High School English: English IV, Semester II (12th Grade-Senior)

Hello students and parents! 

I am so excited for our second semester of English IV together! If you did not take semester one, don't worry! Whether you are new-to-me or one of the wonderful students who has taken one of my other English classes, welcome! 

In this semester-long course, students will cultivate critical thinking an analytical strategies that will equip them with the language skills they need to be successful as they transition into adulthood. 

The primary goal of Senior English is to utilize our language arts skills in practical ways. To this end, students will spend the spring semester completing practicing the following skills: 
-Analyzing and writing critically
-Proofreading, revising, and editing
-Reading challenging and enriching texts
-Giving class presentations and informational speeches

This semester will be heavily focused on literature; however, we will use our readings to practice real-world skills that will be useful for students in any future profession. We will also look for and fill in any gaps we may have in our grammar skills.

Students will discuss greek roots, literary terms, and various grade-level grammar skills. Additionally, we will read fictional drama, non-fiction, and short stories. Some literature will be presented via class readings so that students can see and learn critical thinking strategies for upper-level reading. Students will be responsible for reading some literature outside of class. This course will include writing practice, and students will be assigned two full-length essays 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! 

Class Overview


Class Overview

Unit One (Weeks 1-7):
Vocabulary- Literary Terms, Word Roots, and Sociological Terminology
Grammar- Applying grammar verbally to create an impression
Literature- Ted Talks/ Begin A Tale of Two Cities
Writing- Open-Ended Response using Textual Evidence; Writing Informational Presentations
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Unit Two (Weeks 8-12):
Vocabulary- A Tale of Two Cities Vocabulary
Grammar- Revising and Editing- Common Punctuation Errors and Commonly Misused Words
Literature- A Tale of Two Cities
Writing- Literary Analysis Essay

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Unit Three (Weeks 13-15):
Vocabulary- An Expansive Review of High School ELA
Grammar- An Overview of Important Grammatical Concepts
Literature- Selected Short Stories
Writing- Personal Response Essay


***We will have two spring breaks during the 2025 spring semester. Break one will be the week of February 24-28. Break two will be April 21-25.***