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LA SERNA HIGH SCHOOL
WHITTIER, CALIFORNIA
English I Honors
Course Outline 2006-2007
Mrs. K. George
C200
Welcome to Freshman English Honors! You have an exciting year ahead of you! The Freshman English Honors course is the foundation for a coordinated four-year honors/ AP sequence, with the AP courses available in both the junior and senior years. The course is designed to be aligned with the California State Content Standards, WUHSD Essential Standards, La Serna Expected Learning Results (ESLRs), and to provide instruction and support for advanced reading and writing skills in a challenging, rigorous academic environment. The Freshman English Honors course also integrates skills to increase each students use of sound time management, and effective organizational and study habits.
Literacy, writing and reading, are major components of this course. The writing process is emphasized throughout the school year. We take at least one writing piece each quarter through the writing process. You will have a writing folder where all of your writing pieces are kept in the classroom. This writing folder eventually becomes your portfolio that you will formally present to your parents at the end of the school year. Learning how to become an active reader and gaining the skills necessary to improve your reading comprehension are major components of this class. Grammar, language usage, vocabulary, critical thinking, cooperative learning, study skills, communication skills, and technology are incorporated into the course.
This is a broad look at the main features of the year-long course, with more detail provided for semester one. The Freshman Focus ESLRs are EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR and QUALITY PRODUCER.
Theme: Choices and Consequences for Healthy Individuals
(with some thematic coordination with Ancient Civilizations)
Language weekly study of grammar, usage mechanics, vocabulary, and word parts
Text: Language Network (individual student copy)
Literature A focus on short stories and introduction to autobiographical narrative;
emphasis on appreciation of the personal story and use of narrative
techniques. Study of selected literary techniques and terms.
Texts: Adventures in Literature (individual student copy)
Coming of Age: A Collection of Short Stories
The Language of Literature (individual student copy)
Writing Autobiographical narrative; writing process development of personal story with
emphasis on voice, sensory language and effective lead, supporting details, and
use of quotations, and diction.
Texts- Language Network (individual student copy)
Writers Inc.
Listening and Speaking Skills Stress on effective listening skills; understanding of
language registers and choice of appropriate speech voice.
Texts Language Network
Writers Inc.
Independent Reading (In addition to summer reading assignment)
TBA: Coordinated research work with oral presentation.
Language Continued study see quarter 1
Literature Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (Abridged version)
Texts Adventures in Reading
Writing Emphasis on response to literature including character relationships and
character sketch; organization of essays effective style and word choices,
coherence, writing process and application of correct language usage; several
timed writings in class.
Texts Language Network
Writers Inc.
Listening and Speaking Oral responses to literature; listening/note-taking skills,
preparation and delivery of research study- coordinated with
independent reading.
Independent Reading Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Reading checks and final timed essay writing.
Quarter 2 Common Assessment Research Paper (Process Piece)
Language Continued study of vocabulary, word parts, grammar, usage and mechanics
as related to the CA State Content Standards; completion and review prior to
CAT-6/CST testing, testing strategies.
Literature Beginning study of dramatic genre the short play; study of the novel;
introduction to literary criticism how history impacts literature with a
coordinated research project; increased literary interpretation and analysis.
Texts Adventures in Literature
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Language of Literature
Writing Continued use of writing process; advanced essay writing skills, including
thesis statement and conclusion. Business letter writing.
Listening and Speaking Responses to literature; preparation of research topic for
presentation (using PowerPoint) in quarter 4; effective note-
taking .
Independent Reading Introduction to classical mythology
Texts Mythology Hamilton
Adventures in Reading
Quarter 3 Common Assessment Response to Literature: Theme (Process Piece)
Language Emphasis on competent application of all language skills studied during the
first 3 quarters; review and reinforcement as needed; portfolio standards.
Literature Complete To Kill A Mockingbird novel; introduction to dramatic literature
Julius Caesar; emphasis on literary appreciation, advanced passage
interpretation, thematic analysis, and understanding of literary techniques.
Writing Continued focus on writing process; emphasis on proofreading and editing
skills; timed writing response to literature, critical analysis; Julius Caesar
justification paper; portfolio completion with Dear Reader, letter.
Listening and Speaking Presentation of research topic (see quarter 3).
Independent Reading Completion of mythology (The Odyssey)
Quarter 4 Common Assessment Justification Paper (Process Piece)
Culminating Experience PORTFOLIO NIGHT/ STUDENT LED CONFERENCES
*** NOTE: CA state reading standards are included in course work in literature as well
as in the primary document readings and other research materials, and workplace
