This class reinforces the skills needed for success in “mainstream” or regular English classes, for students in grades 9 – 12.  The curriculum includes vocabulary, grammar,  reading comprehension, literary terms, and writing assignments.  In the first quarter, we read from the myths of ancient Greece, reviewing literary terms related to short stories.  We also learned vocabulary from college preparatory vocabulary textbooks.  In the second quarter we read an ancient Greek drama, Oedipus, which precedes the mainstream curriculum’s Antigone reading.  In the third quarter we read novels, and the fourth quarter we read poetry.  In each quarter, we focus on vocabulary, application of literary terms, and writing assignments based on literature.

These classes introduce students to basic communication in the English language.  Each week includes intensive practice in reading, speaking, writing, and understanding English.  Students use a comprehensive English book for beginners, called “Visions.”  This book has a workbook that students should bring to class each day.  Students also keep a binder for daily lessons and review.  Our curriculum also includes visual projects, group work, and story readings with comprehension questions.