This class is taught in English.

CLOSE READING 
Close Reading is a skill that is required in order to discover more than an author’s message and what was said. In this course, we begin to concentrate on how an author conveys, persuades, evokes, and so on. In understanding a writer’s talent and craft, we improve our own ability to convey, persuade, and evoke.

The following is a list of some of the devices and concepts that we will be focusing on:
∞ Finding patterns in a text through annotation
∞Analysis, including, for example, the author’s development of theme or tone through imagery, diction, syntax, choice of details, point of view, author’s use of figures of speech and sound devices
∞Noticing language choices: Students understand how writers and speakers use specific words and sentences to move the thoughts, emotions, and actions of readers and listeners.
∞ Reading and analyzing text through literary criticism lenses (i.e. Marxist, historical, biographical, reader response, etc.)

WRITING
Writing is a process. Learning to write is a process. The only way to learn how to write well is through writing and writing and writing some more. Part of the process is revision. These two activities are imperative to a good writer. Students will be able to:
∞ Write introductions that attack an issue in a thoughtful manner
∞ Write well-developed and solid paragraphs
∞ Use facts, quotations, and paraphrases as support for a stated position
∞ Write thesis statements powerful enough to dictate the direction of the paper
∞ Gain patience for deep and meaningful revisions
∞ Analyze, not simply summarize
∞ Develop a voice

In my classes (brick and mortar and Outschool), I work with all levels of students (IEP students, general education, and high-ability students). My goal as a teacher is to foster critical thinking and communication skills in order to help your child achieve their goals and become more proficient readers, writers, and critical thinkers. More than that, I encourage students to fall in love with learning. 

Experience/Education:
-Brick and Mortar Teacher for 7 years (current)
-Outschool Teacher for 3 years (current)
-BS in Education (Reading/English 3-12, Gifted Education 3-12, Special Education 5-12)
-Masters of Arts In English Teaching
-Certification in High Ability/Gifted Learning Strategies
-Certification in Teaching Students with Learning Exceptionalities
-SAT/PSAT Testing Administrator (5 years)
-Harkness Socratic Seminar Trained (Summer of 2023)
-Indiana Writing Workshop Trained (Summer of 2023)

I am a secondary English teacher with certifications in gifted education and special education. I have been professionally teaching for 7 years and have a masters of arts in English education. I enjoy using socratic and discussion-based learning to help students think deeply about the texts that they read.

Homework Offered
Students will have writing assignments in some units. If you would like feedback, please send it to me through Outschool private message or post on the classroom post.
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Discussion, homework, informal assessments, reading checks, Gimkits, etc.
Grades Offered

The teacher will provide reading sources. Each source will be available in PDF format for easy accessibility.