What’s Happening in January for Eleventh Grade?

11th Grade – January Curriculum Overview

Welcome to January! Our theme is Renewal—a time to reset, set new intentions, and approach learning with fresh energy. We have four instructional weeks this month, with no school on Monday, January 19, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This is a great time to reflect on Dr. King’s vision for justice and equality and consider how you can be a positive force in your community.

Week 21 (Jan 5–8): New Beginnings

• Language Arts
  • Reading: Read a selection (book, article, or essay) focused on personal growth or transformation.
    Reading Log: Read daily and record title, author, minutes, and a thoughtful reflection. Submit logs in Google Classroom at the month’s end.
  • Writing/Grammar: Write about a time you experienced renewal or a fresh start. Focus on structure and clarity.
  • Spelling (Renewal Vocabulary):
    • Week 21 words: renewal, transformation, initiative, resolve, optimism, clarity, adapt, vision, perseverance, motivation
    • Weekly spelling routine (Mon–Thu):
      • Daily: Study flashcards or use StudyStack for practice.
      • Monday: Write definitions for each word.
      • Tuesday: Use each word in a complex sentence.
      • Wednesday: Identify each word in your reading or writing.
      • Thursday: Take the online spelling quiz or submit a written test in Google Classroom.
• Math: Review and practice solving equations, inequalities, and algebraic expressions.
• Science: Investigate cycles and renewal in nature—how ecosystems recover and adapt.
• Social Studies/History: Explore New Year’s traditions and how different cultures celebrate renewal.
• Music: Listen to or analyze a piece of music that represents new beginnings. How does music express change?
• Art: Create an artwork or collage that symbolizes your goals or hopes for the year ahead.
• PE: 30+ minutes of movement most days. Log activity in Google Classroom.

Week 22 (Jan 12–15): Setting Intentions

• Language Arts
  • Reading: Read a biography or memoir about someone who overcame obstacles and renewed their path.
    Reading Log: Continue daily entries and reflections.
  • Writing/Grammar: Write a letter to your future self about your intentions for this year—what will you work toward?
  • Spelling (Intentions & Growth):
    • Week 22 words: intention, perseverance, initiative, achievement, resilience, focus, resourceful, progress, mindful, aspiration
    • Weekly spelling routine (Mon–Thu):
      • Daily: Study flashcards or use StudyStack for practice.
      • Monday: Write definitions for each word.
      • Tuesday: Use each word in a complex sentence.
      • Wednesday: Identify each word in your reading or writing.
      • Thursday: Take the online spelling quiz or submit a written test in Google Classroom.
• Math: Apply algebra and statistics to real-life scenarios (budgets, planning, or predictions).
• Science: Study plant or animal adaptations and survival strategies as forms of renewal.
• Social Studies/History: Research a leader who set and achieved meaningful goals.
• Music: Explore musical pieces that inspire change or hope. Try composing a short melody.
• Art: Design a vision board or digital artwork for your intentions in 2026.
• PE: 30+ minutes of movement most days. Log activity in Google Classroom.

Week 23 (Jan 19–22): Dreaming Big (No School Monday – MLK Jr. Day)

• Language Arts
  • Reading: Read about Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement.
    Reading Log: Continue daily entries and reflections.
  • Writing/Grammar: Write a reflection on your own dreams for your life, community, or the world. What actions can you take to make a difference?
  • Spelling (Dream & Justice):
    • Week 23 words: dream, justice, equality, inspire, speech, courage, unite, peace, respect, legacy
    • Weekly spelling routine (Tue–Fri):
      • Daily: Study flashcards or use StudyStack for practice.
      • Tuesday: Write definitions for each word.
      • Wednesday: Use each word in a complex sentence.
      • Thursday: Identify each word in your reading or writing.
      • Friday: Take the online spelling quiz or submit a written test in Google Classroom.
• Math: Explore mathematical patterns or sequences—how do they relate to growth and progress?
• Science: Study innovations and discoveries that transformed society.
• Social Studies/History: Discuss MLK Jr.’s legacy and the ongoing work for justice and equality.
• Music: Listen to or perform a piece related to the Civil Rights Movement.
• Art: Create a poster or digital artwork about your dreams for a better world.
• PE: 30+ minutes of movement most days. Log activity in Google Classroom.

Week 24 (Jan 26–29): Growth & Reflection

• Language Arts
  • Reading: Choose a book, article, or poem that inspires you to try something new.
    Reading Log: Complete and submit your January reading log in Google Classroom.
  • Writing/Grammar: Write a story or essay about a character who faces challenges and grows from them.
  • Spelling (Growth & Hope):
    • Week 24 words: growth, hope, challenge, adapt, future, learn, support, imagine, succeed, renewal
    • Weekly spelling routine (Mon–Thu):
      • Daily: Study flashcards or use StudyStack for practice.
      • Monday: Write definitions for each word.
      • Tuesday: Use each word in a complex sentence.
      • Wednesday: Identify each word in your reading or writing.
      • Thursday: Take the online spelling quiz or submit a written test in Google Classroom.
• Math: Review and practice key math concepts from this month.
• Science: Reflect on how science helps us solve problems and innovate.
• Social Studies/History: Share something new you learned about a person, movement, or place this month.
• Music: Create a playlist or journal entry about music that inspires you to grow.
• Art: Make a “January Reflections” collage or sketchbook page.
• PE: 30+ minutes of movement most days. Log activity in Google Classroom.

Fun Fridays (Jan 9, 16, 23, 30)

• Jan 9 – New Year’s Vision: Create a vision board or digital collage for 2026.
• Jan 16 – Kindness in Action: Do a random act of kindness and reflect on the impact.
• Jan 23 – MLK Reflection: Watch or read about Dr. King and discuss what “dream” means to you.
• Jan 30 – Winter Nature Walk: Go outside and notice signs of renewal in nature. Write or sketch your observations.

Recommended Free Resources

• Khan Academy – Literature & Writing
• Purdue OWL – Writing & Grammar
• ReadWriteThink – High School ELA
• iCivics – Government & Social Studies

January is about fresh starts, setting intentions, and believing in your ability to grow. Let’s renew our energy, curiosity, and commitment to learning together!