Week of 25 September 2017

"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:  Why do we need heroes?  Is it more important to win or to take a stand?

Students have begun work on the Beowulf Project.  Students have chosen one of the following options:  movie trailer/critique, newspaper/magazine article, children's book, puppet show, or a graphic novel.  They will demonstrate comprehension and knowledge by applying themes, symbols, elements of the epic or elegy, characters, setting, and plot of Beowulf.  Students have been given instructions/requirements, worksheets, daily logs, examples, and rubrics.  They will be using Chromebooks.

English 11:  What is the meaning of Freedom?

Students will identify the ideas/concepts of the time period and apply them to the analysis of the Declaration of Independence. Students will complete worksheets, participate in discussion, and write a response. They will be required to compare the First Draft of the Declaration and the Final Draft. Students will summarize and analyze what they have read and complete a POWTOON.  They have agreed upon a Rubric.  Students will work in pairs to create a POWTOON that will support the purpose statement.

Public Speaking:  How do basic speaking and listening skills help us to communicate?

Students will put their reading and discussions to work.  They will complete reading and analyzing two Commencement Speeches, due on the 27th and the 29th.  Students will identify organization, rhetoric skills, and delivery. They will discuss the importance of word choice, content, rhythm, and presentation skills.  Students will take notes, complete worksheets, and participate in discussions.  Topics for the Introductory Speech are due this week.  Chapter 4 is due on the 26th.

Keystone Literature Workshop:  How does my interaction with the text provoke thinking and
                                                      response?

Students will complete a Sample Test.  They will check and critique their own work on multiple choice questions.  Students will then refocus their goals in reading and writing after identifying specific skill strengths and weaknesses.   Students will learn to decipher test questions, use the process of elimination, and practice written responses.