Fri. Oct. 31, 2014: Intro: Lord of the Flies

Today, I finished introducing the class to the background for Lord of the Flies. I am attaching the link to a powerpoint  introducing the novel below. If you were not here, you need to watch it and make notes as many of the words/definitions will be mentioned as we read.
I also explained Freud's meaning of Id Ego and Superego as parts of personality (it is relevant in this novel). Be sure to look this up or see me for clarification (it is not part of the powerpoint).

Intro to Lord of the Flies

Thurs. Oct.30, 2014: Intro. Lord of the Flies

Today, I introduced the novel Lord of the Flies. We discussed the title (breaking down lord and flies to find meaning). We also defined and discussed the terms "connotation (positive and negative)" and "denotation".
We then reviewed the 5 w's of Golding's life (where he was born, when, interests, experiences) and his philosophy about man (born evil and self-centred; society is what controls him; without society, he will do bad; with certain societies he will have permission to do bad).

We also went to the library and got the novel. If you were not here, go and pick it up.

Wed. Oct. 29, 2014: Final Writing Class

Today, the students completed their "Heroes" essay. They were also given a revision checklist to apply to their paper and make adjustments as needed. This paper is due by the end of the day.

Tues. Oct. 28, 2014: Writing Class

Today, you worked on revising your essay. I also handed out a sheet explaining unity, parallelism and transitions. You are to pay attention to these when revising your paper. I also handed out an editing checklist for final revision. The paper will be due at the end of class tomorrow.

Fri. Oct. 24, 2014: Essay structure/content review

Today, based on questions yesterday, I gave students two review items. One contains information about what is expected in an essay. The other contains information on how to lay out a seven sentence critical/analytical essay.  It is a really great resource. The first one is useful as it explains conclusions.
I have extended your writing time to the end of class on Wednesday. If you finish early, you will have time to read your independent novel in class.

Thurs. Oct. 23, 2014: Writing Class

Today, you worked on a rough copy of your essay. While I did state it is due on Tuesday, I am moving it to Wednesday in order to discuss some layout/organization information with you.

Wed. Oct. 22, 2014: Writing Class

Today, you were to work on completing your outline for the essay you are preparing. You had use of computers if needed.

Tues. Oct. 21, 2014: Writing Class

Today, you  worked on your essay. I also met with a number of you to discuss your writing. Each of you also demonstrated that you had arrived at a topic (using the rest of the class to work on an outline).

Mon. Oct. 20, 2014: Introduction to Essay

Today, we completed discussing the feature film we finished watching last week. I then reviewed with you how to create an essay (thesis, main points, evidence) using a "law and order" approach (guilty/not guilty are thesis; not there/was there are main points; witnesses, video tape receipts form somewhere else ) are evidence.
I then handed out your essay assignment which we discussed. You are to have chosen for topic for the start of class tomorrow.
The assignment is due on Tuesday, October 28; however, the last class day to work on it will be on Friday.
The assignment is linked below.

Unit Essay

Fri: Oct. 17, 2014: Film/Note Taking

Today, we finished watching the film Gran Torino. We then discussed our notes relating to heroic/positive characteristics and negative ones.
Remember: You need to get caught up while you don't have additional assignments. Next week, you will be back to writing.

Thurs. Oct. 16, 2014: Film and note-taking

Today, we continued to view the film Gran Torino. We discussed heroic and non heroic characteristics and situations as they appeared. We stopped at 1:16.20.
Keep in mind that you do not have homework right now for this class. Use this breather to get caught up on other assignments or read your independent novel.

Wed. Oct. 15, 2014: Film/note-taking

Today, I introduced the film Gran Torino. The students are to do the following while viewing:
On one side of a page, jot down the character's names. Beside each one, put down actions or traits that could be considered heroic and actions or traits that could be considered non heroic.
On the other side of the page, create a point form summary. You will need to jot down the 5 ws.
The point of this activity is to collect information (note-taking) without destroying the activity (watching the film).

Tues. Oct. 14, 2014: Note-Taking

Today, we discussed the importance of learning how to actively and efficiently take notes. If you were not here, the notes are in your portfolio.

Thurs. Oct. 9, 2014: Novel Study Update

Today, you were to bring your independent novel to class. An assignment was placed in your portfolio for you to fill in so that I know where you are in this activity. It was to be handed in at the end of class. If you were not here, it is in your portfolio.
Also, if you missed the test or did not get your writing in, make arrangements/submissions ASAP as marks must be updated.

Wed. Oct. 8, 2014: Unit Exam

Today, you wrote your first unit exam. This was a timed exam. If you missed it, you will have to see me next week to arrange a make-up exam. Keep in mind that your "Hero" award nomination paper and revisions to your introductory paragraph are now past due. Be sure to bring your independent novel to class tomorrow.

Tues. Oct. 7, 2014: Writing and test prep

Today, you had class time to work on finishing your writing projects. I also discussed the exam with you. Tomorrow's exam will be reading comprehension (multiple choice). You will be allowed a dictionary. I gave you a list of words you may want to familiarize yourself with in order to cut down on searching time. You will be marked on active reading, using process of elimination skills in your answers, and in getting the correct answer. If you do not attend tomorrow's exam, you will be provided with an alternate comprehension exam.

Mon. Oct. 6, 2014: Writing Class

Today, you were allowed to use class time to work on your "Hero" award paper and paragraph revision. These were both due at the end of class tomorrow.

Friday, October 3, 2014: Writing Class

Today, you worked on your paragraph revision and your "Heroism Award" essay. See yesterday's Blog for due dates.

Thurs. Oct. 2, 2014: Introduction of Hero Award Assignment

Today, you were given an essay assignment to complete. In this assignment, you will have to decide which of the characters we have studied deserves the award for heroism. There are a lot of details and steps to this assignment that you need to do. The assignment is in your portfolio if you were not here.
This assignment is due at the end of class on Tuesday, October 7. Your introductory paragraph answers and revision are due on Monday, October 6.
You also will have  a reading comprehension exam on Wednesday, October 8 (Multiple choice). In addition, I will be asking you to tell me about your progress reading your independent novel (Tuesday).

Wed. Oct. 1, 2014: Active Reading for Exams

Today, I gave you the short story "The Dragon" by Ray Bradbury to read actively. You were then provided with multiple choice questions to answer using process of elimination (getting rid of the obviously incorrect options to arrive at the correct one). These were handed in. I informed you that you will have your first unit exam/reading comprehension/multiple choice exam on Wednesday, October 8.
You also have to get your introductory paragraph revisions in by the end of the day this Friday (October 6).