Mr. Amaral's ELA Classes

Contact Information:
kamaral@fallriverschools.org

Classes Taught

Sophomore English (ELA II):

Sophomore English is a survey of American Literature from the Puritan period to modern 21st century authors. The course has a special emphasis on preparing students to take the MCAS exam, and utilizing the tools they will need to succeed in careers, or college and beyond.

Current Topics (Term 4):

We are currently working on research writing in conjunction with the novel The Great Gatsby.

Honors students will be reading The Scarlett Letter as an outside reading book, and students will be teaching the class a mini-lesson based the book we're currently reading once per semester.

College prep students will be reading The Glass Castle in and out of class.

Thrillers and Chillers A-Z:

“Thrillers and Chillers” is an English elective film studies course. In addition to analyzing cinema, the course focuses on strengthening students' creative writing abilities and critical/analytical writing skills. It is a fun college-style course that challenges students in exploring new genres of fiction they may not have previously been exposed to. Students will watch films ranging from the classics like Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, to modern and even foreign films such as Pan's Labyrinth. Students will also be creating their own short stories as the term unfolds, while improving their creative writing in film and book reviews.

Current Topics (Term 4):

We are currently learning about the aspects of cinema, cinematic motifs, and how to write critical reviews. We are also reading H.P. Lovecraft, and learning about his influences in modern horror and supernatural literature.

Helpful Resources:

Go to Rottentomatoes website for critical film reviews and movie information.