English/Language

 Arts  2  (ELA2)  
Session  4,  2012-­‐2013  
Mondays/Wednesdays,  11:15-­‐12:30  
Instructor:  Lori  Peters  
 
Course  Objective:  
This  course  is  for  students  who  have  mastered  basic  mechanics  or  who  are  at  least  proficient  
writers  in  composition  (flow  of  ideas),  and/or  who  are  willing  to  practice  basic  mechanics  on  their  
own.  Students  in  this  class  should  be  able  to  read  proficiently  at  or  above  a  7th  grade  level.  (Or,  
plan  to  reread/review  all  reading  assignments  weekly).  Junior  Scholastic  and/or  Science  World  
magazines  will  be  used,  subscription  included.  Reading  will  include  some  7th-­‐9th  CA  content  
standards  for  social  studies,  science  and  literature.  Focus  of  writing  genre  in  Session  4  will  be  a  
narrative  and  creative  writing,  to  include  poetry,  short  stories,  and  scripts.  Activities  may  also  
include  group  presentations  and  skits.  Students  should  expect  to  compose  at  least  three  final  drafts  
of  their  writing.    
 
Course  Expectations:  
• Attend  all  classes  or  follow  up  if  absent.    No  make-­‐ups  will  occur.  
• Arrive  on  time  and  prepared  to  provide  your  best  effort  daily.  Bring  any  assigned  reading  to  
class  each  time.    
• Be  willing  to  discuss/share  your  work  and  assess  your  own  progress.  
• Complete  your  reading  and  writing  assignments.    
• Materials  needed:  Spiral  notebook,  folder,  assignment  notebook,  and  pencil/pen.  
 
Class  Syllabus:  
Sharing,  article  discussion,  peer  review,  and  collaboration  will  be  ongoing.  The  following  syllabus  is  a  
GENERAL  framework  only;  class  focus  will  adjust  according  to  students’  needs.    
 
Week  #1-­  4/8,  4/10  
Focus  this  week  will  be  review  of  various  skills  in  grammar,  punctuation,  vocabulary  skills,  and  
editing,  as  well  as  journaling  and  streams  of  consciousness.    
 
Week  #2-­  4/15,  4/17  
Focus  this  week  will  be  short  story,  story  elements,  character  development,  and  dialogue.      
 
Week  #3-­  4/22,  4/24  
Students  will  compose,  edit  and  revise  a  short  story.  Literary  devices  will  be  reviewed.    Reading  
and  vocabulary  development  will  be  ongoing.    
 
Week  #4-­  4/29,  5/1  
Students  will  study  classic  and/or  contemporary  poetry,  and  respond  to  prompts  with  free  verse  
poetry  drafts  of  their  own.    
 
Week  #5-­  5/6  and  5/8  
Poetry  styles  will  be  explored  and  discussed,  with  an  emphasis  on  symbolism.  Students  will  write  
poetry  for  peer  review  and  sharing.    
 
Week  #6-­  5/13,  5/15  
Students  will  study  script  writing  and  collaborate  on  a  script  draft  of  their  own,  and  prepare  for  a  
short  skit.      
 
Week  #7-­  5/20,  5/22  
Finalize  draft  of  scripts  and  practice  for  skits.  Prepare  one  short  story  or  poem  of  choice  to  share  
with  class.      
 
Week  #8-­  (no  class  on  5/27),  5/29  
Practice  for  skits  and  oral  presentation  (personal  piece).    
 
Week  #9-­  6/3,  6/5  
Students  will  culminate  with  a  review  of  skills,  collaborative  activities,  skit  practice,  and  skits.