English 1 Honors
Trabuco Hills High School
2015-2016 Academic Year
Mrs. Ioala Holmes
English 1 Honors focuses on the rigorous study of language, writing,
grammar, and literature in order to stimulate critical thinking and encourage
effective communication skills.
Throughout this course, students will utilize a variety of writing styles
while exploring a broad spectrum of literary genres.
Students enrolled in English 1 Honors will discover opportunities to grow
intellectually and personally as they continue to pursue in-depth analysis
and embrace an enthusiasm for a variety of literature.
Course Texts and Literature
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Textbook:
Prentice Hall Literature: Common
Core Edition; Grade 9
Textbook:
Prentice Hall Literature: Common
Core Edition; Grade 9
Literature:
The Good Earth by Pearl Buck
The Odyssey by Homer
(W. H. D Rouse Translation)
As You Like It by William Shakespeare
Selected Short Stories
Literature:
House on Mango Street
by Sandra Cisneros
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Romeo and Juliet by
William Shakespeare
Selected Poems
Students will:
English 1 Honors
Course Goals
 actively engage in cross-curricular education which develops common
themes within literature, history, and society…both past and present.
 maturely challenge their ability to analyze literature in terms of the author’s
use of specific elements and devices (i.e. setting, characterization, theme,
conflict, symbolism) through a variety of formal and informal writing
activities and domains (i.e. journals, quickwrites, graphic organizers,
narratives, formal analysis).
 develop more cohesive writing and more effective oral communication skills
through the participation of daily vocabulary and grammar-strengthening
activities.
 develop more advanced critical thinking and speaking skills through a
variety of individual and group presentations and projects (i.e. power point
presentations)
Weekly Vocabulary
Students receive WEEKLY vocabulary from the literature,
etymology (word origin), and Sadlier/Oxford Vocabulary Workbook (Level D).
Monday: Introduction of NEW vocabulary unit/list
Wednesday: Vocabulary Cards (5 points) for this NEW vocabulary unit/list
Friday: Vocabulary Test…CUMMULATIVE
Throughout the week, students will engage in vocabulary building exercises to
learn new words and reinforce previous words.
2015-16 Academic Year
Assessments
 Essays and Exams 40%
 Homework and Quizzes 30%
 Individual and Group Presentations 10%
 Fall Semester Final Exam(s) 20%
REMIND
E-mail and Text Notifications for English 1 Honors
This messaging tool is used to “remind” students and parents of upcoming
exams, quizzes, and projects.
81010
@thhsh
To receive messages via e-mail, send an e-mail to
thhsh@mail.remind.com
Haiku
The Haiku Page is available for viewing
by accessing the “Staff Pages” on the
Saddleback Portal or visiting the THHS website.
Ioala Holmes
English 1 Honors/IB
This resource tool includes Vocabulary Units,
Handouts, Friday Homework, Projects/Project Due
Dates, and other important information for
English 1 Honors
Thank you for your
DONATIONS!
The following items are greatly appreciated in
the classroom throughout the year to enhance
the health and learning of your students:
 Clorox wipes
 Kleenex Boxes
 Post-it Notes
 Highlighters
Ralph Waldo Emerson stated:
“Nothing great was ever achieved without
enthusiasm .”
Thank you for your enthusiasm regarding your child’s academic success.
I look forward to witnessing the “greatness” each student possesses!
Please feel free to contact me regarding your questions and
concerns:
Period 5: Conference
(949) 768-1934 x7531
E-mail: holmesi@svusd.org