Welcome to 9th Grade Literature and Composition!

  • Course Description:

    This 9th-grade literature course is structured to deepen students' understanding of literary analysis and critical thinking. Throughout the year, students will explore a variety of literary texts, including novels, plays, poetry, and non-fiction. The curriculum is aligned with state standards and is organized around thematic units that help students connect literature to broader world perspectives and personal experiences.

    Important Links:

     

    HMH 9th Grade Units / Pacing:

    Buffer: 6 days: August 6th – 12th 

    Unit 1: 25 days: Central Ideas: August 13th – September 17th 

    Buffer: 5 days: September 18th – 24th

    Unit 2: Development of Characters/Ideas: 25 days: September 25th -  November 1st

    Buffer: 5 days:  November 4th – 8th

    Unit 3: Author’s Choice: 22 days: November 12th – December- 18th

    Buffer: 2 days: November 12th – December 18th : 2 days January 6th – 7th 

    Unit 4: Development of Characters/Ideas: 20 days: January 8th – February 5th

    Buffer: 5 days: February 6th – 12th 

    Unit 5: Point of View: 20 days: February 13th – March 14th

    Review Unit: 18 days: April 20th – May 22nd

    Course Objectives:

    • Develop a strong understanding of literary texts within their cultural and historical contexts.
    • Enhance analytical and interpretative skills through written and oral expression.
    • Foster an appreciation for the diversity of literary voices and the universality of human experiences.
    • Encourage critical thinking and the ability to craft well-supported literary analyzes.
    • Prepare students for success in future literature courses and assessments.

    Classroom Procedures:

    1. Respect yourself, others, and your surroundings. No eating, drinking, or chewing gum is allowed. No sleeping in class is allowed. Please raise your hand to speak or to get out of your seat. Students may have bottled, clear water in class. If it is anything other than clear, it is NOT allowed. 
    2. Be on time. You must be in your assigned seat BEFORE the bell rings. If you come to class and ask to go to the restroom, you must be back before the bell rings, or you will be counted tardy. I will give you a tardy if a teacher sends you to my class with a note if I have not been pre-warned of your tardiness. NO passes will be issued the first 15 or the last 15 minutes of class per school policy.
    3. MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. Please do not use my class time to spread rumors or gossip. Always remain on task!
    4. Simply do what is right. We have a great deal of work to do, so we must curtail excuses for not doing what we know we should do.

    Reassess and Relearn Plan:

    Students have up to 10 school days to reassess major assessments, with up to two attempts allowed.

    To qualify for reassessment, students must complete a reassessment form and provide evidence of relearning, such as:

    • Annotated readings/ Close reading practices
    • Revised writings
    • Tutoring sessions

    Minor assessments may be reassessed at the teacher's discretion.