December 9

Humanities 8

Today we started with silent reading.  Next we worked on completing a chart comparing the world religions.  

English 10 (H block)

Today we started with silent reading and then we brainstormed what students knew about essay writing.  Then students were asked to partner up and choose a simple topic that they could write an essay on together.  Next they were asked to brainstorm their ideas and then finally organize the ideas onto an outline.  The essay will have an intro, 2 body paragraphs and a conclusion.  Students can work on a comparison, persuasive or expository essay,  Each student in the partnership will be responsible for writing 2 paragraphs.  

December 8

English 10 (C& D blocks)

Today we wrote our test on the ATDPI.  The rest of the time was spent silent reading.

Humanities 8

Today we finished off the presentations and then voted on the best proposal.  

December 4

Today Mrs. Morris was in.

Humanities 8

Today was the last day for working on our restaurant presentations.  Presentations begin Monday!

English 10 (H block)

Today students went to the library to select a silent reading book.  Next they were given a review sheet for their test on the ATDPI novel.  Here are the questions for review:

Review Questions

1. What do you think are the most important steps to remember about the hero’s journey.  Draw a simplified version of the journey.
2.   Re-read or skim the last 2 chapters of the novel, what do you think is the most important theme in of this novel?
3.   What purposes do the drawings in the novel serve?
4.  Re-assess the title of the novel.  Why do you think Alexie choose this title?  How does it tie into the themes of the novel?
5.   List the different coping strategies Junior demonstrates in the novel. 
6.   What purposes does basketball serve in the novel?

December 7

Humanities 8

Today we started our restaurant presentations.  Half the class presented and the other half will present tomorrow.  

English 10 (H Block)

Today we wrote our tests on the novel.  The rest of the time was spent silent reading.  

December 3

English 10 (C&D blocks)

Today we started off with silent reading.  Then we went over 8-12 of the Hero's journey.  Next we discussed the ending of the novel paying particular attention to the ideas of tribes referenced in the second to last chapter and how it emphasizes Junior's transformation from a lonely teen to a young man who feels he is connected to a lot of different types of people.  It also refers to the theme of identity and how he realizes he is no longer "just" a Wellpinit Indian.  

We also discussed how Rowdy calls Junior a nomad and how that indicates that he is going to continuing to go on further hero's journeys (continuing to grow and not being "stuck" like the rest of the Wellpinit Indians.  

Finally students were given the following questions to discuss in groups/partners (see below).  These questions may appear on the test which is scheduled for Tuesday!!!

Review Questions

1. What do you think are the most important steps to remember about the hero’s journey.  Draw a simplified version of the journey.
2.   Re-read or skim the last 2 chapters of the novel, what do you think is the most important theme in of this novel?
3.   What purposes do the drawings in the novel serve?
4.  Re-assess the title of the novel.  Why do you think Alexie choose this title?  How does it tie into the themes of the novel?
5.   List the different coping strategies Junior demonstrates in the novel. 
6.   What purposes does basketball serve in the novel?

Humanities 8

Today students got a copy of the rubric for their religion/restaurant project which is due and will be presented on Monday!  The rest of the class was allotted for work time. 

December 2

Humanities 8

Today we started off with silent reading.  Then we brainstormed some important things about presenting.  We spoke of:

• speaking clearly, loudly and enthusiastically
• Facing the audience and making eye contact
• ensuring our props are visible to the audience
• organizing in our partners who is speaking on what topic
• Being a good audience member - no call outs, full attention etc.

The rest of the time was reserved for continuing to work on our projects, which are due Monday
Dec 7.

English 10 (H block)

Today we started off with self-assessing our novel projects.  Students were also asked to provide some written feedback on at least one of the following:

 

I would like you to notice.....

What was difficult/easy....

Other comments......

Next we looked at the test outline (see below).  Finally, we went over the literary device worksheet and the Hero's Journey to review for our test.

1. Terms:  bias, simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, figurative language allusion, onomatopoeia, alliteration, sarcasm, repetition
2. Concepts: duality, expectations, dreams, poverty cycle, identity, self-talk
3. Hero’s journey
4. Alexie’s provocative style
5. Use of basketball
6. Importance of titles
7. The ending
8. Comparison/contrast
9. Stereotypes
10. Use of pictures
11. Strategies for coping with trauma – resilience
12. Themes: family, racism, friendship, tribes, resilience
13. Quote analysis
14. Racism/aboriginal issues

 

December 1

English 10

Today students handed in their final project for their novel study.  They were asked to self assess and answer at least one of the following on their rubric sheet.  

I would like you to notice......

The challenges/successes I had were......

My comments about the project......

Next we went to the library to find a pleasure book to read.  There will be no book report this term, but students will be assessed on their ability to sustain their reading.  

Finally, we went over the literary terms sheet from the novel and we discussed.  These terms will appear on the test which will be a week today: December 8th. 

Students also received a list of testable topics.  See below:

1. Terms:  bias, simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, figurative language allusion, onomatopoeia, alliteration, sarcasm, repetition
2. Concepts: duality, expectations, dreams, poverty cycle, identity, self-talk
3. Hero’s journey
4. Alexie’s provocative style
5. Use of basketball
6. Importance of titles
7. The ending
8. Comparison/contrast
9. Stereotypes
10. Use of pictures
11. Strategies for coping with trauma – resilience
12. Themes: family, racism, friendship, tribes, resilience
13. Quote analysis
14. Racism/aboriginal issues

Humanities 8

Today students were introduced to writing Tuesday and Thursday.  Students were asked to write for 15 minutes on any topic.  After students shared their writing and put it in a writing folder/portfolio.  The remainder of the class was dedicated to working on our restaurant project which will be presented/due December 7th.