Upcoming Session Hosted on Outschool 

Starts: August 27, 2025 

Ends: December 10, 2025

Day: Wednesdays

Time: 12:00-12:50 pm EST

Total live classes: 15

Students will explore multiple selections of classic American literature, spanning from the Pre-Civil War era to the Modern period. Students will engage in the coursework in some of the following ways: 

• Explore literary time periods and discover how the historical context influences a writer
• Define and identify literary devices within a given text
• Analyze literature, synthesize ideas, and generate written responses
• Develop critical thinking and writing skills
• Effectively integrate textual evidence into a narrative 
• Develop a strong line of reasoning through supportive arguments
• Practice accurate grammar, complete reading comprehension questions, write extended responses, and write complete essays.

American Literature & Composition Level: This comprehensive full-year English program offers early/intermediate-level coursework for high school students in 8th-12th grade. Past students of a variety of ages have successfully completed this course with exceptional results, as the course adapts to each individual's proficiency level. 

Educator Information: Valerie Stone is a home educator and parent who found herself navigating the unchartered waters of autism and ADHD over 17 years ago, during a time when research and information were sparse. Diving into the depths of learning, she poured over education research, talked with special educators, and experimented with several different curriculums. Emerging from the fog, Valerie discovered techniques to help learners develop a writer's voice. Over the years, those techniques have been shared with local and online homeschool students and families through 1:1 tutoring and group courses.  

*Click the purchasing information link below to initiate a private conversation with Mrs. Stone.*

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As a home educator and parent to children with autism and ADHD, I developed an approach to writing that focuses on individual strengths and needs, tailoring assignments to their interests and learning styles. Below is a list of accommodations I frequently use for students with autism and ADHD.

• Scaffolding
• MORE Scaffolding
• Sentence Starters
• Sentence Framing
• Organizers
• Modeling and Practice
• Audio Books (If Applicable)
• Visual Prompts
• Assignments Broken Into Smaller Sections
• Clear Instructions
• Tailor Assignments to Student's Interest(s)
• Quality Emphasized Over Length
• Positive Reinforcement
• Encourage Student to Seek Help 
• Modified Assignments
• Flexible Deadlines