ENG2DMrs. DiRinaldo Introduction – a bit about ME Mrs. D’s “Rules” Course Outline Questionnaire Your first assignment

Mrs. D’s “Rules” (Fo’ Life) Be on time. Be prepared. Treat every individual in this room with respect and courtesy; be mindful to practice these two qualities in your life and I promise it will take you places. Do not speak when I am teaching. I like to think that I am somewhat of a star on a stage… and there is nothing more rude than an unappreciative audience. No cellphones, iPods, iPads, or iDonotcarewhatelse – if I see one, I get to take it from you for the day. Feel free to eat a snack or have a drink in class but know this: I AM A RECYCLING FANATIC. So, a) clean up your own mess but, b) if I even remotely SEE you put recyclable items IN THE GARBAGE… well, I can’t be held responsible for what I do. MANDATORY: Have a good sense of humour. (Translation: laugh when I think I’m being funny. Like right now.)

Building your Foundation English is the only course required in each of your four years of high school A successful Grade 10 Literacy Test (OSSLT) – which you will write this year – is required for graduation.

What to Expect This year, you will learn…  to hone you formal essay skills  to analyze short and long passages of literature  to make well-structured presentations to your class  to make connections between the works you read and the world around you  to (believe it or not) love Shakespeare, poetry and To Kill a Mockingbird… and me! (I mean it!)

Expectations for You A greater sense of responsibility  Punctuality and behaviour – study halls  Uniform, cell phones – zero tolerance  Homework and assignments  Kindness to one another

Expectations for your teacher Extra help Communication and conferencing  Class website – including due dates & uploadable documents/assignments  Reminders before assignments are due  Progress record Progress record

Write this Down: Course Outline 1.Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice 2.Novel Study: To Kill a Mockingbird 3.Novel Study: The Sunflower 4.Language Studies: Poetry, grammar, etc. 5.*Media  This unit will be small and will likely be completed with your new teacher after Christmas.

Dividers If you do not already have dividers in your binder, use each of the five coloured sheets given to you (and give each the title of one of the units in this course) HELPFUL HIGH SCHOOL HINT: KEEP YOUR BINDER ORGANIZED

Texts For the Short Stories unit, you will need only to bring your Literature & Media 10 to class – I will supply you with any extra handouts.  I will give you sufficient notice when we are switching units so that you will know which texts to bring.

Welcome to Grade 10 English Questionnaire Complete the Welcome to Grade 9 English questionnaire on your desk When finished, place on my desk and obtain a copy of “Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman.

Literary Devices What are literary devices? Why do writers use them? Read Leaves of Grass and highlight/underline and identify as many literary devices as you can.

O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; Of the endless trains of the faithless—of cities fill’d with the foolish; Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?) Of eyes that vainly crave the light—of the objects mean—of the struggle ever renew’d; Of the poor results of all—of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me; Of the empty and useless years of the rest—with the rest me intertwined; The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life? Answer. That you are here—that life exists, and identity; That the powerful play goes on, and you will contribute a verse. - Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

Write this Down: Dear HC What are your hopes, dreams, and visions for your high school experience? YOUR FIRST ASSIGNMENT: Write a one-page letter to HC describing how you imagine this school will fulfill your hopes, dreams, and visions Example: Dear RND

Continue Writing this Down: Dear HC ASSIGNMENT:  One-page letter: Must begin with “Dear HC” Date in top right corner Three paragraphs Introduction – what is the general topic/idea of this letter? Body – what are your hopes, dreams, etc.? Conclusion – what is your final, most effective statement? Use a minimum of four literary devices Typed, 1.5 line spacing (ask if you don’t know what this means!) & reasonable font (Georgia, Calibri, etc.)

Rubric Dear HC Assignment – Rubric for Assessment CategoryLevel % Level % Level % Level % Knowledge and Understanding At least 4 examples of literary devices /5 With a high degree of effectiveness With considerable effectiveness With some effectiveness With limited effectiveness Thinking and Inquiry Uses creative/critical thinking skills /5 With a high degree of effectiveness With considerable effectiveness With some effectiveness With limited effectiveness Communication Requirements for formatting met Appropriate language for intended audience /5 All expectations are met Most expectations are met Some expectations are met Expectations are rarely met Application Knowledge and skills transferred to a new context (letter) /5 With a high degree of effectiveness With considerable effectiveness With some effectiveness With limited effectiveness Total /20

DUE DATE: Your “Dear HC” letter is to be submitted on Friday, September 6 th  Important: I will be checking your progress on this assignment every day – please have rough work and evidence of editing and revisions to show me every day.