Course Overview
Grade 10 English explores thematic studies centered on the writing curriculum. This course provides exposure to a variety of literary works for models in writing, while continuing to develop critical thinking, reading and writing skills. In addition, we will continue to develop grammar and vocabulary proficiency to build a stronger foundation for writing, speaking and communication skills. Throughout the semester there will also be additional work with library research, as each of you is required to prepare and present two to three (2-3) formal speeches to aide in increasing effective communication and speaking skills. We will use daily journal reflections, for which you will use a separate notebook kept in class, to investigate our opinions, ideas and emotions regarding the literature we are reading, along with other issues we discuss in class. Lastly, we will be working with portfolios. For those of you who are not already familiar with the portfolio process, it involves working with portfolios of written work and projects which will become a final collection of work (produced by you) by the end of the semester.
Texts
- The Writer's Craft, McDougal Littell, 1995
- Night, Elie Weisel
- To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
- Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury
- A Separate Peace, John Knowles
- Short Cuts, Raymond Carver
Persuasive Speeches
- Speeches will be presented in class from Monday, December 4 through Thursday December 7. Make sure you are prepared for your assigned day!
Extra Credit
- Extra Credit Reading books are due before Christmas vacation! The book discussion meetings will take place as follows:
- The Legend of Bagger Vance -- Thursday, December 14
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire -- Wednesday, December 20
- The Virgin Suicides -- Thursday, December 21
- Canned food drive! Bring in cans of food for extra credit certificates which can be used with participating teachers!
Final Portfolios (yikes!)
- Just a "head's up" -- your final portfolios will be due Wednesday, January 3, so start planning ahead! (We will be going over the requirements together in class very soon!)
Page revised December, 2000