Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Weeks of March 28th and April 4th, 2016

"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. 

English 11: Students will be reading and analyzing The Declaration of Independence.  They will analyze the structure and meaning by comparing/contrasting 2 interpretations of the motivation behind the Declaration.  Students will then read and respond to 2 of the deleted passages from the original draft and will need to interpret meaning.  They will then read an article on the translation of the deleted passages to affirm or to negate their interpretation.

Practical English 11:  Students will be completing their Crucible Study Guides.  They will be responsible for analyzing the text, identifying character motivation, and applying themes of power, personal integrity, and morality.  Students will begin work on Vocabulary Unit 3.

YES Period 4:  Students will create a presentation on the solution to a problem.  As a team, they will be responsible for research, data, and a solution in a presentation.

YES Periods 7 and 8:  Students will create a cover letter and a resume for preparation of their mock interview in May.   They will engage in discussions and activities on Communication.

Monday, March 21, 2016

Week of March 21st, 2016

"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. 

English 11: Students will read and respond to an informational article on Thomas Jefferson.  They will be required to highlight, identify and define unknown vocabulary, ask questions, and apply relevancy. Students will also be required to identify tone and purpose. They will be given two articles written on the motivation behind the Declaration.  Students will need to respond to the articles, comparing and contrasting the different interpretations. Students will then be required to read, analyze, and discuss The Declaration of Independence through the completion of worksheets which will help them dissect and analyze the literature.

Practical English 11: Students will be viewing, reading, responding, and discussing Arthur Miller's, The Crucible.  They will be responding and discussing the relevancy of the play.  The play deals with elements of false accusations, mass hysteria, and rumor-mongering.  Politics, morality, and society are themes which will be analyzed and discussed.  Students will be required to complete a study guide, using the textbook as a resource, which will be due on Thursday, April 24th, 2016.

YES Period 4:  Students will review and finalize Resumes.  Students will begin to analyze and discuss the unit on Teamwork.  They will engage in discussions and activities on Team Effectiveness, Problem Solving Skills, Leadership, and Diversity.

YES Periods 7 and 8:  Students will work on the unit of Quality and Technology.  They will engage in discussion and activities on Continuous Improvement, Quality, Analyzing Charts, Prints, and Gauges, and Root Cause Analysis.They will also practice/review for the TABE and Wonderlic Tests.

Monday, March 14, 2016

Weeks of March 7th and 14th, 2016

"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. 

English 11: Students have been working on Vocabulary Unit 5.  They will required to define, analyze, and apply vocabulary.  There will be a test on Tuesday, March 8th.  They will read an excerpt from Poor Richard's Almanack. Students will identify and discuss the elements of an aphorism.  They will then interpret aphorisms, apply them to the 13 virtues identified from the Autobiography, and create 10 virtues for today's society and an aphorism for each.  Students will then be introduced to Thomas Jefferson for analysis of the Declaration of Independence.

Practical English 11:  Students have been working on Vocabulary Unit 2.   They will required to define, analyze, and apply vocabulary.  There will be a test following a review on Thursday, March 10th.  Students will respond to an article on Puritanism.  They will then read, analyze, and respond to a sermon written by Jonathon Edwards.  Identifying elements of cultural beliefs through the literature is necessary for meaning.  Students will then read, analyze, and respond to an informational article on the Salem Witch Trials in preparation for the drama, The Crucible.

YES Period 4: Students have been working on a letter of persuasion.  Identifying strengths and weaknesses of character are important for self awareness and growth.  They will then be required to create resumes.  Students will then begin the unit on Teamwork.

YES Periods 7 & 8:  Students have been developing Math skills.  They have completed exercises and assignments to improve their basic Math skills.  They will be completing exercises and assignments to develop and improve their language skills.  One of the requirements of the YES course is to pass the TABE test.  They will also be working on the unit of Health and Safety.