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Category: Reviews
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AAO: Literature with Susan Spivey Reviews
Click here to learn more about this class
British Literature student project Greetings, I’m Susan Spivey and I love to talk about good books and great writers. When I’m not reading a book, talking about a book, or writing about a book, I bake! In all seriousness, I view teaching high school literature as not only a personal joy, but a privilege. Sharing the insights I have gained over the years about writers and their works is deeply satisfying. Too often students have been challenged to read stories, poems, and novels without having the tools to make sense of what they find within the pages. I strive to make the reading come alive and help students enjoy their journey through literature, not simply survive it. I structure my classes so students can respond to the reading in a variety of ways. In addition to class discussion, students have the opportunity to write, create art, act, and even sing their response to an assigned piece of writing. Having the ability to give perceptive feedback on literature is a skill all high school students need as they prepare for college. My goal is to help them attain it.
J.S., PA – February 19, 2016
Mrs. Spivey’s literature class challenged and equipped me for college in a way few other high school experiences did. The class, which I took at a homeschool co-op during my senior year, surveyed great Christian literature with a diverse and challenging reading list. Our class meetings were a chance for Mrs. Spivey to push her students to think critically about the material we read; she encouraged us to reevaluate our presuppositions and validated our thoughtful opinions, even when she didn’t share them. This open discussion stood in contrast to many high school classes that shielded authors from critique. Mrs. Spivey’s approach to in-class discussion helped prepare me for college literature and writing classes, where criticism of an author and their worldview is encouraged. Her love of literature was apparent in everything she did; from her enthusiasm in class to her warm invitations to continue discussions and reading outside of it, Mrs. Spivey was a hugely influential teacher who was instrumental in my decision to pursue English and writing as a part of my college and career.
Parent, PA – February 19, 2016
Susan Spivey does an excellent job of instilling the love of learning and literature into her students. I have had two children participate in her English/Literature classes, and even though they enjoyed reading before, Susan was able to unlock areas of interpretation that allowed them both to understand more fully what the authors are attempting to convey. Her writing assignments challenged them to think deeply and put into their own words portions of specific text. Susan also challenges her students by assigning projects that may not be in their particular strength. For example: Not only do the students write, but some assignments may require them to perform a dramatization or an art project. She realizes that not all the students have the same strengths, but she motivates them to branch out and try something new. Susan also wants each of her students to succeed and encourages them to use whatever gifts or abilities they have to do their best. Thank you, Susan, for using Literature to help my children to mature and flourish.
E. C. – May 15, 2017
I enjoyed reading many different kinds of writing from a wide array of authors and eras. I also enjoyed class discussion. Mrs. Spivey always made class time interesting and informative by providing direction where needed but also opening up time for discussion of our own perspectives and interpretations, allowing us to grow further. Mrs. Spivey is very passionate about what she teaches, which makes this course very fun. She asks engaging question and encourages the class to be readers that meditate on the works they read and analyze the contents. Mrs. Spivey is open to new perspectives form her students and never ignores or discounts a persons thoughts. This course taught me how to analyze a work of literature and form an extensive understanding of it. This course also gave many opportunities for practice of creating well-developed and detailed papers about a piece of literature. -American Literature Student
G. Beaumont – May 15, 2017
(Mrs. Spivey) has a vast knowledge of writing, is extremely friendly and kind, and super understanding. Not many teachers WANT their students to learn, they just want them to pass and be done with. I know she genuinely cared about how I did. Mrs. Spivey encouraged class participation and asked us open ended questions, which led to helpful explanations and wonderful discussion. I now have read multiple poems, essays, short stories, plays and understood them. I know how to dissect a poem and how to figure out what the author is trying to convey. I know how to write over ten page papers and keep them interesting! I can see how literature ties into art, science, politics, history and everyday life. I have learned to handle a workload and manage my time better. And lastly, I have learned what it is like to have a deadline (Oh and I had a wonderful teacher, I don’t think I could find a better one).
N.A. ~British Lit student
Mrs. Spivey encouraged class participation and asked us open ended questions, which led to helpful explanations and wonderful discussion. I now have read multiple poems, essays, short stories, plays and understood them. I know how to dissect a poem and how to figure out what the author is trying to convey. I know how to write lastly, I have learned what it is like to have a deadline (Oh and I over ten page papers and keep them interesting! I can see how literature ties into art, science, politics, history and everyday life. I have learned to handle a workload and manage my time better. And had a wonderful teacher, I don’t think I could find a better one).
W.Q. ~American Lit student
Mrs. Spivey explains the reading well in class and helped me to understand many things I wouldn’t have noticed or understood completely from the reading. Her corrections on assignments and essays are also helpful and clear. If I started to fall behind on submissions, she emailed me to ask if anything was wrong (which is helpful in getting me to get back on track). The feedback was great. It was clear and I knew exactly what I had done wrong, or what I had to improve.
Example of student paper: BritishLitInterpretivePaper
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Online History Classes with Lisa Hawkins: Reviews
Lisa Hawkins History Classes for Fall 2017
Click the links below for more information about each class. Fall classes start August 28th.
U.S. History
AP U.S. History
World History/Western Civ I
World History/Western Civ II
“Wow! I cannot thank Mrs Hawkins enough. Her US History class has been inspirational and very thought provoking. The Socratic discussions led by Mrs Hawkins invited thoughtful participation. The assignments were carefully designed and helped deepen understanding of important topics and concepts. My son (a history buff) enjoyed every minute of this class. I only wish Mrs Hawkins would offer summer workshops on topics like Current Events, History of Europe, Intro Econ etc so that kids can keep learning all through the year. I cannot recommend this class enough. Mrs Hawkins is a treasure.” Arvinder Oswal
“I had Mrs. Hawkins for an online AP US History class. I hoped to learn a lot about the history of America, and Mrs. Hawkins did not disappoint. I felt completely confident when I went to take the AP exam, thanks to her instruction. The class was a lot of work, more than I ever thought that I could do. I gained new confidence with each assignment I completed and, by the end, the assignments that were so daunting in the beginning became effortless. While I could tell that others taking the AP test around me were frightened by the essay section, I actually looked forward to it. Mrs. Hawkins assignments, and excellent feedback, allowed me to be unperturbed by a task that most students equated with torture. Mrs. Hawkins didn’t just prepare her students for the AP test; she also refined student’s skills in areas other than history. I could feel that my writing improved over the duration of the course, and I could complete assignments from other classes much more easily and successfully. Mrs. Hawkins is very knowledgeable about history, and can effectively teach the material to students in a way that builds their skills, knowledge, and confidence. In my opinion, that is what makes a great teacher. I highly recommend both Mrs. Hawkins and her AP US History course.” Spencer J. (former AP student)
“This is my third history class (Western Civ II) with Mrs. Hawkins and I loved it! The lectures are interesting, engaging, and very interactive. We have all kinds of discussions in the class about history and how it play into current events. The homework is (dare I say) FUN! I personally enjoy the quizzes and essay questions, as they help us to explore the reading more thoroughly. There is no busy work, so you never feel bogged down with homework. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested, as well as any of Mrs. Hawkins other courses. She is a wonderful teacher and will help you fall in love with history!!!” Georgia Reichard
“If you are looking for an educational yet fun class, this is the place to be! Mrs. Hawkins interacts with her students making class both productive and entertaining. It is evident that Mrs. Hawkins has mastered the art of presenting history in an intelligent, exciting manner, making her an extremely effective teacher. There is not a better history teacher on the market ?” Daniel K. (Aim Academy student)
“This was the first class my daughter took with Mrs. Hawkins, two years ago. (The original review is tied to the US History class.) Since that time she has also taken US History as well. I cannot say enough about her teaching style. Her classes have made it an enjoyable high school experience for her and an enriching one. She intensely disliked history prior to Mrs Hawkins’ classes.I am really grateful for that as I wanted her to enjoy her homeschool journey. Her love of history definitely comes out in her teaching. I have no problem keeping up with how she is doing as the grades are available for parents to view, along with the entire course requirements. She is also quite accessible and responded well to all of my inquiries. I only wish she was teaching economics/government or another type of history class so that I can sign her up for it. I also hope her college teachers are exactly like Mrs. Hawkins.” Ginny B.(Mom of former & Future Aim Academy Student)
“I have two high school students that took Mrs. Hawkins Western Civ I class this past year and they loved it. My 9th grader will be taking her Western Civ II class in the Fall and my 10th grader will be moving on to her American History class. She is a wonderful teacher, a pleasure to listen to and has given both of my children a deeper love of history and learning. They worked harder for Mrs. Hawkins than they had previously in their homeschool co-op and I appreciated her level of expectations and assignments. Additionally, Mrs. Hawkins is very thorough in her explanations and responds immediately to emails. Aim Academy has been a wonderful experience and we will continue to pursue classes here because of the quality of teachers like Mrs. Hawkins.” Christine Atherley
“Mrs. Hawkins is a wonderful teacher with an infectious enthusiasm for the subject. I did not enjoy history prior to taking this class and I look forward to taking American History with her. The supplemental information she provides for the world history class is interesting, funny and not tedious to plow through. She varies the structure of the class so that it is not just lecture only. Although the class presents a lot of material, Mrs. Hawkins covers the content thoroughly. She makes herself readily available if I or my mom have any questions. I am always aware of how I am performing in this class as my grades are available on the assignment portion of the system. I would highly recommend her classes.” Angel B. ( Aim Academy student)
“My daughter has absolutely loved Mrs. Hawkins’ US History class. She has learned so much and loves telling me everything the class talked about in the lively weekly lectures. She has been challenged by the assignments and feels Mrs. Hawkins gave her great feedback. My daughter already loved history, but Mrs. Hawkins has helped her develop a much deeper appreciation for the subject.” Greg
“Nicely done, Mrs. Hawkins! Thank you again for working with our family to have our daughter in the US History course right for her. It was always good to hear your voice, the upbeat tone, how you engaged the students, the lighthearted moments, and how you responded to each student. (After our daughter returned to homeschooling in Feb’17 I could hear you when the earbuds were off!) The study of history comes alive through a great storyteller like you. With much gratitude.” John Britto