when I am speaking or giving directions, students are expected to listen attentively, avoid side conversations, and stay on task. Social time is valued and will be integrated into activities, but it should never take away from learning time.

By working together to keep our classroom focused, respectful, and encouraging, we create a space where every student can learn well, feel supported, and truly enjoy the process.

Contact Information

I am excited to partner with you on your child’s learning journey and am committed to supporting both you and your student throughout the year. Please feel free to reach out anytime via text, phone call, or email with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Mrs. Natasha (Austin) Hoffman

760-219-6117

[email protected]