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.