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.