English I
MHS – Room B204
T: 405-376-2404
Email is the quickest way to get in touch with me. Please don’t hesitate to do so if you have questions, comments, or concerns.
Brief Overview of the Year:Writing Focus:Narrative, Informative, Argumentative, Creative/Research
Short Stories: “The Sniper”, “Most Dangerous Game”, “The Lady or the Tiger”, “The Scarlet Ibis”, “Cask of Amontillado”, “Sound of Thunder”, Other Non-Fiction Informational Texts and short stories as time allows.
Extended Texts:Secret Life of Bees, Speak, October Sky, Tuesdays with Morrie, Farewell to Manzanar, “Romeo and Juliet”, Odyssey, Nothing But the Truth, Anthem, Life of Pi, The Help, Cold Sassy Tree, Bean Trees, The Midwife’s Apprentice, The Glass Castle,“Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Why this class is important:
- Course Description: This course fulfills the 9th grade English requirement. English I is a yearlong introductory course studying the writing process, different literary genres, including short stories, novels, poetry, drama, and non-fiction, grammar, and critical thinking skills. Students are required to read both in and out of class. Book reports, projects, and essays are required.
- Also: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” –Dr. Seuss
How to succeed:
- Expectations:Arrive prepared. Work hard. Be nice.
- Please bring a binder filled with notebook paper, writing utensils, and a personal reading book to class every day. For the second nine weeks, plan on having a spiral notebook.
- Avoid distractions, pay attention, and join us! You never know what you might learn!
- Everyone should feel free to participate in class discussions without fear of ridicule. We are all responsible for creating/maintaining that type of environment.
And now for the details:
- Grammar/Vocabulary
English Istudents study the use of grammar as it applies to effective reading and writing. This includes the understanding and proper use of parts of speech, sentence types and structures, agreement, usage, and commonly confused words. Emphasis is also placed on learning, understanding, and implementing new vocabulary into one’s speech and writing.
- Writing
Expressing ideas effectively through writing is a life skill. Students will master the steps of the writing process through various modes of writing including narrative, informative, argumentative, and reflective essays as well as a research project, practice activities, and daily reflections.
- Literature
Through The Glass Castle, and Romeo and Juliet,as well as countless short stories, excerpts, and non-fiction articles students will respond to and analyze literature. They will also apply reading skills and develop vocabulary while increasing fluency.
- Assignments/Grades
A minimum of two grades will be taken per week, and one writing assignment will additionally be assigned each nine weeks. Daily work, research prep, mini projects, and homework will equal 40% of the overall grade. All tests, major projects, quizzes, and the final research paper make up the remaining 60%. The research paper and all major projects will equal two test grades maximum each.
- Supplies
Starting Monday, students should bring the following every day: pencils/pens and a binder full of notebook paper, and a personal reading book. Additional supplies may be required at a later date. If students would bring one box of Kleenex or one bottle of hand-sanitizer it would be sincerely appreciated (but not required). For the second nine weeks, please bring a spiral or composition notebook.
- Late Work and Absences
Daily work will be accepted one day late for a maximum of 50% credit during 1st semester only. Projects/papers will not be accepted late. Make-up work due to absences must be completed according to the time frame given in the student handbook. It is the STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to obtain copies of any work/notes missed.
- Profanity
Profanity is not permitted at any time. Students will respect other class members, guest speakers, and me by showing self-control on a daily basis. Student participation in class discussions and respect for varied opinions is expected. - Plagiarism
Students will be expected to present their own ideas or to indicate the source of all material drawn from sources. Any student found to be cheating on any assignment will receive a zero and will be assigned detention either before or after school until the assignment is completed honestly. All extensive writing assignments will be submitted electronically via google docs, and will automatically be checked for plagiarism.
It’s easy to cheat these days. But why would you want someone else speaking for you? English is all about creativity, and being able to express yourself in your own voice. Now is the time to learn how to do so. Make yourself proud!
- A Note to Parents/Guardians
Should a student or parent have any concerns with any text, please speak with Mrs. Seymour, and an alternate assignment addressing the same standards will be provided. Return this syllabus with a parent/guardian signature on the line below to signify approval of the reading and teaching of any novels listed.
Date: ______