Similarly, there are four essential "elements" that comprise our academic work in a high school language arts course: reading, writing, speaking, and research. We are constantly working to harness these elements, oftentimes in tandem with one another, to reach what we might think of as the "fifth element": thinking, in all of its forms and applications. (The Greek philosopher Plato called the fifth element "aether" -- the quintessence). Provided below are portals to pages devoted to the four academic "elements" that we'll be routinely incorporating into our studies of literature and building upon throughout the school year. Each of the elements pages includes tutorials, exemplars, and links to other helpful websites for extended learning and enrichment. Happy hunting!