Shrader English III Syllabus 2022/2023
Ms. Shrader
ashley.shrader@sfisd.org
Room - D111
Phone Extension 3259
Ms. Shrader's Schedule
1st English IV
2nd English III
3rd English III
4th Conference
5th PLC
6th English III
7th English IV
8th English IV
English III Course Description This course is designed to explore American literature and to develop reading, language, literature, media, writing, research, and study skills.
Course Overview
First Semester
1st 9 weeks: During this 1st Nine Weeks, students will read literary works from the Modernist period of American literature. Students will identify the alienation of the modern man and examine the tensions that are embedded in the work of John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men. Informational and critical texts will supplement and further enrich the students’ analysis of the literary work. Students will respond to the literature with daily Quick Writes and by answering open-ended short essay questions utilizing textual evidence, with an emphasis on strengthening persuasive writing skills. Grammar and vocabulary instruction will be interspersed in mini-lessons throughout the unit, and a mini-poetry workshop will review poetic devices and guide students in the poetry analysis process.
Required Reading: Novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, designated poems from literature text.
2nd 9 weeks: In this unit of study, students will be exploring the question, “Does everyone have a dark side?” They will read and analyze a drama, excerpts from the literature book on Transcendentalism, informational/historical texts, and non-fiction selections. A minimum of two short essays will be assigned, along with daily Quick Writes as assigned by the instructor.
Required Reading: "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", The Crucible by Arthur Miller, excerpts by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau-literature book.
*The Reader's Workshop model of instruction will be implemented. Aside from assigned reading, students will be reading independently. They are expected to bring a book of their choice to class everyday. They may check books out from the school library, my classroom, or bring one of their own.
*The Writer's Workshop will be used for writing instruction.
Second Semester
3rd 9 weeks:
We will start the new-year off exploring where people turn to make sense of their lives. Does the individual chart his or her own destiny? The alienation of the modern man will be addressed at length. Students will write literary analysis essays and respond to informational and critical texts to strengthen their persuasive writing skills.
Required Reading: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
College Application/Career Essay
4th 9 weeks:
This unit will initiate our focus on the research process. We will utilize the literary writing skills we have developed all year to analyze an American literary selection of the student’s choice. Students will analyze how authors use rhetorical techniques to influence reader emotions and to advance their purpose in writing. They will analyze works for style, tone, and diction, and will discover how these elements enable a reader to access the author’s purpose. The final culmination of this unit is a written research paper which follows MLA format.
Required Reading: assorted short stories and poems from literature text, and excerpts from The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien
*The Reader's Workshop model of instruction will be implemented. Aside from assigned reading, students will be reading independently. They are expected to bring a book of their choice to class everyday. They may check books out from the school library, my classroom, or bring one of their own.
*The Writer's Workshop will be used for writing instruction.
IMPORTANT-PLEASE READ
Throughout the year, we will be working on various grammar and punctuation skills, as well as vocabulary. We will use The Write Source text- classroom copies are available.
*See "Weekly Planning" page for a weekly overview of lessons
Tutorials
Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:45-3:15 in my classroom.
Assessments Class work, homework, participation, short writing assignments (journals, paragraph responses etc.), major essays/papers, quizzes/tests, and projects.
Grading
Major - Exams, quizzes, essays, projects 40%
Minor – Class work, homework 60%
Late work
Students may be permitted to turn in an assignment up to three school days past the original due date with a grade deduction of 25 points off of the grade earned.
Homework All homework will be collected at the beginning of class unless otherwise instructed. If it is not turned in at this time, it is late (points will be deducted accordingly).
*All minor/daily assignments associated with a major assignment must be turned in prior to the administration of the major assignment (exam/test).
Please visit (www.sfisd.orgLinks to an external site.) for more information.
Materials
- Composition book (something you can take notes in)
- Pencils, black or blue pens, highlighters
- Hand sanitizer
- One box of Kleenex
Classroom Policies
Be Respectful - No one (student or adult) should feel uncomfortable or unwelcome in this classroom.
Be Responsible - Get to class on time. The tardy policy is in the student handbook and on my bulletin board.
Be Present - Take care of your personal business on your time. Bathroom passes are to be used sparingly. Do not enter or leave the class without a pass.
Be Involved – Pay attention, do your work, participate.
SCHOOL RULES Must Be Followed
Dress Code
Students are expected to know and follow the approved dress code.
*New rule: Hats are not allowed and will be confiscated. Hoodies are not to cover the head.
IDs
Students must wear ID badges at all times.
Tardy Policy
Students must be inside the classroom when the bell rings or they will be marked tardy. Consequences for tardies are posted online and in my classroom.
10/10 Policy
Students are not allowed to leave the classroom the first ten minutes of class or the last ten minutes of class.
Cell Phones
Cell phones/earbuds/watches are to be turned off, put in an envelope, and placed under their desk. I will provide envelopes.
If these items are not put away as instructed, they will be confiscated and turned in to the office. The student and/or parent will have to retrieve the items after school.
Failure to turn in cell phone will result in student receiving an office referral.
*In the event that a student continues to refuse to follow the expectations, further disciplinary action will take place.
Food and Drink
Students are allowed to drink bottled water in class. No food is permitted. No sodas, Sonic drinks, coffee, etc.
Rewards & Consequences
Rewards:
- Extra credit tickets
- Candy
- Music
- Food day (breakfast, pizza, potluck…)
- Homework pass
Consequences:
- Warning
- Student/teacher conference
- Detention after school
- Parent/student/teacher conference may also occur at this point.
- Office referral.
All our dreams can come true...if we have the courage to pursue them. - Walt Disney
I am looking forward to working with you. This is going to be a great year!
- Ms. Shrader
icons at the top right corner of the subsection.