January 12

English 10 (C & D block)

Today we started off with silent reading and then we reviewed last day's learning goals.  Next we looked at assessing ourselves for term 2 silent reading.  We also went over the intent of the portfolios and the self assessment chart.  Students were asked to assess themselves on last day's lesson as well as today's lesson using the criteria indicated.  Finally, we analyzed the poem "This is Just to Say."  Students were directed to keep all of their poetry work in their portfolios.

Humanities 8

Today we went over the poem rubric that is on the back of the Anthology assignment sheet.   I also read two examples of poems to demonstrate and level 3 (fully meeting expectations) and a level 4 (exceeding expectations).  Students were reminded that they need to print out 2 copies of their best poem.  One to display on the wall and one to include in their Anthology booklets.  Students were also reminded that they will read one of their poems to the class on the due date, which is Monday January19th!!!  The rest of the time, students continued to work on their poems.  

January 11

Humanities 8

Today we started off with silent reading.  Next students were asked to assess themselves for their silent reading for the term. They recorded their assessment in their poetry assessment chart.  Students were also ask to make a learning goal for the day, which they assessed at the end of the class. 

The remainder of the class was dedicated to working on their poetry anthologies.  Students should be finished 4 poems by the end of class.  

Reminder:  Poetry Anthologies are due January 18th - a week today!!

English 10 (H block)

Today we started off with silent reading.  Then we brainstormed the purposes of poetry (to flirt, to express emotions, coping with trauma, career - spoken word poet, jingle writer etc).  Next students were given quotes about poetry and they were asked to paraphrase the quotes to explain how it relates to poetry.  Students then shared their quotes and explanations with the class.  Students were also asked to assess their silent reading using their poetry portfolio chart.  

January 8

English 10 (C& D block)

Today we started off with silent reading.  Then we brainstormed the purposes of poetry (to flirt, to express emotions, coping with trauma, career - spoken word poet, jingle writer etc).  Next students were given quotes about poetry and they were asked to paraphrase the quotes to explain how it relates to poetry.  Students then shared their quotes and explanations with the class.  Finally, students wrote the following poem out and took a stab at the meaning. 

This is Just to Say

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

William Carlos Williams (1938)

Humanities 8

Today students started off with silent reading.  Then we did a quick review of literary devices and poetry forms.  Finally students worked on their Poetry Anthologies.  They are due on Monday January 18th.  

January 7

Mrs. Morris was in today.

English 10 (C & D blocks)

Today students were given the rubric for their partner essay.  They were then directed to type up their essays in the library making sure to do the edits suggested on their rough drafts.  They were also reminded to use their rubrics to tweak their essays and underline some examples of transition words.  Students self-assessed and handed in their outlines, drafts, final and self-assessment at the end of the class. 

Humanities 8

Today students started with sacred drawing time.  Students were asked to draw two of the literary devices they have written in their folders.  Literary devices are often ways which help the reader visualize the topic, comparison, point etc.  Students were asked to make the link by taking the words and turning them into illustrations.  For the remainder of the class, students worked on their poetry anthologies.  

January 6

Humanities 8

Today we started off with reading.  Then students were asked to brainstorm topics for writing their poems.  Next students were directed to finish off yesterday's assignments and to start working on their rough drafts of their poems.  Students were advised that brainstorming before writing a poem is also a very good idea. 

English 10 (H Block)

Today students were given the rubric for their partner essay.  They were then directed to type up their essays making sure to do the edits suggested on their rough drafts.  They were also reminded to use their rubrics to tweak their essays and underline some examples of transition words.  Students self-assessed and handed in their outlines, drafts, final and self-assessment at the end of the class. 

January 5

English 10

Today we started off with a check in.  Students were asked to hand in their Star Wars assignments if they hadn't already.  Work was returned while students did some silent reading.  We went over the Star Wars assignment and then we looked at an essay example to demo the importance of a thesis and topic sentences.  We also looked at transition words and students were shown a booklet with a list of transition words to refer to.  

Students were asked to focus on the following for their essays:

• structure - thesis and topic sentences
• transitions
• avoiding the use of "I"

The remainder of the class was used for working on their essays in preparation for typing them up on Thursday.

Humanities 8

Today we started with sacred writing time.  Students were asked to write the following:

5 Onomatopoeia
2 similes
2 examples of alliteration.

Next we went over the Religion test and students were notified that Socials marks were posted.

Then we went back to working on poetry and specifically the Anthology assignment.  Students were asked to paraphrase (write their own definitions) of the 5 words they need to include in their glossary. They were asked to leave space for examples.

Students were then directed to add these assignments to their portfolio assessment sheet.

Finally, students were shown examples of Poetry Anthologies in preparation of starting to work on them tomorrow. 

January 4

Humanities 8

Today we started off with a check-in and then we did some silent reading.  Next we looked at our 2 pieces of writing in our folders and students were asked to select the best one and write why they thought it was the best one.  The 3 pieces of writing were handed in.  Next students were introduced to their poetry portfolio assignment assessment chart and we filled in the first 3 assignments.  Finally, students were introduced to their Poetry Anthology assignment, which will be working on for the next week or two.

English 10

Today we started off with a check in.  Students were asked to hand in their Star Wars assignments if they hadn't already.  Work was returned while students did some silent reading.  We went over the Star Wars assignment and then we looked at an essay example to demo the importance of a thesis and topic sentences.  We also looked at transition words and students were provided with a booklet with a list of transition words to refer to.  

Students were asked to focus on the following for their essays:

• structure - paragraphing and topic sentences
• transitions
• avoiding the use of "I"

The remainder of the class was used for working on their essays.