The ability to write well is an important skill for everyone at every stage of life.  The Janet Schafer Writing Unit focuses on literary analysis essays as well as personal essays. In my Special English classes we will begin this unit soon after school starts.  Students will learn the difference between personal and literary commentary.  We also will use Real World Writing, Reading and Grammar resources which give students practice in everyday writing and reading such as job applications, menus, labels, resumes, banking forms, anything one would find in the "Real World".

We will read the short story, "The Martian Child", the novel The Martian Child, and watch the film.  Each one is different and the students will compare and contrast all three.  They will decide which they preferred and why.  Vocabulary will also be used with the short story and the novel.  Students will be assessed on the material.  We will read aloud or I will read to the students.  We will discuss all 3 representations in class.

The first week of school we will spend a little time getting to know one another.

We will use English Language and Reading games to foster reading, comprehension, and higher order thinking skills.

I want my students to become engaged while feeling comfortable and safe in my classroom.

Every Friday students will be given the opportunity to read an AR book.  There should be no excuses for not earning AR points. 

 Later this semester we will begin reading AR books as a class allowing students at least two opportunities to earn AR points.  Each book we read as a class is accompanied by discussions to enrich comprehension, language practice, writing assignments, and testing on material read. 

I also plan to use films which teach important concepts while utilizing the study guides which accompany them.