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

Experience/Education:
-BS in Education (Reading/English 3-12, Special Education 5-12, Gifted Education 5-12)
-Masters of Arts In English Teaching
-IEW certified
-National Writing Project Trained
-Harkness Method Trained
I am a secondary English teacher with certifications in gifted education and special education. I have been professionally teaching for 7 years at all levels (dual credit, inclusion, and general education) and have a masters of arts in English education. I enjoy using discussion-based learning to help students think deeply about the texts that they read.

0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: included
Feedback: included
Details: Most weeks have required readings that are to be completed prior to the next class. At the end of each unit, students will be given a writing assignment and a test to complete as well.
Assessment
Frequency: included
Details: Grades are tracked upon parent request. Writing assignments, quizzes.
Grading
Frequency: included
Details: 

This class is supportive of any specific needs of students. Please reach out if your learner needs accommodations

This class prepares students for college-level reading and writing. Students should be able to read at an 8th grade reading level and write thorough paragraphs.

Most of the texts come from The Writer's Presence, current event articles, short stories in the literary canon, or excerpts of classic texts: https://www.amazon.com/Writers-Presence-Pool-Readings/dp/1319056601

3rd Party Sites: Google Docs (writing assignments), Google Forms (quizzes). Students will not be providing emails. I will send students a Form link and they will take the quiz (no emails required). Students will send me the link to their writings via Google Doc links.