Cle Elum-Roslyn High School students enrolled in English 105: The Literary Imagination – An Introduction to Literature (a dual-credit course through Central Washington University’s College in the High School program) recently took their learning beyond the classroom.
Students participated in a hiking field trip to the Ancient Lakes area in Quincy, WA. As part of the course, they read the hiking memoir Almost Somewhere by Suzanne Roberts, which follows three young women on a 28-day journey along the John Muir Trail in California.
During the trip, students practiced the “10 Essentials” and “Leave No Trace Principles,” blending lessons in literature with real-world experiences in nature. English and Theatre Arts teacher Charlene Harper highlighted the value of this hands-on learning, explaining, “This annual trip not only brings the text to life for students but also shows that studying literature can be just as hands-on as any other subject. I continue to be impressed with the dedication of students enrolled in the dual credit program, and I am grateful to the district and volunteer chaperones who help to make this experience a success each year.”
Through this novel, students worked toward key course objectives, including reading and responding to various literary genres and analyzing how elements such as character development, setting, and figurative language shape literary meaning.
This creative approach to learning highlights how literature can inspire exploration, self-reflection, and a deeper appreciation for both words and the world around us.