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).