ENGLISH I—First Semester
Mr. Beal/Mrs. Yaklich
ABOUT THE COURSE: “This genre-based course includes an analysis of various
literary types: short story, poetry, nonfiction, drama, and the novel. Composition
instruction will vary according to the type of literature being studied. Speech, grammar
and research skills will be taught within each unit.”
TEXTBOOKS:




Glencoe Literature: The Reader’s Choice, Course 4
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Various supplemental nonfiction pieces
At least one book of your own selection, which you’ll read
independently in class.
OUR OBJECTIVES:









To read different types of literature from a variety of different
cultures
To recognize, recall and summarize information from the material
we read
Understand the basic elements of literature
Recognize difficulties we have with reading and our own
motivation while we read
To write and speak for a variety of purposes
To organize ideas clearly, logically and coherently in writing
To develop focus in writing by developing a thesis statement,
support and helpful transitions
To recognize parts of speech and how they are used in sentences
Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate academic and
domain-specific words
UNITS WE’LL BE EXPLORING:

SHORT STORIES: (All selections found in The Reader’s Choice)
-“The Open Window” by Saki
-“The Bass, the River and Sheila Mant” by W.D. Wetherell
-“Sweet Potato Pie” by Eugenia Collier
-“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
-Review literary elements such as setting, tone and
character and analyze their uses in the works we read.
-Compose a multi-draft narrative essay

POETRY: (Selections from Reader’s Choice; poems TBD)
-Read many different forms of poems from different cultures
-Review and analyze elements of poetry
-Compose original poetry of various kinds (!!!!!)
-Write a poetry analysis on a selected work

NOVEL: Animal Farm
-Character Analysis
-Review historical backgrounds of the novel
-Compose analytical journals regarding historical
applications of the novel and its theme/message
-Review elements of the Persuasive Speech and deliver one

DRAMA: Romeo and Juliet (found in Reader’s Choice)
-Background of Shakespearean/Elizabethan drama
-Define and analyze dramatic terms (aside, soliloquy) and
analyze their use
-Analyze differences between differing artistic mediums
(play and film)
-Describe and analyze vocabulary
-Analyze and describe characters and their motivations

LITERATURE CIRCLES:
-Group project in which each member will have a role in the
analysis of a book of the group’s choice. Assessments will
be based on character analysis, summary of portions of
chosen text, and fulfillment of designated roles within the
literature circle.

INDEPENDENT READING: Your Choice of book
-Daily reading at the beginning of class
-Journals to compliment your reading
-Connections to your experiences and what we’re covering
in class.
-Will result in weekly points and graded assessments.
ABOUT MR. BEAL:
-I am a graduate of Eastern Illinois University.
-I have taught for 4 years. Prior to NCWHS, I taught at MacArthur High School
in Decatur.
-I am a huge Cubs/Bulls fan.
-My favorite book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.
-I love playing and listening to music.
-I am a firm believer of laughing while you learn.
-I use interactive learning every day.
-I like talking to parents and guardians! Feel free to contact me anytime.
PHONE: (309) 336-6445
EMAIL: bealjd@unit5.org
ABOUT MRS. YAKLICH:
PHONE:
EMAIL: