by Mrs. Thompson
“Six pages a day… no way!” “That was really interesting. I would read that book again!” “Ten pages a day? Really? That’s impossible!” “It is getting to the interesting parts now. Can we read ahead?” These were just a few of the comments uttered by the 5th through 8th grade Literature class.
The high expectations of the instructors of Saint Basil Academy are often greeted with temporary disbelief. But as the students progress, teachers are rewarded each week watching the class begin to grasp the plot, examine the characters, talk about the author’s intentions, and question the use of words with which they are not familiar. The class is currently enthralled by The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, and is about halfway through the unabridged Trilogy.
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy, and A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, works covered during the first trimester, enlightened the students to the different facets of 19th century English culture. The literature awakens the imagination while instilling a perspective laden with Christian values. The first trimester readings also compliment and enhance their study of 19th century history. Later this school year, the class will take on both The Hound of the Baskervilles, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.
