Grade 9
Ms. Wnuk Curriculum Mrs. Principe
Course Description:
The English 9 course focuses on an overarching theme of innocence to experience which is explored through a variety of texts and activities during the year. Students will work to expand their knowledge and skills in reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary, as well as critical thinking and discussion skills. Texts include, but are not limited to, Of Mice and Men, The House on Mango Street, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, The Glass Castle, and a variety of poetry and short stories.
Courses
Students may be enrolled in either English 9 or English 9 Honors. The distinction between these two courses is the level of independence of the learners, and the pace at which the curriculum moves.
2018-2019
March 2019: They're here!! The 9th grade class has created their very own vignette collection. Inspired by Sandra Cisneros' The House on Mango Street, our students have explored their own stories that helped to shape them, and studying the vignette writing style, have compiled a very thoughtful and moving anthology. Take a few minutes to read!
Class of 2022 Vignette Compilation.pdf
February 2019: Students are preparing for their upcoming unit on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet with some interactive, collaborative research! Can they solve the "Case of the Missing Script?"
February 2019: 9th graders have recently finished reading Sandra Cisneros' The House on Mango Street. This week they're holding student-led Harkness discussions to show their understanding of the text, as well as their ability to independently engage in a discussion. Looking forward to reading their own vignettes very soon!
2017-2018
More from the Critical Literacy Genius Hour (March 2018): The first full round of student work has finished, and their projects were fantastic! We learned sign language, fiddling, painting, the specifics of Alzheimer's Disease, the effects of social media, the ins and outs of film-making, how to compose music, and so much more! Looking forward to seeing what this next round of students will bring.
English 9
March 2018: Students in all 9th grade classes will soon begin their journey into Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet!
English 9 Vignette Projects
Students in all English 9 classes have recently finished creating their own vignettes inspired by the work on Sandra Cisneros. Check out these fantastic stories when you have a chance!
Mrs. Principe getting ready for her book talk!
Critical Literacy Meets Genius Hour!
Students in this round of Critical Literacy are working on their "passion projects" - a way to pursue their own interests while honing skills of research, time management, independence, and presentation. Check out some of their work so far!
Critical Literacy
Additionally all students will take a 30-day experiential course Critical Literacy with Dr. Kidwell. This course focuses on honing students' reading, writing, and thinking skills in a variety of ways. Currently, students are creating digital stories using WeVideo to highlight injustices related to human rights!
