Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Today, the students wrote an in-class essay as part of their essay unit exam. They will write the multiple choice (comprehension) portion tomorrow. Tonight, they should study their terminology.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Today, you will be in your groups and compete in a teams games tournament. We will then discuss the exam that you will be writing tomorrow. I gave you an essay outline to help you with this (you can bring it in if it isn't marked up) and a copy of the essay you will be referring to in the test. You can read this tonight and bring it in tomorrow so you are more prepared (again, please don't mark it up).
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wednesday, Fevbruary 24, 2010
Today, you guys got into groups and studied your terminology in preparation for your unit exam(s). Tomorrow, you will participate in a competition against members of other groups. With this in mind, you should be studying tonight.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Today, we discussed the answers you came up with for the essay "Happiness". This involved creating ever larger discussion groups until we ended up with the class in two large ones. We then debated them through.
Also, I reminded you that you have an in class essay unit exam o Friday and a multiple choice unit exam on Monday.
Also, I reminded you that you have an in class essay unit exam o Friday and a multiple choice unit exam on Monday.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Today, we started with reading (independent novel) and then we filled in the summary sheet. After this, we discussed the essay "Happiness" from Friday. We then discussed how to answer multiple choice based questions effectively, and I handed out a sheet of tips (pink). Finally, you broke off into groups and I gave you questions to answer in relation to this essay. We will discuss the answers tomorrow.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Today, students had time to read their independent novel. I then handed out reading summary sheets which they will fill in each Tuesday and Thursday after their reading and hand in.
We then discussed how to read actively. The steps I expect when reading essays are listed below. I then handed out the essay "Happiness", by Malcolm Muggeridge for them to read. This is to be completed today. If you were not here, be sure to come into my class in the morning and get it from your portfolio so you can do the next part with everyone else.
Active Reading
1. Paraphrase the paragraphs in your own words and briefly, on the side of the reading as you read.
2. Highlight the thesis (if it is explicit)
3. Highlight the main points
4. Highlight words you don't understand
LOOK THEM UP and write the definition in your own words on the page near the
word and draw a line connecting it to the word
5. Highlight changes in tone
6. Put question marks beside changes that confuse (for further reading)
7. Summarize the work at the end, which should be off the top of your head (what does it mean?)
We then discussed how to read actively. The steps I expect when reading essays are listed below. I then handed out the essay "Happiness", by Malcolm Muggeridge for them to read. This is to be completed today. If you were not here, be sure to come into my class in the morning and get it from your portfolio so you can do the next part with everyone else.
Active Reading
1. Paraphrase the paragraphs in your own words and briefly, on the side of the reading as you read.
2. Highlight the thesis (if it is explicit)
3. Highlight the main points
4. Highlight words you don't understand
LOOK THEM UP and write the definition in your own words on the page near the
word and draw a line connecting it to the word
5. Highlight changes in tone
6. Put question marks beside changes that confuse (for further reading)
7. Summarize the work at the end, which should be off the top of your head (what does it mean?)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Today, we did a journal activity and then we marked the answers to "Why We Crave Horror Movies". There was no additional homework.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Lesson 8
Today, you began with your novel study independent reading. I then handed out the assignment for it and we discussed it.
You were then given an additional activity to complete regarding the essay "Why We Crave Horror Movies", by Stephen King. You are to locate all the allusions in this essay and then explain them.
We then discussed two areas of concern in your response to the essay “A Modest Proposal”. Some of you have trouble understanding the concepts of mood and tone. Further, some of you have difficulty differentiating between opinion and fact. For both of these, there will be activities to complete.
FACT Vs. OPINION
FACT:
1. a thing done (as a crime) or an action
2. something that is real; in a painting or sculpture, something that is true and that everyone agrees may be seen
3. a piece of information presented as being real or true (again, generally agreed upon) ie: people are social beings
OPINION:
1. a [point of ] view, judgment, (or appraisal) in the mind about a particular matter [an opinion is a statement that tells your point of view about something]
2. (belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge)
4. a generally held view (cultural)
5. an [idea stated] (formal expression) by an expert of his judgment or advice, based on reasons and principles
A fact is something that is true, generally accepted to be, or has been shown to be through repeated experiences. An opinion is your feelings or how someone else feels about a particular topic. Keep in mind that some opinions are fact; for example, I dislike chocolate. That is a fact (remember, I am a witness and trusted not to be lying). On a piece of paper, write the numbers 1 thru 20. Read the sentences below determine if they are fact or opinion. Write either an F or an O on the paper to indicate this:
1. Abraham Lincoln was President of the United States during the Civil War. __________
2. My favorite music group is Nickleback. __________
3. Remembrance Day is celebrated in November in Canada.________
4. Students must pass provincial exams in grade twelve in Alberta.__
5. The red velvet cake Mrs. Harvey made was delicious. __________
6. Students achieving high marks each year will be recognized for their hard work. __________
7. My Mother feels all students should be required to wear school uniforms. __________
8. Madonna is a well-known singer. __________
9. I really enjoyed the football game last weekend. __________
10. Brittany Spears is talented. __________
11. I enjoy reading the books by Stephen King.__________
12. My religion is the only true one ________________
13. Tiger Woods was the first African American to win the Masters Golf Tournament. __________
14. Chocolate cake is my favorite cake.__________
15. My Mom loves for me to wear blue. __________
16. Brad Pitt and Angelina are the parents of many children.______
17. George Washington was the first President of the United States of America. __________
18. My friend, Aleesa is the nicest person on Earth. __________
19. Rosa Parks was a very brave woman during the Civil Rights Movement. __________
20. Argentina is located on the continent of South America. __________
Notes for Fact and opinion
Questions about Fact vs. Opinion
Today, you began with your novel study independent reading. I then handed out the assignment for it and we discussed it.
You were then given an additional activity to complete regarding the essay "Why We Crave Horror Movies", by Stephen King. You are to locate all the allusions in this essay and then explain them.
We then discussed two areas of concern in your response to the essay “A Modest Proposal”. Some of you have trouble understanding the concepts of mood and tone. Further, some of you have difficulty differentiating between opinion and fact. For both of these, there will be activities to complete.
FACT Vs. OPINION
FACT:
1. a thing done (as a crime) or an action
2. something that is real; in a painting or sculpture, something that is true and that everyone agrees may be seen
3. a piece of information presented as being real or true (again, generally agreed upon) ie: people are social beings
OPINION:
1. a [point of ] view, judgment, (or appraisal) in the mind about a particular matter [an opinion is a statement that tells your point of view about something]
2. (belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge)
4. a generally held view (cultural)
5. an [idea stated] (formal expression) by an expert of his judgment or advice, based on reasons and principles
A fact is something that is true, generally accepted to be, or has been shown to be through repeated experiences. An opinion is your feelings or how someone else feels about a particular topic. Keep in mind that some opinions are fact; for example, I dislike chocolate. That is a fact (remember, I am a witness and trusted not to be lying). On a piece of paper, write the numbers 1 thru 20. Read the sentences below determine if they are fact or opinion. Write either an F or an O on the paper to indicate this:
1. Abraham Lincoln was President of the United States during the Civil War. __________
2. My favorite music group is Nickleback. __________
3. Remembrance Day is celebrated in November in Canada.________
4. Students must pass provincial exams in grade twelve in Alberta.__
5. The red velvet cake Mrs. Harvey made was delicious. __________
6. Students achieving high marks each year will be recognized for their hard work. __________
7. My Mother feels all students should be required to wear school uniforms. __________
8. Madonna is a well-known singer. __________
9. I really enjoyed the football game last weekend. __________
10. Brittany Spears is talented. __________
11. I enjoy reading the books by Stephen King.__________
12. My religion is the only true one ________________
13. Tiger Woods was the first African American to win the Masters Golf Tournament. __________
14. Chocolate cake is my favorite cake.__________
15. My Mom loves for me to wear blue. __________
16. Brad Pitt and Angelina are the parents of many children.______
17. George Washington was the first President of the United States of America. __________
18. My friend, Aleesa is the nicest person on Earth. __________
19. Rosa Parks was a very brave woman during the Civil Rights Movement. __________
20. Argentina is located on the continent of South America. __________
Notes for Fact and opinion
Questions about Fact vs. Opinion
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Today, you were given an essay to read entitled "Why We Crave Horror Movies", by Stephen King. You were also given questions to answer. These are due tomorrow. If you weren't here, stop by class in the morning or at lunch to pick up the reading and questions (it's only a two page read).
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Today, you read your independent novels and then answered the following question:
Summarize the expository information from your novel (the time, place, characters and their connections to each other, environment and initial incident if you are there).
We then discussed how to approach a personal response to literature question correctly. Students wrote the essay yesterday and had questions so the class was spent figuring out how to take a command statement, make it into a question, and then find a path to answering it. In the end, we cam up with a few points (listed below):
1 underline the key words
2. define the key words and terms
3. make a chart and list the points from your reading that would demonstrate the key terms
4. use this as a basis of developing your argument
5. examine your own experiences and find a situation that also reflects your key term based thesis.
Summarize the expository information from your novel (the time, place, characters and their connections to each other, environment and initial incident if you are there).
We then discussed how to approach a personal response to literature question correctly. Students wrote the essay yesterday and had questions so the class was spent figuring out how to take a command statement, make it into a question, and then find a path to answering it. In the end, we cam up with a few points (listed below):
1 underline the key words
2. define the key words and terms
3. make a chart and list the points from your reading that would demonstrate the key terms
4. use this as a basis of developing your argument
5. examine your own experiences and find a situation that also reflects your key term based thesis.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Today, you wrote your first personal response to texts essay. This will be used as a starting point for further essay development.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Today, students began their novel study by citing their novel. We then discussed the essay "A Modest Proposal" in an effort to explain and understand the satire that is present. Students will write their first in-class essay tomorrow on a topic that relates to this piece.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Today, you read the essay "A Modest Proposal", by Jonathan Swift. If you were not here, it can be located on line (google search it).
I handed out a sheet on how to answer questions properly as well.
You then answered the following questions:
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer the following questions fully. Keep in mind that some of the answers have more than one possible “reason” or comparison. (value: 90 PLUS 10 for flipping the question into a statement and answering it fully = 49).
Make sure you also put a title on these questions (as that is also worth an additional mark).
What is the topic of this essay (one or two words). (value: 1)
What is the thesis of this essay? (value: 1)
What are the points he is attempting to support in this essay? (value: I am not saying but it is more than 3!).
What facts does he present in this essay? (value: again, lots… )
As this essay is, in fact, satire, what alternatives do you think Swift might have in mind? (come up with at least two)
What is the tone of this essay? What does “tone” in an essay mean? (value: 2)
What is the mood of this essay? What does “mood” in an essay mean? (value: 2)
Who is the intended audience of this essay? Explain (value: 2)
How many paragraphs is this essay? (value: 1)
In point form, create an outline of this essay (ie: 1. Introduction (paraphrase or point: 2. Body paragraph One (paraphrase or point form what it says; etc.) (value: 66)
I handed out a sheet on how to answer questions properly as well.
You then answered the following questions:
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer the following questions fully. Keep in mind that some of the answers have more than one possible “reason” or comparison. (value: 90 PLUS 10 for flipping the question into a statement and answering it fully = 49).
Make sure you also put a title on these questions (as that is also worth an additional mark).
What is the topic of this essay (one or two words). (value: 1)
What is the thesis of this essay? (value: 1)
What are the points he is attempting to support in this essay? (value: I am not saying but it is more than 3!).
What facts does he present in this essay? (value: again, lots… )
As this essay is, in fact, satire, what alternatives do you think Swift might have in mind? (come up with at least two)
What is the tone of this essay? What does “tone” in an essay mean? (value: 2)
What is the mood of this essay? What does “mood” in an essay mean? (value: 2)
Who is the intended audience of this essay? Explain (value: 2)
How many paragraphs is this essay? (value: 1)
In point form, create an outline of this essay (ie: 1. Introduction (paraphrase or point: 2. Body paragraph One (paraphrase or point form what it says; etc.) (value: 66)
Monday, February 1, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Today, we discussed the course outline and expectations. Please make sure that you have your supplies and novels for Monday, February 8, 2010.
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