Reading and Writing in High School

Excellence in Literature, by Janice Campbell, is a comprehensive reading and writing curriculum for high school students.  We have been utilizing the ninth grade (English 1) program and have been thoroughly impressed.  What makes Excellence in Literature  so special?  First of all, the overall objectives for the program are much more comprehensive than the overall objectives for most literature programs I have examined.  Take a look at this exerpt from the Introduction to Literature book itself:

Excellence in Literature (EIL) is a college-preparatory course of study. It is my goal to:

• Introduce students to great literature from the western literary tradition.

• Teach students to read with discernment.

• Train independent, self-motivated learners.

• Provide tools that students can use to strengthen their writing skills.

• Introduce students to sources for high-quality online and offline research.

• Prepare students for college classes by expecting carefully researched, well-thought-out material to be presented in standard format, with preliminary proofreading completed.

We haven't come anywhere near to completing the curriculum, yet, because this is a full year curriculum.  However, from what we have been able to do so far, this is definitely a winner.  Janice Campbell has done a great job of compiling an assortment of classic literature assignments and very thorough explanations about things as simple as "How to Read a Book."  There are examples and explanations for every type of writing assigned.  The first unit covers an assortment of short stories.  These short stories could be difficult to find in a library, so Campbell includes links to websites where the short stories can be either read online or printed out and read.  We like the ability to print out short stories so things can be highlighted and notes taken.  This is a great help when a student is working on an essay over a story.  Students are given at least one writing assignment over each story.  My son likes looking through the extra resources and internet links that are given with each unit.  These links are really helpful when the time comes to work on writing assignments.  He has also really appreciated the fact that the writing assignments are not 'over the top' in length.  Some literature programs are so deep in the first year program that students stay confused and discouraged.  This program eases students into literary analysis in a way that is challenging but not discouraging.  Nine units are included, each unit being four weeks long.  This allows for a full year curriculum.  Assignments are divided out by week and are easy for students to follow. 

     If you are looking for an honors literature program, Campbell provides optional assignments to use EIL as an honors class.  Additional reading assignments and papers are required for honors.  She provides directions for the parent on how to grade the writing assignments and on how to facilitate the course for students. 

     Overall, we are enjoying using Excellence in Literature.  I hope to continue using it with my children through their high school years. 

     Excellence in Literature Introduction to Literature is available at http://www.everyday-education.com/literature/eng1.shtml in print for $29 + $4.95 shipping and handling or as an e-book for $27.  We have used the e-book version and love the versatility -- especially when using one of the web links provided.  It is much easier to copy and paste a web address than to type it in correctly. 

    To read other reviews about EIL Introduction to Literature, check out the main crew blog page, here. 

**I was not compensated in any way in exchange for this honest review.  The opinions expressed are my own.**