Welcome to high school English! 
I am so excited to meet you!

In this semester-long course, students will build a strong set of foundational skills to be successful in high school and college English. The primary goals of Freshman English (English I) are to write expositorily, master the basics of English grammar, learn how to decipher the meaning of words based on their prefixes, suffixes, and infixes, and begin reading text critically and analytically. Students will move beyond reading literature for comprehension and begin to understand nuance, symbolism, author's purpose, and rhetorical strategies. 

Students will discuss greek roots, literary terms, and various grade-level grammar skills. Additionally, we will read fictional drama, non-fiction, and short stories. All literature will be presented via in-class readings so that students can see and learn critical thinking strategies for upper-level reading. This course will include weekly writing practice and students will be assigned one full-length essay for the semester. 

This class will meet live 2 times per week; however, there will be one hour of required homework between each class. Some outside studying may be necessary. This means that students will spend at least 4 hours per week on this class: 2 live hours and 2 flexible hours. 
Live classes will include lecture-style instruction, class discussions, group work, and some fun games and activities. 
Required homework assignments will vary but may include: online quizzes and tests, workbook activities, projects, and pre-recorded classes. Students will take tests and quizzes using Google Forms. Students will receive a class calendar at the beginning of the semester. This calendar will include all of the homework assignments and major grades. Students should be diligent to turn in their homework assignments by the due date. Students who turn in late work will earn a 50% penalty on that assignment. 

The semester is broken into three units. Parents may receive progress reports at the end of units one and two upon request. Parents will receive final exam scores and report cards at the end of the semester. If you would like to receive progress reports and/or a transcript, please notify me at the beginning of the semester or as soon as possible. Thanks! 



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Course Outline:
UNIT ONE (Weeks 1-5):
Vocabulary-         Greek Roots and Literary Terms
Grammar-            Parts of Speech and Simple Sentences
Literature-           Short Stories- "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell 
                                                   "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allen Poe
                                                   "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs
Writing-               Writing Descriptively and Expositorily
                            Parts of an Expository Essay

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UNIT TWO (Weeks 6-11):
Vocabulary-       Shakespeare-Related Vocabulary 
                          Elements of a Tragedy
                          Point of View
                          Types of Conflict
Grammar-          Capitalization Rules
                          Identifying the 4 Types of Sentences
Literature-         Read Romeo and Juliet
Writing-             Expository Analysis of Romeo and Juliet

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UNIT THREE (Weeks 12-14):
Vocabulary-     MLA Requirements; Formatting Terminology
Grammar-        Revising and Editing
Literature-       Finish Romeo and Juliet
Writing-          Revising and Editing Academic Writing