Sheltered English 9

Taught by: Jill Dahl

Sheltered English 9 is a course designed to refine student reading, writing, and grammar skills as they prepare to transition into a mainstream, grade-level English class. Students will be expected to engage critically with novels from the mainstream curriculum, such as: Black Boy by Richard Wright, The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, and A Separate Peace by John Knowles. Students will write analytical essays to demonstrate high-level comprehension and writing ability. Grammar instruction will occur concurrently with the writing of major essays and assignments. Additionally, students will perfect their spoken English through a variety of verbal presentations, which include debates, fishbowl discussions, and speeches.

Examples of Student Work:

Here is an excerpt from a literary analysis essay by Rachel Chang:

"A Separate Piece by John Knowles is a story about the relationship between two sixteen-year old boys. The main character, Gene is a student who is motivated by academics. He is also a perso who follows all the rules and regulation. Finny is Gene's roommate and best friend who has a completely opposite personality from Gene. He is a popular, taunting daredevil athlete. Because Finny's athletic abilities plus he can refuse to follow the regulations without any punishments, Gene's envy led to a tragedy that changed both of their lives.

Finny's incredible talents at sports and his authority of the rules cause a deep grudge inside Gene. Gene became Finny's best friend by jumping from a tree. Unfortunately, he feels that Finny is trying to take him away from his studies. Finny has a perfect physical grace and coordination. He also can handle any situation and charm the teachers and classmates. He can never worrying about the rules or the consequences. As a result, Gene's jealousy became deeper. He knows that his life had been saved by Finny. However, he told himself that he should not feel any gratitude toward him. When Finny told Gene that he is his best pal, Gene didn't tell him back. This is because the strong envy hidden inside of him. When Finny revealed his feelings, Gene "started to [respond]; [he] nearly did. But something held [him] back. Perphaps [he] was stopped by that level of feeling deeper than thought, which contains the truth"(40). Gene's truly feeling stops him. This feeling is his latent jealous of his best friend. "

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