Above, you see my mantra for the juniors. One of my objectives for the year is to challenge juniors to take ownership of their academic life and see how their individual efforts make the educational experience in American literature better for all of us.

English III Course Description: Students will study a variety of literary forms in American literature, examining writings from the Colonial Period to the present. Literary works will be examined within the context of time to determine how they reflect the social/economic/political climate of the era.

Writing assignments will emanate from the readings. Vocabulary studies will come from novels, textbook activities and student discovery. The course will develop interpretive reading, critical thinking skills, research skills, vocabulary and expository and argumentative essay writing.

Reading comprehension, grammar, mechanics and usage exercises will be incorporated as appropriate in the form of mini-lessons. Most grammar, mechanics, usage, spelling, etc. will be addressed on individual writings.

Classroom activities will incorporate a variety of methodologies and tasks. Students can expect to discuss, work cooperatively, listen to lectures and take notes, prepare creative projects individually and as part of a group, read extensively, and write formally and informally. Participation in all activities is essential.

Summer Reading Junior English 2009-2010

The English Department is working to encourage independent reading by our students. This summer each grade level is expected to participate and will be assessed at the beginning of the school year.

Some experts recommend that students read two million words a year on their own. Others suggest reading at least thirty minutes a day. We want all students to read at least thirty minutes a day and keep track of what they read.

Juniors, I expect you to read thirty minutes every day. I want you to keep a log of what you read. This assignment, along with a sample log, is explained on the other side of this sheet; and it is also available on my web site. The URL of my page is: http://www.quia.com/pages/jrenglish3.html. Make more copies of log as you need to.

This summer assignment will receive a grade (100 pts. possible) and is expected on the first day of school. Logs not submitted at that time will not receive any credit; consequently, you will begin the year at a serious disadvantage.

We will process and use these reading logs in several ways. From them, we can determine reading interests and reading strengths or weaknesses. With this information, we can develop strategies for surmounting weaknesses and approaching different kinds of reading. Ultimately, we may excite students about reading, figure out how to successful read and process different kinds of reading, and develop better reading habits. Who knows what good things may come of reading!