Week of January 21, 2013

  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.

9th Grade & 9th Grade Academic:  Students will be reading and analyzing the Short Story. They will be responsible for applying the elements of the short story and identifying the author's use of literary devices.  At the conclusion of the story, students will be required to identify and support the author's message and its relevancy today.  The students will also be working on Vocabulary.  The vocabulary unit incorporates knowledge of the word from its origin to its definition and application.  The creation of sentences demonstrates knowledge and effective communication.  The review through sentence completion applies reading in context.  The application incorporates knowledge and utilization of grammar through sentence dissection.  

 All 9th Grade English classes will be on Vocabulary Unit 6

9th English:  "The Black Cat" and "The Most Dangerous Game"
9th Academic English:  "Bartleby the Scrivener" and "The Most Dangerous Game"


11th Practical:  The students will be working on Vocabulary.  The vocabulary unit incorporates knowledge of the word from its origin to its definition and application.  The creation of sentences demonstrates knowledge and effective communication.  The review through sentence completion applies reading in context.  The application incorporates knowledge and utilization of grammar through sentence dissection.

The students will be responsible for creating a documentary on the Puritans.  Through the production of the documentary, students will learn how to write for an informational  medium.  The required research will help them with the comprehension and analysis of The Crucible for their Literature class. This will be a group project and a due date will be forthcoming.

12th Grade Practical:  The students will begin work on Vocabulary Unit 1.  The students will be required to complete the assignment for Unit 1 List 1 which will include the definition and use of the word.  The Vocabulary assignment will be due on Monday, January 28.  They will also begin work on grammar.  Students will be required to demonstrate their knowledge in the foundations of grammar, beginning with the Parts of Speech.

The first writing assignment will be on problem-solving.  The students need to be able identify a problem and analyze it for solutions, a real world application necessary for success.  They will need to use logic and reason to support their thesis.  The writing assignment will be due on Friday, February 1st.