Two pieces of literary writing were handed back and we discussed formal and informal language and did an activity on the chalkboard. Students are encouraged to use formal expression when writing this year.
I also described how pleased I was with the class' writing abilities so far; in fact, I may actually replace my occasionally mean-spirited daughter (who likes to shoot water up my nose while I'm dozing comfortably in the mid-summer sun) with all 24 members of this class -- I'd just have to buy a bigger house.
We discussed muslims and the religion of Islam (we branched out into atheism and a brief discussion of other religions as well). That helped prepare us for the reading on page 51. We read that piece and then the following was assigned for homework: My Body is My Own Business p. 51 Sightlines 10
Answer the following in full sentences:
1. Why were the Muslim girls kicked out of Montreal schools?
2. What misconceptions did popular movies spread about Muslim women who wear veils?
3. How according to the author, does the hijab empower women?
4. Why, according to the author, is it a myth that women in today’s society are liberated?
5. In the context of the article, what does the author mean when she says, “I am not under duress.”
Complete Question#1 on page. 53
(Rayne, I hoped Volleyball went well for you and the team. If you get home really late, let me know and you can turn in this assignment later.)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
English 8
We began class by taking notes on 'story parts'. Students learned about the elements of plot (introduction, initial incident, rising action, climax, conclusion) as well as the different character types: protagonist, antagonist, flat, round, static, dynamic, stock.
Mr. Pfeiffer helped students write out an example of a plot diagram for the story "Thank you Ma'am."
Throughout class, Mr. Pfeiffer gave students delicious sticks of orange coloured chocolate.
We then discussed stereotypes looking at how we as Canadians are stereotyped. Our discussion lead to hockey and arguably the greatest hockey player ever: Maurice Richard.
Students read quietly the short story "The Hockey Sweater" and then were assigned to create a labelled plot diagram for the story.
Homework: complete the plot diagram for "The Hockey Sweater"
Mr. Pfeiffer helped students write out an example of a plot diagram for the story "Thank you Ma'am."
Throughout class, Mr. Pfeiffer gave students delicious sticks of orange coloured chocolate.
We then discussed stereotypes looking at how we as Canadians are stereotyped. Our discussion lead to hockey and arguably the greatest hockey player ever: Maurice Richard.
Students read quietly the short story "The Hockey Sweater" and then were assigned to create a labelled plot diagram for the story.
Homework: complete the plot diagram for "The Hockey Sweater"
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
English 10
Today we discussed how literature is often subtle. In paticular we looked at the end of the short story The Ninny and saw how Yulia's response, "Yes, it is possible",said with a bitter smile on her face, could be taken ironically: she could be referring to the owner himself and suggesting that HE is the one acting spineless. That kind of subtlety is important to note.
Equally important is to be able to see that Yulia's character can be described as timid as well as strong -- opposite characteristics. Being able to hold this almost contradictory interpretation of the story in your hand is an important aspect of interpreting literature.
Students answered question 3 on p. 41. Students were also taught that literature can be interpreted as having both social themes (e.g. government corruption) as well as individual themes (e.g. relationships have to be based on truth and mutual respect).
Class was concluded by students working on an idiom worksheet.
Sara and Melanie I did not get your paragraph answers to question3 on p. 41! You forgot to hand it in?
Equally important is to be able to see that Yulia's character can be described as timid as well as strong -- opposite characteristics. Being able to hold this almost contradictory interpretation of the story in your hand is an important aspect of interpreting literature.
Students answered question 3 on p. 41. Students were also taught that literature can be interpreted as having both social themes (e.g. government corruption) as well as individual themes (e.g. relationships have to be based on truth and mutual respect).
Class was concluded by students working on an idiom worksheet.
Sara and Melanie I did not get your paragraph answers to question3 on p. 41! You forgot to hand it in?
Monday, September 27, 2010
English 10
Completed a homonym sheet in class.
We then discussed the dynamic that exists in relationships and the power-relationship that often exists. Napoleon "Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely". We discussed this phrase and its meaning.
Then students finished off the class by reading the short story The Ninny from Sightlines 10.
Students should consider the power-relationship that exists in this story. Students should also consider this important question: who deserves more of our scorn? Yulia or the owner? In other words, who deserves more criticism the young lady or her boss?
We then discussed the dynamic that exists in relationships and the power-relationship that often exists. Napoleon "Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely". We discussed this phrase and its meaning.
Then students finished off the class by reading the short story The Ninny from Sightlines 10.
Students should consider the power-relationship that exists in this story. Students should also consider this important question: who deserves more of our scorn? Yulia or the owner? In other words, who deserves more criticism the young lady or her boss?
English 8
Students handed in their Character Charts today. I still need them from Jade, Chase, Brandon, Kalei, Stef, Katie.
We continued our work on descriptive or 'showing' paragraphs. Students wrote a descriptive paragraph based on this sentence: It was a cold wet night, but we were warm inside our house.
Students were reminded of the four writing tips (1. don't use small words, 2. use a simile or metaphor to describe something. 3 focus on senses OTHER than sight (like smell or taste 4. Don't use too much dialogue in description). Then I gave students a 5th writing tip: use connecting words. -- I handed out a yellow sheet of connecting words they can use. We finished class by watching a modern version of The Tell Tale heart.
Friday, September 24, 2010
English 10
Character paragraphs were handed in. Still need them from Stuart, Jacob, Adrian, Melanie, Jodie, Xena.
We reviewed last day's lesson on connecting words.
We completed this work on the poem Envy from Sightlines 10 and handed it in at the end of class -- click here.
We reviewed last day's lesson on connecting words.
We completed this work on the poem Envy from Sightlines 10 and handed it in at the end of class -- click here.
English 8
We reviewed last day's work and the life of EA Poe. We read Ragged Sonnet 64, a poem from Sightlines -- we simply discussed it in class. (Stef, Jayden, Chris, you should look up the word "sonnet" and be able to define that word).
We learned about synonyms and completed one side of a vocab sheet on synonyms. Click here to get this handout.
Then we worked on our Character Chart assignment from last day. I gave examples on the board of how you can creatively lay out your projects. They should be one page. THIS IS DUE NEXT CLASS.
We learned about synonyms and completed one side of a vocab sheet on synonyms. Click here to get this handout.
Then we worked on our Character Chart assignment from last day. I gave examples on the board of how you can creatively lay out your projects. They should be one page. THIS IS DUE NEXT CLASS.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
English 8
We began with a quiz on the short story The Tell Tale Heart.
I read out some excellent descriptive paragraphs from students. Then we spoke about character traits and how one trait can be taken both positively and negatively.
We read Your Hidden Skills in our text and then I assigned this:
Character Chart
Create a chart layout of your own positive and negative character traits. Your chart maybe organized in any way. Use colours, bullets,lines, chats or anything else to display your idea. Good copy on unlined paper please.
I read out some excellent descriptive paragraphs from students. Then we spoke about character traits and how one trait can be taken both positively and negatively.
We read Your Hidden Skills in our text and then I assigned this:
Character Chart
Create a chart layout of your own positive and negative character traits. Your chart maybe organized in any way. Use colours, bullets,lines, chats or anything else to display your idea. Good copy on unlined paper please.
English 10
Today students were given some notes on connecting words and were given an in-class worksheets. I showed students HOW to correctly begin a sentence with because.
Students reviewed the notes on How to Write a Literary Paragraph from my nephew Dennis.
Students worked in class, on their paragraph assignment -- discuss the character of Tante Rose.
Tip: remember to include a quotation from the story in your paragraph -- one that shows or illustrates Tante Rose's character trait.
Paragraph is due on Friday at the beginning of class.
Paragraph Re-writes: Hayley (done), Shep (done), Aiden (not done)
Bicycle Quiz - still to do -- Stuart and Courtney
Students reviewed the notes on How to Write a Literary Paragraph from my nephew Dennis.
Students worked in class, on their paragraph assignment -- discuss the character of Tante Rose.
Tip: remember to include a quotation from the story in your paragraph -- one that shows or illustrates Tante Rose's character trait.
Paragraph is due on Friday at the beginning of class.
Paragraph Re-writes: Hayley (done), Shep (done), Aiden (not done)
Bicycle Quiz - still to do -- Stuart and Courtney
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
English 8
Students handed in pink sheet on the Alan Parson's Project song as well as the suffix sheet.
We discussed Edgar Allen Poe and how he was the first horror writer. We listened to his famous short story The Tell Tale Heart and created a doodle during the reading.
Next day prepare for a surprise quiz on the Tell Tale Heart.
We discussed Edgar Allen Poe and how he was the first horror writer. We listened to his famous short story The Tell Tale Heart and created a doodle during the reading.
Next day prepare for a surprise quiz on the Tell Tale Heart.
English 10
Today I handed back our quiz/paragraph on The Bicycle -- some students have been asked to REDO the paragraph for a higher grade.
We learned from Mr. Pfeiffer's nephew, Dennis, how to write a literary paragraph (yellow handout was distributed).
Then students were given their first bit of literary writing: In paragraph form and with reference to the story, discuss the character of Tante Rose in "The Bicycle".
Students are reminded to follow Dennis's example and notes. Good copy should be in ink. This will be due, likely, on Friday of this week.
We learned from Mr. Pfeiffer's nephew, Dennis, how to write a literary paragraph (yellow handout was distributed).
Then students were given their first bit of literary writing: In paragraph form and with reference to the story, discuss the character of Tante Rose in "The Bicycle".
Students are reminded to follow Dennis's example and notes. Good copy should be in ink. This will be due, likely, on Friday of this week.
Monday, September 20, 2010
English 8
Complete Suffix worksheet. Complete the work on the pink handout -- the song by The Alan Parson's Project.
Background to the song: the song is actually entitled "The Tell-Tale Heart" which is a famous short story by Edgar Allen Poe. The song is from an entire album from the 1970's
that is dedicated to the writings of Edgar Allen Poe. Interestingly, many of you have seen the Simpson's episode based on this Edgar Allen Poe story, the episode where Lisa Simpson buries her rival's diorama underneath the floor in the gymnasium. The episode is called Lisa's Rival and who knows? We just might watch it.. . . after we read the famous story, of course.
Background to the song: the song is actually entitled "The Tell-Tale Heart" which is a famous short story by Edgar Allen Poe. The song is from an entire album from the 1970's
that is dedicated to the writings of Edgar Allen Poe. Interestingly, many of you have seen the Simpson's episode based on this Edgar Allen Poe story, the episode where Lisa Simpson buries her rival's diorama underneath the floor in the gymnasium. The episode is called Lisa's Rival and who knows? We just might watch it.. . . after we read the famous story, of course.
English 10
We began class with the quiz on The Bicycle. Hope you checked Friday's blog entry because it would have helped! And a reminder, if your computer access at home is limited, please head into the RSS library and check it before school, at lunch, or after school.
We continued today's lesson by chatting about the story and examining how best to expand and write on questions about CHARACTER. We received a yellow handout: the character trait word bank. We took notes on character types and we, collectively brainstormed the character traits of Hannah from "The Bicycle"
To prepare for next class, consider the character traits of Tante Rose. You will be assigned the following writing assignment: "in a paragraph or two discuss the character of Tante Rose."
We continued today's lesson by chatting about the story and examining how best to expand and write on questions about CHARACTER. We received a yellow handout: the character trait word bank. We took notes on character types and we, collectively brainstormed the character traits of Hannah from "The Bicycle"
To prepare for next class, consider the character traits of Tante Rose. You will be assigned the following writing assignment: "in a paragraph or two discuss the character of Tante Rose."
Friday, September 17, 2010
English 8
Today we reviewed the two writing tips from last day.
We did a worksheet on prefixes (front side is due for homework, but most students completed it). Finally students finished their library orientation assignments.
Oh, and I explained why teaching English 8 class is like eating a grapefruit for breakfast for me. Remember the answer?
We did a worksheet on prefixes (front side is due for homework, but most students completed it). Finally students finished their library orientation assignments.
Oh, and I explained why teaching English 8 class is like eating a grapefruit for breakfast for me. Remember the answer?
English 10
We began with a quick 8 mark quiz on Mediation XVII.
Then,we discussed the term conformist and non-conformist and we established that the word "conformist" is a pejorative (a word meant to injure or insult). Then we read a poem called "Non Conformist". The central aspect of that poem we discussed, was the irony (the girl thought she was a non-conformist, but she reveals she isn't).
We then began reading "The Bicycle" on p. 32. After some background discussion on the Jewish religion, students began reading the story.
There will be a quiz next day on this story -- so finish reading it and review it Sunday night or Monday morning before class on this story.
Here's a quiz tip for those of you who are astute enough to check this blog : what did Tante Rose include with the letter she sent at the end of the story? Also, be prepared to write a short paragraph on Hannah's decision at the end.
Then,we discussed the term conformist and non-conformist and we established that the word "conformist" is a pejorative (a word meant to injure or insult). Then we read a poem called "Non Conformist". The central aspect of that poem we discussed, was the irony (the girl thought she was a non-conformist, but she reveals she isn't).
We then began reading "The Bicycle" on p. 32. After some background discussion on the Jewish religion, students began reading the story.
There will be a quiz next day on this story -- so finish reading it and review it Sunday night or Monday morning before class on this story.
Here's a quiz tip for those of you who are astute enough to check this blog : what did Tante Rose include with the letter she sent at the end of the story? Also, be prepared to write a short paragraph on Hannah's decision at the end.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
English 10
Students handed in their Meditation XVII assignments.
God spoke to Mr. Pfeiffer last night and told him to make up a seating plan. Not one to defy the great creator, Mr. P assigned seats.
We then discussed Buffy St. Marie's graphic piece from Sightlines entitled "Self-Portrait". Students learned that her self-portrait was rich in meaning, and that pictures or photos can be interpreted. Buffy's portrait suggests that she is a defensive and vulnerable person, perhaps because of some of the prejudice she has had to endure as an aboriginal Canadian.
As a class, we sort of performed the skit "This is a Test".
We reviewed the myth last day and completed 7 questions -- students handed this in already. Click here for the questions.
Then we ended when I described that the GUTS of English 10 is learning to write about literature well: literary writing.
God spoke to Mr. Pfeiffer last night and told him to make up a seating plan. Not one to defy the great creator, Mr. P assigned seats.
We then discussed Buffy St. Marie's graphic piece from Sightlines entitled "Self-Portrait". Students learned that her self-portrait was rich in meaning, and that pictures or photos can be interpreted. Buffy's portrait suggests that she is a defensive and vulnerable person, perhaps because of some of the prejudice she has had to endure as an aboriginal Canadian.
As a class, we sort of performed the skit "This is a Test".
We reviewed the myth last day and completed 7 questions -- students handed this in already. Click here for the questions.
Then we ended when I described that the GUTS of English 10 is learning to write about literature well: literary writing.
English 8
Today students handed in their homework from last day (questions on "Thank You Ma'am").
In today's class we had the "Showing/Telling" lesson. Our focus was on descriptive writing and students wrote a descriptive paragraph. Their pargaraphs were create during class and were handed in. Click here to download the lesson and paragraph assignment.
I shared two writing tips during our work (Tip 1 -- use a simile or metaphor to add flair to your writing. Tip 2 -- avoid all the simple words you learned back in Kindergarten; that is, avoid words such as good bad sad nice big small happy mean things stuff cool neat . . . )
Then we had our library orientation in the second half of class. Students need to finish their library orientation work if it hasn't already been handed in.
In today's class we had the "Showing/Telling" lesson. Our focus was on descriptive writing and students wrote a descriptive paragraph. Their pargaraphs were create during class and were handed in. Click here to download the lesson and paragraph assignment.
I shared two writing tips during our work (Tip 1 -- use a simile or metaphor to add flair to your writing. Tip 2 -- avoid all the simple words you learned back in Kindergarten; that is, avoid words such as good bad sad nice big small happy mean things stuff cool neat . . . )
Then we had our library orientation in the second half of class. Students need to finish their library orientation work if it hasn't already been handed in.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
English 10
Today I handed back the I am a Rock worksheet.
We also reviews prefixes and root words.
We discussed the words pride, vanity, and narcissism while reading the myth "The Face in the Pool".
Students were given time to work on the Meditation XVII project from last day -- this will be due on Thursday.
We also reviews prefixes and root words.
We discussed the words pride, vanity, and narcissism while reading the myth "The Face in the Pool".
Students were given time to work on the Meditation XVII project from last day -- this will be due on Thursday.
English 8
Today discussed the term multi-dimensional and how a person could be one-dimensional or multi-dimensional. This was done after we viewed Optrick in the Sightlines 8 text.
We then read the short story "Thank-You Ma'am". Students were assigned five questions -- they are due for homework (due on Thursday).
Monday, September 13, 2010
English 8
Students handed in their vocabulary worksheet (p.2-3) which covered root words, suffixes, and prefixes.
We discussed various taxes (municipal, income, property). Then we read The Street that got Mislaid from out Sightlines 8 textbook. A handout was distributed and we worked on it in class. Both sides of that handout are due tomorrow.
We discussed various taxes (municipal, income, property). Then we read The Street that got Mislaid from out Sightlines 8 textbook. A handout was distributed and we worked on it in class. Both sides of that handout are due tomorrow.
English 10
Students handed in their work on I am a Rock which was homework from last day.
Then we read and briefly discussed John Donne's "Meditation XVII".
Students took notes on the terms poetry and prose.
Students were then given this assignment -- this assignment will be due on Thursday of this week:
“Meditation XVII” Sightlines 10 p. 2
Although “Meditation XVII” by John Donne seems to be a poem, it is a piece of prose. Your assignment is to change the prose format of the poem into poetry, keeping in mind that line divisions are important to create meaning. Consider line length, word size, spacing, justification, font, colour, overall shape, and background illustrations
Criteria
creative
neat
white, unlined paper
Then we read and briefly discussed John Donne's "Meditation XVII".
Students took notes on the terms poetry and prose.
Students were then given this assignment -- this assignment will be due on Thursday of this week:
“Meditation XVII” Sightlines 10 p. 2
Although “Meditation XVII” by John Donne seems to be a poem, it is a piece of prose. Your assignment is to change the prose format of the poem into poetry, keeping in mind that line divisions are important to create meaning. Consider line length, word size, spacing, justification, font, colour, overall shape, and background illustrations
Criteria
creative
neat
white, unlined paper
Friday, September 10, 2010
English 10
Students began working on the backside of the vocab sheet from last day (prefixes and root words).
Then we discussed their work on metaphors and how a rock could be used as a metaphor. We reviewed what alliteration is ( Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds “Turning and Twisting into the tunnel” -- the “t” sound is repeated). For homework students must complete the yellow "I am a Rock" worksheet.
Next day we'll be discussing meditation. Heck, we might even close our eyes, sit cross-legged and try to meditate.
Then we discussed their work on metaphors and how a rock could be used as a metaphor. We reviewed what alliteration is ( Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds “Turning and Twisting into the tunnel” -- the “t” sound is repeated). For homework students must complete the yellow "I am a Rock" worksheet.
Next day we'll be discussing meditation. Heck, we might even close our eyes, sit cross-legged and try to meditate.
English 8
Homework: Complete BOTH sides of the vocabulary sheet. This is due, of course, on Monday. Please remember to bring your textbook to each and every class.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
English 10
We began by reviewing the course outline and classroom expectations (click here for course outline). We then discussed metaphors and learned that metaphors aren't always simple, one-to-one comparisons; often metaphors delve into the abstract such as in the phrase "Education opens up a door of possibilities." In this example, a door is a metaphor for education or learning.
Students were then asked to imagine how a 'rock' could be used as a metaphor. Students wrote these out on a sheet of paper and should have at least three metaphors for rock for next class.
Students also worked on a 'show what you know' activity that involved synonyms, antonyms, prefixes. . . this should be completed for next class.
To prepare for tomorrow, ask your parents who Simon and Garfunkel are and then do a Youtube search on them and have a look.
Students were then asked to imagine how a 'rock' could be used as a metaphor. Students wrote these out on a sheet of paper and should have at least three metaphors for rock for next class.
Students also worked on a 'show what you know' activity that involved synonyms, antonyms, prefixes. . . this should be completed for next class.
To prepare for tomorrow, ask your parents who Simon and Garfunkel are and then do a Youtube search on them and have a look.
English 8
We reviewed the course outline and discussed classroom expectations (click here for course outline) . Student Agendas were handed out to all grade 8's -- if you didn't have your $5.00 Agenda Fee, please try to bring it as soon as possible. To end class, students wrote a letter of introduction and handed it in before class finished.
Next class we'll get our textbooks and begin our first lesson. To prepare for tomorrow, students, you can ask your parents about taxes -- the different kinds of taxes they pay, how much they pay, and the purpose of taxation.
Next class we'll get our textbooks and begin our first lesson. To prepare for tomorrow, students, you can ask your parents about taxes -- the different kinds of taxes they pay, how much they pay, and the purpose of taxation.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Welcome Back to School!
Today I introduced myself and a bit of the courses of study. Next day we'll dive into English 8 and English 10. Please bring a binder with loose-leaf paper, and a pen. I look forward to a great year with all of you!
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