November 30

Humanities 8

Today we started with silent reading.  While students were reading, maps and map tests were returned.  We went over some common errors from the map assignment such as city placement, title placement etc.  Then we reviewed some of the items on our research sheet and we reviewed the criteria for the restaurant project.  The remainder of the class was a work period.  Projects will be presented:  Monday, December 6th!

English 10

Today was the last in-class work period for the final project for our novel.  The project is due next class - Wednesday Dec2!!!

Students were reminded to:

• check their criteria
• include a concise conclusion/answer to their question
• proofread 

November 27

English 10

Today was the last in-class work period for the final project for our novel.  The project is due next class - Tuesday Dec1!!!

Students were reminded to:

• check their criteria
• include a concise conclusion/answer to their question
• proofread 

Humanities 8

Today we started off with silent reading.  The rest of the period was dedicated to researching the student's chosen religion and starting on their restaurant creation project. 

The due date for this project is Monday December 7!

November 25

Today Mr. Janz was in.

English 10

After a few reminders like documenting the process of their novel projects, students were given the remainder of the class to work on their projects. 

Humanities 8

Students started off with silent reading and then started researching their chosen religion for their restaurant project. 

November 24

English 10

Today we reviewed the finalized assessment strategy for term 2.  See below.  We also reviewed the criteria for the novel project.  Students spent the rest of the block working on their projects.  This was day 2 work period.  Friday is the last in-class time to work on this.  The project is due on Dec 1!!!

Assessment Strategy – English 10

For daily learning activities

• -          Students collect their daily learning activities in a portfolio
• -          Students use a chart to self- assess their learning in these pieces using the curricular competencies
• -          Student meets with the teacher at the end of the term to discuss and have their portfolios assessed
• -          Teacher monitors learning in an on-going manner providing formative feedback periodically during the term (both individually and collectively)

For tests

• -          If a student does not have an excused absence for a test, the student will be given an alternative test which will assess the same learning outcomes; the test format may be different which may or may not be more challenging

For large summative assignments

• -          Students that hand their work in on time will be given the privilege of resubmitting their work with improvements for re-assessment  (within a week of the return date)

If the assignment is late

• -          No chance to resubmit for a chance at an improved mark
• -          Late assignments will be marked by the end of the term
• -          Referral to room 100 (at lunch and/or after school Tuesday and Thursday as necessary)

Humanities 8

Today we finished off our notes on religion.  Religious tolerance was the focus as well as the terms agnostic and atheist.  

Students were also introduced to their religion project, formed partnerships and worked on completing their religion distribution map.  Research on the project starts tomorrow.  

Fast Food Restaurant Presentation

Congratulations!  You and a partner have an opportunity to propose a new fast food franchise in a foreign country.  You must create a presentation to convince investors that your restaurant will be a successful because it is sensitive to your chosen religion.

You must include the following for your presentation:

        A sample menu  which includes a brief description and a picture of the following:

o  
2 mains

o  
2 sides

o   2 beverages

o   2 desserts

        An advertisement that includes a slogan

        A picture of the uniforms (male and female)

        Building design

        A bonus item such as:  Kid’s Toys (for meal combos), Holiday specials, mascot etc.

Due date: _________________________________

November 23

Humanities 8

Today we started off with silent reading.  Next we reviewed our notes on religion and then we added to them.  We ended the class with a look at a map that shows the general distribution of the world religions.  

English 10

Today we discussed assessment and some of the issues in term 1. I presented some of the strategies that I am proposing to the class as a way to encourage submission of work on time.  Here is the proposal that I will meet with the administration today to discuss: 

Assessment Strategy – English 10

For daily learning activities

• -          Students collect their daily learning activities in a portfolio
• -          Students use a chart to self- assess their learning in these pieces using the curricular competencies
• -          Student meets with the teacher at the end of the term to discuss and have their portfolios assessed
• -          Teacher monitors learning in an on-going manner providing formative feedback periodically during the term (both individually and collectively)

For tests

• -          If a student does not have an excused absence for a test, the student will be given an alternative test which will assess the same learning outcomes; the test format may be different which may or may not be more challenging

 

For large summative assignments

• -          Students that hand their work in on time will be given the privilege of resubmitting their work with improvements for re-assessment  (within a week of the return date)

If the assignment is late

• -          No chance to resubmit for a chance at an improved mark
• -          Late assignments will be marked by the end of the term
• -          Referral to room 100 (at lunch and/or after school Tuesday and Thursday as necessary)

November 20

English 10

Today we looked at a strategy to prioritize the activities in our life, including homework.  

Students were reminded that it was the last day to hand in their 6-10 work.  Finally, students were reminded to document the process of creating their project and then we went to the library to work on our projects. 

Humanities 8

Today we started off with writing our Canada/BC map test.  When students finished their tests, they were asked to do some silent reading.  After silent reading, we reviewed our notes on religion and then added to them. 

November 19

English 10

Today we started off the class with a review of the Hero's journey.  Next we had a bit of a town hall discussion about assessment and the issues around late work and stress.  At the end of the discussion, both myself and the students had a better understanding of some of the problems in tem 1.  

For term 2, we tentatively decided that a combination of portfolios for daily work and alternative assignments/tests would help with the late/absentee problem.  

Students were given notice that tomorrow was the last day to hand in #6-10 before alternative assignments would be given.

Before the end of class, we also cleared up some confusion around the project and students were asked to write their question on a ticket out the door.  

Due date for project: December 1

Access the online novel here:  http://readwritework.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/4/2/11420311/the_absolutely_true_diary_of_a__-_sherman_alexie.pdf

Humanities 8

Again we started off class with a practice quiz in preparation for our quiz tomorrow.  Then we watched a few more video clips associated with the terrorist attack in Paris.  Next we did an introduction to religion in general and students wrote notes.

Tomorrow: Both the BC and Canada map are due and there will be a test on these maps.