English 10R Curriculum Guide

2025-2026 school year

 

Course objectives and rationale:

Overview:

 ENG10R is designed to explore the wide breadth of human experience and to expose students to ideas and topics of high-interest and relevance at this exciting time in their development.  The core curriculum is aligned with the NYS Learning Standards and prepares students for success on both New York State’s Regents Exam and the SAT exam, both of which are taken the following year in 11^th grade.   Each of these standardized tests are important markers used by a majority of college admission departments.  For all 10^th grade students, whether college-bound or not, the curriculum supplies opportunities to develop critical thinking skills, creativity and a high-level of literacy to prepare them for entrepreneurial endeavors, career pursuits and a life enriched through an appreciation of the language arts in these four modalities: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.

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READING objectives and rationale:

Shakespeare's Macbeth, Golding's Lord of the Flies, and Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye collectively provide students with a profound exploration of human nature, morality, and the complexities of adolescence. Macbeth invites analysis of ambition, guilt, and the consequences of power, prompting discussions about ethical dilemmas and character motivations. In contrast, Lord of the Flies serves as a stark commentary on the intrinsic conflict between civilization and savagery, encouraging students to examine social dynamics and the darker aspects of humanity. Meanwhile, The Catcher in the Rye resonates with students as it addresses themes of identity, alienation, and the struggles of growing up, fostering personal reflection and empathy. Together, these works cultivate critical thinking, promote emotional intelligence, and deepen students' understanding of the multifaceted human experience.

 

 

WRITING objectives and rationale:

Teaching to the New York State Writing Standards in 10th grade ELA is essential for fostering students' writing proficiency across multiple genres. This phase of education allows students to enhance their communication skills, critical thinking, and creativity, all while preparing them for future academic challenges and real-world applications. Writing narrative, argumentative, literary analysis, and research papers equips students with the tools needed for effective expression and analysis, aligning with state standards and emphasizing the importance of well-rounded writing skills.

 

 

Grammar Objectives and rationale:

The 10^th grade grammar curriculum is aligned to the State Standards and to those skills emphasized on the SAT Exam and the NYS ELA Regents.  Those skills are:

Subject-Verb Agreement: Understanding that subjects and verbs must agree in number (singular or plural).

Sentence Structure: Identifying and correcting sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and comma splices

Verb Tenses: Using the correct verb tense consistently throughout a passage.

Pronoun Usage: Ensuring pronouns agree with their antecedents and using the correct case (subjective, objective, possessive).

Modifiers: Correct placement of modifiers to avoid ambiguity and misinterpretation.

Parallel Structure: Maintaining consistency in lists or comparisons within sentences.

Punctuation: Correct use of commas, semicolons, colons, and apostrophes.

Diction and Word Choice: Choosing words that convey the intended meaning and fit the context, including avoiding redundancy.

Logical Organization: Understanding how to structure ideas logically and cohesively within a passage.

Tone and Style: Ensuring that the writing fits a formal tone and appropriate style for the context.

 

SPEAKING Objective and rationale:

Practicing public speaking skills is essential for students as they prepare for college and their future careers. Effective communication enhances confidence, enabling individuals to articulate their ideas clearly and persuasively. This skill is invaluable in academic settings where presentations and group discussions are common, fostering collaboration and engagement. Furthermore, strong public speaking abilities are highly sought after by employers, as they indicate leadership potential, creativity, and the capacity to influence others.  This curriculum includes numerous opportunities for students to speak to both small groups and to the whole class, and a scaffolding approach allows students to increase time and exposure and to grow a comfort level through consistent practice.

 

 

LISTENING objectives and rationale:

Students will practice listening skills in a variety of contexts over the course of their sophomore year.  This includes focused listening in small group discussions, as well as listening to content through various media like podcasts and video throughout the year.  Listening for information and learning will be a focus each quarter.

 

Quarter One

Theme: Coming of Age

Essential Question: What experiences lead us from childhood into adulthood?

READING

1. Unit of Short Works on the theme (poetry, short story,non-fiction)
2. Novel: The Catcher in the Rye

Non-Fiction: Various articles about the challenges and opportunities of growing up today.

FIELD TRIP TO NYC!  Students will follow character Holden Caulfield’s footsteps through Central Park to the Museum of Natural History!  (November 15^th)

WRITING

1. Unit: Literary analysis and response
   1. Students will write well-developed paragraphs that focus on making and supporting claims.  Development of ideas includes making an accurate and supportable claim that addresses the question; providing relevant background context; selecting and incorporating multiple examples from the text to support claim; and discussing how the examples support their initial claim that reflects their own coming-of-age experience. This unit will reinforce student’s understanding of the elements of story. 
2. Grammar: Sentence types and varying sentence types for more fluidity / semicolon / conjunctions
3. Vocabulary: In-context study of vocabulary found in the reading selections from this unit.

LISTENING

Students will study strategies for effective public speaking by listening to speakers sharing personal stories (TED talks) and analyzing which speaking strategies have the greatest impact upon an audience.

SPEAKING

Students will read a section of their personal narrative aloud to the class that demonstrates the effective application of the lessons learned during the writing unit and mini-lessons on effective public speaking.

 

Quarter Two

Theme: Human Nature

Essential Question: Where in life do we see the struggle between civility and savagery in human nature?  Why do good people do bad things?

READING

1. Unit of Short Works on the theme (poetry, short story)
2. Novel: The Lord of the Flies
3. Non-Fiction: Various articles on the theme from both history and current events

 

WRITING

1. Unit: Argument
   1. Students will apply the conventions of argument to take a position on whether or not humankind is predominantly good or evil.  They will mine for examples of humankind’s capacity for both by researching historical figures and current events to build evidence and examples in support of a central claim/position.
2. Grammar: Parallel Structure / active vs. passive voice / agreement
3. Vocabulary: In-context study of vocabulary found in the reading selections from this unit.

 

LISTENING

Students will listen to various podcasts on the theme of human nature with a particular focus on inspirational and positive stories of people doing good in the world.

 

SPEAKING

Students will continue to practice speaking in front of the class throughout the quarter to build confidence through exposure and repetition.  This quarter, students will create a slide-show in support of their written arguments/position papers concerning the dual aspect of human nature.  They will focus on presenting their arguments visually and verbally with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation.

 

Quarter Three

Theme:  The struggle between fate and free will, and the moral consequences of one's actions.

Essential Questions: To what extent are our fates determined by external forces versus our own actions?  What is morality and what defines a person’s moral character?

READING

1. Unit of Short Works on the theme (poetry, short story)
2. Drama: Macbeth
3. Non-Fiction: Various articles on the theme from both history and current events

 

WRITING

1. Unit 1: Letter writing Unit
2. Unit 2: Writing a “10-minute play” focusing on dialogue-writing and creating believable characters
3. Grammar: Modifiers: Correct placement of modifiers to avoid ambiguity and misinterpretation.
4. Vocabulary: In-context study of vocabulary found in the reading selections from this unit.

 

LISTENING

Students will listen to certain sections of Macbeth read aloud by professional voice actors utilizing the critically acclaimed Arkangel audio production of the play.

 

SPEAKING

Students will take parts in our class reading of the play.  Speaking lessons will focus on speaking with the appropriate tone through an understanding of character and context.

 

 

Quarter Four

Theme: The art of research and synthesizing information

Essential Questions: What is research?  How do we select sources based on credibility and value?  How do we synthesize information from various sources in service of answering a central inquiry?  What is MLA formatting and what are the conventions of academic writing?

 

READING:

1. Students will be reading within the subject chosen as a research topic (Research = Reading).  Students will take out books from the library on the topics they are researching and will also read academic articles found in our academic databases.
2. Poetry (enhanced focus on poems during National Poetry Month and in support of the department’s annual poetry event Poem in your Pocket Day.
3. Non-fiction selection (TBD) focused on personal growth and development and/or “What makes the Good Life?”– based on the science of happiness.

WRITING/FINAL EXAM

Students will be challenged to write a 5-7 page research paper based on a self-chosen inquiry (Inquiry-based research).  Writing lessons for this quarter will focus on synthesis of information from various sources, summarizing main ideas, citing sources, determining source credibility, works-cited page, and MLA formatting.  This final paper will serve as the final exam for the year.

LISTENING

Podcasts and TED talks that feature academic findings and results to strengthen students’ understanding of attributing research to sources and the necessity of citing sources.

 

SPEAKING

Students will repeat their year-long exposure to and practice of speaking in front of a group.   and present their research topics and findings/conclusions to the class from the podium.

 

Note: This section is being filled-in as the year progresses, and some of the shorter works (articles, poems, etc) will change year-to-year.

READING SELECTIONS
Articles of the Week (Current Events)	Short Stories	Poems	Books/Plays
“If you think you can’t focus, you’re right”	“The Bet” Anton Chekov	“A View of a Pig” Ted Hughes	The Catcher in the Rye Salinger
“Here’s how to protect emotional well-being”	“Mr. Softee” Wally Lamb	“On Turning Ten”  Billy Collins	Lord of the Flies Golding
	“Crossing Spider Creek”	“Ode to Immortality” Wordsworth	Macbeth Shakespeare
	“Valediction” Sherman Alexi	“The Fish” Elizabeth Bishop	Non-fiction selection (TBD)
	“Lamb to the Slaughter”  Roald Dahl
	“Safety of Numbers” Lucy Tan

English 7 Course Syllabus and Guidelines

2025-2026

Mrs. Johanson

jjohanson@babylonufsd.com

Welcome to the 7^th grade! It is an exciting year for you as you get acquainted with and transition to a new school. The seventh grade English curriculum consists of exploring a multitude of texts for analysis and understanding and developing writing through the study of author’s craft and purpose. Vocabulary and grammar are also key components that will be important in developing your literacy and writing skills. It is imperative to establish good work habits and to be organized to make this year a successful one!

The following is a breakdown of the curriculum content:

Literature:

• Independent reading
• A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
• “A Christmas Carol” Adaptation by Israel Horovitz
• Witness by Karen Hesse
• Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen
• The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

*There will also be a variety of short stories, poems, and articles that will be read this year!

Writing Genres:

• TIED paragraphs
• Personal narratives
• Argument essays
• Informative presentations
• Creative writing
• Poetry
• Reader responses (daily)
• Free writes (daily)

*You will be held accountable for seventh grade writing standards. Proper capitalization, punctuation, and spelling are expected on every assignment.

Vocabulary:

• Vocabulary in context
• Biweekly vocabulary units

Grammar:

• Parts of speech
• Verb phrases
• Subject/object pronouns
• Phrases and clauses
• Subjects and predicates
• Sentence structures

Grade Breakdown:

• Tests = 40%
  • Formal: essays, multiple-choice exams, finished writing pieces, projects, presentations, etc.
• Quizzes = 30%
  • Informal: may or may not be announced; weekly
• Class Work = 15%
  • Informal: class preparedness, work habits, participation, completion of daily class assignments, work ethic; daily
• Homework = 15 %
  • Informal: timely completion, quality of work, legible writing, best effort put forth, etc.

Materials:

• Three subject notebook and/or binder
• A marble notebook
• Post-it notes
• Highlighters
• Colored markers
• Pens/pencils

JH Reading Workshop Course Overview

Grades 7 & 8

Mrs. Johanson

Extra help every Tuesday and Wednesday in room 139 at 7:10AM

Mission Statement: Our mission is to cultivate a lifelong love of reading by empowering individuals to engage deeply with diverse texts, apply reading sstrategies, enhance critical thinking skills, and foster a collaborative learning environment.

Overview

We want our middle grades students to become flexible, resilient readers who read for pleasure as well as for academic purposes. We want them to have a toolkit of strategies for dealing with difficulty, and we want them to know when and how to use those strategies.

To accomplish such ambitious goals, we must reconsider how we think about our classrooms and our curriculum. We can no longer conceive of the curriculum as a few books kids will master. We now recognize the value and importance of teaching a repertoire of skills and strategies to help students be more powerful in any book. With that, the following pages will outline the genres, skills, and strategies we will utilize to become successful readers across the curriculum.

This is a pass/fail class.

We will explore the five major genres of literature:

Fiction

Invented stories with imaginary characters and events.

• Realistic Fiction
• Historical Fiction
• Science Fiction
• Fantasy/ Fairy Tales
• Mystery

Play

A story for sage performance by actors.

Poetry

Words arranged in metrical pattern, often using rhymed verse in an imaginative style.

Non-Fiction

True stories of actual events or characters.

• Biography
• Autobiography
• Information
• Newspaper
• Reference

Folk Tale

An anonymous, timeless, and placeless story that is originally told rather than written.

Reading Skills and Strategies

• Use background knowledge
• Ask questions
• Identify author’s purpose
• Draw conclusions
• Describe figurative language
• Identify genre
• Describe plot
• Identify point of view
• Describe story structure
• Identify the main idea
• Recognize sequence
• Recognize cause and effect
• Make inferences
• Make predictions
• Summarize
• Distinguish fact and opinion
• Find facts and details
• Recognize compare and contrast
• Make connections
• Visualize
• Reread for clarity
• Adjust your pacing
• Identify explicit information in non-fiction text
• Determine theme
• Ask questions
• Understand the application of literary devices and techniques

The Use of i-Ready

Engaging and Personalized Instruction for All Readers

The i-Ready reading program is an online program that helps students of all ages become thoughtful, analytical readers. Grounded in best practice, it engages students as they build new skills and learn to access rigorous, culturally responsive texts. Its personalized instruction adjusts the lesson path to meet every reader at their individual level, enabling teachers to provide a personalized learning experience for each student.

i-Ready Learning

i-Ready Learning is a collection of high-quality instructional resources that help students learn and grow by accessing grade-level materials. Grounded in best-practice instructional design, these tools provide rigorous and motivating reading and mathematics instruction that:

• Engage students of all levels and backgrounds
• Motivates students to persist in skill building
• Provides scaffolded support that meets the needs of all students
• Creates personal learning pathways for each student in i-Ready personalized instruction
• Connects to i-Ready diagnostic data so teachers can make informed teaching decisions