In grades 9-12 students write increasingly longer narrative forms; more abstract expository and persuasive essays, and more fully documented research papers. Units integrate literature study with the skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. At each grade level, reading comprehension, vocabulary development, grammar, mechanics, thinking skills, and oral communication skills are emphasized. Students will also participate in an online course component in English 10/Honors English10. Per a Virginia Department of Education, this graduation require-ment asks student to participate in a SAT Prep online modules via Khan Academy.
Previous year's English
Essential Questions: What defines a character and how do they grow/change over the course of a text? How am I growing as an analytical thinker and effective communicator?
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Unit Title and Time |
Quarter 1 Understanding Characters Fiction and Nonfiction Academic Writing |
Quarter 2 Finding Our Place Fiction and Nonfiction Analytical Writing |
Quarter 3 Making Decisions Fiction and Nonfiction Research Writing |
Quarter 4 Overcoming Obstacles Fiction and Nonfiction Reflective Writing |
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Image Cue |
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Focus of the Story |
Have you ever wondered how the characters we read about in books become so unique and memorable? In this class, we dive deep into the art of character crafting and explore how authors use different writing techniques to shape a character's identity. Through exciting writing tasks and engaging texts, we discover how each character's personality, thoughts, and actions can impact the story in significant ways. Not only that, we learn how to enhance our own writing skills by drawing comparisons between ourselves and the characters we encounter. Get ready to unlock the secrets behind the characters you meet! |
Do you ever feel torn between fitting in and standing out? In this class, we tackle the age-old question of whether it's better to blend in or "shine bright like a diamond." We embark on an exciting journey of discovery as we explore how the world shapes the characters we encounter in the stories we read. Together, we peer into the themes that connect these stories and unlock the secrets behind how authors use their characters to convey powerful messages. So get ready to analyze, reflect, and sharpen your critical thinking skills like never before! |
Have you ever wondered how far a ripple can travel? Join us on our next adventure as we delve into the fascinating world of decision making. We explore how the choices we make have a ripple effect on those around us. Together, we grapple with the tough questions that shape our world and learn how to make informed decisions that can make a real difference. Get ready to expand your mind and challenge your perspective in ways you never thought possible! |
Do you let challenges bring you down, or do you push through them like a champ? In the ultimate stretch of our adventure, we uncover how characters transform when they face obstacles head-on. But that's not all - we also break down how a character's approach to hardships, accomplishments, and disappointments shapes the type of person they evolve into. |
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Transfer Goals It is important to note that each transfer goal is likely to be present in each unit. The emphasis, however, will be placed on the ones explicitly identified. |
Write: Plan, draft, edit, revise and publish one’s writing for a purpose, task, or audience. Read: Read, comprehend, and analyze texts in order to construct meaning about the world and themselves. |
Language: Explore the connections among letters, sounds, word parts, and vocabulary to understand the power of language that an author uses to express an idea. Read: Read, comprehend, and analyze texts in order to construct meaning about the world and themselves. |
Research and Evaluate: Engage in research and inquiry to analyze, evaluate source credibility, and become more knowledgeable about a given topic. Write: Plan, draft, edit, revise and publish one’s writing for a purpose, task, or audience. |
Communicate: Communicate through speaking and listening to share ideas and explain my thinking. Language: Explore the connections among letters, sounds, word parts, and vocabulary to understand the power of language that an author uses to express an idea. |
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Learning Targets |
I will utilize the writing process to construct an expository essay. I will construct a literary analysis of a character from my reading. |
I will analyze the impact of literary elements on literary effect. I will analyze the development of a theme across two texts. |
I will draw conclusions and make inferences using textual support while analyzing a theme across multiple genres. I will ethically engage in the research process. |
I will reflect upon my work and showcase my learning through a careful curation of artifacts. I will explain how a piece of text reflects the human experience. |