Hi there! It’s Tuesday again, so it’s time for some more teaching resources.
As promised, today I’m sharing my full course outline/curriculum for English 10 Pre-AP. But first, in case you missed it, make sure you check out my post on English 9 and – in particular – some of the background on the courses I teach from last week HERE. (Some of those details are pretty relevant in terms of understanding how I structure my class and what I teach, etc.)
Now, here’s a look at what I teach (in order) in tenth grade:
Last week, I got a few questions about how often I update my plans from year to year and as the year itself progresses. The answer is – A LOT!!!
I create a blank chart (like the one above) very early in the year for the next school year and start making notes/changes as I go. That way, at the end of the year, I have something I can look back on to see what worked well and what I want to do differently the next time around. I also give student surveys at the end of the year (see my post on those here) that help me determine what I will teach and how I will structure the course in the future. What you are looking at above is my updated plan for the 2014-2015 school year based on my notes and ideas from last year.
I do share the outline with my students (and their parents) via my course syllabus at the beginning of the year, but I always make the disclaimer that things are *subject to change at the teacher’s discretion. For example, last year I had planned to teach Animal Farm in ninth grade and had it on my syllabus. BUT, thanks to snow days and other unforeseen circumstances, we never got to it. So, I simply moved it to this year’s schedule for tenth grade! (I actually think it fits better with the other works we read in tenth grade anyway.)
I like to have some kind of plan so that I know where I’m going when I start (a road-map if you will), to keep me on track, and to help make sure I cover everything. BUT, a big part of being a (good) teacher is being able to adapt and make changes as necessary. I also think I’d be kind-of a bad teacher if I was always doing the same thing year after year after year. So, this is ALWAYS a work in progress for me!
Any tenth grade teachers out there? I would love to hear some ideas about how you structure your class and what you teach!
E
I teach Lord of the Flies to 9th graders. Would love to share resources, if you are interested! I’m currently revamping it for a graduate class I’m taking.
Yes, please… I would love your share!!
carrilloclan@msn.com
I’m about to take over a class mid year who is doing lord of the flies- could you send to me too?
I teach this book to my 9th grader as well. Would love to trade resources! Please email me at NicholeMAlvino@gmail.com if interested:)
I just found your blog today via Pinterest and I am so happy I did. I’ve been teaching since 2008 but took 3 years out of the classroom to be home with my daughter. I will be starting my first year teaching high school English in 4 weeks and I am beyond overwhelmed & excited. Your blog touchies on so many topics that I can relate to and your teaching Tuesdays are something I will be tuning in for each week! Thanks for creating a space for us Secondary teachers (and mamas!) to come to for inspiration.
I teach tenth grade ELA and would love to share documents! Email me
Are you required to only teach literature written by men, or is that a personal choice?
Heya.
I teach poetry to first grade children in order to liven up things a bit. To help them I write out a four line poem on colours for them to read. Then they are tasked with a four line poem about Christmas as well. During the entire school year the class have to typically write four or five different poems each month. This is for the poetry club. Any poem is either used in a whole school display on open day or included in our school newsletter. Good luck.
They can even decide to do a couplet that rhymes if they wish to as well. The choice is theirs in addition to make. I only guide them.