ABOUT
What is this CLASS?
English II asks students to explore their own identities as well as the world around them. Each unit is designed to prompt students to think about the Essential Question then explore alternative perspectives through the humanities, primarily through literature and art. Students refine and challenge their thinking while broadening their frame of mind. Students will develop as skilled readers and writers as we practice expository writing and Socratic discussion. Supportive feedback will be supplied as students practice new skills (practice and progressive assessments) until they are adequately prepared to demonstrate learning (mastery assessments).
What is this site?
Google Classroom is designed to function like the old fashioned in/out boxes - where you turned in your work in one box and the teacher graded it and returned it back to you. Some teachers also use GC to share resources and material. That gets really confusing really fast, so I made this website. This is where you will find all the information you will need for class. This should be the first site you open everyday when you come into class.
Who is your teacher?
Ms. Girardin began her journey as an educator in 1998. Her first teaching position was in California at her alma mater, Santa Margarita High School. (Go, Eagles!) Since that time, she has taught a variety of subjects (including but not limited to) English (I-IV), Acting & Directing, Psychology, and Law & Justice. However, Ms. G's true and sustained passion is simply helping kids develop lifelong curiosity and wonder. She is thrilled to be back in the classroom again after taking a break from the classroom for six years to serve as Oldham County High School's Digital Learning Coach.
Ms. Girardin's philosophy of education is grounded in the belief that those who are DOING are the ones who are THINKING, and those who are thinking are the ones who are LEARNING. IOW, for students to learn, they must be INVOLVED in the process; sometimes that means physical involvement, sometimes mental, hence this site's title, Involved Learner!
When she isn't visiting museums, Ms. Girardin can be found at the park with her fur baby (Henry - 17 year old blond in the front*), working on her latest fiber arts WIP (that's work-in-progress for you non-knitting/crocheting folk), or on her yoga mat or Pilates reformer (shout out to Club Pilates).
Whether you are a student in Ms. G's class or are just looking to rediscover yourself in relation to the world, you are welcome to grab a cup of coffee and lose yourself in these pages.
*RIP Emma - 6/10/23
If you are an educator, I invite you to visit my instructional coaching site, the Involved Learner. Here, you will find a collection of FREE resources to INVOLVE your own students in your classroom. These resources are applicable to ANY subject and include pedagogical and digital learning suggestions to INVOLVE your students with academic discourse, thinking strategies, creating sensory models, inquisitive learning, and much more!