Course Information

Name : Shannon Baranski

School: Sequoia Middle School

Classes : English 7 Inside

                 English 8CP

                 Introduction to Leadership

Phone : (805) 498-3617 ext: 1601

About Mrs. Baranski

Welcome to the 2011/2012 school year! This is going to be a very exciting year.
Before I discuss academics, I’m going to go over some basic information about
myself and what I expect from you.  My name is Shannon Baranski and this is my
sixth year teaching in the Conejo Valley School District, and my first year at Sequoia.
I have spent the summer exploring America’s southwest and I cannot wait to
share my adventures with you. You’ll notice a theme of sports in the
classroom, I’m an L.A. Kings, Lakers, Dodgers and Galaxy fan and this
football season you’ll find me cheering on the Houston Texans. I love to read
and play trivia games, so expect a little of both throughout the year!

I look forward to introducing you to the wonderful world of English
and I’m sure that together we’ll make your years here at Sequoia the most
productive and challenging of your educational years!

Course Goals and Expected Outcomes
You will develop your skills and knowledge in the following areas:
    * Expand vocabulary through exposure to multiple meanings of words,
      figurative and literal meanings, similes and metaphors
    * Analyze literary elements such as characterization, setting, plot,
      main idea, sequence of events, compare and contrast, make   
      generalizations and draw conclusions from the overall meaning of
      reading selections
    * Use logical development to improve writing across the curriculum
    * Use proofreading skills to correct mechanics and improve sentence
      structure
    * Use journals to improve writing fluency
    * Work to improve spelling and use of phonics as needed
    * Write using a variety of genre with emphases on the autobiographical
      incident, problem/solution, report of information and story
    * Use a variety of technology resources to enhance the English/Language
      Arts curriculum