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.
This homeschool English class introduces students to grammar, vocabulary, literature, poetry, and composition through a structured and integrated approach.
This English I course is designed primarily for middle school students and provides a strong foundation in grammar, literary analysis, and academic writing that prepares students for higher-level English and literature courses.
English I: Discovery introduces students to the foundations of grammar, vocabulary, literature, poetry, and composition through an intensive and integrated approach.
Using the Michael Clay Thompson materials from Royal Fireworks Press, students engage in in-depth grammar study before applying that knowledge to literature analysis and formal academic writing.
Students coming from earlier language arts courses such as Upper Elementary Language Arts will find that this course builds naturally on those foundational skills while preparing them for the full 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
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.
