Week of February 23rd, 2015

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

Academic English 9:  Students will be required to read, analyze, and discuss the short story.  They are expected to be prepared for discussion and analysis on the following stories in their Lit Book:
"The Gift of the Magi" Tuesday 2/24
"The Invalid's Story" Wednesday 2/25
On Thursday, they will be given a test which they will be able to finish at home.  The "Take Home Test" will be due on Friday, 2/27

Practical English 11: Students are working on The Letter of Reconsideration.  The writing of letters helps students identify purpose, audience, organize information, understand the importance of word choice, and utilize grammar skills. The Letter of Reconsideration will be due by Friday, 2/27. Students will begin work on Vocabulary Unit 2.

Public Speaking:  Students will take notes on Chapters 4 and 7.  They will be working on the Introductory Speech.  An Outline is required and due by 2/26.  Podium Cards should be ready no later than 2/27.  Students will familiarize themselves with the environment on Friday.  They may rehearse on 2/27.  Speeches will commence on Monday, 3/2 in alphabetical order.

Weeks of February 9th and February 16th

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

Academic English 9: Students have been introduced to the elements of the Short Story.  They have been reading, analyzing, and discussing the time period for the short story by Richard Connell from an informational article.  They will read, analyze, and discuss "The Most Dangerous Game".  The informational article will help them make connections to the literature and help them make connections to today's society.  There will be a quiz on the elements of the short story on 2/19.  The students will then read, analyze and discuss "The Cask of Amontillado"and "The Necklace"  They will read "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and then view the movie trailer for the modern day production.  The students will then be asked to bring the classic stories into the 21st century.They will create ideas for Movie Trailers and present their ideas to the class. The students have also been working on identifying, analyzing, and applying vocabulary on the Unit 5 Test.  They have been given the opportunity to identify mistakes, to demonstrate knowledge of word choice and word placement, and to make corrections.  Students who need extra time will meet with me after school.  Learning is a process that takes time and facilitation.  Thank you for your patience!

Practical English 11:  Students will be working on Vocabulary Unit 1.  They will learn to use resources, analyze words, and apply words.  Students will become familiar with the content and context of word choice.  There will be a Unit 1 Test on 2/12.  They will begin work on a relevant writing assignment, The Letter of Complaint.  Students will learn correct form, grammar usage, and content when writing this specific letter.  The final copy will need to be completed by Wednesday, 2/17.  The students will then begin work on The Letter of Reconsideration which will be due on Tuesday, 2/24.

Public Speaking: Students have been reading and discussing the Introductory Chapters of their text.  Chapter 5 Notes will be due on 2/17.  They will view, analyze, and respond to JFK's Inaugural Address.  They will be required to write a written critique of the speech.  The critique will be due by Friday, 2/20.  Chapter 7 Notes will be due on 2/20.  Next week will be preparation for their first presentation, the Introductory Speech.  Speech Presentations will commence on 3/2.

Week of February 2nd, 2015

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 
   
Academic English 9:  Reminder that the Extra Credit Assignment will be collected on February 6th at the beginning of the period.  Students have been working on identifying and applying Vocabulary.  They have been required to identify and apply the rules for subject/verb, phrases, and clauses.  Students will be introduced to the elements of the Short Story.  They will be required to identify and apply the elements and literary devices through discussion and analysis.

Practical English 11: Students will be working on dissecting and analyzing vocabulary.  The goal is to make students aware of word choice and communication.  Learned vocabulary is to be used in order to communicate effectively.  Through dissection and analysis, the students learn grammar, word parts and origins, and vocabulary in context.  Being able to use a resource to its fullest capacity is also a skill that is necessary in life.  Definitions, word analysis, sentences and worksheet will be due on Wednesday, February 4th.  There will be a review on Wednesday and a Test on Thursday, February 5th.

Public Speaking: Students will be required to read, comprehend and take notes on the text, preparing them for the requirements of Public Speaking, which include the utilization of research skills that they will need for the semester.  Through discussion, students will identify and apply the knowledge  skills, and techniques necessary for Public Speaking.

Reading Assignment 1:  Chapter 1 due on 1/28
Reading Assignment 2:  Chapter 2 due on 2/2
Reading Assignment 3:  Chapter 3 due on 2/9