English 9 and Honors English 9

English 9 and Honors English 9 are surveys of literature from many different cultures and times. Students in these classes will have the pleasure of reading poetry, short stories, Greek tragedy, Shakespearean drama, and American literature. We will read The Miracle Worker, Great Expectations, Romeo and Juliet, and many other interesting and important works. We will learn to write mature papers centered around a stated thesis and discriminate between casual creative writing and more formal writing. We will write narrative and informative essays, character analyses, persuasive essays, and cited research papers. Most essays will have a formal tone. Class objectives help students, parents, and educators understand the purpose of the work.

Class Objectives

  • English 9 – To teach students to write organized informative and narrative essays; to instill a love of literature that transcends reading the plot; to explore literature from many time periods and from many genres; to increase the vocabulary of literature and vocabulary in general; to review grammar with a focus on application to writing; to develop integrity, self-respect, and respect for the beliefs of others.
  • Honors English 9 – To teach students to write organized essays and documented research papers both in MLA and APA formats; to teach analytical reading; to instill a love of literature that transcends reading the plot; to explore literature from many time periods and from many genres; to increase the vocabulary of literature and vocabulary in general; to develop integrity, self-respect, and respect for the beliefs of others.

Students live very busy lives. Athletics, community and school service, music, dance, church activities, family time, and friends fill their days from “can to can’t.” Knowing this, I have set aside some time twice a week just for reading, studying, and writing. Students are invited to attend The Reading Room every Monday and Thursday from 2:40 – 3:20 P.M. in my room. This quiet study time is a chance to read, ask questions, and discuss literature.
That old adage that all work and no play makes us dull is also true about school. Students are invited to attend Checkmate on Tuesday from 2:40 – 3:20. Students are invited to bring a friend and play a game of chess. All levels of players are welcome. Instruction on play will be available.