This week in class, we’re reading “Travel” by Robert Louis Stevenson. Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, and travel writer. In this poem, the narrator speaks of his wish to travel the world, one day, when he is “a man.” As we read, we will be discussing the theme of Growing…

This week in class, we’re reading “If” by Rudyard Kipling. In “If,” the speaker sets out a list of rules by which he thinks his son should live. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Friendship & Family, Growing Up, and Honor & Courage as they relate to the text. We are…

This week in class, we’re reading “The Bet” by Anton Chekhov. A young lawyer and a banker make a fifteen year, two million dollar bet to determine which is more humane, capital punishment or solitary confinement for life. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Loneliness & Isolation and Power & Greed as they relate to…

This week in class, we’re reading “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs. In “The Monkey’s Paw,” a man ignores the warnings of an old friend and makes a wish that brings misery upon his family. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Death and Fate & Free Will as they relate to the text. We are…

This week in class, we’re reading “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan. In “Two Kinds,” a woman reminisces about the misunderstandings and conflicts that contributed to her challenging relationship with her mother. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Friendship & Family, Growing Up, and Identity as they relate to the text. We…

This week in class, we’re reading “The Gift of The Magi” by O. Henry. “The Gift of a Magi” is a classic Christmas story about love, sacrifice, and generosity. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Friendship & Family, Love, and Power & Greed as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these…

This week in class, we’re reading “How to Identify and Manage Emotions” by Set to Go. In the informational text, “How to Identify and Manage Emotions” Set to Go shares the benefits of emotional awareness, as well as tips for managing emotions. As we read, we will be discussing the theme of Education & Knowledge as it…

This week in class, we’re reading “Teenagers Who Don’t Get Enough Sleep at Higher Risk for Mental Health Problems” by Tori Rodriguez . In the informational text “Teenagers Who Don’t Get Enough Sleep at Higher Risk for Mental Health Problems,” Tori Rodriguez discusses how missing even an hour of sleep can have an effect on…

This week in class, we’re reading “Help-Giving” by Set to Go. The informational text “Help Giving” explains the importance of help-giving as a responsibility and a necessary life skill. As we read, we will be discussing the theme of Community as it relates to the text. We are trying to answer this big question : “What is…