Hello and welcome to English 10. During this course we will continue to build upon the skills you learned in grade 9 and continue to improve and learn new skills in Writing, Reading, Speaking, Listening, Viewing, Representing, and Group work. You will be encouraged to further develop reading comprehension strategies , to encourage critical and personal response to literature, to improve communication skills and to foster personal development. You will be using a variety of writing styles such as persuasive, narrative and expository. Listening, Representing and Speaking group and class discussions note taking individual and group representations dramatization formal and informal debates visual representations circle in circle
Composition / Journal Form and Function Essay Writing Process descriptive thesis statement pre-writing narrative introductory paragraph drafting argumentative body paragraphs revision expository concluding paragraphs editing effective paragraphs publishing
Language Skills and Strategies Grammar and Usage Spelling and Vocabulary development parts of speech Dictionary and thesaurus use punctuation Context clues sentence errors
Literature
Novel Students will read either the Chrysalids or to Kill a Mockingbird. Students will study theme, plot, character studies, and analyze quotations.
Short Stories Students will study the short story as a genre, and become familiar with the literary terms relevant to the stories they read so that meaningful discussions can arise. Students will review and study short story elements (plot, character, conflict, irony, foil, suspense, satire, tone theme, setting, etc.)
Poetry Students will learn and develop an appreciation of poetic devices, choral work, figurative language, poetic forms, and writing and analysis.
Drama Students will study Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet. Students will learn about the life and times of Shakespeare, dramatic convention, subtexts, dramatization, use of voice, character analysis, and development of theme.
Ongoing Class Activities Students will write journals, book reports, study spelling and vocabulary and participate in sustained silent reading throughout the semester.
Evaluation Students are encouraged to complete all assignments on time and in a polished manner. Evaluation is based on criterion referenced assessment of homework and classwork, unit tests, quizzes, reading responses (in-class), individual and group projects, and oral presentations.
Because English doesnt always lend itself well to numbers, you will often receive letter grades on your assignments. When percentages are required, at report card time, they will be assigned as follows: A+ 100 % C+ 70 % A 94 % C 65 % A- 86 % C- 55 % B+ 84 % P 50 % B 79 % I 40 % B- 73 % IF 15%
Classwork, Homework, Tests, and Oral Presentations 80% Final Exam 20%
Students who are in a failing position need to talk to me to see about amending their position. Remember that re-doing work or doing missed work late is not a right, it is a privilege that isnt always granted. It is much better to stay on top of things! Hand in your work on time: once an assignment is marked and handed back to the class, the opportunity for that assignment is over.
EXPECTATIONS Come to class on time every day, prepared for work with all necessary materials. Let me know in advance if you are going to be away Treat yourself and others with respect Getting behind? Come and see me before things snowball! Electronic distractions are not welcome in class. All work handed in is original work (no plagiarism) Students should utilize flex on a regular basis.
I will use my website http://lcastonguay.weebly.com and the portal to communicate assignments, grades, and resources. Parents and students are advised to check there first if they are away or have a question.
Students Signature:____________________ Parents Signature:_____________________