Kayla and Literacy at Expo ALC

Cornell Notes

As you begin working on English 9A, please remember that Expo asks students to utilize Cornell notes as they complete their online coursework. A flip chart has been provided to review Cornell notes as explained in Orientation and Oasis. Also, a word document is provided for you if you wish to take Cornell notes with the format provided. Notes may also be taken on loose leaf paper or in a notebook. Please keep this in Room 216. Thank you! 

The syllabus for English 9A can be found to the right. You can either print off the syllabus and fill it out by hand as you complete the online coursework. Or, you can save it to your documents and update it as coursework is completed. Remember that 80% mastery is required for all applications and mastery/unit tests. 

Reminders for success!

1. Notes will be checked every Monday.

2. Please have your notes at your seat while working on coursework. You may use your notes for the Mastery Tests.

3. If you need a mastery or unit test unlocked, notes will be required before anything is unlocked. No exceptions!

4. ALL notes (for each tutorial and unit) must be submitted at the time of course completion to Mr. Shavers. No exceptions!

As you complete your online coursework, don't forget about your offlines!! Too many of your peers do! Below is a suggested graphic organizer to use as you complete the essays for the readings. Please talk with me before beginning your offlines, so we can discuss story format, organization and any helpful hints I have for your success! 

Also, the 5 paragraph format is simply an option. It is not meant to limit one's writing. It is simply one option of many. Please talk with me about ideas you have for your essays/writings in response to readings! 

Another reminder...Please talk with me as you work on your offlines. Conversation is the best method, as communication is key to success! -- Kayla

Helpful hints per essay paragraph

1. Introduction: When you see a new movie, you usually want to share it with friends, right? Think about the details you provide your friends, so they, too, want to see the movie but without you giving away the details. This is what goes in the introduction.

2. Plot: What happened? What were the main events of the literature read?

3. Conflict: Person vs. self, person vs. person, person vs. nature -- What is the conflict that is pushing the story forward? Who or what is fighting against some other force? Why? What is/are the consequence(s)? Is the conflict resolved? If so, how? Remember...a story may have more than one conflict.

4. Theme: Every story has something to teach us and/or to expand our understanding of the world and its people. What is the message of the story? What can we learn from the actions and inactions of the characters? What can we learn from the author's words that will provide further insight into who we are as a people and our own specific lives?

5. Conclusion: Did you like the story? Why or why not? Can you relate to the events and characters? If so, how? If you could change the story, would you? What would you change and why?