Description
English I: Discovery Course Overview
This class is part of the MyFunScience online homeschool classes, which offer live instruction for middle school and high school students. Families can also explore our full collection of English and literature courses for homeschool students.
English I: Discovery is a comprehensive introduction to homeschool middle school English, guiding students through the foundational study of grammar, vocabulary, poetics, literary analysis, and composition. Designed as the beginning of a structured language arts pathway, this course builds essential skills in academic writing, literature analysis, and English grammar that prepare students for higher-level English courses.
Using the respected Michael Clay Thompson curriculum from Royal Fireworks Press, students begin formal grammar study while developing the skills needed for clear, structured academic writing. Taking a thoughtful detour from the traditional approach to language arts, the course emphasizes an intensive grammar study early in the year. Students learn four-level grammar analysis, studying parts of speech, parts of sentence, phrases, and clauses to gain a deep understanding of how language works.
Students then apply and reinforce this grammar foundation through vocabulary development, literature study, and composition exercises. The literature component explores key literary elements and literary analysis skills, including setting, authorial purpose, character development, conflict, symbolism, meter, and figurative language.
Using a whole-books approach with short stories, poetry, and novels, students participate in reading comprehension discussions, composition assignments, teacher feedback, and peer dialogue, helping them grow into confident readers, analytical thinkers, and capable writers.
This homeschool English course for middle school students is designed primarily for 6th–7th grade, though motivated 5th graders with strong reading and writing skills can also succeed. English I: Discovery builds naturally on Upper Elementary Language Arts instruction while preparing students for the full middle school and high school English sequence.
Course Overview
- Recommended Grade Level: Primarily 6th–7th grade (advanced 5th graders may also succeed)
- Prerequisites: Basic grammar knowledge and ability to write complete sentences
- Format: Weekly live online class with assignments and discussion
- Estimated Workload: Approximately 4–5 hours per week
Course Outline
What Makes This Course Unique
Rather than sprinkling grammar lightly throughout the year, students complete an intensive “Grammar Boot Camp” in the fall. They learn four-level grammar analysis:
- Parts of speech
- Parts of the sentence
- Phrases
- Clauses
This strong grammatical foundation is then reinforced through vocabulary study, literary analysis, and composition throughout the remainder of the year.
Literature & Composition
Students explore novels, poetry, and short stories using a whole-books methodology. Literary concepts include:
- Setting and authorial purpose
- Character development and conflict
- Symbolism and figurative language
- Meter and poetic structure
Students complete reading comprehension discussions, formal writing assignments, teacher feedback cycles, and peer dialogue.
Novels may include Holes, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Where the Red Fern Grows, A Wrinkle in Time, and Summer of the Monkeys.
This Is the First in a Four-Year Sequence
Students may also continue developing their writing and literary analysis skills through courses such as Windows to the World or WriteShop.
Recommended Grade Level
- Primarily 6th–7th grade
- Advanced 5th graders may also succeed
Prerequisites
Students should enter with the following foundational skills:
- Understanding of nouns, verbs, and adjectives
- Ability to write a complete sentence
- Reading at approximately a 6th-grade level
Learn About the Class
Watch a Sample Class
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a live online English class?
Yes. Students attend a weekly live online class where the instructor teaches grammar, literature, and writing while guiding students through discussions and assignments.
Is this class designed for homeschool students?
Yes. This course is designed specifically for homeschool students who want structured instruction in grammar, literature, and composition.
What topics are covered in English I: Discovery?
Students study grammar, vocabulary, poetry, literature analysis, and academic writing while developing strong foundational language arts skills.
Do students write essays and assignments?
Yes. Students complete formal writing assignments and receive teacher feedback to help them improve their composition skills.
What Families Are Saying
Hello Mrs. Bontrager, I wish so much that you could watch Eli during your class. He has his headphones on across the room and is just so into your class… At one point today he was shouting and jumping up and down because he finally got a mystery question. He had his own little party about it.
-Christel
Curriculum
Visit Royal Fireworks Press to explore the Michael Clay Thompson materials used in this course, including Grammar Island, Building Language, The Music of the Hemispheres, Practice Island, and Sentence Island.
Estimated Workload
Approximately 4–5 hours per week of reading, studying, and written assignments.
