Greetings and Welcome to English 9!

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies ... the man who never reads lives only one.”

George R.R. Martin  

   A Dance with Dragons

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Coach West and Mrs. West

Teacher Bio:

Hello, students! I am Patty West, and I am thrilled to be your teacher this year. First, let me share a little bit about myself.

I pursued my education at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in History and English. Continuing my academic journey, I also earned a Master of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the same esteemed institution.

When I'm not in the classroom, you can often find me engrossed in a good book. I am a lifelong reader with a deep passion for fantasy and science fiction. Exploring magical worlds and futuristic realms has always been a source of inspiration and imagination for me.

Another love of mine is traveling. Over the summer, I embarked on a dream trip to Scotland, where I immersed myself in the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and enchanting folklore. Traveling opens our minds to diverse cultures and experiences, and I enjoy incorporating those worldly perspectives into my teaching.

In my free time, I also love hiking through the national parks. Connecting with nature and discovering the wonders of our environment brings me a sense of peace and rejuvenation.

Throughout my teaching career of 34 years, my passion for education has only grown stronger. I still love every aspect of teaching and am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of my students. Each one of you brings unique talents and perspectives to our classroom, and I am excited to learn and grow alongside you this year.

I look forward to an engaging and inspiring academic journey together. Let's make this year a memorable one!

Best regards,

Ms. West

English 9 Class Objectives

1. Reading Comprehension: Understand and analyze short stories and poems by employing various reading strategies, such as identifying main ideas, themes, literary devices, and character development.
2. Explore Different Genres: Delve into the world of short stories and poems, examining different genres and understanding the unique elements and structures they possess.
3. Analyze Literary Elements: Gain a deeper understanding of literary elements, including plot, setting, characterization, symbolism, imagery, and figurative language. Learn how these elements contribute to a text's overall meaning and impact.
4. Interpret Theme and Central Ideas: Identify and interpret the central themes and ideas present in short stories and poems. Explore the layers of meaning and examine how authors convey their messages through literary techniques.
5. Enhance Critical Thinking Skills: Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of different literary techniques, storytelling techniques, and poetic devices used by authors.
6. Creative Expression: Cultivate your creativity through writing exercises and assignments
7. Literary Analysis Skills: Develop your ability to analyze and discuss literature through class discussions, group activities, and written assignments.
8. Appreciate Cultural and Historical Contexts: Explore the cultural and historical contexts in which short stories and poems were written.
9. Improve Writing Skills: Engage in various writing activities, including literary analysis essays, creative writing exercises, and response journals. Focus on clarity, organization, and the effective use of language to express your ideas.

By the end of this English 9 course, I hope each student will develop a genuine appreciation, if not love, for literature and recognize the power of storytelling and poetry to inspire, provoke thought, and convey the human experience.

2023-2024 Syllabus
2023 Fall Pacing Guide
2023-2024 Spring Pacing Guide