Grade 11 – Class Syllabus 9/5 – 9/8

Tuesday, 9/5:
Article: “Why We Read” – Lawrence J. Cohen, PH.D
Selective Highlighting: What kinds of things can you get out of a good book? & How does Cohen distinguish “great books” from “beach books”?
In class journal: One page- What real people, characters, or authors have validated the best parts of me? *Update: Some classes were assigned to wite a reaction to the article instead.


Homework:
Interview a parent, friend, teacher, etc... Find out the criteria they use to classify a work of literature as “good.” (One paragraph)

Wednesday, 9/6:
Chalk Talk: “Good literature is…”
In class: Develop a personal definition of good literature
Homework: 1. Type up definition
2. Letter to Mrs. Baker/ Mrs. Dunn

Thursday, 9/7:
To Kill a Mockingbird
PowerPoint Novel Introduction
Chalk Talk/ Concept Web: Courage
What do you think characterizes a person who has courage?
What kinds of situations might call for courage?
Discuss Setting & Point of View
Homework:
1. Letter to Mrs. Baker
2. Index cards for first section of vocabulary words due Wednesday


Friday, 9/8:
“Meet Harper Lee” handout
Character Bookmark
Chapter One – Begin in class
Homework: “My Early School Days” – personal reflection
Think about a hated or much loved teacher, an incident that was particularly sad or funny and create the scene. (Due Tuesday)