Most students have a strange, mixed relationship with their language arts classes. I know I did. On one hand, strong communication skills are crucial to success in life. On the other hand, ELA classes tended toward forgettable at best and something 'to be endured' at worst. Why have we turned vital skill acquisition into drudgery that repels genuine learning? English/ Language Arts with B. T. Higgins seeks to help students find their voice, craft their thoughts into words of substance and clarity, positively influence the world, and improve their circumstances. No more powerful tool exists for improving student well-being and growth than words. In this class, as we interact with the different modalities of language and skill development, I hope each student discovers what they have to offer the world. Their ideas and perspectives are valuable. Their words are priceless assets that they should learn to employ well. Course Description: English/ Language Arts with Ben Higgins is a comprehensive course designed to teach the five modalities of communication to students in grades 7-12. These modalities include writing, reading, speaking, listening, and thinking. The class meets the requirements set by the ELA public school curriculum and provides a creative approach to language arts education. Each week, students will complete a writing project and deliver a presentation on their work. Through a discussion-based learning model, students will engage in productive exchanges of ideas to refine their skills. Students are assessed on active participation, careful listening, and completion of their homework assignments. The course will cover American and world literature analysis, editing, grammar, revising, public speaking, and logical thinking. Curriculum: ALL NEW Writers Room Book 3 by B.T. Higgins (Cost $40. Mr. Higgins will pass the new textbook out on the first day of class. They must be purchased with cash, check, Venmo, or direct billing of your charter school, if applicable.) This class combines middle and high schoolers at south campus. Because of the potentially large number of students who want to take the class with Mr. Higgins, we have recruited a veteran homeschooling mom of 17 years, Tirsa Myler, who will be helping students in smaller groups within the class. B.T. Higgins is an accomplished author of numerous books catering to middle-grade readers, as well as two non-fiction works addressing fatherhood and educational improvement. (Check out his newest work at bthiggins.substack.com). With a wealth of experience as a veteran classroom teacher spanning over fourteen years, B.T. also brings over a decade's worth of expertise in teaching homeschoolers of all ages. Leveraging his authorial background, B.T. is enthusiastic about infusing language arts education with creativity, relevance, and real-life connections. He is also a full time homeschool father.