1st Nine Weeks

Focus: Reading Narrative Texts, Essay Writing

Weeks 1 and 2: Developing a Growth Mindset (Classroom Norms and Expectations)

During the first week of school we will be going over classroom expectations and procedures, setting up course materials, and reviewing the three main types of writing and writing process. During Week 2, we will be reviewing 5-paragraph essay structure and setting SMART reading goals for the year. Our reading selections for the first two weeks relate to the concept of Growth Mindset.

Week 3: Traveling the World (Essay Writing)

During the third week of school we will be writing a persuasive essay about travel. Our reading and editing assignments this week are related to the Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

Weeks 4 - 7: Wisdom and Experience (Short Stories)

During the fourth week of school we will be studying the life and works of author, poet, and playwright Langston Hughes, who is associated with the Harlem Renaissance. In week 5, we will learn a variety of strategies for adding detail and description to our writing. In week 6, our reading will include paired nonfiction articles about two teens' experiences with the September 11th tragedy and growing up Muslim in America. Students will also complete their second essay. We will review literary devices including symbolism and irony, read a short story or reader's theater play by O. Henry, and write business letters in week 8.

Weeks 8 - 9: Take a Stand (Thesis Statements and Research)

At the end of the first nine weeks, students will compare formal and informal writing, identify facts and opinions, and write thesis statements. Students will learn and demonstrate research skills.

Student Binder Materials

Student Journal Materials

Google Classroom Assignments

Course Texts:

Elements of Writing

Prentice-Hall Literature

Write!