DESCRIPTION:

This class will focus on both reading and writing. Students will be writing several times a week, will have a writer’s notebook to keep for their own writing, and will read a variety of prose, poetry, magazine and newspaper articles. They will read and write different genres and will learn about voice, style and personality in writing.

GOALS:
1. To help each student find his writing “self” and voice.
2. To help students write effectively and correctly for a variety of audiences and purposes.
3. To give each student adequate time to experience a variety of writing experiences.
4. To give each student a positive experience with writing.
5. To teach the 6 traits of writing.
6. To use reading in a variety of genres to help develop student appreciation of the written word.
7. To acquaint students with fiction (novel and short story), nonfiction and poetry – both reading and writing in each
8. To read a variety of publications – magazines, literature, newspapers and learn about the purpose of each.
9. To help students develop a sense of taste and knowledge about reading and writing.
10. To give students an opportunity to speak to the class in a formal setting.

RESOURCES:
Computer lab, Internet, periodicals, newspapers, various poetry, short stories, and essays. Text books: Writers Inc. and Daybook of Critical Reading and Writing, and Writing, The Magazine of Effective Communication.

EVALUATION:
Students will be graded on their written work, presentations and class participation.

STANDARDS ADDRESSED:
1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Speaking & listening
4. Information Literacy
5. Literature

GRADES:
Students will be graded on a point system, with 90% of the total points being an A. Each assignment will be given a point amount. Participation and effort will also be included in grading. A student who is frequently absent and/or late will be given fewer points on the participation/effort grading area.