Tues. June 16, 2015: Test Prep. Excerpts

Today, we went over the second reading prototype for the final exam. You were given the readings and the questions to answer and expected to use active reading skills and process of elimination skills. I have posted the "Draft" answers from the prototype on the board for you to examine. The answers for the reading you got today will be posted tomorrow.

Mon. June 15, 2015: Single Source Essay Prep

Today, students were given time to plan for their single source essay. This is the one that they WILL NOT be able to have a cheat sheet for.

You have been provided with the two questions from the exam that you can create a cheat sheet on. These are for the single-source major essay:

a, How do past events in a character's environment impact the character's future actions?

b. What perspectives have been dominant or privileged in the society of the text you have read? What impact has this had on the characters?

Today, you were given time to create the 75 word cheat sheet for this paper.

The source can be the play we read in class (Girl who Loved her Horses), your independent novel, or Oryx and Crake (class novel).

Thurs. June 11, 2015: Test Prep

Today, we worked on the draft for the final. Specifically, we worked on apostrophes, reinforcement of the main ideas, topics, "15 Common Errors" booklet, process of elimination, and questions 4 and 5 of the draft. I also gave you worksheets that you can do if you choose.

Wed. June 10, 2015: Test Prep

Today, we went over the final. I discussed the cheat sheet that the students will be allowed to submit up until the night before the test (end of school day). The exam is on Tuesday, June 23. I have decided that the cheat sheet can contain 75 words. It must also be in point form. It must also only apply directly to the essay that you have been given the questions for.  If a student submits more than that, the sheet can be withheld. For this reason, it is important to get these in early. If it is in early, you will get it back and have time to fix it.
We then looked at the "Draft" questions that you answered a couple of weeks ago. We talked about sentence fragments, transitions and unity. You already have a paper on transitions words, the booklet on the 15 Common errors and I discussed creating a hamburger paragraph. We will carry on with this tomorrow.

Tues. June 9, 2015: Important change in dates: READ

The power interrupted computer usage today, so I have extended the deadline for all remaining assignments (including the independent novel study) until tomorrow at the end of lunch.  You will not get extra class time as the computers were working during your class yesterday.

Thurs, June 4 to Tues, June 9, 2015 Writing Classes

During this time students will have access to computers in order to complete all assignments. The deadline for all assignments, including the independent novel study, is at the end of the day on Tuesday, June 9. There will be no extensions. Many of you have completed your work early. If this is the case, get the work handed in.

Tues. June 2, 2014: Computer Usage Day

Today, you worked on your assignments. Keep in mind that the absolute last day that I will accept assignments is June 8.

Mon. June 1, 2015: Important Information about the final and test prep

Today, due to the power outage, the computers were down for one of the English 30 classes.  I initially planned to give you computer time to work on your independent novel study assignment, but, of course, I had to change my plans. Instead, you worked on a draft piece and questions form the first part of the exam (a prototype) so you could assess your knowledge of conventions and reading/answering time.
Your deadline for all assignments has therefore been moved from the end of the day on Monday, June 8, to the end of the day on Tuesday, June 9.

I also gave you a comma usage exercise to read and do and information on possible questions for your multi source essay. I highlighted the possible questions/topics in pink. If you were not here, these are in your portfolio.

Fri. May 29, 2015: Catch-up/ test prep

Today, I handed out information you need in order to be prepared for the final exam on June 23. If you were absent, I have put that information in your portfolios. If you were not here, I recommend you come and meet with me so I can explain what is happening in detail.
The time left over was used to get caught up on assignments in order to meet the last hand-in deadline (June 8).

Wed. May 27,& Thurs, May 28, 2015: Catch up Day

Today, students were instructed to work on creating their multi-source essay (alternative), get their "Career Ed." files moved and completed, and/ or work on their independent novel assignment.
The "Career Ed." file needs to be completed by May 31.
 The independent novel assignment must be in to me, at the latest, by June 8 (the novel assignment was given by February 10). I have stressed that this is the last day; many have already started to hand items in so they will not miss this final deadline.

Tues. May 26, 2015: Drama Reading Cont.

Today, we continued to read the play Girl Who Loved her Horses. We finished the reading. If you were not here, you need to complete it on your own.

Mon. May 25, 2015: Play Beginnings

Today, I introduced and then we began to read "The Girl who Loved her Horses." We then read Scenes One thru most of Five (we got to the top of the second column on page 106).

Fri. May 22, 2015: Catch Up

Today, students worked on catching up on their assignments. Some went into the groups formed yesterday to complete their answers for the play we read; others worked on the alternative assignment. Those who completed these activities worked on their alternative essay, Career Cruising, or independent novel study.

Thurs. May 21, 2015: Play work on "Seeds"

Today, students got into groups and read the excerpt from "Seeds" . If you were not here, there is an alternative in your portfolio for you to do (independent).
The students were then given questions to answer, again, in groups (if you were not here, there are questions that you will have to answer independently in  your portfolio).

Wed. May 20, 2015: Drama reading practice

Today, I handed out two additional sheets to you: One is called "How to Read a Play," and the other is a set of questions tied to the reading we did yesterday (from Monkeyshines).
Today, you had to complete these two activities and submit them. You had the whole class time to do so.

Tues. May 19, 2015:

Today, I introduced the drama unit and then gave out the reading "Monkeyshines" to explain how to read a drama. I also gave out a sheet on direct and indirect characterization. If you were not here, it is in your portfolio.

Without the evidence, you have NO PROOF that a person is the way you describe them. With the evidence, you still don’t necessarily have proof, which is why you should look for three pieces of evidence to support an opinion.

For example: 8 year old Billy says his teacher is mean.

“She keeps me in at recess.”

 

No… she is helpful

Fri. May 15, 2015: Catch up career cruising, essay, novel study

Today, you worked on one of the following assignments:
* Working on multi source essay alternative assignment
* Work on reading/developing your independent novel study assignment (must be completed by June 8).
* Transfer Career Cruising file into a word folder: create a cover letter and resume if you don't have one (must be completed by May 31).

For all of these activities, you can look back at earlier blogs for explanations.

Thurs. May 14, 2015: Catch-up

Students had access to computers today so they could catch-up on assignments, do the Career Cruising transfer, or work on their independent novel studies.

Wed. May 13, 2015: Reaing and update

Today, you read your independent novel study or worked on your assignment (see back to yesterday's instructions).
I also updated you on the "Career Cruising" assignment all students in the Division are to have completed for the end of their grade 12 year.
You need to go to the site and sign in. You then need to copy/transfer all information to a word document.
You then need to put this into a folder called Career Ed (create it).
In this folder, you will need to have a copy of your resume, a copy of your Career Cruising information and a copy of your cover letter.
See me if you need your password (you would have started this in other years) or need help gathering this information (or creating it).

Tues. May 12, 2015: Overview of the class until the end of the year

Today, I gave students an overview of what we still need to accomplish before the end of the term. The notes are presented below. They need to bring their independent novel to every class from this point on as there will be time given to work on the assignment they have chosen.

 

Overview of A30

Until End of the year

 

The final Unit: Drama (Characterization)

·         You will read a number of plays in order to ensure you understand the importance of characterization.

·         One of the plays will be read as a class (you will participate in the reading… perhaps)

·         There will be questions for you to answer in all cases

·         More TBA

 

Understanding the 15 Common Errors

·         These mini lessons will be incorporated into your classes

 

Getting independent novel assignment completed (Due June 8)

 

Essay Structure/test prep

 

Multi-source essay

 

Tuesday, June 23 exam (1 – 4 pm)

Mon. May 11, 2015: In ClassNovel Essay

Today, you wrote your in-class essay on the novel we studied. If you were not here, you need to make arrangements to write the make-up in-class essay (in out of class time: lunch, spare, before school).

Fri. May 8, 2015: Unit Exam M.C.

Today, students wrote their unit exam on the novel we read in class. On Monday, they will write an in-class essay. All students were here yesterday when the essay choices were handed out. Refer to yesterday's blog for more details.

Thurs. May 7, 2015: Test prep explained

Tomorrow, you will have a multiple choice exam that will show whether you have read and understood the novel Oryx and Crake, by Margaret Atwood. If you miss this exam, an alternative will be provided, however, it will test comprehension skills on other readings presented as part of the exam.
I then discussed the in-class essay you will write Monday. I have shown you the various essay question options you could face; however, you will not know which one you will get until the day of the test.
You will only get class time to write it. In order to do well, study your "15 Common Errors" booklet, your sheet on how to write a seven sentence introductory paragraph, and plan out your thesis and evidence for each choice.
If you miss Monday's exam, you will have to write an alternative (not supplied) at lunch within five days of the missed exam.

Tues. May 5, 2015: Doc Zone

Today, you watch Doc Zone's "Surviving the Future" episode. If you were not here, this can be found online.
I also informed you that we will discuss the book, essay and test in tomorrow's class.

Thurs & Fri. April 30 & May 1, 2015: Oryx and Crake Completion

By the time you return after the extended weekend, you are to have completed the reading, Oryx and Crake, and to have completed the reading questions. Next week, you will be tested on your knowledge and understanding of this text.

Wed. Apr. 29, 2015: Chapter 13

Today, I handed out an article about the kidnapping of girls in Nigeria (2014). The purpose is to show connections to the novel we are reading.
Students were also provided with an alternative assignment to make up for the research paper (if they choose). The sources for this essay will be the short stories that we critiqued. You have until June 8 at the latest to get any and all outstanding assignments/makeups submitted.
I then gave you the rest of the class to read. You are to have completed Chapter 13 for tomorrow.

Tues. Apr. 28, 2015: Section 11 Discussion

Today, we discussed Section 11 of Oryx and Crake. I went over it on the board. Be sure that you are keeping up with the reading questions as we are getting close to the end.
For tomorrow, you are to read all of Section 12. This is about 40 pages (depending on the edition you have), so use your time wisely.

Mon. Apr. 27, 2015: Section 9 & 10 discussion

Today, we discussed transgenesis. I found images/stories about rabbits that had been injected with jellyfish protein (and glowed). I found an article that discussed the benefits of such research. It mirrored the information presented in Atwood's novel. Keep in mind, then, that she spent a lot of time researching to write this novel.
I then had you write a quiz on Section Nine and Ten of the Novel. When you handed this in, you were instructed to read Section 11 of the novel.

Fri. Apr. 24, 2015: Chapter 8 Discussion and Reading

Today, we discussed up to Chapter 8 of Oryx and Crake. The focus was on how society today is leading into the scenario of the world of tomorrow that Atwood has created. I spoke about job redundancy in relation to the reference to dentists in the novel, and also handed out a Maclean's Article, entitled "Sugar Overload.." from the May 12, 2014 issue. It describes how we are studied to determine the food items we will choose to eat (including our taste-buds). I then assigned students to read thru section 10 of their novel and answer the questions.

Wed. Apr. 22, t& Thurs, Apr. 23: Oryx and Crake

Today, I did a class check. Only three of the students have completed reading Section 8 of the text. I don't want to go ahead until everyone is caught up, so I have extended the reading time. I did discuss the first sections of the text and will review the readings and questions for these sections on Friday.

Mon. Apr. 20, & Tues. Apr. 21, 2015: Oryx and Crake Cont.

On Monday, I presented some information about trafficking, which is an issue that the United Nations is attempting to curb. I then assigned you the task of reading sections 7 & 8 of the text (and handed out an abstract). . I have decided, however, that tomorrow will also be a catch-up day for the readings. You will be expected to have completed reading Section 8 for Wednesday.

Fri. Apr. 17, 2015: Reading Class

Today, you were to continue reading Oryx and Crake; you are also to continue answering the reading questions. For Monday, you need to have read up to and including Section 6.

Thurs. Apr. 16, 2015: Oryx and Crake Reading/Discussion

Today, we discussed Section Two of Oryx and Crake. Specifically, we discussed genetic engineering as referenced in the text and the reality that Atwood has based her assertions about the future on the present. I found an article entitled "Hamburger in a Petri Dish" which is about exactly what it says: Science now has the ability to create animal protein.
Students were then instructed to read sections three and four of the text for tomorrow's class (up to page 93 or 111 depending on the text they received). They also need to answer the questions in their study guides. In addition, I also gave them abstracts for these sections.

Wed. April 15, 2015: Oryx and Crake

Today, we read section one and section 2 of Oryx and Crake. If you were not here, there are questions for the book you need to answer and an abstract of section one and two that I handed out.
For tomorrow, you need to have finished reading section 2 on your own (page 33 or 40, depending on the book edition you have).

Tues. April 14, 2015: Commas and Novel

Today, we discussed the last two comma rules, did some related exercises, and signed out the novel Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood. I also did a short review of what the novel is about. We will begin the novel unit tomorrow. Keep in mind that this is a fast unit and individual reading away from class is an expectation.

Mon. Apr. 13, 2015: Common Writing Errors: Commas

Today, I reviewed a problem area that has appeared on student assignments as well as the earlier grammar/convention exam: the use of commas.
We reviewed the four rules that apply to comma usage and did some practice sentences to reinforce when one should be added.
I also showed some funny comma errors.
If you haven't handed in your article critiques, they are now past-due and you will need to see me when submitting.

Wed. Apr. 3 & Thurs. Apr. 4, 2015: Reading/Critique Creation

You have a major assignment due at the end of class tomorrow. Each of you has been working on actively reading and then creating short story critiques for each of the stories read. These (the active readings and the critiques) are due tomorrow and need to be handed in (so the critiques must be printed).

I am encouraging all of you to get your independent novel read over the holidays. It will take off a lot of stress later on.

Tues. Mar. 31, 2015: Reading/Writing Class

Today, we continued working on the short story readings and short story critiques. These are due at the end of the day on Thursday, April 2. You have had a long time to do this assignment, so I have also encouraged you to use this time to get ahead on your independent novel.

Mon. Mar. 30, 2015: Reading/Writing Class

Today, students continued working on their short story assignments. These are due on Thursday (see back blogs for more information)>

Thurs. & Fri. Mar. 26 & 27: Reading/Critique Class

Today and tomorrow, you are continuing with your short story active reading and creation of your short story critiques. These are due on April 2. If you have time, this class can also be used to read your independent novel.

Wed. Mar. 25, 2015: Reading Class

Today, you continued actively reading/critiquing your short stories.

Tues. Mar. 24, 2015: Reading Class

Today, you carried on with your short story readings and critique creations. All five short story critiques, along with the stories (demonstrating active reading) are due on April 2.

Some of you also need to complete your one month check-in for your independent novel study. You need to do this in-class (I am here at lunch and in the morning).

Fri. Mar. 20, 2015: Reading Class/One Month Check-In

Students worked on their short story readings. They were also given their "One Month Check In" to complete using their independent novel (which they were reminded to bring today). If they did not bring their novel, they will have to do this activity on Monday (it is not a take-home).

Thurs. Mar. 19, 2015: Reading Class/major assignment

Today, I ensured that all students have five short stories to read.
The students will do the following:
* Actively read each short story (to be handed in on the due date)
* Create a typed short story critique for each short story (to be handed in on due date)
* The due date is April 2, 2015

Resources you will need to do this assignment

1. "Understanding Text Critiques" handout
2. "MLA Citation" booklet
3. "Computer Usage Steps" booklet

Wed. Mar. 18, 2015: Major Assignment Reading

Today, you were given your five readings for the Article critiques (due April 2).

Mon. Mar. 17, 2015: Introduction of Major Assignment

Today, we examined some of the questions from A Field of Wheat. I then gave you your major assignment instructions. If you were not here, you will need to check your portfolio and then see me for a more detailed explanation. The due date will be April 2. You will have to read five short stories actively and then create short story critiques on each one.

Mon. Mar. 16, 2015: Active Reading Cont.

Today, students were to be ready to defend their responses to the first three questions to the reading from "A Field of Wheat." Those who were not prepared were given the additional reading "A New Member of the Family" to also actively read and answer questions about (M.C.).
Both sets of questions are now due in their entirety

Fri. Mar. 13, 2015: A Field of Wheat

Today, we read an excerpt form A Field of Wheat by Sinclair Ross. I also went through active reading with the class to be sure we are all on the same page when it comes to getting the most out of the readings for this unit.
I then handed out questions for this reading. You were instructed to just do the first three for Monday's class. If you were not here, come and get the reading and questions from your portfolio in the morning and get the activity completed at lunch/prep/RTI so you are caught up

Thurs. Mar. 12, 2015: Introduction to Canadian Genre

Today, I introduced Canadian genre and theme. You received a handout on Canadian Themes. I also gave you a biography on Sinclair Ross. I also handed out an excerpt from A Field of Wheat. You are to have this actively read for tomorrow. If you were not here, these are in your portfolio. Come to my class before school or lunch and get the excerpt read (it is four pages). You have lunch and RTI to do this.

Wed. Mar. 11, 2015: Unit One Exam M.C.

Students wrote their unit exam today. If you were not here, you need to make arrangements with me to write the alternative.

Tues. Mar. 10, 2015: Cultural Identity Presentation

Today, we went and watched an assembly relating to cultural identity. There will be a question assigned relating to this assembly. If you miss being here, there will be an alternative activity you can complete. You will need to request it from me.
Keep in mind that you have your reading comprehension exam for this class tomorrow. If you miss it, you will have to see me to write an alternative.

Mon. Mar. 9, 2015: Test Prep & Process of Elimination Discussion

Today, I explained the reading comprehension (multiple choice) exam you will be taking on Wednesday. You were given a handout explaining marking. If you were not here, it is in your portfolio. I also gave you another sheet (blue) to explain process of elimination. We discussed this at length. If you were not here, it is in your portfolio as well.

Fri. March 6, 2015: Issues Paper Completion and Submission

Today, your issues paper was due. These are to be handed in with all components indicated in the instructions. If you have not handed it in, it will be recorded as an NHI. If you want to discuss these, see me at lunch to do so. An alternative can be arranged if necessary.
I also informed the class that you will have a reading comprehension (M.C.) exam on Tuesday. It will be discussed on Monday.

Thurs. Mar. 5, 2015: Writing Class

Today, you worked on your writing assignment, which is due at the end of the day tomorrow.

Wed. Mar. 4, 2015: Writing Class

Today, you worked on your "Issues" essay. Keep in mind that it is due at the end of class on Friday. If you have been working to a plan, you should have your research completed, created a thesis and are preparing to write your rough copy.

Tues. Mar. 3, 2015: Writing/research class

Today, you continued to work on gathering notes/research for your issues-based essay. This essay is due at the end of class on Friday (I extended it). .

Mon. Mar. 2, 2015: Major Assignment Class Time

Today, you were given time to work on your major assignment. Most of you are still researching. Keep in mind that the final product is due at the end of class on Thursday. I also handed out an exemplar. The exemplar is student-created and does contain errors; however, it should help you to see an example showing how someone else organized his thoughts.

Fri. Feb. 27, 2015: Research for major assignment

Today, you researched the issue that you chose in class yesterday. I also demonstrated how to locate and cut information from the web so that you are not plagiarizing.

Thurs. Feb. 26, 2015: Stereotypes: Major Assignment

Today, we continued in our discussion of stereotypes. I also handed out a major assignment to you (research essay) which will be due at the end of class on Thursday.
 We discussed the assignment and then went on to a discussion about citing sources. If you were not here, the assignment is in your portfolio.

Wed. Feb. 25, 2015: Stereotypes Continued

Today, we finished watching Canadian Bacon. With the time left over, we continued discussing stereotypes.

Tues. Feb. 24, 2015: Stereotypes Cont.

Today, we watched the first 46 minutes of Canadian Bacon. Students wrote down the stereotypes they saw.

Mon. Feb. 23, 2015: Discussion on Canadian Stereotypes

Today, we discussed what stereotypes are and which ones are applied to Canadians. We also went online and examined some videos tied to this topic. If you were not here, do a Web search and create your own list of Canadian stereotypes. This will help you in your further discussions.

Fri. Feb. 13, 2015: Catch-up

Today, I allowed students to work on all outstanding assignments. I reminded them that they should also read their novel over the break.

Thurs. Feb. 12, 2015: Punctuation Exercise

This exercise presented today allows you to show what you know about the 15 common errors. You will be given a pre-test on common errors and will be allowed to use your "15 Common Errors" booklet to answer/fix the sentences presented. This is an in-class activity.
If you were not here, you will need to see me in the morning, first period or at lunch to get caught up.

Wed. Feb. 11, 2015: Comprehension Exam (Evaluation)

Today, you wrote a comprehension (reading) exam to determine your areas of strength. Most of you had time left over which you then used to read your independent novel. If you were not here, you will need to see me at lunch to do this activity as it will take longer than an RTI period.

Tues. Feb. 10, 2015: Novel Study: Initial Activity

Today, students were reminded that they have outstanding assignments. Those who do not have them in by the end of lunch will be given an alternative that allows them to demonstrate mastery over the same objectives.

Today, they all had to have their novels (which they were instructed to have yesterday: see "Course Outline"). I gave them the assignment "Novels Study Initial Activity" which allows them the opportunity to practice their citation skills, summary skills and reading time.

This activity will determine how long it will take them to read their books. As such, it must be completed in class. If a student has been absent, he or she needs to see me at lunch to do this (it will not be in the portfolio).

Mon. Feb. 9, 2015: Writing revision class

Today, you worked on completing your text critique. I also sat with some of you and explained revisions needed on the layout of your paragraphs. Both of these assignments are due and will be entered as late/NHI after school if they are not in by that time.
Students who had extra time were to read their novels. You were to have them (and your supplies) for today. Be sure to bring your novel for tomorrow's class as you will be completing an activity using it.

Fri. Feb. 6, 2015: Text Critique One: Writing Class

Today, you worked on your first critique based on the reading you received yesterday. To do this assignment effectively, you need the reading, the "Understanding Text Critiques" booklet, the "MLA Citation" booklet, and the "Computer Usage Steps" booklet.
While you worked on this, I also talked to you about your paragraphs. You will have Monday to complete this activity. If you were not here, read the information above and check your portfolio (if absent on Thursday and Friday) for the reading. Commit to being in the class at lunch as this is an in-school assignment.

Thurs. Feb. 5, 2015: Text Critique and Introduction to subject

Today, I instructed you to get out your booklet entitled "Understanding Text Critiques" which was handed out on the first day of class. We discussed it in great detail (the instructions and the exemplars). I also ensured you all have a copy of the "MLA Citation Booklet."
I then gave you the reading We are Canada to read actively for tomorrow's class in preparation of preparing your first critique.

Wed. Feb 4, 2015: Writing Class/Introductory Paragraph

Today, you wrote your introductory paragraph and demonstrated your ability to follow instructions by using the "Computer Usage Steps," "MLA Citation" Booklet, and the assignment sheet. This was due at the end of class.

Tues. Feb. 3, 2015: Paragraph Review/ First Assignment

Today, you were given a handout entitled "Paragraph Writing." We reviewed it. I then gave you your first assignment, which is to write a paragraph and properly insert it into the computer (ICT outcomes). You already have the paper ("Computer Usage Steps") to do this as well as the format on the way the final product should look ("MLA Citation Booklet" page 6). You will have until the end of class to complete this activity.

Mon. Feb. 2, 2015: Class Introduction

Welcome to ELA A30. The goal today was to introduce students to the course outline, important papers needed all year, and how to access this Blog.
The papers you were given today are as follows:
* Course Outline (Get supplies by Mon. Feb. 9)
* Approved Novel Study Choices (Get novel by Mon. Feb. 9)
* Independent Novel Study Assignment (Due  Monday, June 8)
* 15 Common Errors Booklet
* MLA Citation Booklet
* Integrating Quotations in Sentences
* Computer Usage Steps
* Understanding Text Critiques
* Stylistic Devices sheet

CELL PHONES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN CLASS.