Our content contains several categories: literature, grammar, vocabulary, and writing. With each, we build a sequential curriculum which reinforces prior knowledge while introducing more challenging concepts. By senior year, students will be expected to apply their skills in a setting modeled after a college freshman seminar.
Throughout their high school and college careers, students will be required to take notes and interact with their text in a more sophisticated manner than before. Studies have proven, too, that actually HAND-WRITING notes (as opposed to typing them) helps knowledge retention far better. The idea behind note-taking is to interact with the material at least THREE times: first, when one is writing down notes (actively listening to the content and deciding what to write down...this is a skill that develops critical analysis and decision-making.) Second, a review of the notes, and scanning for clarity and even anticipating potential exam questions can help review. Finally, by summarizing the notes in one-two sentences, the student creates his/her own personal guide through the material.
Below, we provide several different templates that the students should try. We encourage that they use them for various subjects, as some templates work better in specific subjects (not just in English class!) Find what works - personalize it to your learning style - and continually practice the skill. High school is supposed to be the opportunity to create positive habits prior to college!
By the time students take their ACT tests in April of their Junior year, they will have been exposed to nearly 900 words through formal vocabulary instruction. The book series we have chosen as a department offers students the opportunity to explore the nuances of word-choice. The exercises call for students to consider the entire sentence and the subtle differences between similar words. Our goal for vocab instruction is to make sure that all students are exposed to Tier 2 (high frequency/multiple meaning vocabulary) words and Tier 3 (low frequency/content-specific vocabulary) words. Click here for a great overview of the three "Tiers" of vocabulary. This direct instruction is in addition to vocabulary pulled directly from the literature (which would mostly be considered "Tier 3.") Senior vocabulary instruction is completely literary-based, Tier-3 focused.
Here are a few helpful vocabulary resources:
Quizlet: This is a very popular app many students use, turning their phones into flashcards and study-aids.
Wordly Wise 3000: Did you forget your workbook at home? Need additional help studying for those vocab quizzes? Click here to access every level of the WordlyWise3000 vocabulary level. Each level contains full word lists/definitions, audio reading, and even study games such as crossword puzzles and "battleship."
Also, by their junior ACT tests, students will have received three years of formal grammar instruction that repeats concepts every year, but with graduated complexity. Grammar is a highly teachable series of rules balancing the form, meaning, and use of the English language. Some students naturally have an "ear" for grammar, but for many others, it is a skill that must be studied, practiced, and applied on a regular basis. Additionally, in our ever-evolving global community, having a strong understanding of one's initial language and grammatical structure leads to successful acquisition of secondary languages. Click here for an insightful argument for the Necessity of Grammar Teaching - as presented by the International Education Studies organization. Senior grammar instruction is entirely holistic and practiced through application in multiple writing assignments, Socratic circle discussions, and online discussions, modeled after the college-seminar structure.
Below, please find some helpful grammar resources for every level:
Grammar Bytes: Fantastic resource containing powerpoints, youtube videos, multi-level interactive exercises and practice worksheets.
Grammarman: Intermediate and advanced grammar - A fun comic-based approach to studying grammar.
LearnEnglish Teens: Intermediate and advanced grammar - An abundance of grammar videos and exercises can be found here.
Quill: Interactive writing and grammar - This is especially good for students who want to sharpen their editing skills too.
Ventures Arcade: Beginner to intermediate grammar - Provides a great variety of grammar exercises.
The English Department offers a comprehensive writing program exposing students to the essential types of writing encountered in the college and professional environment: descriptive, expository, narrative, research-based, argumentative, and persuasive.
Resources for MLA Formatting
MLA Formatting - Word Doc (video)
MLA Tutorial for Word Doc (video)
Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) (MLA Resource)
Resources for Writing Academic Essays
How to Do a Close Reading (Harvard Resource)
Thesis Statement Workshop (in-class Resource)
Thesis Generator (for basics)
Quote Incorporation (slideshow)
Quote Incorporation (video)
Using Quotes in Your Paper (video)
The Five-Paragraph Essay (video)
Resources for Literary Criticism
Purdue Online Writing Lit Criticism (resource)
Intro to Lit Theory (video overview)
Reader Response (video)