Literature Wheel
Quarter 3
Dear students & parents,
Welcome to the Literature Wheel! This class is intended as an enrichment to your regular Language Arts class. You should expect to be reading and writing daily. Much of our work will be done on My Big Campus. In addition, we will be viewing some films (listed below) to evaluate the differences between print and media, and author vs. director/producer. They will also aid in our genre study. Because some are rated PG-13, I will need a parent signature.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The films below are options only. We will NOT be viewing all of these. With a nine-week period and much to cover, we will probably only get to two films. Decisions will be made as a class and will depend on how quickly we advance through material.
Genres, books, and films
Science-Fiction
· I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore (film rated PG-13)
· The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (film rated PG-13) As a current/popular title, we may skip this due to the number of students in the class who have already read/seen it
Fantasy
· Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (film rated PG)
· The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (film rated PG)
· Oz the Great and Powerful (film rated PG)
Non-Fiction/Historical Fiction
· Scholastic Scope magazine readings and supplemental videos
· The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne (film rated PG-13)
· Hitler Youth and The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti (no films)
Graphic novel/Humor
· Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney (film rated PG)
· Middle School: The Worst Years of my Life (series) by James Patterson (no film)
Realistic Fiction
· Hoot by Carl Hiaasen (film rated PG)
· Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen (film rated PG)
Horror/supernatural
· Coraline by Neil Gaiman (film rated PG)
· Various readings from Edgar Allan Poe & supplemental video/audio recordings
CCSS Standards
(Reading: Literature) RL.7.7: Compare and contrast a written story, drama, or poem to its audio, filmed, staged, or multimedia version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to each medium.
(Reading: Informational) RI.7.7: Compare and contrast a text to an audio, video, or multimedia version of the text, analyzing each medium’s portrayal of the subject
(Writing) W.7.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
(Writing) W.7.9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
Parents/guardians: Please read, sign and return this form with your student ASAP.
The texts and films listed on the previous page are subject to change due to availability, time, and class discussion. It’s always possible we will spend more time discussing and analyzing a particular genre or film due to the interest of the class.
The majority of films listed are rated PG, however, some are PG-13. I realize that many students are not yet 13, so the choice is yours whether or not you are comfortable with your student viewing parts of these films. Please keep in mind that I have previewed each film and chosen it for its merit toward literary discussion and analytical purposes. I believe these titles have value toward student learning and real-world experiences. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me by email at or phone, at 740.223.4300 ext. 3252.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lauren Phelps
______YES, my student may view films rated PG-13 for Literature & Film class.
______NO, I am uncomfortable with my student viewing films rated PG-13. I would like Mrs. Phelps to contact me to discuss an alternative assignment.
· I can be reached at ______
Parent/guardian signature: ______Date: ______
Student name: ______