"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 learning the origin of words and how the affixes affect meaning and function of vocabulary. Their expansion of knowledge on word analysis will help them to master and utilize the vocabulary they are required to learn. Their assessment begins with a formal test on Unit 1 on Thursday, 9/5 but their application and mastery of vocabulary will continue with each new unit and when they apply it to their critical reading skills in literature throughout the year. Student will also be required to identify the subject and verb for each sentence from the test. Dissection of the sentences will help with their reading and writing, improving both.
Practical English 10: Students will be completing a Diagnostic Review of Grammar to help identify their weaknesses and strengths. They will then be focusing on areas of needed improvement. Subject and Verb agreement will be the focus content area for grammar through the reading of Informational Text. Students will be required to analyze and respond to the text. They will be participating in a short debate on the topic of Privacy. There will be a Vocabulary 1 Test on Friday, September 6.
English 11: Students will be completing a Diagnostic Review of Grammar to help identify their weaknesses and strengths. Students will be starting Native American Myths this week. They will be required to identify and apply elements of myths through reading and discussion. Students will be introduced to the project of creating their own myths using the loss of their culture as a basis. There will be a Vocabulary Unit 1 test on Friday, September 6.
Public Speaking: Students are learning how to reach their audience as a speaker. They have been reading and discussing correct methods to use when giving a speech. They have also learned that good public speaking skills include actively listening to one's audience. They will be required to analyze and evaluate one of the greatest speeches of all time by Martin Luther King Jr. The goal is for students to use what they have learned in their first introductory speech.
