English 1: Introduction to Literature & Composition - Semester 1A

SPECIAL NOTE: I am not offering this class live this year, but you can take it in the flexible schedule format (asynchronous). Here is the link to the flex version of the class - https://outschool.com/classes/8th-grade-mbtp-english-language-arts-through-literature-flex-semester-a-mQPwJjDH

In this 8-week class, students will analyze fiction and poetry, write poetry, and create and present and oral slideshow presentation. This class can be used as a core English/Literature/Language Arts/ELA course for 9th or 10th grade (US standards). For non US-students, please contact me and I can send you the standards to see if it will suit your high school/secondary school year 9, 10, or 11 student's needs.  

This class uses the Moving Beyond the Page Language Arts curriculum. As such learners will use literature to learn language arts, develop their critical thinking and creativity skills, and use the 6+1 traits of writing approach (Ideas, Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Conventions, Presentations). A Summary of Skills will be provided when you enroll that tells you which state and national (US) standards that each unit covers for your own planning and any documentation requirements that you need to submit to your local authorities.  

Students will read a novel, a novel in verse, and poetry as we work through various themes and topics throughout the semester. 

To Kill a Mockingbird Unit - approx. 3-4 weeks
In this unit, you will read "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, a critically acclaimed novel that deals with serious social issues such as rape and racial inequality. This coming-of-age story follows young Jean Louise Finch, also known as Scout, as she navigates life with the guidance of her father, Atticus Finch. At the end of the unit, you will watch the movie "To Kill A Mockingbird" (1962) and give an oral presentation on the book. 

Poetry Unit - approx. 4-5 weeks
In this unit, you will learn about various types of poems and how they are structured. You will explore common elements found in poetry including figurative language, sound and rhythm, rhyme schemes, and voice and tone. You will also read "The Crossover" by Kwame Alexander, a novel in verse, about two twin brothers and the game of basketball. You will learn how to recite poetry, and for your final project, you will choose from a series of mini-projects that allow you to explore poetry in a variety of ways.

There is a separate Grammar unit that the class will utilize throughout the entire semester:
Grammar, Part 1
This first-semester grammar unit will review the parts of speech and cover some common problems that writers face, including subject-verb agreement, commonly confused words, and the correct use of pronouns. The unit also covers punctuation use (commas, colons, semicolons, dashes, and parentheses) and provides tips to help you improve your spelling.