This course is ALMOST FULL.
High school literature adventures begin in this genre-driven course that immerses students in the study of elements of the short story, poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction. With extensive study of literary devices, students will gain confidence in academic discourse and analysis utilizing responsible writing practices that will prepare students for successful high school English mastery. Through rich literary discussion and guided reading and annotation (both inside and outside of the classroom), students will discover a treasury of truth in the words of well-known and well-loved literature. The course includes reading comprehension, vocabulary, and composition. Students will write literary analysis compositions as well as participate in discussions aimed to build insight, answer questions, and gain communication skills. Vocabulary from the texts themselves is included, and quizzes will be given. Because of the dialogue nature of this class, a functioning microphone is required.
Please view prerequisites and required supplies below.
Poetry and short story selections provided by the instructor.
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, ISBN-13: 978-0789160874
 Our Town by Thornton Wilder, ISBN-13: 978-0060512637
The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain, ISBN-13: 978-1517562878
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, ISBN-13: 978-0-446-31078-9
Silas Marner by George Eliot, ISBN-13: 978-1593082512
The Giver by Lois Lowry, ISBN-13: 978-0440219071
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, ISBN-13: 978-0486280486
Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington, ISBN-13: 978-0486287386
Jess Woods graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor's degree in English Education and from Arizona State University with a Master's degree in English. She began her career teaching in a public high school; however, since 2013, she has been teaching middle school and high school English courses online. Jess is a life-long reader and writer. She comes alive in the company of words and music, and she has a passion for literature that reaches through every part of her being. She believes wholeheartedly that each person has a relevant voice and perspective, and she eagerly teaches her students to embrace their individual voices by exploring their own thoughts and learning to confidently articulate them. It is her desire to encourage growth in all students (regardless of their love for English courses…or lack thereof). She considers it a tremendous success if she can awaken a love of literature and/or composition in her students. Jess currently resides in Alabama with her pastor-husband, Josh and their three kids. They also have a lot of animals and plants. While reading and writing are clearly on the top of her hobby list, Jess also enjoys all things musical, cooking competition shows, gardening, hiking, and traveling.
E.P. –
My son loved Mrs. Woods’ English 1 Literary Analysis and Composition class! He found each class very enjoyable and learned so much. The progress he made throughout the year was truly amazing. The work in this class will undoubtely prepare your college bound student. I highly recommend Mrs. Woods and this class!
Amy D –
Great course! This course provided a solid foundation for writing and literary analysis. Mrs. Woods also helped my son to enjoy writing again which was an unexpected bonus!
Steffany –
My daughter really enjoyed Mrs. Woods English 1class this year! She really helped her improve on her writing skills with literary analysis and 5-paragraph essays. It was so great to see her learning together with her fellow classmates. Mrs. Woods is an amazing teacher!
Alisha –
This is a solid honors level English class. My student enjoyed Mrs. Woods and the online classes each week. The books were challenging and though provoking, and the students did a good amount of writing. They had to hone their skills in 5-paragraph essays as they analyzed each piece of literature. This was exactly what I was looking for for my 9th grader as writing can be challenging to tackle in homeschooling. I appreciate the positive peer pressure of having others to watch and see their work. It definitely pushed my student to rise to the occasion and write meaningful pieces. We look forward to the next English class with Excelsior.
Ashley –
Mrs. Woods is an excellent teacher! My son’s writing improved so much with her class. Absolutely the best online teacher my son has had yet! I would definitely recommend this class to others.
Kathy M. –
A great class! Mrs. Wood is a top-notch instructor with a great heart for kids and I’m so pleased that my student could participate in her course. My student noted that Mrs. Woods’ “strict guidelines” helped my student craft papers with greater precision and the literary analysis was interesting and educational.
Alisa –
My son has really enjoyed Mrs. Woods English 1 class. This class is excellent and has taught my son how to analyze literature and improve his writing!
Lauren –
I can’t say enough about this class. It is so good and solid, and it adds to your child as they learn and also adds to their soul.
Rebecca –
English I has been a great class for my 9th grader. Not only has she learned to analyze and write about she is reading, she has read (and enjoyed) some book she would not have pick up on her own.
Parent E. –
A great class! This has helped my daughter write papers very well under MLA format. The books are versatile and enjoyable in many genres. I’d recommend this for highschool English, around grade 9.