Course Description
English Foundations 3 Syllabus. The course is limited to 12 students.
English Foundations 3 is a comprehensive English class for 8th-9th graders covering composition, literature, grammar, and vocabulary. This class is designed for ninth graders who need additional reinforcement before more advanced high school-level English classes. (A high school credit for English will be earned for 9th graders taking this course.) Upper-middle school students who have already shown strong English abilities, particularly in writing and grammar, are also welcome.
Course Objectives are as follows:
- Write multi-paragraph essays for the four types of writing (descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive) with teacher review to improve each composition.
- Demonstrate an understanding of English grammar, including punctuation, mechanics, spelling, sentence structure, and parts of speech.
- Review the basic elements of literature.
- Identify techniques of literature such as irony, symbolism, and figures of speech.
- Be introduced to ancient writings including the Iliad and the Odyssey, Beowulf, and the legend of King Arthur and his knights.
- Identify the sounds and techniques used in poetry and study famous American and British poets.
- Learn new vocabulary words in context through the novels read together and a vocabulary workbook.
Course Structure
The live class will take place weekly, and further instruction and assignments will be designated through the Canvas website. Class activities include students reading mini-lessons and Reader’s Theater plays.
Class assignments are as follows:
- Four multi-paragraph essays
- Creative short story
- Response paragraphs and an analytical theme based on short stories
- Literature projects for specific elements
- Several poems of various types
- Poetry presentation about a famous poet and poem
- Grammar and vocabulary exercises
Who should enroll?
8th graders with previous experience writing 5 paragraph essays or 9th graders who need additional reinforcement before high school level English classes.
Technology Requirements
- High speed, broadband Internet
- Web cam, sound card, and microphone (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
Evaluation and Feedback
- Essays graded according to a rubric on the effective traits of writing
- Tests on terms and content related to writing and literature
- Grammar and vocabulary quizzes
Writing assignments receive much feedback during the grading process using a rubric that lists the effective traits of writing. Grammar and vocabulary exercises are usually graded automatically by Canvas. In literature, students are expected to answer comprehension questions and projects will be graded based on effort.
Milana Adzigirey –
I really enjoyed taking this class. With the help of Mrs. G, my writing abilities have significantly improved. She was an amazing teacher and I would highly recommend doing this English class!
Sarah P (verified owner) –
My son is finishing up EF 1 with Mrs. Graybill. I have been very pleased with the class. Mrs. Graybill’s syllabus balances all the main ingredients for a rich, comprehensive English class: vocabulary, grammar, literature, and writing. She provides many chances for extra credit and detailed expectations for each assignment. She is very accessible and I appreciate that she herself was a homeschooling mom. For a 14 year old boy to want to take her again is proof indeed of her skill with middle schoolers. Highly recommended!
Melissa A –
Excellent class! A thorough, all encompassing English class–Mrs. Graybill does a great job with managing all the different aspects of English that an upcoming high schooler needs to know. My daughter enjoyed class each week–Mrs. Graybill is engaging and encouraging, the assignments were well laid out and expectations were clear. She caught up on much needed grammar skills, got great feedback and instruction on writing, and enjoyed the literature that was used in the class. This was our first Aim Academy class–I was very impressed with the content, and especially the quality of teacher in “Mrs. G”!