English I

Course Description

World Literature and Composition

Students will read and analyze full-length classic masterpieces and develop writing skills. Students will engage in guided Socratic-style class discussions about these literary works and learn to present carefully crafted ideas in writing. This English course is particularly beneficial for students taking world history.

 Although literature often represents a variety of worldviews, this course is taught from a Christian worldview,  Additionally, the course will foster proficiency in literary analysis, essay organization, style, and mechanics.

Required Reading

The Book of Job from the Bible (any version)

The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

At the Back of the North Wind by George Macdonald

Letters from Father Christmas by Tolkien

Refugee by Alan Gratz

Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare Cambridge School Shakespeare edition 

The Odyssey by Homer Robert Fitzgerald Translation https://www.amazon.com/Odyssey-Homer/dp/0374525749/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=odyssey+by+fitzgerald&qid=1689165762&sr=8-1&asin=0374525749&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1

Pilgrim Progress by John Bunyan https://www.amazon.com/Pilgrims-Progress-Illustrated-English-Illustrations-ebook/dp/B00Q8NFZY4/ref=sr_1_5?crid=108RU53YMEFJP&keywords=pilgrims+progress+john+bunyon&qid=1689165593&sprefix=pilgims+progress%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-5&asin=B00Q8NFZY4&revisionId=5505833b&format=1&depth=1

Posts

Dear Families,

    Students have begun Refugee by Alan Gratz this week. After reading classics from Tolkein, Bunyan, MacDonald, Shakespeare, and Homer, Refuge is a much easier read.

I chose this book for two reasons:

  1. When I read it a couple of years ago with my children, I was struck by the timeliness and felt empathy for the strangers and refugees among us. 
  2. Also, it pairs as a modern-day contrast to the ancient literature of The Odyssey.

     In the Odyssey, Homer showed readers that hospitality was vital to the ancient world. As Christians, we should show hospitality to strangers. Furthermore, in Refugee, three refugees come to the US because of persecution, war, and discrimination. East Tennessee is a hub for such refugees. 

      I have a friend who runs an English Center in Knoxville, and she has refugees from Ukraine, Syria, Iran, etc. I have volunteered in the center, and it is truly a mission field you can drive to and experience people from around the world. If you are interested in volunteering to help with child care or even helping teach English to refugees - let me know so I can put you in touch with my friend. The center is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 - 11:30 am. 

Hebrews 13:2 Amplified Bible (AMP)

Do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers [especially among the family of believers—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Dear Parents,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to provide you with an update on our classroom activities and to remind you of an upcoming assignment deadline.

Our class has recently completed the first four acts of Julius Caesar, and we are excited to delve deeper into the relationships of Brutus, Antony, and Cassius. The students have been engaged and enthusiastic about the text.

As part of our exploration of the play, I have assigned a reflective writing task for the students. They have been asked to reflect on their memories and family experiences, drawing connections to the themes and events in the book. This assignment is designed to encourage deeper understanding and empathy, as well as to foster critical thinking skills.

The reading and writing brainstorming assignment was posted earlier on Google Classroom. It is due on Monday, April 29th. 

Should you have any questions or concerns about the assignment, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Your involvement and support are greatly appreciated and contribute to the success of our classroom community.

 

Warm regards,

Students are applying the final edits to their essays on Romeo and Juliet, ensuring they're ready for submission. Today in class, we reviewed a checklist of all the elements required for this essay. 
 
Alongside this task, they're delving deeper into their reading of Julius Caesar, with discussion questions awaiting their attention also due Monday.
 
All assignments, including the discussion questions and a link to the free PDF version of Julius Caesar, are posted in the Google Classroom.
 
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's progress or assignments, don't hesitate to reach out. 

Hail, esteemed parents!
 
May this message reach you in high spirits and health! Allow me to share tidings from Oak Grove's English 1 class. Our bright students have just wrapped up their journey through Shakespeare's timeless classic, Romeo and Juliet, and they're now embarking on a thrilling new adventure as they prepare their essays by writing their outlines and arrangements this week.
 
In addition to their essay endeavors, our eager learners will be diving into the captivating world of Julius Caesar. They begin with Act 1 today and will complete thought-provoking questions to enhance their understanding of the text, due Monday. To aid them in this literary exploration, each student has received a copy of Act 1, presented side-by-side with a modern translation for easier comprehension.
 
As always, your support means the world. If you ever have any questions or need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. 
 
Fare thee well, 
Mrs. Jinks
 

Dear Parents,

Students are tasked with completing their reading of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and then responding to questions on Act 5 via Google Classroom. Additionally, they are assigned to construct a three-paragraph essay utilizing the Story Sequence Template for their outline and essay. Each paragraph must contain a strong topic sentence that effectively conveys the central theme or idea of the picture presented. Additionally, adherence to MLA format for typing and uploading the essay to Google Classroom is necessary. The outline accounts for 20 points, and the essay itself for 30 points.

In each paragraph, students should carefully observe the pictures provided or their drawings and articulate what they see. This description should serve as the foundation for the subsequent analysis of Act 5. By identifying the key elements depicted in the images, students can establish context for the play's plot, while writing an essay with confidence.

At the same time, we are on the home stretch for this school year, and it is vital for students to stay on top of their assignments and due dates as outlined in the Google Classroom to finish well. To help track students' progress, I will be using iGradePlus.com and sending an invite this week. This platform will allow parents and students to monitor grades. 

If you have any questions or concerns about grades or assignments, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's work together to make this last quarter a successful one!

Warmly, Mrs. Jinks

Our class is advancing through Romeo and Juliet, concurrently honing skills in citing evidence from sources.

A reading and writing assignment has been scheduled on Google Classroom for tomorrow, Thursday, March 28th, and Tuesday, April 2nd.

I pray that you and your family experience a joyful Easter celebration as you reflect on the Resurrection of Jesus!

OG English I Schedule March - April

I have some exciting news to share! Our class is making fantastic progress with our literature studies, and I couldn't be more thrilled to announce that we're adding two classic novels that are absolute must-reads for high school students. Both are free for printing or downloading.

As mentioned in this week's letter we are moving from the deep allegorical world of Pilgrim's Progress to the passionate drama of Romeo and Juliet. Most freshman honors classes tackle Romeo and Juliet, so this is a fantastic addition for your child.

Next, we're diving into the thought-provoking world of 1984 by George Orwell. This addition explores dystopian themes and societal commentary. And, it's also free in the public domain!

Of course, we're also sticking to our original book list, reading Refuge last. This story promises to be a captivating journey in its own right.

I'm genuinely excited to embark on these literary adventures and unforgettable stories!

Dear Parents and Families,

Exciting news! We're expanding our English I curriculum to include William Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, following the study of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. This is especially noteworthy as most freshman honors classes read Romeo and Juliet.

Here's why it's beneficial:

  • Critical Thinking: We'll dive deep into Shakespeare's language and characters, solving literary puzzles. It's challenging, but it'll make us sharper thinkers.

  • Historical Context: Romeo and Juliet gives us a glimpse into that fascinating time. We'll uncover insights into the culture, society, and norms of the past.

  • Empathy Building: We'll step into the shoes of Romeo, Juliet, and their friends. Their struggles will touch our hearts and help us see the world from different perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding.

  • Diverse Exploration: We're venturing into a whole new literary world. Think of it as exploring different universes filled with unique genres and themes that will expand our horizons.

Plus, Romeo and Juliet is in the public domain making it accessible for free! I have provided a link to the online version of Romeo and Juliet in the Google Classroom. All assignments are posted in Google Classroom.

 

Warm regards.

Dear Families,
 
     As spring break approaches, I hope this message finds you well! Whether you are planning an exciting getaway, a peaceful staycation, or simply looking forward to spending extra time at home with your family, I encourage you to create lasting memories and embrace the beauty of spring! 
 
      Homework is posted in Google Classroom for students to finish this week so they can fully enjoy the break.
 
      Your student received progress reports in class today. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 
 
Warm regards,
Mrs. Jinks
 

Dear Parents,
 
Firstly, I am pleased to inform you that we are on track to finish reading Pilgrim's Progress in the next three class meetings. Reading this book enhances their literary skills and provides valuable insights into various aspects of life.
 
To ensure that our students truly comprehend the nuances of Pilgrim's Progress, I have attached a study guide that covers Part 2: Introduction, Stage 1, and Stage 2. This guide will assist them in understanding and analyzing the characters and events in the book. Encourage your child to use the study guide while reading the assigned sections.
 
In terms of upcoming writing assignments, students learned a new method for introducing claims, citing evidence, and explaining. Using this new technique, students will write two body paragraphs about their research. Additionally, offering feedback and proofreading can go a long way in boosting their confidence and growth in writing. Specifics and requirements are posted in Google Classroom.
 
As always, I am available to address any questions or concerns. 
 
Best regards,
Julia Jinks

Hello Parents, 
 
Thank you for encouraging your children to stay on top of their English I assignments and reading.
 
Here's how you can support them:
This week, students continue to read Pilgrim's Progress and are beginning a Research Paper.
 
Pilgrim's Progress is a classic book that follows the journey of a character named Christian, filled with deep themes suitable for readers of all ages.
If your student finds the reading challenging, have them listen to an audio version on Audible. This will aid in better comprehending the story and its themes.
 
An additional resource related to Pilgrim's Progress is available on Google Classroom. Utilizing this resource can further enrich the student's understanding of the book.
 
For the Research Paper assignment, check to see that your student has selected a topic of interest and is gathering three reliable sources (internet articles and/or books). Bringing these sources to class on Monday will help students initiate research and establish a strong foundation for their writing.
 
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

Mock Trial:

  • Students successfully debated the character of Odysseus in a Mock Trial format, drawing evidence from The Odyssey.
  • The prosecution presented a compelling argument rooted in a Biblical Worldview perspective.
  • This exercise demonstrates your students' understanding of the text and their ability to engage critically with diverse viewpoints. 

The Odyssey & Pilgrim's Progress:

  • Transitioning between The Odyssey and Pilgrim's Progress allows students to experience contrasting styles and themes.
  • Pilgrim's Progress is similar to devotional texts with its episodic structure.

Further Engagement:

  • Students are currently writing persuasive or narrative essays based on the Mock Trial verdict, reinforcing their analysis and writing skills.
  • Upcoming literature readings will revisit Christian's story in Pilgrim's Progress. Students will draw comparisons to his trials, those of Odysseus, and those of their own.

Overall, it's evident that you're fostering a dynamic and thought-provoking learning environment for your students. Their engagement with various literature from diverse perspectives is impressive. Keep up the excellent work!

All assignments are posted in Google Classroom.

Students are working diligently on their roles for the Mock Trial of Odysseus to determine whether or not Odysseus is a Hero. With evidence from the text, the parties will argue their side. The research for the trial will build with invention and imagination into a creative narrative essay in the coming weeks!
 
The class continues working through Easy Grammar lessons, and we are wrapping up our work on prepositions. We will review figurative language, show kindness, and express encouragement to classmates on Valentine's Day.
 
All assignments are in Google Classroom. 

In class this week, we have been discussing the timeless classic The Odyssey. From the characters, vocabulary, themes, and possible essay topics, our class dissected a well-written essay on this epic today. We worked backward, inspecting and listing each proof and topic that supported the thesis. The persuasive essay begins with an exordium, which is the correct way to construct the start of an essay with a question, challenge, quote, or challenge. Students should use these proofs, or brainstorm original proofs to support a thesis for their upcoming essay.
 
Students continue working on grammar exercises in class, covering prepositions, and writing personal responses in class journals. Today's journal entry was about the importance of family and how this is demonstrated in the theme of The Odyssey.  
 
All assignments are in Google Classroom.