Fri. Dec. 18, 2015: Novel Study and Reminders for After Break

Today, you were given a copy of your progress report. I also reminded you that the independent novel study is dead-lined for Wednesday, January 6.

Fri. Dec. 11, to Fri. Dec. 18, 2015: Poetry Assignment

In keeping with the expectations of high school objectives, students are to be able to comprehend and respond to various genres of writing with a focus on culture, the people and the landscapes of this nation. Yesterday, the students read and analyzed a poem and answered questions on it. These have been returned. Today and Monday, each student will independently read a poem (two in total), confirm with me that it is being analyzed correctly, and then answer the questions I will then provide. In total, each student will have analyzed three poems. These will then be used cumulatively in "Comprehend and Respond." If a student misses one of these readings, an alternative will be available upon request.
For the duration of next week, students will be working on catch-up and their independent novel study, which is DEADLINED for the end of the day on Wednesday, January 6. There will be no extensions, as students have already had more than three months to complete these assignment.

Thurs. Dec. 10, 2015: Poetry Continued

Today, you were given the poem "Everybody Knows About the Arctic" by Jim Green to actively read. When finished, you were given the questions to answer. This is an in class activity.

Wed. Dec. 9, 2015: Poetry Analysis "Sisters"

Today, we reviewed the analysis students did on their poem "Sisters." Students then formed groups to discuss the answers to the multiple questions. We then reviewed these on the board.

Tues. Dec. 8, 2015: Introduction to Poetry: Continued

Today, we discussed the answers to the poem "1956: Ambition of the Eldest Son." We discussed the importance of using process of elimination when approaching multiple choice questions. I then gave you the poem "Sisters" by P.K. Page to actively reading for tomorrow (as well as answer the multiple choice questions using process of elimination).

Mon. Dec. 7, 2015: Essay due: Intro. to Modern Drama

Your essays are due today.
Today, I introduced the poetry unit to you. We will read a number of poems, practicing active reading steps/processes and tying them to process of elimination skills.
Today, you were given a blue handout entitled "How to Read a Poem." You were also given a copy of the literary devices (though you already have this) as well as the poem "1956: Ambition of the Eldest Son." We will work on this today in class as a practice.
You were then given questions for this poem to answer. These are due at the start of class tomorrow.

Thurs. Dec. 3, 2015: Writing Class/Paragraph Layout

Today, I gave you a sheet explaining how to write a seven sentence introduction for a critical analytical essay (multi source). I then gave back your essays from yesterday and instructed you to fix them so the introduction follows the pattern presented. These are due at the end of class (end of the day if necessary).

Remember to bring your independent novel to class tomorrow as you will be doing your three month check-in.

Wed. Dec. 2, 2015: Writing Revision Class

Yesterday, students wrote a 50 minute essay. Today, they were given class time to type this essay in and then submit. Everyone has now been here for at least one of the two classes. If a student hasn't handed anything in, they are making a choice to not participate.

Tues. Dec. 1, 2015: In Class Essay

Today, students answered an essay question in class. These had to be submitted at the end of the class. Tomorrow, they will be reviewed and revised.

Mon. Nov. 30, 2015: Unit Exam

Today, you wrote your reading comprehension (multiple choice) unit exam. In addition to seeing if you are using active reading and process of elimination skills, there were also a number of questions having to do with MLA citation (also multiple choice). If you missed this exam, you will have to see me to write an alternative at lunch.

Fri. Nov. 27, 2015: Writing Class

Today was the last writing class day for completion of the students four short story critiques. The DEADLINE for these is Monday, Nov. 30, at 4 PM.

We will have a reading comprehension/MLA multiple choice comprehension exam on Monday. You do not want to miss it as the alternative is NOT multiple choice.

Wed. Nov. 18 to Fri. Nov. 27, 2015: writing/Reading Class

The students have all been provided with four short stories to read. They are to read each one actively and then create a typed, one page text critique on each one (as per format instructions already provided and practiced). Each one can be handed in separately (thus allowing for a quick return and an opportunity to improve on the next critique). the deadline for these will be Monday,  November 30. They will not be accepted after this date.

Tues. Nov. 17: Short Story Major Assignment And "The Painted Door" Review

Today, we discussed "The Painted Door" as the story related to characterization and theme. I then explained and handed out the first of four readings you will be completing text critiques for between now and November 27 (the deadline for the four critiques will be Monday, November 30).

See me if you were not here.

Tues. Nov. 10 AND Mon. Nov. 16, 2016 "The Painted Door"

Today, you were given questions to answer in relation to the short story "The Painted Door." You will have to have these questions by the end of the day on Monday. If you choose to do them over the break, bring your independent novel with you on Monday so you can get caught up.

Mon. Nov. 9, 2015: "The Painted Door" discussion/questions

Today, you were given a journal activity to complete (ten minute-timed) in which you were to summarize the short story "The Painted Door." You were to include the beginning, middle, and end as well as topic/thesis/purpose. It is important that you learn/practice doing these writings under pressure as your final will be timed.
I then gave you questions to answer in relation to "The Painted Door." These questions tie in with your "The History of the Short Story" booklet. They are due for tomorrow's class.

Fri. Nov. 6, 2015: Second month novel study check in/reading class

Today, you completed your second month independent novel study check in. You were then given the remainder of the class time to finish actively reading the short story "The Painted Door."

Thurs. Nov. 5, 2015: Reading Class

Today, you were to read over the biography on Sinclair Ross. You are then to actively read the short story "The Painted Door."

I want this read by the end of the day tomorrow. There will be some class time tomorrow to complete it after you do your Novel Study two month check in. Be sure to bring your novel.

Wed. Nov. 4, 2015: Introduction to Themes and Canadian Short Stories

Today, I handed out two items; "The History of the Short Story," and "Major Themes in Canadian Writing." We discussed the themes and then you read the History one actively.
Tomorrow, we will start reading a story by Sinclair Ross.

If you or your parents are coming to the interviews tonight, remember that I will only be there until eight.

Tues. Nov. 3, 2015: 15 Common Errors Post-Test

Today, students wrote a multiple choice grammar and mechanics test which allowed them to demonstrate their competency in these areas.
When they finished, they were to read their novels. Students have a novel study check in on Friday, so be sure to have novels here for that date.

Parent-teacher interviews are tonight and tomorrow night from 7 to 9 pm. Please let parents know. Further, I will only be there until 8 tomorrow (Wed.). Please schedule with this in mind.

Mon. Nov. 2, 2015: The Comma Test Prep

Today, we reviewed the answers for the worksheets on semicolons (given to you on Friday).
We then discussed commas. You received a handout on the four rules of commas as well as four exercises.
These were used in place of your previous commas mark (which is "NE" or "NHI" in your markings folder).

Grammar Help: Semicolons

Today, we reviewed the pronouns exercises you were given yesterday and then discussed the rules for using semicolons. I showed a Powerpoint:
                                   (grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/ppt/semi2.pps) 
and gave you questions to answer. All of this is to help you ace your "15 Common Errors Post-Test on Tuesday. On Monday, we will look over comma usage. 

Thurs. Oct. 29, 2015: Pronoun Usage

Today, we reviewed the answers to the questions on parallelism. I then instructed the students to get out a piece of paper and answer questions presented on the board.
We then scattered these randomly and marked them.
I then handed out information on Pronoun usage, which we read actively and discussed.
We then went back over the questions presented and discussed the answers.
You were then given a sheet with two "Exercise 6" assignments on it to complete for practice identifying and fixing pronoun problems.

Wed. Oct. 28, 2015: Parallelism

Today, we reviewed the answers for the misplaced and dangling modifiers questions given yesterday. I then gave a Powerpoint on parallelism as well as a handout on the rules. You were then given questions to answer to demonstrate your understanding of parallel structure.

Tues. Oct. 27, 2015: Test Prep

Today, students were informed that they will write a post-test for the 15 common errors that they have been studying. The date for that exam is Tuesday, November 3.
Missing an exam means that the student will have to write an alternative one when they return to school. It is best not to miss, as I am prepping specifically for the one I am giving.

The areas that will need to be studied for this exam are as follows:

Misplaced modifiers
run ons
sentence fragments
tense usage
pronoun usage
apostrophe possessives
parallelism
comma usage
semicolon usage

Through discussion, the students have decided we will use class time to study the following areas and on the days indicated:

Tuesday (today) Misplaced and dangling modifiers
Wednesday Parallelism
Thursday pronoun usage
Friday semicolon usage
Monday Comma usage

You have been aware of your problems since you got the pre-test back in mid September. You were to work on mastering these areas of concern. If you have been doing this work, the test should be manageable.

You were given more details on the rules for misplaced modifiers as well as two exercises to complete for tomorrow's class. If you were not here, these are in your portfolio.

Mon. Oct. 26, 2015: Discussion on Editorial Assignment

Today, we discussed the editorial assignment which was returned. I specifically addressed comma splices, run-ons, colon and semicolon usage and tone.
I also informed you that there will be a test on the 15 common errors in the next 10 class days (I will provide a date tomorrow).

Thurs. Oct. 22, 2015: Novel Study One Month Check-in

Today, you were given an assignment to complete that you needed to do with your novel. If you did not bring your novel, class consensus arrived at the decision that a writing assignment would be justified (those students wrote a letter of apology using a business/block letter format).
Tomorrow, we will discuss the exam you wrote earlier and do a reflection.

Wed. Oct. 21, 2015: Editorial Writing Class

Today, you continued to work on and complete your Canadian issues editorial. These are due at the end of school today.
You also must remember to have our independent novel here tomorrow as you will be completing an activity using it.

Tues. and Wed. Oct. 20,and 21 2015: Writing Class

These two days are writing classes in which you will write and revise your editorial. It is due at the end of the day on Wednesday.
Be sure to bring your independent novels for Thursday's class as you will be doing a one month novel check in and will need it to  complete this assignment.

Fri. Oct. 16, 2015: Writing Class: Issues Editorial

Today, you will work on creating your editorial. You will have access to the computer cart. Do not waste time. This assignment is due by the end of the day (I need a hard copy submitted) on Wednesday, October 22.

Thurs. Oct. 15, 2015: Editorial Assignment Explained

Today, you actively read "Majority fo Canadian Students don't know the National Anthem: UVic Study."
This was a timed reading (15 minutes).
I then gave you your writing assignment for this unit (an editorial) and an exemplar to use as a guide.

If you were not here, the question you have to answer is as follows:

      "Should the Canadian National Anthem be altered to reflect a more gender-neutral stance or should it not?"

I have put information about this in your portfolio. If you are working on it this weekend, keep in mind that you have to show the argument of both sides and ha e three sources in your editorial as well as a "Works Cited" page.
This assignment will be due by the end of the day on Wednesday, October 22.

Wed. Oct. 14, 2015: Unit Exam

Today, you wrote a unit exam that examines your reading and comprehension skills as well as your ability to read actively. While there were only two readings, they were to be read actively, which takes time. If you were not here, you will need to see me to set up a time to write the alternative.

Tues. Oct. 13, 2015: Multiple Choice Test Prep

Today, we discussed the multiple choice reading comprehension exam you will be writing tomorrow. If you miss this exam, you will have to write an alternative within three days of returning to school. This will also have to be completed during a lunch hour.

Thurs. Oct. 8, 2015: Issues Discussion and Reading

Today, we continued our discussion about Canadian Issues. I passed around my own active readings from yesterday's class (the niqab issues) and then we added notes to our issues discussion. The most important item that was added is as follows:

      "not normal" = "not familiar"

In other words, just because we are not familiar with something doesn't mean it is negative or can be dismissed; every issue should be considered and not determined just on bias. It is the facts that need to be weighed,

Wed. Oct. 7, 2015: Issues: readings and discussion

Today, we discussed issues in relation to the words of the national anthem and other issues brought to light. I then gave students two articles to read. Both of these can be googled and printed at home:

Banning the niqab harms an open society. So does wearing it

OMER AZIZ

Special to The Globe and Mail (Web)

Published Monday, Mar. 16, 2015 10:47AM EDT

Last updated Monday, Mar. 16, 2015 2:55PM EDT

Muslim convert attacked while wearing niqab in Toronto

SEAN FINE - JUSTICE WRITER

Globe and Mail (Correction included)

Published Sunday, Oct. 04, 2015 9:34PM EDT

Last updated Monday, Oct. 05, 2015 11:41AM EDT

These are to be read actively for tomorrow's class.

Tues. Oct. 6, 2015: Issues Discussion

Today, we discussed the reading students were to have actively read for today: "Don't Mess with the National Anthem."
I modeled an article critique to show how to do these (review). I also posted the created critique on the board as an exemplar.
Students were then given the reading "Interim Counsellor calling for 'O Canada' Change.
They are to have it read actively for tomorrow's class.

Mon. Oct. 5, 2015: Paragraph reflection; Anthem Reading #2

Today, you were given your marked paragraphs back. You were instructed to cover up my comments and read the paragraph as if for the first time to see how many mistakes you see now that time has passed. You were then to examine my comments and answer/submit the following question:

Based on the rubrics you received and we discussed, do you think your mark is fair? Explain. What will you do in the future to improve your mark?

I then gave you the reading "Don't Mess with the National Anthem," from Maclean's Magazine to actively read for tomorrow's class.

Fri. Oct. 2, 2015: Rubric Discussion

Today, we discussed the rubrics for writing assignments. This involved examining the rubric as well as the assignment itself. I will be handing back the paragraphs soon and want to ensure you all understand the rubrics. It is the same one that has been used in all English classes from Grade 10 up.

Thurs. Oct. 1, 2015: "Political Correctness..." Exercise

Today, you guys were to have actively read "Political Correctness Laughed off Stage," by Peter C. Newman.
I then showed you my own active reading of this article and we discussed the steps of active reading as well as the development of the "So What" in a critique.
I then had you form groups and answer questions related to the reading with only the aid of the reading and the intellect of the members in the group.
If you were not here, you will be able to make up this assignment at lunch hour.

Wed. Sept. 30, 2015: Connotation and Denotation: Reading Activity

Today, we discussed what is meant by positive and negative connotation and denotation. We then created some examples of positive and negative denotations. If you were not here, this sheet is in your portfolio. Connotations are important to understand as they tie to tone: an incorrect word choice can offend your reader.
I then gave to the reading "Political Correctness Laughed off Stage" to read actively (see steps posted in earlier Blogs and your notes). If you were not here, this is in your portfolio. I expect it to be completed for tomorrow's class (for discussion).

Tues. Sept. 29, 2015: Sask Careers

Today, all students created a log in for Sask Careers as well as completed four "Inventory" assignments. See me if you were not here.
If you were here and did register, you need to go into "Know Yourself" and then  "Inventory" and complete the following by the end of the weekend:

* Learning Styles Quiz
* Traits Quiz
* Multiple Intelligence Quiz
* Skills Quiz

If you have any trouble, see me or Mrs. Waterman as this is a requirement.

You are also to hand in your Commas Worksheets.

Fri. Spet. 25, 2015: Understanding Tone

Today, we discussed what tone is and how to avoid it. If you were not here, you will find information in your portfolio. With the time left over, students worked on completing their assignments that are due for Tuesday ("Commas: Chapter 7" and story critique revision).

Thurs. Sept. 24, 2015: Group Critique Revision

Today, students were placed in groups to discuss their book critiques. They then had to fill in a reflection sheet on the changes that could be made to their critiques. I then examined what each student came up with and have allowed those students to resubmit by Tuesday's class.

 If you were not here, make sure your book critique is submitted by Tuesday's class.

Wed. Sept. 23, 2015: Commas

Today, I discussed outstanding assignments and how to use the results from the pre-test to help you improve. If you have not handed in the pre-test or the introductory paragraph, you need to do so ASAP as I will be marking everything this weekend.
I then gave you a Powerpoint on the comma. In it, we discussed what a dependent and independent clause is and the ways to ensure that two independent clauses can be joined together (there are four rules: they are in your "15 Common Errors" booklet).
I then gave you handout on the four comma rules for use in dependent situations  (Entitled "Chapter 7). These are to be read actively and completed for Tuesday, September 29 and submitted.

Be sure to have your book critique submitted prior to tomorrow's class as we will be using them. If you haven't submitted the critique by the deadline, an alternative assignment will be provided.

Mon. and Tues. Sept 21 and 22: Writing/Reading Lab

On Monday and Tuesday, you were given class time to work on your book critique for We are Canada.
By Tuesday, however, most are to be working on their independent novel study (reading). If the article critique  is complete and a student did not bring a novel, the student will be provided with an alternate reading assignment to complete, which must be submitted.

Fri. Sept. 18, 2015: Text Critique

Today, students started working on a book critique (I am Canada). They will have today and Monday to complete this assignment on the computer. To do it successfully, they will have to refer to their "Understanding Text Critiques" handout as well as their "MLA Citation" handout. Some may also need to review the "Computer Usage Steps" instructions. Be sure to bring a novel to class on Monday and Tuesday in case there is extra time.

Thurs. Sept. 17, 2015: Active Reading

Today, you were given a text to actively read. The title is We are Canada.  It is to be actively read by the end of class today and submitted. If you were not here, the reading is in your portfolio. If you also missed yesterday's class, I have posted the notes on how to read actively on the blog for that day.

Wed. Sept. 16, 2015:

Today, we reviewed how to write a text critique.
I started this by discussing "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." we then dtermined the summary, what is relevant and the purpose from the author's, students and initial audience's point of vieww.
 You were given a handout about this. If you were not here, it is in your portfolio. I also gave you notes on active reading. That information is presented below:

Steps for Active Reading:

Follow these steps if you are given a handout to read

1.      Question the reading by looking at the title and thinking about what it might mean. You will then write down a couple of words to show what you think.

2.      In short works, number the paragraphs.

3.      Read the first paragraph. It will contain a lot of the expository information.

a.       Highlight the five Ws (who, what, where, when, why, and how)

b.      If it is an essay, highlight any topic, thesis, or main point information.

c.       Highlight unknown words and allusions that you are not sure of. You will need to look these up and write them on the page close to the word you are defining.

d.      In a couple of words only, paraphrase the paragraph. This is not a rewrite. It is to be in the margin of the page.

4.      Repeat step three with all the rest of the paragraphs

5.      When finished, write a brief, three sentence summary on the bottom of the page.

I then gave them the text "Life and Literature in Early Britain" to read actively for tomorrow's class.

Tues. Sept. 15, 2015: Initial Novel Study Activity

Today, I reaffirmed the submission requirements expected at this grade level (first and last name, class designation and date in the upper right hand corner). I also discussed the importance of proofing work before submission to catch lack of capitals on proper nouns, lack of periods, and misspelling of words that are being copied directly.

Today, you were to all have your novels here. I gave you the assignment entitled "Independent Novel: Initial Activity."
You were to complete this assignment in-class. You must see me if you weren't here and allow time to do it as it is a timed activity and must be done as the introduction to the novel study.

Mon. Sept 14, 2015: Writing Lab/Assignment Submission

Today, you completed your paragraph and the "15 Common Errors" pre-test. You then submitted a hard copy of both assignments into the "in" box and sent me an electronic copy of the essay. Some of you emailed it to me (at dawn.benoit@nwsd.ca) or brought me your USB to transfer it over. Those who did not do all the steps will have to meet with me to get an alternative or figure out what to do to get this one properly submitted.

Writing La/Novel Check

Today, you worked on completing your paragraph and pre-test. You have until the end of class to finish these and hand them in.

You also need to email me your paragraph. The address is as follows:

dawn.benoit@nwsd.ca

If you cannot email it, we will need to move it using your USB.

You were also to have your novel for today's class. Be sure to have it for Monday. If it is not here on Tuesday, you will not be able to do an assignment.

Thurs. Sept. 10, 2015: Writing Lab

Today, you were given class time to work on your paragraph and pre-test. I have extended the deadline for these two assignments to the end of the day on Monday, September 14.
You will also have to email me the paragraph at:

dawn.benoit@nwsd.ca

Wed. Sept. 9, 2015: Writing Lab

Today, you were given time to work on the computers (paragraph creation) and/or work on your pre-test (using the "15 Common Errors" booklet to aid you).
These assignments are both due on Friday,

In addition to a hard copy submission, I also want you to email me your paragraph to:

dawn.benoit@nwsd.ca

These need to also be sent by the end of the day on Friday. See me if you are having difficulties.

Tues. Sept. 8, 2015: Assessment, time management and writing skills

Today, you were given three different handouts:

1. Computer Usage Steps
2. Grade 12 English Language Arts Pre-Test
3. Paragraph Writing Assignment
4. 15 Common Errors explanation booklet

We discussed that students were to have all supplies here for today and novels registered for Friday.

We then discussed the two assignments that you will be doing this week (both due at the end of class on Friday)

One is a personal paragraph (explained in computer usage steps and handout on paragraph writing): the other assignment is a pre-test to determine writing concerns. To do this activity, you will need to refer to your MLA Citation Booklet (Page 6).
If you were not here, these papers are in your portfolio. See me at lunch, in the morning before school or during RTI for help.

Fri. Sept. 4, 2015: Introductory Discussion on Landscape and People

Today, you were instructed to get out a piece of paper and write down the words to the National Anthem. We then discussed why so few were able to do this. I then gave you a poem by Duke Redbird entitled "I'm a Canadian," which we read as a class, discussing what makes a person a Canadian instead of, say, someone from somewhere else. I then had student form groups and, using pencil crayons, attempt to label Redbird's images onto the landscape of the  country they were provided.

Be sure to have a USB stick (as well as the rest of your supplies) for Tuesday.

Thurs. Sept. 3, 2015: MLA Citation

I then gave a brief overview of MLA formatting. I handed a booklet entitled "MLA Citation Booklet" and explained that the purpose of citing is so that someone else can find the same book that you are referring to. We discussed how the 5Ws are the key items:

Author (last name [comma] and then first name[period])
Title (underlined when writing by hand [period])
City of publication (no need for province/state or country [semicolon])
Name of publisher [comma]
year of this publication (the most recent date [period]
medium of publication (usually just a matter of putting down whether the student got it from print or from the web [period]).

We then took a text organized the above information on it so it was in a continuous line, double spaced, and then indented on the second line and on any additional lines if there are any:

Mayer, Mercer. All by Myself. Racine: Western 

          Publishing Company, 1983. Print.

 

The students were then given books and instructed to create a citation. Part of this was also to ensure they know how to hand in assignments (first and last name, date, and class in upper right hand corner). These were then submitted. If a student misses a step, the student can meet with me and do a make-up to demonstrate understanding. Students who are absent can also meet with me to do this assignment. The goal is to ensure understanding and proficiency.

Wed. Sept. 2, 2015: Independent Novel Study Information:

Today, we reviewed the course outline. Be sure to get your supplies for next Tuesday. I then gave you two handouts: The first one was your major independent novels study assignment options; the second one was your novel study choices. We discussed this assignment at length and set up some dates. If you were not here, these handouts are in your portfolio. Please see me for further clarification.

The independent novel study dates are as follows:

Friday, September 11: Must have chosen the novel and have it in class (from teacher approved list or
                                     with teacher approval).
Friday, October 9:       First month check-in
Friday, November 6:   Second month check-in
Friday, December 4:   Third month check-in

Wednesday, January 6, 2016: Novel study is due. There will be no extensions on this assignment due to the time it takes to carefully assess as well as the large amount of time given to complete this project.

Tues. Sept 1, 2015: Introduction

 Today, I introduced this course to the students and provided them with a supplies' list that is to be met for next Tuesday.