Week of August 29th-September 3rd

"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. 

Welcome Back!

English 12:  Students have been introduced to the course requirements.  This year will focus on how we,  as individuals, can make life better...not easier.  We look forward to creating an environment that respects individual thought, creative production, and a diligent work ethic. Students will be responsible for promoting thoughtful discussions about the relevancy  of literature, utilizing/applying critical thinking skills to the literature, and demonstrating their writing skills through written responses.  They will be given an informational article on the culture of the Anglo-Saxons.  Students will be responsible for reading, analyzing, and responding to the article that will enable them to successfully complete reading and analyzing the epic poem.  Students will begin with identifying characteristics of the hero type through the modern day superhero found in graphic novels and comparing/contrasting to the epic hero found in Beowulf.  They will identify elements of the epic poem and graphic novel writing.  Through guided discussion and peer interaction, students will share their response to the relevancy of the poem.

Keystone Literature Remediation:  Students have been introduced to the course requirements.  This course requires a student to show improvement in standards that need to be strengthened.  Each student will receive a goal(s) to be reached for individual improvement.  Every student is responsible to focus and work on improving a skill for success on the Keystone.

Public Speaking:  Students have been introduced to the course requirements.  This class creates confidence, improves critical thinking and writing skills, and produces students with an increased awareness of self.  A positive, respectful environment that welcomes constructive criticism to strengthen speech skills is necessary for each student's success.  Students will begin reading and discussing the basics of beneficial speech habits.