9th grade is the year to make it count! Everything students do ends up on a high school transcript. At this point, it's time to leave behind the basic book summaries and five-paragraph essays and move up to the big leagues. In this class, we're going to cover grammar concurrent with reading literature and writing. Each week, the class will start with a warm-up exercise to review/introduce concepts and allow students time to get into the classroom.  My teaching style is very conversational, but structured. My goal is to make the class as interactive as possible but cover the necessary topics. The discussion will be a big part of the class, and all students will be encouraged, but not required to participate.

Students will read “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louise Stevenson and “Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults): A True Story of the Fight for Justice” by Bryan Stevenson along with several other non-fiction texts. The New York Times says the novel by Bryan Stevenson is “as compelling as To Kill a Mockingbird.” The memoir contains similar themes to “To Kill a Mockingbird” and is often read in place of “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

I strongly encourage all students to complete the homework so students can get the most out of the class. I will provide detailed feedback on all assignments turned in. 

This class utilizes Google Docs to provide accountability, and also to encourage students to complete each step of the essay writing process. For each essay, students receive a Google Doc to complete class activities and essays. This allows for real-time updates on revisions, edits, and feedback. It also allows guardians to check on student progress in real-time. Students will receive in-depth feedback on all essays.

Two different types of homework will be assigned. The first type of homework is considered enrichment. It won’t be required, but it will help students reinforce concepts taught in class. The second type of homework will be necessary to get the most out of class (and receive a grade). Homework will be clearly labeled as enrichment or required. 

All assignments will be checked for completion. Writing assignments will receive feedback with 2-3 things the student did well on the essay. Then, I will share 3-4 ways they can revise their essay. Constructive feedback will include specific examples on how to improve their essay. For example, if I mention the thesis statement (topic sentence) could use a little adjustment, I will write possible examples of thesis statements for their essay. Students can submit essays for revision and editing as many times as they'd like. Final grades will be given at the end of the semester.