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a High School English Teacher
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Try to find out what plans they have for after high school and get to know them to see what they need this final year. Only then will you be able to choose appropriate reading and writing assignments from any curriculum guides you have.
I would provide as many choices as possible. (Even 2-3 choices is better than no choice.) With a group that small, you can probably build in both small group discussion and individual reading/writing conferencing each and every day.
There are lots of Would You Rather… and conversation starter ideas online. Since your group is small, see if you can get “Upfront” or another Scholastic magazine for maybe $30. They are current and help kids learn more about their world while they practice skills. Another great source is NY Times for Education website. They have cool topics with questions at the end. You can use them for both writing and discussion.
You did not say if it’s an advanced, on-level, or resource class, but you have to know your audience. Maybe we can help more once we know that.
Other than curriculum, there is no difference to kicking off English 4 from my other English classes.
I taught English IV this year for the first time. I gave the kids some options for our curriculum for the year. I don't even remember what was on that list- but the one they chose was the history of Africa and African Americans through literature. Obviously not a full or comprehensive history. We read some of Oroonoko, then we read all of Things Fall Apart. We followed that up with Their Eyes Were Watching God and then finally Passing. I also wanted to show them that not all of African/African American history is depressing as hell and that there are examples of powerful African Americans to be found in literature.
I love Langston Hughes, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Maya Angelou for poetry; Lorraine Hansberry and August Wilson for drama; and Jason Reynolds for contemporary multi-genre. All wonderful AA writers!
I always begin with an activity to learn about my students. Sometimes I have them investigate my room and tell what they know about me. Then I have them write a paragraph about what I would learn about them based on their room. Other times I have them write me a letter about themselves. I give them some general information they need to include like how they learn best, plans after high school, things I need to know about them, etc.
Do a student portfolio with job documents.
That’s the problem—if you can get ‘em. With all the things teachers are now expected to do (covering classes, PLC meetings, etc.) it is getting harder and harder to convince people give up conference periods even for worthy causes.
Start with an activity. Make it a fun one so that you can have their attention. Then you go with reading history and literature. Good luck.