In my complete 9th grade English class, students can expect a supportive and engaging learning environment. I strive to create a friendly atmosphere where students feel comfortable to express themselves and ask questions. While I am firm with assignments to ensure academic growth, I also understand the importance of individual learning styles and provide flexibility. Grades and tests are available for those who prefer structured assessments, but they are not mandatory. Together, we'll explore the wonders of English language and literature while fostering a love for learning. This English language arts class designed with homeschooling students in mind.  During each class, students will have the opportunity for classroom reading, writing, discussion, and mini-lessons.  In the mini-lessons, I will teach a specific skill by lecturing, often using slides. Each class, we will have time for students to participate by talking with the teacher and other students.  Learners will read aloud in class.  We will also play learning games and watch short videos from time to time.  To take this class, students are required to have successfully completed grade eight English.  We will have vocabulary and writing assignments weekly.  We will read selections as a class, and students will read independent selections as well.  Students will need to do some reading and writing outside of our class time so that we can stay on schedule.  It is important to keep up with the assigned reading outside of class so that we can have class discussions and complete activities based on the reading homework.  
 
Tentative Unit Schedule:

-Vocabulary development and independent reading will be ongoing components throughout the duration of the class. This approach is adopted to cultivate a strong language foundation and enhance students' overall language proficiency. Regular vocabulary exercises and exposure to a variety of texts will expand their word knowledge, improve comprehension skills, and foster a lifelong love for reading. By engaging in independent reading, students will have the opportunity to explore diverse genres, broaden their perspectives, and develop critical thinking abilities, which are essential for their academic and personal growth.

-Unit One:  (Weeks 1-6) Short Stories - We will read a variety of short stories during class and outside of class.  Students will answer predictive, comprehension, and analytical questions pertaining to the stories.  Skills:  The students will read, comprehend, and analyze a variety of fictional texts.  We will identify the characteristics that distinguish literary forms.  We will explain the relationship between and among elements of literature:  characters, plot, setting, tone, point of view, and theme.  

-Unit Two:  (Weeks 7-12) Drama – Romeo and Juliet - We will have fun reading this play.  Students can choose which character to be during our class.  I will provide summaries of each scene after we read it to ensure comprehension.  Skills:  Students will use reading strategies to monitor comprehension while reading Shakespeare.  We will study word origins and identify common idioms. 

-Unit Three:  (Weeks 13-18) Nonfiction Novel - Night - This is an excellent memoir by Elie Wiesel.  This is a required book in many high schools.  It's graphic at times, so it may be necessary for sensitive students to have conversations with a trusted adult during this unit to help process the difficult topics.  Skills:  We will analyze how the author's specific work choices and syntax impact the author's purpose.  Students will also analyze the author's qualifications, viewpoint, and impact.  We will look at the author's intended purpose for writing and identify the main idea.

-Unit Four:  (Weeks 19- 24) The Odyssey - In this epic poem, students will go on adventures with the great Odysseus. Skills:  We will continue to work on reading closely to monitor comprehension.  Students will continue to expand their vocabulary.  Students will present a project to the class on a Greek god or goddess.

-Unit Five:  (Weeks 25-31) Fiction Novel - Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury explores a dystopian future where books are banned, and "firemen" burn any that are found. This novel delves into themes of censorship, the impact of technology on society, and the power of knowledge and individuality. The richly developed characters and their journeys provide a platform for character analysis, while the thought-provoking themes will fuel class discussions on freedom of expression, the role of government, and the importance of critical thinking. 

-Unit Six:  (Weeks 32-38) Writing Unit - Skills - We will work on writing throughout the entire semester, but this unit will work specifically on writing to persuade.  We will also work on grammar skills and sentence variety.