English 10: Literature, Identity and Expression is a transformative, semester-long course that guides 10th grade students through a journey of self-discovery, critical thinking, and literary appreciation. Designed with both academic rigor and social-emotional learning (SEL) in mind, this course explores the concept of identity as shaped through literature, inviting students to reflect on who they are and how others see the world.

From the very first week, students are immersed in rich, diverse texts that serve as mirrors and windows—reflecting their own lives while giving insight into others’ experiences. Literature becomes a powerful tool not only for analysis but also for empathy and expression. Core texts range from Sandra Cisneros’ The House on Mango Street and Maya Angelou’s poetry, to powerful coming-of-age novels like To Kill a Mockingbird or Of Mice and Men, and memoir excerpts from authors like Malala Yousafzai. These texts serve as a foundation for skill-building in close reading, literary analysis, personal narrative writing, and Socratic dialogue.

What sets English 10A apart is its deliberate integration of SEL principles. Each unit encourages students to engage in self-reflection, practice empathy, and develop a strong sense of voice. Journaling and class discussions are not merely assignments—they are opportunities to process identity, personal growth, and shared human experiences.

The course is structured into five thematic units over 15 weeks:

Unit 1: Understanding Identity Through Literature (Weeks 1–4) begins with The House on Mango Street, guiding students to examine how voice and perspective shape narrative. Students complete a personal narrative essay and begin their SEL journaling journey with activities like the “Where I’m From” poem exercise.

Unit 2: Coming of Age Stories (Weeks 5–8) explores complex themes such as morality, prejudice, and courage through classic novels like To Kill a Mockingbird or Of Mice and Men. Students build their analytical skills by tracking character arcs and settings, culminating in a literary analysis essay that integrates textual evidence and critical thinking.

Unit 3: Poetry and Identity (Weeks 9–11) focuses on the power of language and emotional expression. By studying classic and contemporary poets like Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou, students deepen their understanding of tone, imagery, and figurative language. The unit concludes with students compiling a poetry portfolio that includes original work.

Unit 4: Memoir and Personal Reflections (Weeks 12–14) shifts the focus to nonfiction. Students read memoir excerpts that highlight resilience and personal voice. This unit emphasizes advocacy and goal setting, and students compose their own memoir-style essays that reflect personal challenges and growth.

Unit 5: Midterm Review and Final Project (Week 15) brings together all the major themes and skills. Students celebrate their learning through creative portfolios or final performance projects, presenting to peers and reflecting on their personal development.

Throughout the semester, lessons are thoughtfully scaffolded to ensure all learners are supported. Weekly SEL mini-lessons focus on themes such as self-awareness, empathy, emotional resilience, and advocacy. Collaborative activities like peer workshops, feedback circles, and Socratic seminars foster a strong classroom community and promote meaningful dialogue.

By the end of the semester, students emerge as more confident readers, writers, and thinkers. They will have honed their ability to craft compelling narratives, construct analytical essays, and express themselves through multiple genres. More importantly, they will have engaged in deep reflection—learning not only about literature, but about themselves and their place in the world.

English 10A is more than an English course—it’s a semester of personal and academic growth that equips students with tools for lifelong learning, empathy, and expression.