Mr. Trees
Email: tim_trees@roundrockisd.org
Website sites.google.com/roundrockisd.org/trees1/home
Introduction: Welcome to 9th grade English! This year we will --
strengthen our reading, writing, and communication skills
challenge ourselves by taking academic risks
appreciate and utilize the power of language, and
have fun while learning
Course Description: Freshman English encompasses a broad study of literature and nonfiction by authors from different cultural backgrounds and eras. Genres we will study include short fiction, poetry, drama, literary nonfiction, expository, or informational writing, and the novel. Our emphasis will be on building comprehension of these texts through thoughtful class discussions and assignments designed to place the reader -- you -- in a position of authority. This means that everyone in class will be able to talk purposefully about the material and help other students see these texts through different lenses and from different angles. We will use our understanding of the elements of literature (character, conflict, imagery, etc.) to further strengthen our comprehension and help us gain valuable skills in the art of literary analysis.
Through in-depth comprehension and careful analysis of texts, we will come to a deeper understanding of who we are, where we want to go in life, and what steps we can take to get there.