February 1-5

Hello, parents!

It's a new month, which means a new unit in English class. We're about to start a writing unit, and I'm really excited about what is to come this month! We will be doing several kinds of practical writing this month, including filling out job applications and writing resumes, cover letters, friendly letters, and obituaries. I hope that everyone learns a lot from this unit about some of the things that they will be doing in their futures.

Here is a brief run-down of what we'll be doing this week in class:
Monday: research in the library
Tuesday: research in the library
Wednesday: learn about MLA format
Thursday: make works cited page in class
Friday: learn about resumes, cover letters, and job applications

Monday and Tuesday of this week, we will be going to the library to do research. Then students will be researching the person they have chosen for the research project, including their personal information (date of birth, names of family members, important people in their lives, etc.) as well as information about their awards received, accomplishments, college degrees, high school graduation, and other information that will be useful in making a resume for that person. They will also be looking for a job for that person and printing out a job application to fill out for the person later this week.

Wednesday and Thursday will be focused on MLA format, as well as determining what is a trusted source and what is not a trusted source for information. Wednesday, I will give them handouts about MLA format and creating a works cited page, and I will also show them examples from the Purdue University OWL website. Thursday, they will have time in class to work on their works cited pages. I have the library reserved for that day, but they might not need it.

Friday, we will begin learning about resumes, cover letters, and job applications. I will show them examples of all three of these, and I will also (if time allows) walk them through the steps to make a resume and cover letter and to fill out a job application.

Here are the days that your child might have homework in English:
Wednesday- work on works cited page and have as much as possible done before class Thursday (notecards due Friday)
Friday- begin making a resume for his/her selected person (due next Friday)

I sent out a February calendar to some parents to help them help their students remember when to bring materials to class and when things are due. If you would like a copy of this calender, please feel free to email me at kwalls@byngschools.com. If you have any questions or concerns about this class, you can email or call the school at 580-310-6744. Have a great week!