English 9 - Calendar & ELA Honors Plan

Aug 26, 2026

English 9 honors curriculum planning by calendar period, pairing literature excerpts and novels with ELA literacy targets. September–October emphasizes collaboration norms, close reading of fiction/nonfiction, evidence-based responses, and narrative skills such as imagery, point of view, conflict, theme, and setting. November–December builds toward literature paper writing, human nature, persuasive/informative speaking, technology-supported communication, and literary element identification. March–April includes drama and poetry analysis for figurative language and performance. May–June focuses on research, varied sources, expert text evidence, presentations, rubrics, and test-taking strategies.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

September – October

Teamed reading and evidence-based responses

November–December

Writing a literature paper and using technology

January – February

Conflict and struggle as a universal theme

March – April

Play analysis, performance, and interdisciplinary connections

May–June

Research, rubrics, and test-taking practice

English 9 | Calendar Period | Topic/Text (H) -Honors | Focus | | --- | --- | --- | | September – October | Teaming
Shadows of the Neanderthal by David
Hutchens
Hatchet by Gary Paulson excerpt Cultural Literacy Fridays
The Inheritors by William Golding excerpt (H)
The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel excerpt (H)
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn (H) Literary Elements Narrative Writing | Effective Collaboration – Seven Norms of Collaboration
Close Reading of short and long pieces including fiction and nonfiction
Finding and utilizing text-based evidence
Reading and writing short and long term responses of persuasive, informative, and narrative nature
Analyzing, paraphrasing, and elaborating ideas and thoughts using all four ELA strands
Using narrative writing to practice specific writing skills of expression and art – imagery, retelling, pointof-view, conflict, theme, setting | | NovemberDecember | The Epic of Gilgamesh Bible excerpt
Using Cooperative Learning Cultural Literacy Fridays Literary Elements Narrative writing | Writing a literature paper Human nature
Speaking for multiple purposes
Utilizing technology using all four ELA strands
Defining and applying/recognizing various literary elements within the modes of reading and writing
Using narrative writing to practice specific writing skills of expression and art – dialogue both internal and external, similes, metaphors, plot, hero, heroine | | January – February | The Odyssey by Homer (H)
The Odyssey by Homer excerpt | Understanding conflict and struggle as a universal theme that can be overcome | | | Genetic Engineering Webquest Cultural Literacy Fridays Literary Elements Narrative writing Using Cooperative Learning | Writing a literature paper
Speaking to convey information using technology and effective skills – volume, pausing, eye contact, posture, energy, etc.
Becoming sophisticated in prereading, reading, and post-reading strategies | | --- | --- | --- | | March – April | Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare Elizabethan sonnets and poems The Year 1000 excerpt Cultural Literacy Fridays The Year 1000 by Danny Danzigger and Robert Lacey (H) Interdisciplinary Disease Project Literary Elements Narrative writing | Reading out loud dramatically
Analyzing literary elements within a play – rhyme, rhyme scheme, iambic pentameter, irony, onomatopoeia, comic relief, assonance, alliteration, aside, soliloquy, figurative language, etc.
Making predictions and connections within and between a text or more
Seeing and using cross-curricular connections to better understand and convey information about a topic | | May-June | Shakespearience Project Cultural Literacy Fridays Literary Elements Regents Analysis and Practice Narrative writing Using cooperative learning | Researching a topic
Using multiple and varied sources
Using text-based evidence with experts within writing and speaking
Presenting material in various situations
Understanding rubrics and test taking tips
Writing a CLA on a personal topic of interest |

FAQs

What skills are emphasized in September–October Honors English 9?

Students focus on effective collaboration, close reading, using text-based evidence, and narrative writing skills such as imagery, retelling, point of view, conflict, and theme.

What does the curriculum require in November–December?

The plan includes writing a literature paper, speaking for multiple purposes, using technology with ELA strands, and defining/applying literary elements during reading and writing.

How are research and assessment skills developed in May–June?

Students research a topic using multiple sources, use text-based evidence with expert input, present material in various situations, and study rubrics and test-taking tips while producing a CLA on a personal interest.

Aug 26, 2026

Upload by Arica Lee