English 9 Course Description

The English 9 course encompasses four specific genres: Stories, Poetry, Drama, and Nonfiction. Some of the material is meant to be read; others are meant to be performed by actors on a stage. Informational texts and media may not technically be literature, but they are similarly important to learn about today. Regardless of the genre, good writing allows readers to grapple with important issues and even connect to different cultures. 

Using the Holt McDougal Literature Textbook as the main resource for this course, students will explore questions and ideas in many genres. An ancient story, a news article, and a poem - despite their differences in form - can all help students explore questions about love or heroism, for example. 

Students will also enrich their vocabulary through the Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop online. The program focuses on the words, their meanings, their ranges of application, and their uses in context. The approach is systematic because it begins with and builds upon a word list drawn from vocabulary that students will encounter in their reading. It provides students with the vocabulary skills they will need to achieve higher-level reading proficiency and to succeed at standardized tests.

Grammar and Writing Skills will be addressed as an ongoing process through daily activities, responses to reading selections, and assigned work in projects. By integrating the grammar and writing mechanics with the literary pieces, students will see the purpose and find it meaningful. Six-Trait Writing will be used to aid students in their writing development 

This course complies with the rigorous standards set by the Kansas State Board of Regents. Students who successfully complete this course (along with other required courses) may be recognized as Kansas State Regent Scholars. In order to comply with these guidelines, students are required to read at least three novels and write papers in various styles and formats in regards to these novels. Some papers may be informative, while others may be persuasive or argumentative. The novels covered in this course includes, but is not all inclusive are: The Pigman by Paul Zindel, The Miracle Worker by William Gibson, The Pearl by John Steinbeck, and The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.

Utilizing technology is imperative in this course. Students are provided a device (currently each student has a Chromebook) in which they will access most of the literary pieces, daily activities, review assignments, and even some tests and exams. Writing assignments will also be submitted using their technology. Although some novels and other materials may be required, students will rely heavily upon their devices which must be brought with them to class each day. Students will have many opportunities to use current apps and software to assist in their learning.