HOLLIDAY ISD

English I

Syllabus

Grammar – Daily Language Practice (DOL) exercises and reinforcements as needed

Vocabulary – Prefixes/suffixes and Greek and Latin Roots with Literature based words

Writing – Expository/Literary Writing (EOC), EOC Short Answer Strategies (A-P-E, etc.),

Literature --

• Short Story Unit

• Poetry Unit

• Drama Unit (Romeo and Juliet)

• Other Units tba

• Novels tba

Assignments                                                                    TEKS

Daily Work:        

           Vocabulary/Greek & Latin Roots                        1(A-E)

           Daily Oral Language                                            17(A-C), 18(A-B), 19

Literature:           

           Short Stories Unit                                                2(A-C), 3, 5(A-D), 7, 8,

           Nonfiction Units                                                   6, 9(A-D), 10(A-B), 11(A-B), 

           Poetry (interpretation)                                         3, 12(A-D)

           Informational Texts

Classics:               

           Romeo and Juliet                                                4, 8

Writing:                

           Expository, Literary Comparison                       13(A-E), 14(A-C), 15(A-D), 16(A-D)

Oral Presentation:   

           Various group discussions/Presentations        20(A-B), 21(A-C), 22(A-C), 23(A-E)        

Research Project:    TBA                                                24(A-C), 25, 26

All Assignments:                                                            fig. 19

********No smart devices are allowed in class.********

Failed Tests/Assignments

Students will receive three days to retake failed quizzes and tests.  In order to qualify for a vocabulary retake, the student must first copy each word and the definition three times from the list.  This must be turned in at the time of the retake. The student must make arrangements with the teacher prior to the retake since this must take place outside of class time.  Be proactive, study for tests and quizzes. DOL quizzes will have an added feature of explaining at least one mistake on the assigned day from the quiz. A 30% point deduction will take place on all redone assignments, quizzes, and tests.

Grading System – Students’ grades will be based on the following percentages:

Late Work – 

Assignments will be due at the beginning of each class period.  If an assignment is turned in late, it will be penalized 30% the first day, 50% the second day, and Not Accepted the third day.  Arrangements must be made with the teacher for any work that will be later than the class period it is due.  It is the student’s responsibility to initiate conversation with the teacher regarding the need to turn in an assignment past the due date.  The Student Handbook specifies extensions for absences due to illness, etc.

Extracurricular Activities and Assignments -

All assignments and tests are due prior to an absence due to an extracurricular activity or the students will receive 30% off the first, 50% off the second day, and a zero thereafter.  This is a school-wide policy. See Mrs. Marks for assistance.

Memorization Project –

During the Shakespeare Unit, the students will have 50 lines of memorization.  This memory work will count as one test grade, and only in extreme circumstances will late recitation be accepted.  A reminder note will be sent to the parents when we begin this project.

Writing Objectives –

As newcomers to essay writing, we will spend a great deal of time learning the craft of writing.  Because of a change in TEKS, we will spend a good deal of time on expository style. We will learn how to write without using the first person pronouns and slang.  Please encourage your child in these endeavors to “elevate” his/her use of English. By the end of this year, we should be completely comfortable with 300-400 word essays.

Reading Objectives – Reading assignments will be handled both within the classroom and on an individual basis by the student at home.  Our reading is no longer for plot information; we will be reading to learn the “craft” of the writer. We will study how the author put the novel or short story together – why – and what the impact of the “style” of writing is on the reader.