Windows to the World: Introduction to Literary Analysis

Description

Windows to the World is a college-prep high school literature course from the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) that teaches students to analyze and appreciate great short stories and poetry through the lens of literary elements and a Christian worldview.

Designed for students who can already write a solid paragraph, this engaging semester course equips learners to recognize how literature influences readers for good or ill. Through fifteen focused units, students master key literary analysis skills including plot and suspense, characterization, symbolism, theme, point of view, tone, irony, and more.

Key Curriculum Features:

  • 15 units focused on specific literary analysis skills
  • Carefully selected short stories and poetry included in the Student Book
  • Frequent writing assignments ranging from quick writes to full literary essays
  • Clear instruction on developing a biblical worldview through literature
  • Core and supplemental activities for flexible pacing (one semester or extended study)
  • Reproducible worksheets in the Student Book for home and classroom use

Program Components:

  • Student Book: 194-page spiral-bound text with instructional content written directly to the student, all literary selections (short stories and poems), worksheets, and activities
  • Teacher’s Manual: 129-page spiral-bound guide with detailed teaching instructions, background information, vocabulary exercises, discussion points, sample essays, answers, and suggestions for additional projects

Windows to the World stands out for its warm, first-person teaching style, strong teacher support, and excellent balance of literary analysis and writing practice. It is an ideal choice for homeschool families, co-ops, and classrooms seeking a manageable yet academically rigorous literature course that prepares students for advanced high school and college-level work.

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.