Welcome to Ninth Grade!
English I Syllabus
Course: English I Semester/Year: 2011-2012
Teacher: Mary Beth Mink Grade Level: 9th grade
Email Address: Planning/Phone: 2:30 – 3:30 (663-3320)
Course Description:
Welcome to English! The emphasis of this class is communication: written and oral. I believe that if you are unable to express yourself on paper and on your feet with those around you and eventually with those in the workplace or career that you desire then we have failed.
Grammar and mechanics will be taught through your writing, by editing and with group practice on certain skills. This should be a really interesting course for you. If you really try, we’ll have a great time learning. Since we are using and defining oral communication skills, gum will not be allowed in the classroom; however, water will be permitted in clear, plastic bottles. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being your English teacher.
Expectations/Goals of Course:
· Read and analyze literature from a variety of genres
· Relate historical background to an author’s purpose
· Understand and use key terms of literature such as plot, theme, symbolism, antagonist, protagonist, etc.
· Interpret/translate portions of text
· Clearly communicate ideas both in large and small group settings
· Discuss and rewrite stories from another perspective
· Use the writing process to develop a short story
· Incorporate new vocabulary into writing
Course Standards:
Please visit the following website to see the standards addressed by this class:
http://www.corestandards.org/the-standards/english-language-arts-standards
Grading:
Grading Scale
· A = 90 – 100
· B = 80 –89
· C = 70 – 79
· D = 60 – 69
· F = 59 and below
Assignments will be worth the following points (as a general rule):
· Unit Exams: 100 points – 200 points (depending on length and complexity)
· Reading Quizzes: 20 points
· Vocabulary Tests: 50 points
· General Quizzes: 20 points
· Daily Work: 30 points
· Bell Work: 10 points
· Projects (such as book reports): 200 points
Late work will have points deducted (see assignments section)
Outline/Calendar of Course Content:
Language Study (to be taught throughout the year)
Powell County High School
School Year 2011-2012
Welcome to Ninth Grade!
· Verbs
· Nouns
· Basic Sentences
· Adjectives
· Adverbs
· Pronouns
· Direct Objects
· Prepositional Phrases
· Indirect Objects
· Linking Verbs
· Correct Usage (capital letters, punctuation, quotation marks)
Powell County High School
School Year 2011-2012
Welcome to Ninth Grade!
Unit 1: Key Ideas and Concepts in Literature,
Unit 2: Analysis of a Story, and
Unit 3: Short Story
Sample Activities:
· These units will cover short stories, novels, and poetry.
· Reading: We will be reading a wide selection of short stories and novels. Some of the stories we will be reading are the following: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The Most Dangerous Game, The Scarlet Ibis & The Cask of Amontillado. We will be reading a wide selection of poetry, including the following: Dream Deferred, Jabberwocky, The Bells, The Raven & The Road Not Taken.
· Projects: You will be working in groups to design an original character and setting during this unit. You will be working individually to create an original short story. Rubrics and planning sheets will be distributed before the project is assigned. Students will also be expected to read a novel independently.
· Speaking: Large and small group discussions on various short stories, sharing/reporting to the class
· Listening: Participation in literary circles (discussion groups) will be a must.
Unit 4: Shakespeare and Brooks
Sample Activities:
· Reading: We will be reading information concerning the life and times of William Shakespeare, we will be learning about the Globe Theater, and we will be examining the play Romeo and Juliet.
· Projects: Students will be working in groups as they rewrite portions of the play and develop a “television” show to accompany a portion of the play. Students will also be expected to read a novel independently.
· Speaking: Students will be assigned parts of the play to be read and performed in the class.
· Listening: Students will be expected to take notes during the PowerPoint Presentations and films that accompany the play.
Unit 5: Pre-19th Century Nonfiction,
Unit 6: I Have a Dream, and
Unit 7: Court Opinions & Newspapers
Sample Activities:
· Reading: We will be reading and examining numerous nonfiction pieces, including speeches and articles.
· Projects: We will be creating a composition for an authentic and justified purpose (business letter, feature article, or letter to the editor) and creating a “how-to” paper. We will also being using SOAPS to examine nonfiction articles. Students will also be expected to read a novel independently.
· Speaking: Debate, formulating opinions in response to a passage
· Listening: Distinguish between fact and opinion
Unit 8: Literary Criticism,
Unit 9: Author’s Purpose & Bias,
Unit 10: Multiple Perspectives, and
Unit 11: Historical Texts & Persuasion
Sample Activities:
· Reading: We will be examining numerous writings dealing with cause/effect, comparison/contrast, fact/opinion, persuasion, and propaganda.
· Projects: Students will be asked to craft and deliver a speech about a topic of their choice during this time period. Students will also be expected to read a novel independently.
· Speaking: Debate, formulating opinions in response to a passage
· Listening: Distinguish between fact and opinion
Textbooks:
· Prentice Hall Literature, Penguin Edition
· Various trade books and articles
· Elements of Writing
Required Materials:
Loose-leaf paper / Three-ring binder / 5 divider tabsBell Work, Grammar, Literature, Vocabulary, Tests & Quizzes / Pencils (at least 2)
Ink pens (black/blue only) / Highlighter / Sticky notes
Classroom Rules and Procedures:
Rules:
1. Follow the directions the first time they are given.
2. Be respectful to the class (no personal grooming, teasing, cursing or bullying).
3. Be on time to class.
4. Be prepared for class by having all necessary materials (textbook, pencil, paper, and homework).
5. Follow school rules
Consequences:
If you choose to break a rule
First Offense: Verbal warning
Second Offense: Break Detention
Third Offense: Call to parents
Fourth Offense: Referral to the office
Any student who is disrespectful or severely disruptive will be sent immediately to the principal without going through the above. In my plan are positive reinforcements for students who are mannerly and observe class rules such as the following: free time, educational games, subject-related movies, and homework passes. You are a respected member of this class and I will not allow anyone to interrupt the learning process for you.
Procedures:
Bathroom Procedures: I believe that teachers and students must take advantage of class time for instructional purposes; therefore, hall passes will only be issued in emergency situations. All students should use the restrooms, water fountains, lockers and pencil sharpeners between classes.
Start-up Procedures:
· Students are to enter the classroom quietly and go directly to their assigned seat.
· Students are to put away all unnecessary items and prepare their workspace.
· Students are to begin working quietly and independently on the journal assignment or bell work written on the board.
Snow Days, etc.: In the event of late openings, early closings, or cancellations, keep up with the assigned reading and be prepared to submit upon your return any assignments that may have fallen due during our absence.
Assignments: Papers and homework assignments are due at the beginning of class on the assigned date. Please observe due dates. Your daily attendance and participation in our class is essential. Remember that you are responsible for arranging your make-up assignments within two (2) days of your return to school, if your absence was excused. Students and parents, please keep in mind that some work cannot be made up (e.g. peer reviews, oral presentations, classroom discussions, etc). Please remember to include your name (first & last), date, class period and assignment title on all assignments; any papers received without names will be automatically disposed.
Late Assignments: For projects not turned in on time, twenty percent of the assignment’s total points will be deducted each day the assignment is late. Daily assignments not turned in on time will only be eligible for half credit. No assignments will be accepted after 3 days.
Papers: All final copies of essays must be typed in Times New Roman (12 point font) and one (1) inch margins. If you do not have access to a computer, please use blank or blue ink and neatly print your essay on the front side of the paper. All handwritten materials must be legible—if I can’t read your work, you do not get a grade. If you deliberately or accidentally use someone else’s actual words or ideas without giving credit that is plagiarism. If you like what someone else says, make sure you give him or her credit for saying it; cite the source.
Assessments: All work completed in this class will be assessed. In literature, each reading assignment is generally followed by a quiz to check reading comprehension. In grammar, a quiz will be given when a specific skill within the unit has been mastered. Unit tests will be given in both literature and grammar. In addition to quizzes and tests, which assess mastery of content, the students will complete book projects during each six week grading period. Additional assessments (e.g. on-demand writing, oral presentations, etc.) will be factored into the grading system.
Notebook: All students will be required to keep a three-ring binder for the class, which should contain all notes, class work, and worksheets pertaining to the class. The notebook will be checked at various times throughout the course.
Classroom Participation/Attendance Policy:
If you know in advance that you will be absent on the day an assignment is due you are expected to turn in the assignment the day before or have the assignment brought to school and in my hands at the beginning of class. Please observe due dates. Your daily attendance and participation in our class is essential. Remember that you are responsible for arranging your make-up assignments within two (2) days of your return to school, if your absence was excused. Students and parents, please keep in mind that some work cannot be made up (e.g. peer reviews, impromptu speeches, oral presentations, classroom discussions, etc).
Other Comments:
Teaching is truly a privilege and I am very happy to have the honor of being your child’s teacher for the upcoming school year. I want to work as a team to ensure that your child becomes an independent lifelong learner. Please take the time to read over the following rules and regulations with your child, complete the attached page, and return the section to me by August 10.
Please feel free to call me on my planning period (2:30 – 3:30) at the Powell County High School (606-663-3320) or email me anytime (). I truly hope that we can work together to have a great year!
Sincerely,
Mary Beth Mink
Powell County High School
School Year 2011-2012