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- Course name
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Literature Course 1: Story Explorers: A Literature-Based Adventure Exploring Classic & Modern Tales! with Jennifer Mullen
- Category
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Literature ➤ Survey Literature
- Grade
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Middle School, Grade School
- Semester
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Recorded
- Summary
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Calling all Story Detectives! Join us for an exciting literature-based course where we dive into classic and contemporary short stories while sharpening our literary analysis, discussion, and critical thinking skills.
Get ready to think, create, and uncover the secrets of great stories!
Check out this article! https://homeschoolconnections.com/catholic-homeschool-storytelling/
Course Description:
What We’ll Explore:
Character development, themes, setting, and plot structure
Engaging discussions and analysis of great stories
Creative storytelling to spark new ideas
Hands-on Learning: Students will enhance comprehension, interpretation, and creativity while exploring the magic of storytelling in a fun and interactive way!
For the final class, you’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of literature by applying the storytelling models we’ve studied in class.
** Note: This course will not be graded based on grammar and writing skills. The focus will be on the content and understanding of the material, so feel free to express your ideas without concern for perfect grammar or writing structure.
Instructor: Jennifer Mullen
- Course name
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Literature Course 1: Story Explorers: A Literature-Based Adventure Exploring Classic & Modern Tales! with Jennifer Mullen
- Instructor
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Jennifer Mullen
- Semester
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Recorded
- Category
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Literature ➤ Survey Literature
- Grade levels
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Middle School, Grade School
- Start time
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September 12th, 2025 at 11:30 AM ET
- Course type
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Recorded, free with subscription
- Relative due dates
- Enhanced quiz security
- Enhanced assignment security
- This material is only to be used for its intended purpose by active subscribers of Homeschool Connections or purchasers of the course. Any other use without explicit permission is in violation of the seventh commandment, and in violation of US and International copyright laws.
- You may print or download to your own storage extracts for your personal homeschool and non-commercial use only. Use for homeschool co-ops is permitted after contacting customer support and receiving written permission from Homeschool Connections.
- Upon completion of the course, you must delete all copies of course materials from any storage on which you saved permissible extracts.
Special notes
This is part one of a two-course literature series. Literature Course 2: Mythical Journeys & Adventure Stories is offered in the Spring semester. This course will not grade based on grammar and writing skills. The focus will be on the content and demonstrating an understanding of literature, so feel free to express your ideas without concern for perfect grammar or writing structure.
Note to Parents: Due to the young ages of grade school students, we expect that you will accompany your child at all times while he or she is online, which includes watching classes alongside your student. This will also help you assist your student with homework where necessary or help your student contact the teacher with questions. If you miss a live class, make sure to watch the recording with your student as well. Thank you for your support!
Total classes
Duration
Prerequisites
None
Suggested grade level
Suggested credit
Outline
Course Outline:
Week 1: Introduction to Classic & Modern Tales
Reading: "The Lion and the Mouse" by Aesop & "The Three Little Pigs" - a modern retelling
Week 2: Understanding Story Structure
Reading: “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter
Week 3: Character Development & Perspective
Reading: “Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes
Week 4: Setting & Mood in Literature
Reading: "Golden Key" by George MacDonald
Week 5: Suspense & Foreshadowing
Reading: "The Selfish Giant" by Oscar Wilde
Week 6: Themes and Moral Lessons in Literature
Reading: “The Ant and the Grasshopper” by Aesop
Week 7: Story Refinement & Peer Review
Week 8: Creative Storytelling Showcase
Materials
All resources will be free or with a link provided from online sources.
Homework
Plan to spend about one to two hours each week on homework. This will include reading, taking online quizzes, memorization of key terms, weekly copy work, and posting on our weekly discussion board. There’s also a Storytelling Showcase! You’ll have the opportunity to choose a fun, hands-on project to demonstrate your understanding of literature. Whether it's creating a PowerPoint, designing a storyboard, writing fan fiction, composing epic poetry, or even crafting a musical presentation, you’ll apply the storytelling models we’ve studied in class. Get ready to have fun and be creative!
Jennifer Mullen
jmullen@homeschoolconnections.com
Catholic Architect of Curiosity & Learning Adventures! For over 14 years, Jennifer has been igniting young minds with a passion for discovery. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, she transforms learning into an adventure, crafting immersive programs that turn ordinary moments into sparks of curiosity and exploration. Jennifer inspires students to excel in reading, speaking, and listening, giving them the confidence to express themselves and connect with the world. Beyond academics, she ignites curiosity through vibrant extracurricular programs, including a summer Lego programming club for kids aged 7 and up—proving that learning is a lifelong adventure. Guided by her Catholic faith, she fosters a love of knowledge, integrity, and compassion in her students.
When she’s not crafting lesson plans or dreaming up the next big student initiative, Jennifer loves spending time with her husband, five kids, and daughter-in-law. She enjoys camping, traveling, and seeking out new hands-on educational adventures—always embracing the joy of learning, both in and outside the classroom.
© 2025 Homeschool Connections; Jennifer Mullen. All Rights Reserved.
Violation of the above copyright policies may result in expulsion without any refund and/or legal action.