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  • This course regularly costs $129.
  • A $20 Early Enrollment Discount will be applied if you purchase this course before July 15th, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.
  • This course has 21 seats remaining.

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Course name
Literature Course 1: Story Explorers: A Literature-Based Adventure Exploring Classic & Modern Tales!
Live course taught by Jennifer Mullen for Fall 2025 Grade School Survey Literature
Summary

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 grade 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

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 attending live 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

8

Class dates

Fridays, September 12 to November 7, 2025. (No class Oct. 17)

Starting time

11:30 AM Eastern (10:30 Central; 9:30 Mountain; 8:30 Pacific)

Duration

30 minutes

Prerequisites

None

Suggested grade level

3rd to 6th grade

Suggested credit

One full semester of Literature or Classic & Modern Literature.

Outline

Course Outline:

Week 1: Introduction to Classic & Modern Tales

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: “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving

Week 5: Suspense & Foreshadowing 

Reading: “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs

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!

Fees

For all 8 classes: $109 if you register on or before July 15; $129 if you register after July 15. (Registration closes one week before the first day of class. After that date, registrations are not guaranteed. There is a $25 surcharge for late enrollments after the course is closed.)

Course name
Literature Course 1: Story Explorers: A Literature-Based Adventure Exploring Classic & Modern Tales!
Instructor
Jennifer Mullen
Semester
Fall 2025
Category
Literature ➤ Survey Literature
Grade levels
Grade School
Monitor
Anastasia Brooks
Start time
September 12th, 2025 at 11:30 AM ET
Course type
Live
Price
$129
Seats available
25 seats available
Seats remaining
21 seats remaining
Relative due dates
Relative due dates are disabled for this course.
Enhanced quiz security
Enhanced assignment security

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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.

For more info about Jennifer, Click here!

Image for monitor
Anastasia Brooks

As a homeschool graduate Anastasia Brooks developed a passion for excellence within education. She saw the intellectual development along with the formation to think independently and critically within her homeschool years. She believes in encouraging this within her style of teaching along with a genuine willingness to learn from students

During her teenage years, Anastasia found herself wondering what the true sense of femininity meant and how the Catholic Church’s stance on it differed from the world’s view. After finding it through Pope St John Paul II’s writings on the Feminine Genius, she became passionate about spreading it to other young teenagers so they too will understand their inherent dignity and worth as daughters of Christ in the modern world.

In addition to teaching Anastasia is the Founder and Owner of  “Valleys of Grace” specializing in chapel veils and spreading the true meaning behind why women should veil. In her spare time, she can be found reading a good book, baking, hiking and being involved in her local Catholic communities.

For more info about Anastasai Brooks, Click Here!