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.