1. Introduction and Overview of English 9 Honors Ms. Crystal Barletta cbarletta@dphds.org

2. Project Based Learning In addition to testing, there are other methods of assessment. 7 page research paper that requires students to apply their writing and research skills. Mythology project- students retell a myth or several myths to demonstrate their understanding of mythology. The Taming of the Shrew Project- students rewrite an Act of the play and act it out Students may also choose to do an individual project, such as illustrations or models that exhibit higher level thinking.

3. Objectives Learning Writing Composition Objectives: Students will learn to write thesis driven essays. Students will learn research skills to help support their arguments. Students will learn how to revise their writing. Students will learn how to use MLA format and write organized, informative, and challenging papers. Students will write in class and at home 3-4 times a week.

4. Grammar Objectives: Students will learn correct usage of word phrases and grammatical mechanics. Vocabulary Objectives: Students will learn new words and be tested on a weekly basis which will come from the readings and the vocabulary text. In addition to the words in the vocabulary book, I assign an extra 5 words per week which appear on the weekly vocabulary quiz. Increasing students’ vocabulary will help to improve their comprehension skills in this class, their other classes, and on the PSSS, PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams.

5. Literary Objectives: Students will learn standard literary terms such as symbolism, tone, and imagery, and how to identify them in a text. Students will learn to uncover the different levels of meaning from a text. Students will learn how to rewrite literature in a manner that is familiar and exemplifies their individuality. Students will learn about the history of the time period in which each work was written as well as whom the author was and how the author was viewed by society as well as how he/she viewed society.

6. Reading Assignments Summer Reading: The Chosen- Chaim Potok The Catcher in the Rye- J.D. Salinger Literature to be read over the course of the year in order: The Taming of the Shrew – William Shakespeare (Folger Edition) The Odyssey – Homer (Literature Textbook) Mythology – Edith Hamilton (Back Bay Books 1998) The Glass Menagerie- Tennessee Williams A Separate Peace –John Knowles (Scribner 2003)

7. Additional Information Students learn how to take class notes, study for exams, prepare presentations, and write in a scholarly manner. College Preparation- the skills taught in ninth grade will help students excel throughout their high school and college years English Website E-mail comments and questions to cbarletta@dphds.org