ELA 9

Corner Brook Intermediate

Grade 9 English Language Arts

Course Outline

Teacher: Mr. Richard Collins

E-mail: richardcollins@nlesd.ca

Web Site : https://sites.google.com/nlesd.ca/mrcollins


Purpose of English Language Arts

The goal of English language arts is to enable and encourage students to become reflective, articulate, literate individuals who use language successfully for learning and communication in personal and public contexts.

English language arts encompasses the experience, study, and appreciation of language, literature, media, and communication. It involves language processes: speaking, listening, reading, viewing, writing, and other ways of representing.

The English language arts curriculum engages students in a range of experiences and interactions with a variety of texts designed to help them develop increasing control over language processes. Students will learn to use language and to respond purposefully to texts, and to understand why language and literacy are so central to their lives.

Over the course of grade 9, we will be reading and analyzing many literary works including poetry, prose, drama, essays, and multi-media sources.

Students will be required to respond to a wide variety of forms and to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of language and literary forms. Students will:

  • Study and give detailed accounts of various literary texts
  • Become critical and reflective readers of literary texts
  • Become analytical and critical viewers
  • Be capable editors of their own and others’ writing
  • Write reflectively, critically, analytically about the ideas, values, and social effects of their own and others’ texts, crafting written language in a range of forms, polishing stylistic skills, and writing with conviction
  • Use a variety of communication technologies


Curriculum Outcomes

The 10 general curriculum outcomes for English language arts are:

Speaking and Listening

· Students will speak and listen to explore, extend, clarify, and reflect on their thoughts, ideas, feelings, and experiences.

· Students will be able to communicate information and ideas effectively and clearly, and to respond personally and critically.

· Students will interact with sensitivity and respect, considering the situation, audience, and purpose.

Reading and Viewing

· Students will be able to select, read, and view with understanding a range of literature, information, media, and visual texts.

· Students will be able to interpret, select, and combine information using a variety of strategies, resources, and technologies.

· Students will respond personally to a range of texts.

· Students will respond critically to a range of texts, applying their understanding of language, form, and genre.

Writing and Representing

· Students will be able to use writing and other forms of representation to explore, clarify, and reflect on their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and learnings; and to use their imaginations.

· Students will be able to create texts collaboratively and independently, using a variety of forms for a range of audiences and purposes.

· Students will use a range of strategies to develop effective writing and media products and to enhance their clarity precision and effectiveness.


Tentative Course Evaluation Categories (Weightings TBD)

Speaking and Listening Activities

Reading and Viewing Activities

Writing and Other Ways of Representing

Major Projects

January Examination

Final Examination

Total: 100%

Class Rules and Student Expectations

· Be prepared for class and arrive on time. This means having textbook, silent reading material, binder, pen or pencil, and any other item needed for class.

· Complete all assigned work—including homework—on time.

· There is absolutely no bad language tolerated in class.

· At the end of class, please remain seated until the bell rings.

· Respect all other members of the class. All students are equal, each student’s opinion is valid, and students should feel safe to be able to voice and express their own opinions.

· Mp3 players, cell-phones, I-Pods, lap tops, video games and other technical devices are not to interrupt instructional time. Students will be allowed to listen to mp3 players only when doing seat work, and should not have headphones on at any other time.

· Have fun, keep an open mind, and try to try to enjoy the works being studied!