Welcome to English 10!

Course Description:

This year in English 10 the students will read several novels as well as several informational texts.  They will also be writing descriptive, narrative, expository, persuasive, research and critical lens papers.  In addition, students will engage in journal writing as a means of responding to the readings that we will be doing. 

Novels:  October Sky by Homer Hickam, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by: William Shakespeare, Night by: Elie Wiesel, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansbury

All of the informational texts and writing assignments will correspond to novel that we are reading during a specific unit.

Mrs. Murphy’s Objectives: Upon leaving this classroom in June, you will:

Become a more proficient writer and have a better understanding of the writing process.

 Be able to compose a clear thesis statement.

Demonstrate the ability to use more complex vocabulary in everyday writing and speaking.

Develop a richer appreciation for literature (fiction and non-fiction).

Be able to identify major authors and their works.

Feel more comfortable reading and understanding aspects of a work by William Shakespeare.

Demonstrate the ability to function cooperatively within a classroom and group setting.

Leave a little better than when you came into the classroom.

Classroom Rules: BE HONEST, BE RESPECTFUL, BE PREPARED…

RESPECT for your peers, your teachers, and yourself is required and expected!

You are not allowed to use Mrs. Murphy’s computer for ANY reason.

The classroom phone, filing cabinets, and teacher’s desk are for Mrs. Murphy’s use only.

The closet, the shelves, and the student computers may be used only with Mrs. Murphy’s permission.

The posters on the wall are to brighten the classroom, provide information, and give you something to look at – please do not move them, touch them, or write on them.

Please pickup any garbage or papers on the floor and throw them away.

If you need to borrow a book for class, please return it when you are done.

No foul or off-color language.

Leave the desks, walls, chairs, or anything else as you found them when you entered.  If you do see “graffiti” or something out of place, please alert Mrs.Murphy.

Take responsibility for your actions and your grade.  You will not succeed because you are “lucky”; you will succeed because you worked hard.

Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated!

Lavatory/drinking fountain are a privilege during class time. 

Bring a pen/pencil, paper, and your book to class.

I know that we will have a great year.  My door is always open if you need anything.  If you have any ideas, I would love to hear them!

Thanks and good luck,

Mrs. Murphy