FRESHMAN ENGLISH

Grade: 9

Duration: 2 Semesters

The objective of Freshman English is to lay  a sound foundation for the study of the various disciplines of English by giving students the basic language skills they will need to become knowledgeable, empathetic, and independent readers and writers. Students will read and respond to a variety of fiction and  non-fiction texts. Not only do students learn the basic skills of thesis essays, but they also craft creative and personal writing. Literature, classroom discussion and writing focus issues of identity.

Class texts will include novels, plays,  short stories, poetry, and non-fiction texts. Writing, research, grammar, and vocabulary are integral parts of the curriculum. Students can expect nightly homework. At the semester  break, students will complete a reading benchmark assessment. At the end of the school  year, students submit a writing portfolio  for assessment. Both assessments will be scored by the ninth grade teachers.

Required Books: Romeo and Juliet, and To Kill A Mockingbird. Choice reading includes:  Mythology, A Separate Peace, The Bean Trees, The Odyssey, Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, The Hobbit and A Raisin in the Sun as well as non- fiction texts are reserved for all Freshman English courses: