Grade 10 English
Course Expectations
Mrs. Graff
Room 201
Email: hgraff@pv-eagles.org
Phone: Ext. 7245
Objective of the course:
In this course, students will improve reading and writing skills through the study of literature grouped in thematic units. Each unit will have an emphasis on world literature, including such areas as China, Japan, Africa, and Latin America. Students will also analyze non-fiction, developing critical reading skills.
Materials Needed:
Each student is expected to bring the following to class EVERY day:
Writing utensils
Choice read novel
Chromebook
Folder for English class (any folder - I don’t collect it)
Class Rules:
Lateness - Students are expected to arrive to class on time. If a student needs to use the restroom, check in and then leave and use the lavatory.
Absences – Students are expected to report to the teacher or another classmate for all missed work. Do not expect the teacher to notify any student of missed work. Makeup work is the student’s responsibility. For each day missed, a student is given one school day to hand in work due on the day of absence. For example, if an assignment was due on Monday and a student was absent, the work is now due on Tuesday. Students will have one week to make up missed quizzes or tests. Failure to comply by this rule will result in an automatic zero. If one is absent the class period prior to a test or quiz, one is expected to still take it the day one returns. Lengthy absences or extenuating circumstances will be handled on an individual basis.
Class Conduct – This course is designed to expose students to various cultural writings as well as to analyze how literature has evolved throughout the world. Please leave any biases or prejudices outside of this class.
Mature behavior is expected in class. Disruptions, inappropriate language or gestures, and lack of courtesy for fellow classmates or the teacher will not be tolerated. Teacher referrals and administrative intervention will occur.
Course Expectations:
Assignments – As per the district guidelines, all assignments and assessments shall be accepted late and shall be penalized 10% of the grade for lateness per day up to one week from the due date. All written assignments (essays, research paper) will be turned in on Google Classroom.
Weekly Homework - Expect at least one homework assignment per week.
Choice Reading – Students will be reading novels of their choosing throughout the school year. They will select a novel that is interesting to them, then read for the first 10 - 15 minutes of every class. Students will be required to finish one novel per marking period, and there will be an assessment on that novel (often a book review/reader’s response style of assessment). Students are encouraged to read at home. I have a large library of novels in my classroom and we will also visit the library to make selections. If the book is boring, put it down and find another! The hope is each student finds something he/she will enjoy.
Writing Assignments - Students will write one research paper and at least 2 literary analyses. For any writing assignment, I will be happy to review a first draft and give feedback on it before the assignment is due. We will continue working on MLA skills and how to effectively incorporate textual quotes and evidence.
Classroom Readings/Novels - No textbook will be given. I will supply all materials, often in print and on Classroom. We will read Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried and Tara Sullivan’s The Bitter Side of Sweet.
Google Classroom - We will utilize Google Classroom for most assignments and materials. I will often provide paper copies of readings as I find it important to take a break from the screen. The “Stream” will only be used for communication; the “Classword” tab will have all assignments, categorized by topic (whichever country we are studying) or by assignment (there will be a homework category and a Choice reading category). Each Friday, I will post on the screen the expected work/agenda for the following week. This is tentative, but it will give each student a preview of what is to come!