Mr.

Kralt
ENGLISH/BIBLE 9 COURSE SYLLABUS
Spring 2015
Availability
in person after school until 4:00
email kraltd@wrca.bc.ca
phone extension 111
blog http://englishbible9.blogspot.ca
COURSE INTRODUCTION
At WRCA we believe that Language Arts is essential for helping
individuals make connections with Gods world, to develop sympathies
for the plights of others, and to inspire individuals to seek Gods truths
about things such as life, justice, beauty, and love. Language Arts
reveals the compelling power of story the manner in which we create
meaning for our lives. Gods use of language in Creation shows us that
language, more than simply describing, has the power to form ideas
and truths (John 1). We recognize that communication is broken and
language is used to deceive (James 3) and that communication
between God and His people is also broken (Genesis 3). Studying
Language Arts gives us the ability to redeem and restore manipulated
language and helps students discern Gods truth from
distorted/idolatrous messages that lure us away from Him. It also
shows us our participation in Gods greater story. Studying literature,
students will identify with characters and conflict that will challenge
their understanding of the world and will compel them to renew Gods
kingdom on earth. Utilizing different forms of writing, both creative
and structured, and reading various forms of literaturesuch as
poetry, short stories, novels, picture books and essaysstudents will
understand and communicate the meaning God has for their lives.
Students will find joy in the beauty of language and be inspired to
create beauty through acquiring and strengthening skills such as
visualizing, finding voice, and mastering sentence crafting and fluency.
Students will gain a sense of wonder and appreciation for language
and truth through interacting with texts and developing different skills
such as connecting, inferring and questioning. At WRCA, we recognize
that heroes from all types of literature have the power to compel
students of all ages to participate in the restoration of Gods kingdom
on earth.
English/Bible 9 is a course that will continue to develop a students
reading comprehension and writing skills in the context of a variety of
writing genres, both fiction and non-fiction. Specific themes that will
be covered in this year include relationships, tolerance, self-expression
and what shapes me.

Biblical Rationale:
2 Timothy 3:16-17
New International Version (NIV)
16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be
thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The Message (MSG)
14-17
But dont let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of
the integrity of your teacherswhy, you took in the sacred Scriptures with
your mothers milk! Theres nothing like the written Word of God for showing
you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture
is God-breathed and useful one way or anothershowing us truth, exposing
our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live Gods way. Through
the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
Ephesians 5:1-2
New King James Version (NKJV)
5 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ
also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God
for a sweet-smelling aroma.
The Message (MSG)
5 1-2 Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper
behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep
company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His
love was not cautious but extravagant. He didnt love in order to get
something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

Structure:
This course has been divided into six smaller units, each of which will
focus on a specific theme related to our lives in this world. Within each
of these units New Testament study will be done on what specifically
the Bible is telling us about these themes. Once a firm understanding
of these themes has been grasped, you as students will work on
bringing these understandings off of the page and into the real world.
Sometimes independently, sometimes in groups and sometimes as a
class you will work towards a service project that works towards
building Gods kingdom here at WRCA, in the community or the world
over. I will supply as much support as possible but, ultimately, these
projects will flourish or flounder with you. I know you will do great!
Biblical Learning Targets for the Year:
I can support the truth that following Christ means to serve
others.
I can act upon Christs command Love God and your neighbor.
I can restore brokenness in community (global to classroom).
I can find true sources of joy and delight in building Gods
kingdom here and now.
I can understand that imitating Christ means to build community
COURSE UNITS/THEMES
Unit 1: Independent Reading
January - February
Resource: Novel of your choice, appropriate to grade level
Unit Learning Targets:
I can independently select and read, for sustained
periods of time, texts for enjoyment and to increase
fluency.
I can creatively and personally respond to a work of
fiction.
Unit 2: Relationships/Community Building
January February
Resource: Assorted Short Stories
Unit Learning Targets:

I can explain the importance of relationships in my life.

I can understand my own role in breaking and restoring
relationships in my own life.
I can support the truth that following Christ means to serve
others.
I can act upon Christs command Love God and your neighbor.
I can restore brokenness in community (global to classroom).
Unit 3: Formal Writing/Justice Seeking
February
Resource: Classroom Notes
Unit Learning Targets:
I can write effective formal texts that work to persuade
readers.
I can use formal writing to convey truths that are evident
in Gods world.
I can support the truth that following Christ means to serve
others.
I can act upon Christs command Love God and your neighbor.
I can restore brokenness in community (global to classroom).

Unit 4: Self Expression/Poetry/Find Delight

April
Resource: Assorted Works of Poetry
Unit Learning Targets:
I can write about myself and the things that make me
who I am.
I can identify beauty in poetry.
I can create beauty through language.
I can support the truth that following Christ means to serve
others.
I can act upon Christs command Love God and your neighbor.
I can restore brokenness in community (global to classroom).
Unit 5: What Shapes Me?/Practicing Selflessness

May
Resource: I am David
Unit Learning Targets:
I can develop a point of view on the use of violence in this
world.
I can evaluate and interpret how my life experiences have
shaped me.
I can interpret and connect the experiences of a
characters life to my own life.
I can support the truth that following Christ means to serve
others.
I can act upon Christs command Love God and your neighbor.
I can restore brokenness in community (global to classroom).
I can find true sources of joy and delight in building Gods
kingdom here and now.
I can understand that imitating Christ means to practice
selflessness.

ASSESSMENT
Daily work:
For many reading assignments, students will be required to
respond to given questions in the form of a short
essay/paragraph/critical analysis. The questions posed will require
students to delve beyond the literal meaning of the text, formulate an
argument and then support it with examples from the text or their
personal life. These will be marked for content as well as mechanics.
Students will be evaluated on group and/or partner projects, will be

involved in peer evaluation of group presentations peer editing,

collaboration and self-evaluation.
Major Assignments:
In each term, students will be required to do 2 or 3 major
projects. These will be in the form of writing portfolios, essays and/or
individual or group presentations. Essays will be graded using the 6 +
1 traits writing rubric
Tests:
There will be a test at the end of each unit. Test questions will be
derived from class lectures and discussions, daily assignments and
assigned reading.
Quizzes:
Quizzes for reading content occur at the beginning of each class
during a novel study.
Final Exam The final exam will be worth 20% of year mark.
REQUIRED SUPPLIES
Journals:
Most classes will start with a brief journal response to a prompt
that will be written on the board. These responses will be assessed on
content and on the quality of thought given. They will not be collected
every class but will be gathered at random. Students must bring
their journal notebooks to class EVERY CLASS. It will be the
students responsibility to purchase the journal.
*Students are also responsible for bringing writing utensils, a binder,
and loose leaf paper and, during a novel unit, the proper novel.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS
Attendance

English class is about more than just reading and writing. It is about
exploring and discussing ideas, expressing and articulating thoughts,
and wrestling with a variety of issues. Because of this, your in class
attendance is important in making the most out of class.
Unexcused absences will be dealt with by the administration according
to the guidelines given in the student handbook.
Late arrivals will not be tolerated. Late time will be made up after
school by performing clean up or maintenance tasks. Failure to appear
after school without making appropriate arrangements with either
parents or teachers will result in a call home. Repeated lates will be
dealt with increasing severity and will also be dealt with by the
administration.
In Class Conduct
Because so much of English class is about discussion, it is of the
utmost importance that students know the appropriate behavior
expected of them. Meaningful discussion needs broad participation.
You will be expected to participate and listen respectfully to your
classmates. If students do not feel safe in class, they will not feel free
to share their opinions and it is only by sharing that we gain a fuller
understanding of each other; something necessary for us as Christians
trying to build Gods kingdom here on earth.
General expectations for in class behavior are that you listen
respectively, that you raise your hand, that speak with respect for your
teacher and your classmates, and that you refrain from using
derogatory comments. In all discussion, your aim should be to build
up your classmates and to demonstrate your faith through love.
Electronic Devices
Most classes, the use of electronic devices will not be necessary.
Though allowed at appropriate times throughout the day, responsibility
with technology will be expected. Electronic devices are only to be
used when you are given explicit permission from me. If a student is
unable to use electronic devices appropriately, the device may be
confiscated and the parents contacted.

Neatness and School Property

Being a part of the WRCA community means that we all take ownership
for the school facilities. Our attitude and respect towards the things
God has entrusted us with is demonstrated in how we treat those
things. The classroom and class property is to be treated with respect.
This means that the class is to be kept neat and orderly trash placed
in trash receptacles not in desks. Recycling is also to be placed in
the proper receptacles.
With the exception of bottled water, NO FOOD OR DRINK is to be
brought into the classroom. This includes gum.
The student(s) responsible for any vandalism to the classroom,
classroom books, chairs, desks, etc. will be responsible for either
repairing and correcting the damage or for purchasing new items if
that is required. Students who write on or in desks will be responsible
for cleaning or repainting desks if necessary.

Backpacks/Sports bags/Purses
Do not bring any backpacks, sports bags, purses, sports equipment,
etc. to class. These items may be confiscated and taken to the office.
Preparedness
It is not only important for you to come to class on time but to come to
class prepared to learn. Bring the appropriate materials to every class.
Forgetfulness or accidentally bringing the wrong book to class may be
excused occasionally but not habitually. Repeated infractions will be
treated as a late.