Norris Language Department

Freshman English

I love teaching this class and working with students as they start their high school career.  It's a wonderful opportunity to see students adapt to high school and realize their potential to learn and grow as young adults.  The links at left illustrate some of the literature we explore over the course of the year in Freshman English.

1st semester

*Goal paper-5 paragraph introductory essay for students to focus on short term goals to accomplish this semester.

*Flowers for Algernon- Daniel Keyes' writes a novel from the perspective of a mentally handicapped man Charlie Gordon and an experimental operation he has to increase his intelligence.

*To Kill a Mockingbird-Harper Lee's widely read novel about growing up in the south during the depression.

*Literary Terms-Students need to learn 75 terms that apply to written works as well as dramatic works.  They are tested every other week and then are expected to take a final over all 75 at the end of the semester.

        Flashcards, crosswords, and matching games to help memorize literary  terms

    Study helpers- create virtual crossword puzzles, to help with studying.

Games- crossword puzzles

Required summer curriculum prior to entering English 10 Pre AP.  A printable version of the required reading and writing list.

    1.  Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story musical-

        *read and complete 'Reading Check' and 'For Study and Discussion' questions

        *complete a five paragraph comparison paper on Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story  focusing on comparisons between characters and scenes

    2.  The Odyssey

        *read and complete 'Reading Check' and 'For Study and Discussion' questions

   3.  To Kill a Mockingbird

           *read and complete study guide

   4.  poetry research and power-point

Questions regarding the program can be emailed to jamie.kernes@norris160.org.