English 1 Honors Trabuco Hills High School Academic Year Mrs. Ioala Holmes English 1 Honors focuses on the rigorous study of language, writing, grammar, and literature in order to stimulate critical thinking and encourage effective communication skills. Throughout this course, students will utilize a variety of writing styles while exploring a broad spectrum of literary genres. Students enrolled in English 1 Honors will discover opportunities to grow intellectually and personally as they continue to pursue in-depth analysis and embrace an enthusiasm for a variety of literature.

Course Texts and Literature Fall Semester Textbook: Prentice Hall Literature: Common Core Edition; Grade 9 Literature: The Good Earth by Pearl Buck The Odyssey by Homer (W. H. D Rouse Translation) As You Like It by William Shakespeare Selected Short Stories Spring Semester Textbook: Prentice Hall Literature: Common Core Edition; Grade 9 Literature: House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare Selected Poems

English 1 Honors Course Goals Students will:  actively engage in cross-curricular education which develops common themes within literature, history, and society…both past and present.  maturely challenge their ability to analyze literature in terms of the author’s use of specific elements and devices (i.e. setting, characterization, theme, conflict, symbolism) through a variety of formal and informal writing activities and domains (i.e. journals, quickwrites, graphic organizers, narratives, formal analysis).  develop more cohesive writing and more effective oral communication skills through the participation of daily vocabulary and grammar-strengthening activities.  develop more advanced critical thinking and speaking skills through a variety of individual and group presentations and projects (i.e. power point presentations)

Weekly Vocabulary Students receive WEEKLY vocabulary from the literature, etymology (word origin), and Sadlier/Oxford Vocabulary Workbook (Level D). Monday: Introduction of NEW vocabulary unit/list Wednesday: Vocabulary Cards (5 points) for this NEW vocabulary unit/list Friday: Vocabulary Test…CUMMULATIVE Throughout the week, students will engage in vocabulary building exercises to learn new words and reinforce previous words.

Academic Year Assessments Essays and Exams 40% Homework and Quizzes 30% Individual and Group Presentations 10% Fall Semester Final Exam(s) 20%

REMIND and Text Notifications for English 1 Honors This messaging tool is used to “remind” students and parents of upcoming exams, quizzes, and projects. To receive messages via , send an to

Haiku The Haiku Page is available for viewing by accessing the “Staff Pages” on the Saddleback Portal or visiting the THHS website. Ioala Holmes English 1 Honors/IB This resource tool includes Vocabulary Units, Handouts, Friday Homework, Projects/Project Due Dates, and other important information for English 1 Honors

Thank you for your DONATIONS! The following items are greatly appreciated in the classroom throughout the year to enhance the health and learning of your students: Clorox wipes Kleenex Boxes Post-it Notes Highlighters

Ralph Waldo Emerson stated: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Thank you for your enthusiasm regarding your child’s academic success. I look forward to witnessing the “greatness” each student possesses! Please feel free to contact me regarding your questions and concerns: Period 5: Conference (949) x