Now, let's get started with English class. There were some changes to some course essential questions, which are outlined in my opening letter. Sophomore English is still titled World Literature, wherein we will explore both classic and contemporary literary works spanning the globe. Junior English is still called American Literature, which focuses on classic and contemporary literary works and historical documents. In addition to World Literature and American Literature, I am also teaching a senior elective in Poetry. Homework for all classes is posted daily and can be linked to from this page -- over on the right, at the top. Also, grades are posted daily to Aspen, so I recommend that you check your progress regularly. This year I am adding REMINDER 101. If you would like to be informed via a text message when I send out reminders (which I highly recommend), send a text message to 774-413-8302 that reads as follows:
B Period Poetry: @poetryb
D Period World Lit: @drhartl
E Period World Lit: @worldlitep
A Period American Lit: @drhartle
G Period American Lit: @amlitpg
B Period Poetry: @poetryb
D Period World Lit: @drhartl
E Period World Lit: @worldlitep
A Period American Lit: @drhartle
G Period American Lit: @amlitpg
World Literature and American Literature students will be completing weekly vocabulary building exercises in addition to daily reading and writing assignments. Each week, students will have five exercises to complete with ten words. On day one, students will complete the words in context and definition matching exercises. Over the next three nights, students will complete the remaining three exercises, one each night. Studies have proven that by repeated exposure and practice using new vocabulary, students are more likely to acquire new words and use them correctly in their own writing. That said, don't do the whole packet at once. There will be a quiz every Friday. Students in honors classes will not have a word bank.
This week's focus will be as follows:
All classes will be building a collaborative learning environment, working on interviews, and sharing their findings both orally and in writing. In addition to classwork, students will begin their first writing assignments. Honors students will be writing an essay about their summer reading. World literature students will begin daily journals, and Poetry students will be exploring the craft, revisiting terminology, creating personal poetic device graphic dictionaries, and sharing ideas with one another. Seniors will also begin drafting personal narratives for their college applications.
