Welcome To Honors English 9!
Mrs. Allen's Classroom Expectations
So what exactly will we do in Honors English this year??
- Read! This course is a literature survey, which means we'll look a wide variety of different genres, or types, of literature. We'll read several class novels, take on Shakespeare, tackle the epic, dissect poetry, and then some! You'll also have several opportunities to choose your own outside reading.
- Write! Though this is technically a literature course, reading and writing just can't be separated. Every unit will feature a formal writing assessment of some sort, from characterization essays to business letters to book reviews.
- Collaborate! We learn from each other. Often you'll be paired with a partner or group to enhance your learning experience. We'll connect both in-class and online, relying heavily on each other to make meaning of the texts we'll read.
- Create! Many of the assessments for Honors English are project based, which means that you'll have different ways to get creative and show what you've learned in a way that focuses on your strengths as a student.
It's the First Day of School!!
Classroom Procedures
- A 3 ring binder, preferably at least 1 1/2 inches in width. We will use it the entire year.
- Five tabbed dividers
- A constant supply of paper (I don't provide it)
- A constant supply of writing utensils (Nor do I provide or loan them. Ever.)
Class Routines
Your binder will serve as an organizational tool that will be your key to continued success in English class. The binder houses all important handouts and notes needed to ensure you have the knowledge and skills necessary. You'll receive a grade on your binder at least once per nine weeks and you'll be expected to keep the required handouts complete and orderly.
Reading Accountability
As an honors student, you'll have reading homework almost nightly. It's imperative that you engage in the assigned reading. Not only will it give you the ability to fully participate in class, but often you'll be quizzed over your homework reading.
Article of the Week
Every Monday you'll be given an article to read. This piece might be about a current event, a controversial issue, or a supplement to what we're currently studying. You'll have the week to read the article, looking at it through a specific lens and annotating as you read. On Friday, you'll bring your article notes to class for a weekly assessment.
Daily Routines
- MUG Shot Monday-We'll begin each week sharpening our writing skills by editing sentences with common grammatical and spelling errors. This assignment will be completed via Google Classroom.
- Lit Term Tuesday-Each Tuesday, we'll build a series of notes that focus on common literary terms that you'll not only use throughout your freshman year, but throughout your entire experience as a high school literature student.
- Words on Wednesday-With the SAT in mind, we'll focus on five vocabulary words each week, breaking them down and incorporating them into our speaking and writing.
- Brain Teaser Thursday-Get ready for quick team challenges that will make you think!
Parent Portal
- Your grades. English grades are updated every Wednesday. Keep yourself informed of where you stand. Hold yourself accountable.
- Lesson plans. Lesson plans are posted every Friday for the upcoming week. The plans detail both class expectations as well as homework assignments. Checking lesson plans online should be a priority for you especially if you are absent. You always have access to course content.
- Here's how to find my lesson plans: https://sites.google.com/a/shenango.k12.pa.us/freshmanenglish/
Technology
Using Edmodo
How will I use Edmodo?
· As an extension of the classroom. Often I will post articles, links, or videos that supplement the day’s content.
· As a way to submit assignments. Assignments can be turned in electronically and then graded electronically as well.
· As a way to take assessments. Quizzes can be taken online.
· As a tool for discussion. Though Edmodo does not permit student-to-student posts, it does allow a platform for small group discussions of texts.
· As a tool for communication. Students can contact me via Edmodo posts with questions or clarifications, and I will do my best to respond in a timely manner.
· As a tool for organization. The calendar function on Edmodo is kept current with assignments and assessments and provides notifications to students about upcoming work.
Check out how we used Edmodo last year: www.edmodo.com
Smart Phones
Please know that using technology means responsibility and maturity on your part. The school's technology policy will be strictly adhered to. Technology will be permitted only with teacher permission and must be used appropriately or the privilege will be revoked.
Chromebooks
A few general guidelines regarding the Chromebooks:
- You'll be assigned a number and you'll use that computer for the entire year. You're responsible for taking it off the cart and for plugging it back in at its designated spot.
- If we're using Chromebooks in class, there will be a slide on the board instructing you of the specific procedures for the day. You'll know if you should immediately log in and what site to go to; you'll also know if the Chromebook is to remain closed on your desk until further instruction.
- In order to be privileged with technology, you must respect the rules concerning it.