Course Overview This English IV AP course provides a stimulating college-level class that encourages students to develop lifelong reading, writing, and thinking habits while also preparing them to take the AP Literature and Composition Exam in May. The reading in AP Literature is primarily fiction and includes short stories, novels, drama, and poetry. Students will also engage in close reading strategies in order to analyze author's purpose and craft. By reading critically and thoughtfully, students will delve below the surface of a piece of literature in order to develop critical thinking skills and an a deeper understanding and significance of the elements and devices of literature. It is my belief and part of my teaching philosophy that students have the opportunity for creative ways to express their understanding of literature and its elements. Therefore, creative projects are a part of my curriculum as they draw upon students' individual strengths and talents and allow for students to make connections to literature that are meaningful to them. In this way, I am able to foster students' strengths and hopefully their love of literature. Independent Reading Beginning August 26th, students should have a copy of a book to read. The purpose of IR is to encourage the love of reading so that it becomes lifelong. Students can choose just about any book they want to read. Students will keep track of the number of pages read each week via a virtual Reader's Notebook that I will provide students once we get going next week. Additionally, students will complete a reading survey at the beginning of the year to help me understand how students see themselves as readers. At the beginning of each quarter, students will set goals, and at the end of each quarter, students will write a reflection. There are page in the Reader's Notebook to record all books read and which books to read next. Students will read for 10 minutes at the beginning of class Tuesdays-Thursdays. Students are encouraged to read each night and during the weekends when their schedules allow. Journals Each Monday, students will complete a journal entry in a virtual journal I will provide them. Students will write for 10 full minutes addressing the journal topics. Students are encouraged to explore their voices in journals. They are a risk free place for students to honestly examine themselves and the world around them. Journals have been a staple of my class for most of my teaching career because beautiful writing emerges when students are given the freedom to express themselves unreservedly. *More to come! |
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