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.