Planning planning planning and Hurricanes!

I’m going to be teaching 9th and 11th graders for 6 weeks. The 9’s I think I have figured out, more or less. I’ve taught 9 a few times, particularly the beginning part of 9th grade, so since we’ll be focusing on literary elements and short stories, I feel like I’m fairly set.

It’s the 11’s I’m stressing about. How much review will they need? What writing skills do I teach? Ok, get them ready for the Regents, but this is the beginning of the year - we’re not doing Regents prep full-force just yet. How about a novel or a play? Which one? (I’m thinking Death of a Salesman?) Ok, but before we get there let’s start with a short story - again, which one? What essential questions are important for this year? What will speak to them about the “American experience”?

(Can you see I’m spinning a little? It doesn’t help that I’m going on Day 4 without power and have sort of been living like a nomad. I think I’d be a little less stressed if not for that. I’m really looking forward to going to work tomorrow, not only to catch up with everyone, but to try to forget about not having power for a little while! I’m also a little worried about getting to work - but I think the roads have been mostly cleared. I hope so anyways.)