9th-10th Grade Writing Programs
Class Description
In the Grades 9-10 class, students will engage in critical literary analysis and enhance their writing skills through a variety of contemporary and classic texts. The curriculum emphasizes deep exploration of themes, character development, and the impact of literary techniques, preparing students for advanced coursework. Students will participate in discussions, collaborative projects, and creative writing exercises that encourage them to articulate their perspectives clearly and thoughtfully.
Comprehensive Text Analysis
Students engage in in-depth discussions about themes, characters, and social issues presented in the literature.
Creative and Analytical Writing
Regular writing assignments include personal narratives, persuasive essays, and analytical papers, enhancing students’ writing versatility.
Debate and Discussion Formats
Students participate in structured debates and discussions, fostering critical thinking and respectful dialogue on complex topics.
Field Trip Opportunities
Field trips are integrated into the curriculum to connect literature with real-world experiences, enhancing understanding of themes and issues.
Literary Theories
Introduction to various literary theories (e.g., historical, cultural, social, political) encourages students to analyze texts from multiple perspectives.
Peer Feedback and Collaboration
Students engage in peer review sessions, promoting constructive criticism and collaborative learning.
9th-10th Grade Sample Lesson and Field Trip Example
Sample Lesson
Sample Field Trip: Visit to California African American Museum
Sample Field Trip: Visit to California African American Museum
Topic: Exploring Identity and Belonging in The Hate U Give
- Duration: 2 hours
- Activities:
- 20 min: Introduction to the themes of identity and social justice, providing background on the book and its context.
- 30 min: Group reading of selected passages that highlight Starr’s experiences and challenges.
- 20 min: Class discussion on how the author uses narrative voice to explore themes of race, identity, and activism.
- 40 min: Writing workshop where students draft a personal reflection/memoir introduction on their own experiences with identity and belonging, drawing connections to the text.
- 10 min: Sharing reflections in small groups.
Sample Field Trip: Visit to California African American Museum
Sample Field Trip: Visit to California African American Museum
Sample Field Trip: Visit to California African American Museum
The class will take a field trip to the California African American Museum (CAAM) to explore the themes of social justice and activism presented in The Hate U Give. During the visit, students will engage with exhibitions that highlight the contributions of African Americans to art, culture, and history, fostering a deeper understanding of the social issues depicted in the novel. After the museum tour, students will participate in a workshop discussing the importance of cultural representation and activism in contemporary society.
Following the trip to the California African American Museum, students will have two creative writing options for their post-field trip assignment. In the first option, they can write a narrative short story inspired by the themes of The Hate U Give and the exhibits they explored. In the second option, students can create a collection of poems that reflect their thoughts and feelings about the social justice themes in The Hate U Give and the historical context provided by the museum visit. Students will have the opportunity to present their story or poetry to the class, sharing their reflections and creative interpretations.