English 1

Mrs. Shannon Casto

English 1 & English 1 Honors
scasto@hearne.k12.tx.us

1st 6 Weeks

📚 Unit 1: Foundations of Reading and Writing for Young Scholars

What we’re learning:
In this unit, students will build the essential skills needed for success in high school English. They’ll practice reading, writing, listening, speaking, working in groups, and doing basic research.

Why it matters:
This unit sets the stage for everything else students will do this year. It helps them become stronger thinkers, communicators, and collaborators.

Focus skills: Reading comprehension, writing basics, respectful discussion, and research preparation.

2nd 6 Weeks

📖 Unit 2: Literary Texts – Analysis and Composition

What we’re learning:
Students will read and write different types of literary texts—such as fiction, personal stories (narrative nonfiction), poetry, and drama. They’ll explore how authors use theme, setting, plot, and other elements to tell meaningful stories.

Why it matters:
Literature helps us understand the world and ourselves. By reading a variety of stories and creating their own, students develop deeper thinking and creativity.

Focus skills: Literary analysis, creative writing, author’s craft, and text structure.

3rd 6 Weeks

📰 Unit 3: Informative Texts – Analysis and Composition

What we’re learning:
Students will read texts that explain real-world topics and write their own multi-paragraph informational essays. They’ll also practice finding reliable sources through research.

Why it matters:
Informational texts are everywhere—in articles, websites, textbooks, and more. This unit helps students gather information, make sense of it, and explain it clearly to others.

Focus skills: Informational writing, summarizing, citing sources, and research.

4th 6 Weeks

🗣️ Unit 4: Argumentative Texts – Rhetorical Analysis and Composition

What we’re learning:
Students will read and write arguments on real issues using facts, logic, and research. They’ll also analyze multimodal texts—like infographics, videos, and websites—to understand how different formats influence an audience.

Why it matters:
In today’s world, being able to form and support an opinion is an essential skill. Students learn to use evidence, stay respectful, and communicate clearly and persuasively.

Focus skills: Argument writing, analyzing persuasive techniques, research, and multimedia understanding.

5th 6 Weeks

🔁 Unit 5: Finding Connections Across Literary, Informational, and Argumentative Texts

What we’re learning:
Students will compare and connect different types of texts that deal with the same topics or themes—like stories, articles, poems, and opinion pieces. They’ll also write across genres.

Why it matters:
Modern texts often combine genres and styles. This unit helps students recognize patterns in how authors communicate ideas and apply those techniques in their own writing.

Focus skills: Comparing texts, identifying author’s craft, and blending writing styles.

6th 6 Weeks

🎯 Unit 6: Producing Genres Authentically in a Real-World Context

What we’re learning:
Students will research a topic they care about and create a final product that combines writing with images, video, charts, or other multimedia tools.

Why it matters:
Today’s writers use more than just words—they use visual and digital elements to make their messages stronger. This unit helps students prepare for real-world communication by combining research, writing, and creative presentation.

Focus skills: Research, multimodal communication, real-world writing, and presenting information in creative ways.

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