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.