ENGLISH 10H
Ms. Lisa Fiorilli
lisa.fiorilli@lcps.org
2014-2015
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
o The English 10 course is designed to emphasize reading and writing skills.
o In an effort to relate our culture to the literature we’re studying, we will also examine
past and current writings by both British and non-British authors, including nonfiction
works.
o Other components of this course include vocabulary enrichment, grammar lessons,
research and appropriate documentation, technology integration, and collaboration.
VISION:
Our class will be using VISION as a course management system. You will use VISION to check
our daily agenda and assignment due dates, post responses to literature, and find enrichment
materials for the course.
MATERIALS:
o Three ring binder with dividers for literature, writing, grammar, and vocabulary.
o Paper, pens, pencils, etc.
o Two file folders
o A flash drive
WRITING and WRITING PORTFOLIOS:
o Writing assignments will be integrated into each unit. Writings include everything from
creative writing, journal entries, letters, and newspaper columns to literary analysis, SOL
and SAT practice prompts, and a research paper. In an effort to improve writing skills,
you will also study and review common grammatical concepts.
o At the end of third quarter, part of the honors assessment will be a Writing Reflection
Essay/Portfolio that focuses on your writing and the progress that you have made as a
writer over the course of the school year. This essay will count as a summative fourth
quarter grade.
o You will also be completing another Big Question Essay/Portfolio (you will choose a
different question than last year). We will work on collecting artifacts for the first three
quarters and the essay will count as the essay portion (50%) of your final exam grade.
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SILENT SUSTAINED READING (SSR):
o This is time dedicated to the active reading of fiction and nonfiction texts that are
independently selected by the students. Students are expected to have an SSR book
with them each day.
o Students are not permitted to read textbooks for other classes or
complete homework during SSR.
o During SSR, passes to the restroom and lockers will not be issued
except in the case of an emergency.
o Research completed by The Center for the Study of Reading
at the University of Illinois shows that independent reading
--enhances students’ reading comprehension,
--provides students with a wide range of background knowledge,
--accounts for one-third or more of vocabulary growth, and
--promotes reading as a life-long activity.
LITERATURE: The Journey of the Self/Finding a Place in the World:
What can we learn about human nature, and ultimately about ourselves, from literature?
1st Nine Weeks: MAN vs. MAN
o Beowulf
o “The Pardoner’s Tale” from The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
o selected short stories and essays
2nd Nine Weeks: MAN vs. SOCIETY/UTOPIA vs. DYSTOPIA
o Lord of the Flies—William Golding
o Literature Circle: After reading Lord of the Flies, students will be grouped for literature
circles and will read one of the following books (titles are still under review):
o 1984—by George Orwell
o Out of the Silent Planet—by C.S. Lewis
o Animal Farm—George Orwell
o Fahrenheit 451—by Ray Bradbury
3rd Nine Weeks: MAN vs. NATURE/TECHNOLOGY
o Frankenstein—Mary Shelley
o Literature Circle: After reading Frankenstein, students will be grouped for literature
circles and will read and analyze short stories and non-fiction.
4th Nine Weeks: MAN vs. SELF
o Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and King Arthur Study
o Macbeth
o Independent Reading book—fiction/non-fiction
o selected poetry
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GRADING POLICY:
The grade book will be broken into two categories: formative and summative. Formative means
practice leading up to mastery. Summative is evidence of mastery. Formative assignments are
crucial to developing skills in this course. Therefore, all formative assignments are to be
completed. Often, formative assignments lead directly to, and will be incorporated into,
summative assignments.
Formative—(will be entered into Clarity)
These will include but are not limited to group and individual class work, warm-ups, journals,
drafts, and edits of essays.
Summative—100%
These will include but are not limited to final drafts of essays, quizzes and tests, and group and
individual projects and presentations.
ABSENCES:
You are expected to attend class regularly. If you must miss class, check the agenda on VISION
and/or see me the day you return.
OTHER EXPECTATIONS: In any situation where a group of individuals come together to
accomplish a goal, basic ground rules must be followed. These expectations were designed to
foster a respectful and positive instructional environment.
1. Be prepared.
 Bring textbooks, paper, and a writing utensil to class each day.
 Complete assigned reading and turn homework assignments in on time.
2. Be respectful.
 Of your teacher, fellow classmates, and classroom visitors.
 Of the classroom and materials in it.
3. Be on time for class.
 “On time” means in class, in your seat, and ready to work with the bell rings.
 Begin the warm up activity as soon as the bell rings.
4. First 10/Last 10
 Students should not ask to leave the classroom or print work during the first 10
or last 10 minutes of regular class time.
5. Be a class participant.
 Students should be in class and participate in class activities all period.
6. Be appropriate.
7. Dismissal: Please remain in your seats until I dismiss you at the end of class.
My goal is to help you to achieve the knowledge, confidence, and comfort level necessary to
succeed in English class, high school, and as lifelong learners. If you or your parents ever have a
question or concern, please feel free to call or send me an email (lisa.fiorilli@lcps.org).
Welcome to 10th grade! I look forward to working with you this year!
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