Ivy Leaf - Classic Literature for Middle School

A 6-Week Program for Reading and Writing on: 

            The Odyssey Homer

  1. 9/6    2:30 - 4:00
  2. 9/13    2:30 - 4:01
  3. 9/20    2:30 - 4:02
  4. 9/27    2:30 - 4:03
  5. 10/4    2:30 - 4:04
  6. 10/11    2:30 - 4:05
Ms. Sheintal is a enthusiastic teacher of classic literature. Here is her bio.
 
Lyat Sheintal is an experienced educator with a diverse background in teaching across both public and private school sectors. With a robust career spanning more than twenty-five years, Lyat has made significant contributions as a teacher, professor, and writing coach for students from elementary school to post-medical school levels. Moreover, Lyat has contributed to curriculum development in English Language Arts for Montgomery County Public Schools, further showcasing her dedication to improving educational standards and outcomes. 

 

Lyat is particularly passionate about coaching students on crafting compelling personal statements for application essays. She believes in the power of a well-written personal statement to open doors and create opportunities for her students, as it can be the deciding factor in gaining admission to selective programs and scholarships. Her personalized approach helps students articulate their unique stories and strengths, making their applications stand out and gaining them entry to the most prestigious colleges and universities in a competitive admissions landscape. Lyat holds degrees from Columbia and Johns Hopkins Universities

The Odyssey Homer

  • SAT-level vocabulary
     

  • Analytical discussion
     

  • Creative & analytical writing
     

  • Excerpts from The Odyssey (adapted for middle school readers or a translation like Fagles or Fitzgerald)

WEEK 1: Epic Foundations

Objectives:

  • Understand the structure of an epic
     

  • Identify themes of heroism and identity
     

  • Build foundational vocabulary

Texts:

  • Excerpt: Invocation to the Muse & Odysseus on Calypso's Island
     

Vocabulary:
epic, invocation, cunning, valor, exile, forlorn, immortal, lament

Activities:

  • Discuss “What makes someone a hero?”
     

  • Group read + annotate excerpt
     

  • Define & use vocabulary in original sentences
     

  • Writing: Describe a moment when you had to be brave or clever (creative)
     

  • HW: Summarize Odysseus’s situation in your own words (analytical)

WEEK 2: Trials of the Sea

Objectives:

  • Analyze conflict and temptation
     

  • Study narrative structure and characterization
     

Texts:

  • The Lotus-Eaters & The Cyclops

Vocabulary:
bewitch, glutton, wretched, formidable, blunder, guile, brute, entreat

Activities:

  • Vocabulary sketchbook (draw and define)
     

  • Read & storyboard the Cyclops scene
     

  • Group discussion: How does Odysseus use wit over strength?
     

  • Writing: Rewrite the Cyclops scene from Polyphemus’s perspective (creative)
     

  • HW: Analytical paragraph – How does Homer build suspense?

WEEK 3: Temptation and Consequences

Objectives:

  • Explore consequences of choice
     

  • Practice drawing inferences
     

Texts:

  • Circe and The Land of the Dead

Vocabulary:
temptress, foreboding, appease, pious, anguish, shroud, perilous, transfix

Activities:

  • Debate: Was Circe evil or misunderstood?
     

  • Character chart: Odysseus's growth across episodes
     

  • Vocabulary puzzle race
     

  • Writing: Letter from Odysseus to Penelope describing his trials (creative)
     

  • HW: Compare Circe and Calypso (analytical paragraph)

WEEK 4: Sirens, Scylla & Charybdis

Objectives:

  • Analyze figurative language
     

  • Evaluate leadership decisions

Texts:

  • The Sirens and Scylla and Charybdis
     

Vocabulary:
lure, dire, peril, succumb, maelstrom, resolve, havoc, steadfast

Activities:

  • Audio experience: Read Sirens passage while playing eerie music
     

  • Chart Odysseus’s choices—were they right or selfish?
     

  • Writing: Compose a modern "Siren song" (creative)
     

  • HW: Analytical writing – Does Odysseus act as a good leader?

WEEK 5: Return and Revenge

Objectives:

  • Understand dramatic irony and poetic justice
     

  • Explore narrative structure (recognition scenes, revenge plots)
     

Texts:

  • Return to Ithaca and The Slaying of the Suitors
     

Vocabulary:
retribution, vengeance, treachery, gallant, cunning, suitor, humility, righteous

Activities:

  • Timeline of Odysseus’s journey
     

  • Act out recognition scene with Odysseus & Penelope
     

  • Discussion: Do the suitors deserve their fate?
     

  • Writing: Short play/dialogue imagining Penelope’s secret thoughts (creative)
     

  • HW: Argumentative paragraph – Was Odysseus justified in his revenge?

WEEK 6: Legacy and Reflection

Objectives:

  • Reflect on enduring themes
     

  • Synthesize learning across texts
     

  • Produce a polished analytical or creative project
     

Activities:

  • Vocabulary review game (Jeopardy-style or Kahoot)
     

  • Group discussion: What makes The Odyssey timeless?
     

  • Writing workshop:
    A) Analytical Essay – “How does Odysseus grow as a hero?”
    OR
    B) Creative Project – Modern retelling of one episode (comic strip, video script, diary)
     

  • Peer review + revision
     

  • Final Presentations & Celebration
     

 

 

 

Site address: (No mailing here): 
10101 Molecular Dr, Ste 100, MD 20850
Spring
Program: 
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