Fri. June 13-Thurs. June 19, 2014 Test Prep/Cheat Sheets

During this time, you have been given a lecture on how to write a multi-genre essay. I have also provided you with practice readings and questions in order to prepare for the multiple choice portion of the exam. You have until Wednesday (after school) to hand in your cheat sheets for the multi-genre essay (no exceptions). Your exams are on Friday at 9 am (you will be in either room 210 or room 208; the names will be posted).

Thurs. June 12, 2014: The Lottery Discussion

Today, we discussed the short story "The Lottery." I showed you a Powerpoint explaining the symbolism and themes. If you were not here, research this information out on the Internet.

Wed. June 11, 2014: Miss Brill Review

Today, we reviewed the story "Miss Brill" determining topics/themes and tie-ins to "Paul's Case."

Tues. June 10, 2014: "Paul's Case" Analysis & Test Prep

Today we discussed the short story "Paul's Case" by Cather.

Mon. June 9, 2014: Test Prep Sheet

Today, you were given a sheet entitled "Final Test Prep." This will explain what you need to know for the final. We discussed it in depth. I also gave you a sheet explaining how to approach the reading on a multiple choice exam. In addition, we reviewed the texts you have studied this year. If you were not here, you will have to review Blogger to make a list of the text we have studied. In addition, you can have a cheat sheet for the essay that is provided on your test prep sheet. Keep in mind that I must have it by the day also indicated on your test prep sheet.

Fri. June 6, 2014: Story Summaries Reading Class

Today, students completed reading the three short stories assigned earlier in the week and then wrote brief summaries on them. We will begin to discuss these in relation to the final exam next week.

Thurs. June 5, 2014: Reading Class

Today, you were to continue actively reading the short stories given to you earlier in the week. They need to be actively read and summarized for Monday.

Wed. June 4, 2014: Reading Class/Catch-up

Today, you were to read the three short stories presented to you yesterday. These need to be actively read and summarized for Monday, June 9th's class.
If you were not here this week, this class will be catch-up on the novel study assignment. You will still need to come in during a lunch-hour to write the Hamlet Unit Exam.

Tues. June 3, 2014: Shakespeare Unit Exam

Today, you wrote your unit exam for Hamlet. I then gave you a booklet containing three short stories that must be read for Monday's class (actively as well as summarized).

Mon. June 2, 2014: INS Writing Activity

Today, your independent novel study was due. As a final activity, you were given a writing assignment (book review) to complete in which you could reference your journal to help you. This was a one hour activity. If you were not here, the journal is due on the first day back at school. You will also have to come in at lunch that day to do the assignment.
Tomorrow, you will write the Hamlet unit exam.

Fri. May 30, 2014: Hamlet Completion

Today, we finished reading Hamlet. You then wrote your Act V quiz.
Keep in mind that your novel study is due at the start of class on Monday.
Also keep in mind that your unit exam on Hamlet will occur on Tuesday (multiple choice/True False).

Thurs. May 29, 2014: Hamlet Act V

Today, roles were assigned and then we began to read Act V of Hamlet. We read up to page 141, (scene II, line 64).

Wed. May 28, 2014: Act IV Hamlet Test

Today, we finished reading Act IV of Hamlet. You then wrote the act quiz. If you were not here, request an alternate assignment.

Tues. May 27, 2014: Act IV Hamlet

Today, we read Act IV, scene 5 of Hamlet. I also showed the clip entitled "Ophelia's Return" to show you how such a scene might appear on stage.

Mon. May 26, 2014: Act IV Hamlet

Today, we read Act IV of Hamlet. We stopped at the end of Act IV, scene 4 (page 109).
I also gave you notes on the similarities between Hamlet, Fortinbras and Laertes (murdered fathers), ways to avenge, outcomes, personality differences shown as a result.

Fri. May 23, 2014: Act 3 Hamlet Completion

Today, we read to the end of Act III. You then wrote the Act III quiz.
Keep in mind that, while you don't have homework during this unit, your independent novel study is due on June 3.

Thurs. May 22, 2014: Hamlet Act III

Today, we continued to read Act III of Hamlet. We finished up at the bottom of page 90 (Act III, Scene 3, after it says "He kneels".)

Wed. May 21, 2014: Hamlet Act II Quiz

Today, you wrote the quiz for Act II of Hamlet. We then reviewed Act III, Scene one, as you read it yesterday when I was not here.
We then read up to Act III, scene ii, line 43 (when Polonius, Rosancrantz and Guildenstern enter) on page 74.

Tues. May 20, 2014: Hamlet Cont.

I was not here today. You will be writing your Act II quiz tomorrow. Today, you read up to ActIII, Scene 2, Page 73.
You also switched up roles for Act III.

Fri. May 16, 2014: Hamlet Act II Cont.

Today, we began reading Act II, scene II or Hamlet. We stopped at the bottom of page 56. We will start on page 57 on Monday.

Thurs. May 15, 2014: Hamlet Act I Quiz and Act II Reading

Today, you wrote your Act I quiz for Hamlet. If you were not here and did not already write the quiz, there are Act I questions in your portfolio that you can do to make up for this on your transcript. Today, I assigned new roles and we read up to Act II, Scene 2 (the end of page 40).

Tuesday, May 13, 2014: Hamlet Cont.

Today, we continued reading Hamlet.  We read up to the end of Scene 2 (we will start/continue Scene 3 tomorrow). We did not get through very much due to the fact that we worked on proper reading (not stopping at the end of lines, pronunciation mattering, using periods as full stops (including change of direction or change in whom one is speaking to), semicolons as stops, and commas as yield signs when driving) and word meaning ('a means "he", "ere" means "before").

If you were not here, you can go online and look up "No Fear Shakespeare". On this site, search out Hamlet. One side of the page gives you the reading; the other side gives you the modern version. It is best, however, not to miss classes during this time.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014: Hamlet Cont.

Today, we continued reading Hamlet.  We read up to the end of Act I You will have an Act quiz at the start of class tomorrow. I had a number of you write it today as you were aware that you would not be here tomorrow. As I've already stated in class, if you miss a quiz, you will have to do an alternative assignment to get the mark (questions)

If you were not here, you can go online and look up "No Fear Shakespeare". On this site, search out Hamlet. One side of the page gives you the reading; the other side gives you the modern version. It is best, however, not to miss classes during this time.

Mon. May 12, 2014: Begin reading Hamlet

Today, we started reading Hamlet. Roles for the first act were assigned. We read up to Page 7, line 142 (we stopped at the action of the cock crowing). We did not get through very much due to the fact that we worked on proper reading (not stopping at the end of lines, pronunciation mattering, using periods as full stops (including change of direction or change in whom one is speaking to), semicolons as stops, and commas as yield signs when driving) and word meaning ('a means "he", "ere" means "before").

Fri., May 9, 2014: Shakespeare Practice (reading)

Today, you were instructed to do the following:
Get into groups of four
Assign roles from the excerpt of the play: The Tragedy of King Richard the Second.
Take a highlighter and highlight the indicator name for your own lines
As a group, read the script out loud; be sure to read using iambic pentameter (unstressed/stressed syllables)
Highlight unknown words, changes in direction or lines needing clarification
Once finished, summarize what happens (can do this in the margins)

I then gave you questions (M.C.) to answer as a group. The goal was to reach consensus using process of elimination skills.
These were to be handed in at the end of class though some students chose to work on them further during RTI.

Thurs. May 8, 2014: Iambic Pentameter Explained

Today, I spent the whole period discussing iambic pentameter. If you were not here, you will have to either do a web search on this and/or see me at lunch so I can explain it (it will take most of a lunch hour so bring food).

Wed. May 7, 2014: Readings on Shakespeare

Today, there was a substitute in the class. The assignment was as follows:

In your portfolio there is a reading entitled “Hamlet: Prince of Denmark “Learning Stuff” Booklet”. Read it actively (use a highlighter). When finished, show Mrs. Gerwing and she will give you the questions. These questions are to be answered on a separate sheet of paper.

They are due at the start of class tomorrow.

If you were not here, you will need to do the reading and then show me to get the questions.

Tues. May 6, 2014: Shakespeare Introduction Cont.

Today, I discussed the history of Britain at the time of Shakespeare, including the feudal system, religious implications, and universal themes. I then gave a brief overview of the context at the start of Hamlet (the background of King Hamlet and King Fortinbras).
I also reminded all students to sign out a copy of the play from the library.

Mon. May 5, 2014: Elizabethan Drama Introduction

Today, I gave a Powerpoint as an introduction to our Elizabethan Drama unit. If you were not here, you will need to come in at lunch to get the notes (or copy off of a friend). I discussed the plague, the living conditions at the time, and why people might attend the play (types of entertainment).

Fri. May 2, 2014: Final Writing Class for Current Essay

Today, you were to complete your essay. While it was due at the end of class, I extended the deadline to the end of the day.

If you were not here, you need to see me at lunch on Monday.

Wed. Apr. 30, 2014: Essay Writing Workshop

Today, students worked on their essays. They are due on Friday, May 2.

Tues. Apr. 29, 2014: In Class Essay Assignment

Today, I presented students with their in-class essay assignment options, a formal essay layout sheet (review) and a sheet on editing and revising essays. I am not posting the essay topics here. If you were not here, these sheets are in your portfolio.

This assignment is due on Friday, May 2. This means you have four days to complete it. Keep in mind that the final exam involves writing two essays and answering questions relating to three readings. In other words, you will be expected to be able to write an essay in an hour.

I also presented students with a sheet entitled "Characteristics Tones". If you did not receive this, check your portfolio for a copy.

Mon. Apr. 28, 2014: Lord of the Flies Notes

Today, I provided you with more information regarding the symbols and allegories found in Lord of the Flies. We examined the purpose of the conch, fire, glasses, the sea, and hit on others such as creepers and religious allegory. Keep in mind that you can search these out on the Web.

Thurs. Apr. 17, 2014 Film Viewing & Symbol Notes

Today, we finished watching the feature film Lord of the Flies. I then provided students with an example of 10 year olds engaging in "uncivilized" behaviour followed by a discussion about how the boys represent man as a whole (allegory).
While there is no homework assigned, keep in mind that your independent novel study is due on the first school day of June. You may want to get ahead on this.

Wed. Apr. 16, 2014: Film Viewing

Today, we watched the first part of The Lord of the Flies (the newer version as the older one is not available).

Tues. Apr. 15, 2014: Unit Exam

Today, you wrote your unit exam for the novel unit. If you were not here, you need to make arrangements to write this before the holidays.

Mon. Apr. 14, 2014: Test Prep and Work Time

Today, you handed in your readings assignments (including "Works Cited" and Chapter Analysis) for the novel Lord of the Flies. If you were not here, it is due tomorrow.

I then gave you a sheet to help you with the exam tomorrow. You were then given time to prepare for the exam.

Thurs. Apr. 10, 2014 Reading Class

Today, you continued to read the novel Lord of the Flies, and work on the questions provided, as well as the "Works Cited" page and "Chapter Analysis" page. These are all due next Monday.

Wed. Apr. 9, 2014 Reading Class

Today, you continued to read the novel Lord of the Flies, and work on the questions provided, as well as the "Works Cited" page and "Chapter Analysis" page. These are all due next Monday.

Fri. Apr. 11, 2014 Final Reading Class

Today, you were to read and answer the questions for the novel Lord of the Flies. These are due at the start of class on Monday.
On Monday, we will discuss the novel and some key themes. You will write your novel comprehension and reading comprehension exam on Tuesday (we will work on the essay portion after the holiday).

Tues. Apr. 8, 2014: Reading Class

Today, students worked on their novel questions and readings for the novel Lord of the Flies. Those who completed this activity now have time to work on their independent novel studies. The questions and readings are due at the start of class on Monday, April 14.

Fri. Apr. 4, 2014 Reading Class

Today, the students continued with reading their novels and answering questions.

Fri. Apr. 3, 2014: Reading Class

Students continued to read and answer questions on the novel Lord of the Flies. Some have already completed the assignment in its entirety (it is all due on April 14). If so, the students who are finished are to work on their independent novel study in class. For further instructions, refer to yesterday's blog.

Wed. Apr, 2, 2014 Continuation of Reading

Today, students continued to read and answer questions pertaining to Lord of the Flies and also work on their "Works Cited" page and title analysis page, which are all due at the start of class on Monday, April 14.

Tues. Apr. 1, 2014: Lord of the Flies Timeline

Today, you were to read and hand in your answers for Chapter Five of Lord of the Flies. I also gave you the following information to guide you through your readings:
The novel needs to be completely read by Monday, April 14.
All chapter questions (6-12) are due on Monday, April 14.
The title analysis sheet must be completed and submitted for Monday, April 14.
The "Works Cited" sheet must be completed and submitted for Monday, April 14.
From this point on, classes will be used for reading. If you finish these assignments early, you will have time to work on your independent novel study.

Mon. Mar. 31, 2014 Lord of the Flies (3 & 4)

Today, you were supposed to have read Chapters Three and Four of Lord of the Flies as well as answered and handed in the questions for these chapters.
Today, you wrote a nine to twelve sentence summary for the novel up to this point (15 minute timed), and then we discussed the changes happening in the boys (becoming less civilized; Id gaining more control over Super Ego).
By the end of class tomorrow, you are to have read Chapter Five and have answered the Chapter Five questions.

Fri. Mar. 28., 2014: Reading Class

Today, students were instructed to read Chapters Three and Four of the novel Lord of the Flies. They are also to answer the corresponding questions. These are due at the start of class on Monday.

Tues. Mar. 25, 2015 Born to be Good? Doc.

Today, we watched the documentary "Born to Be Good?" which can be found at CBC.ca (on The Nature of Things). It aired July 13 (?) 2013 (It is easy to find). While viewing, you were to take notes (active viewing skills) for future discussion. We didn't quite finish it. If you were not here, watch it all anyway. You also were instructed to analyze the title to Chapter Two of the novel Lord of the Flies on your "Chapter Analysis" sheet.

Mon. Mar. 24, 2014: Lord of the Flies Chpt. 1 Discussion & Questions

Today, we discussed Chapter One of Lord of the Flies, which you read out loud on Friday.
I provided you with questions for the novel as well as a Chapter 1 and 2 vocabulary in context sheet to complete. This vocabulary sheet, as well as the answers for the Chapter 1 questions, are due at the start of class tomorrow.
If you were not here, the questions for this chapter are as follows:

1. Identify the following:
Ralph, Piggy, Simon, Jack, Sam&Eric, Maurice, Roger, "The littluns."
2. How did the boys come to the island?
3. What do the boys have that is the symbol of authority in the society they form?
4. What does the reader learn about Jack when he slashed the green candle buds?
5. Why does Jack hesitate when he lifts his knife to kill the piglet, and what does he promise will happen next time he meets a pig?
6. Who are the hunters and what is their job?

Fri. March 21, 2014 Reading of Chapter One Lord of the Flies

Today, I am not here. The class will be reading Chapter One of Lord of the Flies. If you were not in class, be sure to read Chapter One for Monday. I have provided questions, but I am not sure whether they will be handed out today or not (check with a classmate).

Thurs. Mar. 20, 2014 Lord of the Flies Intro

Today, I instructed students to create a page with "Title Analysis" as its title. They were to write down the title of the first chapter (properly attributed) and analyze it.
I then had students create a second page, labeling it "Citation."
They were then to use their citation booklet and correctly cite their novel (in pencil).
I then had them do a citation for the first chapter.
We then did the citation for the second chapter.
This was a long class in the sense that everyone had to do the task correctly. Citation is an important skill, so learning how to follow citation instructions, regardless of the type a teacher expects, is important.
Students are to hold on to these pages as we will continue to add to them.

Wed. Mar. 19, 2014 Lord of the Flies Intro.

Today, we carried on discussing information needed to fully understand the novel Lord of the Flies. Specifically, we discussed themes (human nature; need for civilization; innocence and loss of innocence; illusion and reality; power; fear of the unknown; the indifference of nature; blindness and vision; leaders and followers; survival), and terms (utopia, dystopia, allegory, archetype, microcosm, atavism, primal, innate).
If you were not here, you will need to do a web search to understand these connections to the novel (and define the terms).

Tues. mar. 18, 2014 Intro to Lord of the Flies

Today, I began my introduction to the novel Lord of the Flies.

We began by doing the "before" reading activities, focusing on the title (breaking down "lord" and "flies" to arrive at a possible meaning).
I then gave you the first part of an introductory Powerpoint in which you were presented with the following:

William Golding's history and tie-in to novel
Novel overview
Beliefs in the nature of man (good/evil; nature/nurture; romantic concept/original sin).

We also discussed note-taking as a skill when listening to a lecture or viewing a Powerpoint.

Mon. Mar. 17, 2014

Today, I went over the progress reports with every student who was here. Your unit essays are due at the end of class today. You also need to get a copy of Lord of the Flies from the library for our next unit.

Fri. Mar. 14, 2014 Unit One Exam

Today, you wrote your unit one exam. Keep in mind that your essay is due on Monday at the end of the day. If you missed today's exam, you will have to come in and write it Monday at lunch as it cannot be reviewed until they have been written.

Thurs. Mar. 13, 2014

Today, students worked on their essay (which is due at the end of the day on Monday). This is the last class where they will be given computer time to work on it (I will be in the library for lunch today if they need it).
I also went over the expectations regarding tomorrow's exam:
* cell phones on the counter
* put all items (with the exception of pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers, sharpener) on floor at front of room
* sit only where there is a test (and possibly a Post-It note with your name on it if I have time)
* do not turn over tests until instructed
* there will be a readings booklet and a questions booklet
*actively read in the readings booklet
* use process of elimination skills in the questions booklet
* When finished, bring the test to the instructor
* You were instructed to bring your independent novel to read if there is time
*retrieve it from the front of the room and read without disrupting others.

Wed. Mar. 12, 2014: Assess & Reflect, test tips, essay work

Today, you were given an "Assess And Reflect" sheet to fill in. You are to examine the introductory paragraph you wrote, now marked and on your computer, and follow the instructions on the sheet to identify writing concerns. I then want you to hand these in (they will be returned ASAP). The goal is to find two areas you can work on and eliminate from your essay that is due on Monday.
I also gave you a test prep sheet explaining Friday's exam and words/concepts you should ensure you are familiar with. If you were not here, these are in your portfolio.

Tues. Mar. 11, 2014 Essay Lab

Today, you worked on your essays. I put a copy of the seven steps to a good introductory paragraph in your portfolio.

Mon. Mar. 10, 2014 Unit One Essay and Test Info.

Today, you were given the instructions for your unit essay. This essay is due on Monday. March 24. If you were not here, the instructions and a reminder of revision sheet are in your portfolio.
I also marked your three active reading assignments and your text critique, which were due today.
Your unit final, which consists of two readings and M.C. questions, will take place on Friday.

Friday, Mar. 7, 2014 Readings and Critique

Today, you worked on your readings (see titles in yesterday's blog) and your text critique (see yesterday's blog). The active reading and the text critique are all due on Monday (again, see yesterday's blog for more details).

Thursday, March 6, 2014 Reading Package and Article Critique Assignment

Today, I provided you with three texts to read acitvely:
"And of Clay We are Created" by  Isabel Allende
"What Men live By' by Leo Tolstoy (can be found online through Google search)
"Man in the Water" by Roger Rosenblatt (can be found online thorugh Google search)

Your goal is to read all three of these actively. If you were absent, copies are in your portfolio. If you cannot get in to get them, do the search and finish what is available to you. i will do a homework check on these on Monday to ensure you are engaging in active reading.

I then gave you a blue sheet with a template of a text critique on it. These are used in order to gather information on a reading, whether from a text or online. We discussed the expectations in each category (if you weren't here, check your portfolio).

You are to have completed a critique on ONE of the above texts (your choice as to which one) for Monday. Do not use the critique page. Either write it out and fill the critique in or you can type it.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014 INS Work

Due to the fact that the water has been turned off, regular classes are not going to be presented today; however, all of you have a novel study assignment to work on. This would be a good opportunity to work on it.

Mon. Mar. 1, 2014 Beowulf Discussion and Questions

Today, I reinforced how an essay can be created using the steps previously talked about. I then handed out a sheet of literary devices that you are supposed to know (these are based on past curriculums), explaining that the devices will all appear over the course of the year but that some will appear as early as the first exam. I also gave you the definitions for the three different types of irony: situational, verbal, and dramatic. If you were not here, you can look these up on the Internet or talk to a classmate for the notes.
 I then gave out the questions for this excerpt of "Beowulf" explaining that you didn't have to do question one, and that all of the questions, with the exception of question 3, are to be written in long form (and in pen, of course). These are due for tomorrow.

Fri. Feb. 28, 2014 Beowulf Discussion

Today, we discussed the excerpt from the open Beowulf. This involved reading it out loud and analyzing it to determine with Beowulf is a hero (locating evidence).

Thurs. Feb. 27, 2014 Active Reading: Beowulf

Today, we reviewed the answered to the quesitons you handed in regarding literature in early England. The purpose of these questions was to reinforce the usefulness of active reading strategies, especially paraphrasing. I then introduce the excerpt from the epic poem Beowulf and instructed you to have this actively read for tomorrow's class.

Wed. Feb. 26, 2014: Importance of Paraphrasing

Today, I put you into small groups to discuss the reading you were given yesterday. You were to use the questions from how to analyze a text to do this.
I then discussed how important active reading is, including paraphrasing paragraphs as you are reading (not doing it like an additional activity). I then gave you questions based more on paraphrasing than on reading of the entire paragraph for you to answer independently. Students who paraphrase are, generally, much quicker at finding the answer than those who do not paraphrase. If you were not here, the questions are in your portfolio.

Tues. Feb. 25, 2014 Active Reading/Intro to Heroic Traits

Today, we discussed heroes through time. Specifically, I explained the characteristics of an Epic (Grecian) hero (courage, intelligence, authority,attractiveness, strength), the traits of a Christian hero and then the traits of a Roman hero. I then gave you a reading to complete (read actively) for class tomorrow. If you were not here, it is in your portfolio.

Mon. Feb. 24, 2014 Heroes Introduction and visual text activity

Today, I introduced the first unit to the class. The focus of this unit is on ideals and virtues: what makes a hero or what makes a person stand apart from the rest.

I gave students a sheet intitled "Heroes" Introductory Exercise". If you were not here, the assignment is in your portfolio and you will have to complete it on your own. If this is the case, there will be a visual image attached to the assignment.

I defined what is meant by connotation and denotation. If you were not here, you will have to do this on your own as well.

The assignment was due at the end of class.

Thurs. Feb. 13, 2014 Pre test

Today, I handed out the pretest assignment and the guide to understanding it. This assignment, along with the independent novel study "Before" activity and the "Career Cruising" activity completion are all due on Monday, February 24, 2014.
Thes students used their time today to complete these as well as the introductory paragraph, which is due tomorrow.

We. Feb. 12, 2014 Intro par. & Career Cruising

Today, you worked on your paragraph assignment. It (along with your outline and rough copy) is due at the end of class on Friday, February 14. I also ensured that you have the computer expectations today so you can put it in the system correctly (this is a must for this assignment to be completed).
I also handed out the "Career Cruising" assignment that also needs to be completed for Friday (a paragraph is, in rough form, a ten-minute activity. The students will need to complete three assignments by Friday if they don't want homework). This assignment also utilizes the computer (they are in the class for this purpose).

Tues. Feb. 11, 2014 Intro Paragraph Assignment

Today, I gave you instructions for writing your first paragraph for me. The assignment is as follows:

Write a one paragraph self-introduction in which you describe a characteristic about yourself that you are proud of.

I have placed instructions for how to lay this out in the school computer system (a requirement) as well as paragraph expectations, in your portfolio (I must have an outline and a hand-written rough copy as well as the typed final revised and edited product in the computer system).
The due date for this assignment is Friday, February 14 (by the end of class).

Fri. Feb 7, 2014 Readings Questions Cont.

Fri. Feb. 7, 2014 Readings Questions Cont

On Wednesday, we began to discuss your answers to the reading questions (The Power of Habit: Why we Do What We Do...Charles Duhigg). Today, we finished discussing them.
Basically, we discussed how to determine the audience, find evidence, determine author's purpose and then instructor's purpose with an additional focus on how to respond to the purpose (student response to the message) which takes us into the next step: writing a solid paragraph.

Thurs. Feb. 6, 2014 Independent Novel Study info

Today, you were given the instructions you are to follow for your Independent Novel Study (which will be due on the first day of class in June). You were also given a list of novel study choices. YOu are expected to have your novel for Tuesday, February 11.

Tues, Feb. 5, 2014

Today, we reviewed the first five questions/answers in response to the reading you received on Monday (The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg).
If you were not here, you may come to be at lunch and I will provide you with the information you missed (it is on my overhead) or you can do an Internet search and study up on the following:
Citation
Title attribution
How to determine topic
What is evidence
How to provide detailed information on a speaker

I also reminded the students that they need a Hilroy Exercise Book (they come in packs of four) for their Independent Novel Study, which will be introduced tomorrow.

Tues. Feb. 4, 2014 Understanding Purpose

Tues. Feb. 4, 2014

Today, you were put into groups to answer questions on the reading you received yesterday. I have pasted the questions below. A number of skills are being tested in this assignment including the following: title attribution, proper citation, topic identification, evidence identification, understanding audience, understanding purpose in context.

If you were not here, these need to be completed for the next class that you are here for.

Questions for Analyzing any Essay

1. What is the title of the essay?

2. What is the “Works Cited” information for this essay (properly presented in MLA format)

3. What is the topic of this essay?

4. What evidence is provided to support the topic of the essay?

5. Who is the speaker of this essay?

6. Who is the audience of this essay?

7. What evidence is there to support that the audience is the one you chose?

8. What is the purpose of reading this essay (think about the class you are in and what the teacher’s goal might be. There may be more than one!)

9. What is your response to this message (you can agree and explain, providing evidence, or you can create a rebuttal providing evidence. You can do this in point form.

Mon. Feb. 3, 2014 Introduction & Supplies

Welcome to this ELA class.
My email address is: dawn.benoit@nwsd.ca

The course outline is in your portfolios; however, I am attaching the supplies to this as a way to ensure you get them even if you misplace your list.

SUPPLIES

There are a number of supplies that you will need to get. See me if any of these are a problem. I expect that you will be able to do this for Monday, February 10. This gives you a week and a weekend to accomplish this. The supplies needed are as follows:
· pens: dark blue or black ink only (ball point, no felt tips as they bleed)
· Highlighters (a pack of four distinct colours)binder with dividers (four dividers minimum)
· loose leave paper (pack of 100 minimum)
· pencils and erasers
· a USB stick for saving work
· an independent novel to read (see myself or the librarian if you need help with this one)

For tomorrow, you are to have read an excerpt from the novel The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg. If you were not here, you will need to come and get this from me as it will still need to be read.