Week of November 29th, 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 12: How do our attitudes toward the past and future shape our actions?

Students will finalize completion of any project/written response owed. They will begin Unit 3 by reading and responding to informational literature on the Renaissance and the Reformation.  Students will be required to respond to the text in their textbooks about the history, culture, and people from late 14th-16th centuries.  They will need to highlight/annotate the text. Students will pick an area of interest from this time period to create an Informative PowePoint presentation. They will be given the requirements and a rubric to complete the project.

Literature Keystone Remediation:   Why is self-assessment important? 

Students will continue to utilize Study Island.  They will need to complete tests in the areas of Vocabulary, Literary Terms and Devices, Fiction, Nonfiction, and Tone. Students are continuing to strengthen skills and become proficient with the format of the standardized test.  Confidence and consistency have strongly influenced their  test taking skills.  The ultimate benchmark is for the students to reach an initial goal of Proficient on Study Island Assessments (Nov. 14 - Dec. 6) and the Literature Keystones (Dec. 7th and 8th).

Public Speaking:  How does word choice affect communication?

Students will proofread and edit their speeches and visual aids in preparation for speech presentations.  Informative speeches should be interesting and understandable.  Clarity, validity, and expression are necessary requirements for good speech delivery.  Students must practice their speeches.  Speeches will commence on Dec. 1st and 2nd.