English 112A - Period 5 - Day 2
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020: At School
Today we spent some more time learning how to access and navigate Microsoft Teams. Then we did an activity to get to know one another.
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020: At Home
Task 1:
Task 2:
Today we spent some more time learning how to access and navigate Microsoft Teams. Then we did an activity to get to know one another.
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020: At Home
Task 1:
- In teams, go to the "posts" page on your class channel (not the general channel).
- Post something about yourself to introduce yourself to the class. Feel free to also upload a picture or video.
- Comment on at least one other person's post (positive comments only, please).
Task 2:
- Go to the assignments tab on the general channel and finish the introductory survey if you have not already done so.
Thursday, Sept. 17: At School
Today I did some book talks to introduce you to some new titles.
Friday, Sept. 18: At Home
Task 1:
Ways to Find a Book:
Find out how you are going to get a copy of the book you’d like to read. Check the following locations for availability:
Today I did some book talks to introduce you to some new titles.
Friday, Sept. 18: At Home
Task 1:
- Choose a novel or collection of short stories that you want to read this semester. (see ways to find a book below for help).
- Complete the Assignment on Teams titled Independent Reading Choice (look for assignment tab under the general channel).
Ways to Find a Book:
Find out how you are going to get a copy of the book you’d like to read. Check the following locations for availability:
- Is it in the classroom?
- Is it in the school library? Go to https://destiny.nbed.nb.ca
- Is it in the public library in print format? https://nbpl.ent.sirsidynix.net/client/en_US/default/
- Is it in the public library in e-book format? http://elnb-bnnb.lib.overdrive.com/CBA45C50-ADFC-428D-A397-3479CC80B9C0/10/50/en/Default.htm
- How much does it cost to buy?
Monday, Sept. 21: At School
Today we took some notes on reading strategies that we use (sometimes unconsciously) to make sense of the things we read and view. Then we practiced using these strategies by looking at puzzling photographs and recording our questions, inferences, connections, and feelings on the images in the form of margin notes. Below are the images with which we practiced in class.
Image 1 - Sheep
Image 2 - Sewing
Tuesday, Sept. 22: At Home
Complete another close read of the image below. Record your thoughts right on the image itself using the paper handout I gave you yesterday. Record questions, inferences, connections and feelings you have about the image. Feel free to discuss the image on your day 2 channel's post page to see what other classmates think about it. Come prepared to conference with me one-on-one about your work tomorrow.
Image 3 - homework assignment
Today we took some notes on reading strategies that we use (sometimes unconsciously) to make sense of the things we read and view. Then we practiced using these strategies by looking at puzzling photographs and recording our questions, inferences, connections, and feelings on the images in the form of margin notes. Below are the images with which we practiced in class.
Image 1 - Sheep
Image 2 - Sewing
Tuesday, Sept. 22: At Home
Complete another close read of the image below. Record your thoughts right on the image itself using the paper handout I gave you yesterday. Record questions, inferences, connections and feelings you have about the image. Feel free to discuss the image on your day 2 channel's post page to see what other classmates think about it. Come prepared to conference with me one-on-one about your work tomorrow.
Image 3 - homework assignment
Wednesday, Sept. 23: At School
Today I conferenced with each of you about your homework (What's Going on in this Picture?) and gave you some feedback on how you could better show your use of reading strategies in the notes you make on the images we've looked at.
I also assigned a final image to be completed for formal evaluation (instructions and rubric below).
**Please note: formal evaluations will not count toward your report card prior to Thanksgiving UNLESS it helps your grade. This is to give everyone a chance to adjust to the new ways of learning during Covid.
Instructions for final evaluation of using reading strategies to analyze images:
Study the image of the bookshelf in the link below and use your reading strategies (questioning, inferencing, and making connections) to learn whatever you can about the owner of this bookshelf. You may have to do some google research to determine what some books are about. Make notes directly on the photo of the bookshelf to record your thoughts/research and then consolidate your findings and write a short paragraph giving your overall character analysis of the owner.
DUE: Friday, Sept.25th at the end of class (You will have Friday's class to work on it, too).
Bookshelf Image - Final Evaluation
Marking Rubric
Thursday, Sept. 24: At Home
Task 1:
15 minutes of independent reading
Task 2:
Continue to work on the final evaluation above for using reading strategies to analyze images. You will have tomorrow's class to finish it and I will collect it at the end of class to evaluate.
Today I conferenced with each of you about your homework (What's Going on in this Picture?) and gave you some feedback on how you could better show your use of reading strategies in the notes you make on the images we've looked at.
I also assigned a final image to be completed for formal evaluation (instructions and rubric below).
**Please note: formal evaluations will not count toward your report card prior to Thanksgiving UNLESS it helps your grade. This is to give everyone a chance to adjust to the new ways of learning during Covid.
Instructions for final evaluation of using reading strategies to analyze images:
Study the image of the bookshelf in the link below and use your reading strategies (questioning, inferencing, and making connections) to learn whatever you can about the owner of this bookshelf. You may have to do some google research to determine what some books are about. Make notes directly on the photo of the bookshelf to record your thoughts/research and then consolidate your findings and write a short paragraph giving your overall character analysis of the owner.
DUE: Friday, Sept.25th at the end of class (You will have Friday's class to work on it, too).
Bookshelf Image - Final Evaluation
Marking Rubric
Thursday, Sept. 24: At Home
Task 1:
15 minutes of independent reading
Task 2:
Continue to work on the final evaluation above for using reading strategies to analyze images. You will have tomorrow's class to finish it and I will collect it at the end of class to evaluate.
Friday, Sept. 25: At School
Today you had the class to finish your final assessment for analyzing images using reading strategies. (See detailed instructions and materials posted on Sept. 23 post above)
This is to be handed in on Monday.
Monday, Sept. 28: At Home
Task 1:
Finish Your bookshelf image assignment (See detailed instructions and materials posted on Sept. 23 post above)
Task 2:
Preview the poem below and be ready to analyze as a class on Monday.
Poem: Meeting at Night by Robert Browning
Today you had the class to finish your final assessment for analyzing images using reading strategies. (See detailed instructions and materials posted on Sept. 23 post above)
This is to be handed in on Monday.
Monday, Sept. 28: At Home
Task 1:
Finish Your bookshelf image assignment (See detailed instructions and materials posted on Sept. 23 post above)
Task 2:
Preview the poem below and be ready to analyze as a class on Monday.
Poem: Meeting at Night by Robert Browning
Tuesday, Sept. 29: At School
I collected your "Analyzing Images" assignment (the bookshelf one).
We had a guest speaker today to give some book talks.
We also began applying our reading strategies to Poems. We read the poem Meeting at Night by Robert Browning several times, doing something more each time to peel back some layers. This was to show that you will understand more and pull more meaning out of a text the more times you read it and the more ways you interact with it.
The first reading: Students read to themselves and rated their understanding of the poem from 1-10.
The second reading: I read the poem out loud to the class and students rated their understanding from 1-10.
The third reading: Students made notes as we read and defined unfamiliar words, then rated their understanding of the poem from 1-10.
The fourth reading: Students wrote a short reflection about what they were thinking about the poem and then rated their understanding of the poem from 1-10.
The fifth reading: We discussed it as a class and students shared their ideas, then rated their understanding of the poem from 1-10.
The sixth reading: We read it one final time and students rated their understanding of the poem from 1-10.
Wednesday, Sept. 30: At Home
Task 1:
Make sure you find a book to read for your independent reading. It must be a novel, memoir, biography, or collection of short stories in order to be able to do character analysis with it eventually. Bring it to class tomorrow.
Task 2:
On our Microsoft Teams Day 2 channel, participate in a discussion about what you think the poem below is about. Write questions, inferences, feelings, etc. that you have about the poem to see if you and your classmates can come to a conclusion about its meaning in the chat. Your level of participation in this activity will be how I take attendance for today's distance learning.
Poem: "Meeting at Night" by Robert Browning
I collected your "Analyzing Images" assignment (the bookshelf one).
We had a guest speaker today to give some book talks.
We also began applying our reading strategies to Poems. We read the poem Meeting at Night by Robert Browning several times, doing something more each time to peel back some layers. This was to show that you will understand more and pull more meaning out of a text the more times you read it and the more ways you interact with it.
The first reading: Students read to themselves and rated their understanding of the poem from 1-10.
The second reading: I read the poem out loud to the class and students rated their understanding from 1-10.
The third reading: Students made notes as we read and defined unfamiliar words, then rated their understanding of the poem from 1-10.
The fourth reading: Students wrote a short reflection about what they were thinking about the poem and then rated their understanding of the poem from 1-10.
The fifth reading: We discussed it as a class and students shared their ideas, then rated their understanding of the poem from 1-10.
The sixth reading: We read it one final time and students rated their understanding of the poem from 1-10.
Wednesday, Sept. 30: At Home
Task 1:
Make sure you find a book to read for your independent reading. It must be a novel, memoir, biography, or collection of short stories in order to be able to do character analysis with it eventually. Bring it to class tomorrow.
Task 2:
On our Microsoft Teams Day 2 channel, participate in a discussion about what you think the poem below is about. Write questions, inferences, feelings, etc. that you have about the poem to see if you and your classmates can come to a conclusion about its meaning in the chat. Your level of participation in this activity will be how I take attendance for today's distance learning.
Poem: "Meeting at Night" by Robert Browning
Thursday, Oct. 1: At School
We started by completing our analysis of the Poem "Meeting at Night" (see yesterday's post) and then we moved on to another poem called "I Lost My Talk" by Rita Joe. We continue to show our problem solving process by writing our thoughts on the page as we read. Some of the things you might write on your poem as you decipher its meaning and message may include:
We ended class with some independent reading.
If you didn't bring a book to read today, read THIS ARTICLE on developing a habit of reading.
Friday, Oct. 2: At Home
Task 1:
Independent Reading for at least 20 minutes
Task 2:
Complete a quick write in your notebook on the following topic: "Why is it important to understand one's own culture and the culture of others." Be prepared to share in class tomorrow.
We started by completing our analysis of the Poem "Meeting at Night" (see yesterday's post) and then we moved on to another poem called "I Lost My Talk" by Rita Joe. We continue to show our problem solving process by writing our thoughts on the page as we read. Some of the things you might write on your poem as you decipher its meaning and message may include:
- Questions
- Paraphrases
- Inferences/assumptions (based on evidence)
- Word definitions
- Connections
- Comments on the writer's techniques
We ended class with some independent reading.
If you didn't bring a book to read today, read THIS ARTICLE on developing a habit of reading.
Friday, Oct. 2: At Home
Task 1:
Independent Reading for at least 20 minutes
Task 2:
Complete a quick write in your notebook on the following topic: "Why is it important to understand one's own culture and the culture of others." Be prepared to share in class tomorrow.
Monday, Oct. 5: At School
We started class with a short discussion of the Quick Write you did for homework (see topic above). Then I gave you a poem to analyze on your own. I asked you to label all your comments according to the reading strategies we've been practicing (Questions, Connections, Inferences, Feelings, Evaluate Technique). Once you finished, you conferenced with me individually and I gave you feedback on how to improve your comments. A copy of the poem is found below:
"Housecleaning" by Nikki Giovanni
Tuesday, Oct. 6: at Home
Independent Reading for 30 minutes
We started class with a short discussion of the Quick Write you did for homework (see topic above). Then I gave you a poem to analyze on your own. I asked you to label all your comments according to the reading strategies we've been practicing (Questions, Connections, Inferences, Feelings, Evaluate Technique). Once you finished, you conferenced with me individually and I gave you feedback on how to improve your comments. A copy of the poem is found below:
"Housecleaning" by Nikki Giovanni
Tuesday, Oct. 6: at Home
Independent Reading for 30 minutes
Wednesday, Oct. 7th: At School
Today I gave you your final assignment for using reading strategies to analyze poems. You had the class to work on it and it is to be handed in on Friday.
Poem: The Child Who Walked Backwards
Thursday, Oct. 8th: At Home
Task 1:
Finish the poem analysis assigned in class yesterday. It must be handed in tomorrow.
Task 2:
Read your novel for 15 minutes.
Today I gave you your final assignment for using reading strategies to analyze poems. You had the class to work on it and it is to be handed in on Friday.
Poem: The Child Who Walked Backwards
Thursday, Oct. 8th: At Home
Task 1:
Finish the poem analysis assigned in class yesterday. It must be handed in tomorrow.
Task 2:
Read your novel for 15 minutes.
Friday, Oct. 9th: At School
Today you handed in your poem analysis of "The Child Who Walked Backwards."
We then did a speaking and listening activity where we had to ask questions to solve a mystery and listen to build on one another's questions. I also introduced the murder mystery we will be doing next week as a speaking and listening activity. We chose who would play the suspects and I briefly described how it would work as well as how I would grade you.
We ended class talking about what I wanted you to focus on for your independent novel. I gave you a note-taking sheet that you can update as you read your novel in order to track information about the main character of your book. If you were not present today, please get the note-taking sheet from me when you return.
Monday, Oct. 12th: HOLIDAY (NOT INCLUDED IN THE ROTATIONAL SCHEDULE)
Tuesday, Oct. 13th: At Home
Please read your novel for AT LEAST 20 minutes. However, you should read for longer this weekend if you have not yet made very much progress in your novel. Begin filling in your note-taking sheet as you read.
Today you handed in your poem analysis of "The Child Who Walked Backwards."
We then did a speaking and listening activity where we had to ask questions to solve a mystery and listen to build on one another's questions. I also introduced the murder mystery we will be doing next week as a speaking and listening activity. We chose who would play the suspects and I briefly described how it would work as well as how I would grade you.
We ended class talking about what I wanted you to focus on for your independent novel. I gave you a note-taking sheet that you can update as you read your novel in order to track information about the main character of your book. If you were not present today, please get the note-taking sheet from me when you return.
Monday, Oct. 12th: HOLIDAY (NOT INCLUDED IN THE ROTATIONAL SCHEDULE)
Tuesday, Oct. 13th: At Home
Please read your novel for AT LEAST 20 minutes. However, you should read for longer this weekend if you have not yet made very much progress in your novel. Begin filling in your note-taking sheet as you read.
Wednesday, Oct. 14th: At School
Today we began our murder mystery.
The context:
Bobby Whitmore was found dead in his hotel room bathtub. He appears to have been drowned but also had a contusion on the side of his head. There was a shattered wine glass on the floor. His body was found at 7:30pm. He had checked into the Old Lodge at 2:30pm where he was attending a college reunion for the weekend.
The suspects introduced themselves and then we went through the first round of accusations. As suspects accused one another we took notes of what each person was accused of in order to have some evidence to later build a case for the murderer. If you were absent today, please take some time to read over my notes of the evidence that was presented today (see below).
Murder Mystery Scene 1 Evidence
Thursday, Oct. 15th: At Home
Read your novel for 30 minutes and continue to update your character sheet.
Today we began our murder mystery.
The context:
Bobby Whitmore was found dead in his hotel room bathtub. He appears to have been drowned but also had a contusion on the side of his head. There was a shattered wine glass on the floor. His body was found at 7:30pm. He had checked into the Old Lodge at 2:30pm where he was attending a college reunion for the weekend.
The suspects introduced themselves and then we went through the first round of accusations. As suspects accused one another we took notes of what each person was accused of in order to have some evidence to later build a case for the murderer. If you were absent today, please take some time to read over my notes of the evidence that was presented today (see below).
Murder Mystery Scene 1 Evidence
Thursday, Oct. 15th: At Home
Read your novel for 30 minutes and continue to update your character sheet.
Friday, Oct. 16th: At School
We finished scenes 2 and 3 of our murder mystery today. The notes are below:
Murder Mystery Scene 1-3 Evidence
Monday, Oct. 19th: At Home
Review the murder mystery notes and start coming up with a case for the murderer.
Read your novel for 30 minutes and update your character chart.
We finished scenes 2 and 3 of our murder mystery today. The notes are below:
Murder Mystery Scene 1-3 Evidence
Monday, Oct. 19th: At Home
Review the murder mystery notes and start coming up with a case for the murderer.
Read your novel for 30 minutes and update your character chart.
Tuesday, Oct. 20th: At School
Today we finished Scene 4 of the murder mystery and you began to put together your argument for who you think the murder is. Remember you must have evidence to support your theory in order to receive full value. Below are the notes for scenes 1-4 in case you were absent for any of the days. The rubric for how I will be marking you is also posted below.
Murder Mystery Scene 1-4 Evidence
Murder Mystery Rubric
Wednesday, Oct. 21st: At Home
Task 1:
Review the murder mystery notes and prepare your case for the murderer. You will have to make your case to me verbally tomorrow.
Task 2:
Read your novel for 20 minutes and update your character chart.
Today we finished Scene 4 of the murder mystery and you began to put together your argument for who you think the murder is. Remember you must have evidence to support your theory in order to receive full value. Below are the notes for scenes 1-4 in case you were absent for any of the days. The rubric for how I will be marking you is also posted below.
Murder Mystery Scene 1-4 Evidence
Murder Mystery Rubric
Wednesday, Oct. 21st: At Home
Task 1:
Review the murder mystery notes and prepare your case for the murderer. You will have to make your case to me verbally tomorrow.
Task 2:
Read your novel for 20 minutes and update your character chart.
Thursday, Oct. 22nd: At School
Today you each conferenced with me to to tell me who you thought the murderer was. I evaluated your ability to argue and defend your point using the rubric below.
Murder Mystery Rubric
While I was conferencing with students, the rest of the class was either reading your novel or previewing the fables that we will be studying on Friday.
Friday, Oct. 23rd: At Home
Do some research on the internet to learn about what a fable is. Make a list of some well known examples and compile a list of facts/characteristics about fables that you found in your research.
will be checking to see that this is complete tomorrow at the beginning of class. You should therefore be coming to class already knowing a little bit about what we will be studying.
Today you each conferenced with me to to tell me who you thought the murderer was. I evaluated your ability to argue and defend your point using the rubric below.
Murder Mystery Rubric
While I was conferencing with students, the rest of the class was either reading your novel or previewing the fables that we will be studying on Friday.
Friday, Oct. 23rd: At Home
Do some research on the internet to learn about what a fable is. Make a list of some well known examples and compile a list of facts/characteristics about fables that you found in your research.
will be checking to see that this is complete tomorrow at the beginning of class. You should therefore be coming to class already knowing a little bit about what we will be studying.
Monday, Oct. 26th: At School
Today we dissected some fables. We were able to make a list of characteristics that all fables have, which we will eventually use in writing our own original fable. Below is the list we came up with:
Characteristics of a Fable
Tuesday, Oct. 27th: At Home
1. Read the fable "The Peacock at the Concert" which was given to you last class.
2. Critique this fable using the "Characteristics of a Fable" list that we put together. (Which characteristics are covered in this fable? Are there any characteristics that are missing, or are done poorly?)
Today we dissected some fables. We were able to make a list of characteristics that all fables have, which we will eventually use in writing our own original fable. Below is the list we came up with:
Characteristics of a Fable
Tuesday, Oct. 27th: At Home
1. Read the fable "The Peacock at the Concert" which was given to you last class.
2. Critique this fable using the "Characteristics of a Fable" list that we put together. (Which characteristics are covered in this fable? Are there any characteristics that are missing, or are done poorly?)
Wednesday, Oct. 28th: At School
Today we began with ten minutes of independent reading.
Next we discussed the fable titled "The Peacock at the Concert" (above) which is a modern twist on a fable aimed at teens or adults. We critiqued the ways that it is characteristic of a fable, and also the things we would edit to make it more characteristic of a fable.
Finally, I introduced your writing assignment: to write a fable that is directed at teenagers today. Think of a lesson that teenagers today need to learn and build a fable around it. It can be about something serious like addictions, or it can be more light such as how to walk properly in the hallways at school. It will be up to you to develop a relevant scenario where the characters can learn whatever lesson you decide on.
I gave you a handout of several different traditional fables that you can use if you can't think of an idea. You might consider taking one of the traditional fables and putting it into a modern context that is more relevant to teens today.
Thursday, Oct. 29th: At Home
Task 1: Come up with an idea for your fable and complete the planning sheet posted below:
Fable Plot Planning Sheet
*Note: the planning sheet says you have to have 2 characters, but you can ignore that. You may have more or less than two characters. It is up to you. Do whatever makes most sense for your story.
Task 2: Read your novel for 15 minutes.
Today we began with ten minutes of independent reading.
Next we discussed the fable titled "The Peacock at the Concert" (above) which is a modern twist on a fable aimed at teens or adults. We critiqued the ways that it is characteristic of a fable, and also the things we would edit to make it more characteristic of a fable.
Finally, I introduced your writing assignment: to write a fable that is directed at teenagers today. Think of a lesson that teenagers today need to learn and build a fable around it. It can be about something serious like addictions, or it can be more light such as how to walk properly in the hallways at school. It will be up to you to develop a relevant scenario where the characters can learn whatever lesson you decide on.
I gave you a handout of several different traditional fables that you can use if you can't think of an idea. You might consider taking one of the traditional fables and putting it into a modern context that is more relevant to teens today.
Thursday, Oct. 29th: At Home
Task 1: Come up with an idea for your fable and complete the planning sheet posted below:
Fable Plot Planning Sheet
*Note: the planning sheet says you have to have 2 characters, but you can ignore that. You may have more or less than two characters. It is up to you. Do whatever makes most sense for your story.
Task 2: Read your novel for 15 minutes.
Friday, Oct. 30th: PD DAY FOR TEACHERS. THIS IS NOW AN EXTRA HOME DAY
By now you should have an idea for your fable and an outline. You can begin working on the draft copy of your fable. Remember, to consult your list of "Characteristics of a Fable" to ensure you are meeting the criteria.
Monday, Nov. 1st: At Home
Try to get a decent portion of your draft completed so that I can begin conferencing with each of you to help edit it and give you direction on how to finish it.
By now you should have an idea for your fable and an outline. You can begin working on the draft copy of your fable. Remember, to consult your list of "Characteristics of a Fable" to ensure you are meeting the criteria.
Monday, Nov. 1st: At Home
Try to get a decent portion of your draft completed so that I can begin conferencing with each of you to help edit it and give you direction on how to finish it.
Tuesday, Nov. 3rd: At School
We did a short mini-lesson on how to punctuate dialogue today. We will use this in our fables. See the notes to help you punctuate dialogue when you're writing your fable.
We then continued to work on our fables. I helped some students edit their drafts. If you want feedback on your draft before beginning your final copy, please have the draft completed before Thursday's class and bring it with you. Final copies are due on FRIDAY by the end of the day (emailed to me) since marks are due Monday morning. That will give me the weekend to mark them.
I will create an assignment on Teams where you can submit your typed copy.
Wednesday, Nov. 4th: At Home
Finish your fable draft. If you are already done your draft, begin editing it using the notes I gave you on how to punctuate dialogue (see digital copy in yesterday's post). If you want feedback on your draft before beginning your final copy, please have the draft completed before Thursday's class and bring it with you. Final copies are due on FRIDAY by the end of the day (emailed to me) since marks are due Monday morning. That will give me the weekend to mark them.
We did a short mini-lesson on how to punctuate dialogue today. We will use this in our fables. See the notes to help you punctuate dialogue when you're writing your fable.
We then continued to work on our fables. I helped some students edit their drafts. If you want feedback on your draft before beginning your final copy, please have the draft completed before Thursday's class and bring it with you. Final copies are due on FRIDAY by the end of the day (emailed to me) since marks are due Monday morning. That will give me the weekend to mark them.
I will create an assignment on Teams where you can submit your typed copy.
Wednesday, Nov. 4th: At Home
Finish your fable draft. If you are already done your draft, begin editing it using the notes I gave you on how to punctuate dialogue (see digital copy in yesterday's post). If you want feedback on your draft before beginning your final copy, please have the draft completed before Thursday's class and bring it with you. Final copies are due on FRIDAY by the end of the day (emailed to me) since marks are due Monday morning. That will give me the weekend to mark them.
Thursday, Nov. 5th: At School
Today I conferenced with you one on one to help edit your draft fable. Then you began to work on your final copy. Your final copy must be typed and then submitted through the "assignments" section of Teams. It is due by Friday night at midnight.
Friday, Nov. 6th: At Home
Finish the final copy of your fable. You must upload the final copy to Teams by midnight on Friday night.
Today I conferenced with you one on one to help edit your draft fable. Then you began to work on your final copy. Your final copy must be typed and then submitted through the "assignments" section of Teams. It is due by Friday night at midnight.
Friday, Nov. 6th: At Home
Finish the final copy of your fable. You must upload the final copy to Teams by midnight on Friday night.
Monday, Nov. 9th: At School
Today is a reading day. We will be starting our novel study assignment on Thursday (Wednesday is a holiday), so today is a day for you to make some more progress in your books.
Tuesday, Nov. 10th: At Home
Continue reading your novel. We will be beginning the novel study assignments starting tomorrow.
Today is a reading day. We will be starting our novel study assignment on Thursday (Wednesday is a holiday), so today is a day for you to make some more progress in your books.
Tuesday, Nov. 10th: At Home
Continue reading your novel. We will be beginning the novel study assignments starting tomorrow.
Wednesday, Nov. 11th: HOLIDAY (NO CLASSES OR HOME LEARNING)
Thursday, Nov. 12th: At School
Today we began a thematic unit on Empathy. In the days ahead we will be looking at different print and media texts, as well as participating in activities that give us a better understanding of what empathy is, why it is important in our society, and how to practice it.
Today we worked through the activities and readings on the assignment below:
In-Class Assignment: Intro to Empathy
Friday, Nov. 13th: At Home
Finish the in-class assignment we began on Thursday (see instructions above).
Thursday, Nov. 12th: At School
Today we began a thematic unit on Empathy. In the days ahead we will be looking at different print and media texts, as well as participating in activities that give us a better understanding of what empathy is, why it is important in our society, and how to practice it.
Today we worked through the activities and readings on the assignment below:
In-Class Assignment: Intro to Empathy
Friday, Nov. 13th: At Home
Finish the in-class assignment we began on Thursday (see instructions above).
Monday, Nov. 16th: At School
Today we discussed some of the stories you read on the Humans of New York Website, as well as some of the questions you'd ask to learn more about the person. We talked about how knowing more about a person and knowing their story makes us more empathic to them, and that before we judge a person, we should inquire or (at the very least) try to imagine what their unseen story may be.
Next we looked at some pictures of strangers. We discussed what judgements we made about their "cover" and developed questions that we could ask them that would help us to learn more about their unseen story.
Finally, I assigned an article to read and summarize in a graphic web, something like THIS one.
The article can be found below as both a word document (in case you want to use immersive reader function) or as a link to the online article:
Article- Word document
Article- Web link
Tuesday, Nov. 17th: At Home
Finish the summary web of the article we began yesterday (see post above).
Today we discussed some of the stories you read on the Humans of New York Website, as well as some of the questions you'd ask to learn more about the person. We talked about how knowing more about a person and knowing their story makes us more empathic to them, and that before we judge a person, we should inquire or (at the very least) try to imagine what their unseen story may be.
Next we looked at some pictures of strangers. We discussed what judgements we made about their "cover" and developed questions that we could ask them that would help us to learn more about their unseen story.
Finally, I assigned an article to read and summarize in a graphic web, something like THIS one.
The article can be found below as both a word document (in case you want to use immersive reader function) or as a link to the online article:
Article- Word document
Article- Web link
Tuesday, Nov. 17th: At Home
Finish the summary web of the article we began yesterday (see post above).
Wednesday, Nov. 18th: At School
Today we started by discussing and summarizing the article that was assigned for homework. I collected your summary web.
Next we watched a clip from the movie "Joyeux Noel" which was about the Christmas ceasefire on the front lines of the WW1 trenches in 1914. We discussed how the enemies on either side of no man's land were able to empathize with one another and the effect it had on their ability to fight one another.
I introduced your DIARY ASSIGNMENT. The assignment instructions and materials needed are posted on Teams under the assignment tab. You will need to complete the pre-writing organizer (Due Nov.23) and use it to then complete the writing assignment, which is due on Nov. 30th. THIS ASSIGNMENT IS TO BE DONE ENTIRELY ON YOUR DAYS AT HOME.
Thursday, Nov. 19th: At Home
Work on your Pre-writing Organizer for your Diary Assignment. Organizer is due on Nov. 23.
(Instructions and materials are on Teams under the Assignment tab.)
Today we started by discussing and summarizing the article that was assigned for homework. I collected your summary web.
Next we watched a clip from the movie "Joyeux Noel" which was about the Christmas ceasefire on the front lines of the WW1 trenches in 1914. We discussed how the enemies on either side of no man's land were able to empathize with one another and the effect it had on their ability to fight one another.
I introduced your DIARY ASSIGNMENT. The assignment instructions and materials needed are posted on Teams under the assignment tab. You will need to complete the pre-writing organizer (Due Nov.23) and use it to then complete the writing assignment, which is due on Nov. 30th. THIS ASSIGNMENT IS TO BE DONE ENTIRELY ON YOUR DAYS AT HOME.
Thursday, Nov. 19th: At Home
Work on your Pre-writing Organizer for your Diary Assignment. Organizer is due on Nov. 23.
(Instructions and materials are on Teams under the Assignment tab.)
Monday, Nov. 23rd: At School
Today I introduced you to the novel we will be reading together in class from now until Christmas: Animal Farm by George Orwell. Since this book is really about the Russian Revolution, played out by animals on a farm, we had to first learn a bit about what happened in the Russian Revolution in order to appreciate the deeper symbolism in the novel.
I gave a lecture on the historical context of the Russian Revolution, and introduced you to some key historical figures which will feature prominently in the novel (in animal form, of course). You can find all the notes below, and there is a video that outlines the Russian Revolution in a nutshell.
Russian Revolution Notes
Russian Revolution Video
Key Historical Figures
Tuesday, Nov. 24th: At Home
Finish the Pre-Writing Organizer for your Diary of a Character assignment (instructions are found in Teams under the Assignment tab). It is due today at midnight. Please upload your completed copy to the "Assignment" section in Teams.
Today I introduced you to the novel we will be reading together in class from now until Christmas: Animal Farm by George Orwell. Since this book is really about the Russian Revolution, played out by animals on a farm, we had to first learn a bit about what happened in the Russian Revolution in order to appreciate the deeper symbolism in the novel.
I gave a lecture on the historical context of the Russian Revolution, and introduced you to some key historical figures which will feature prominently in the novel (in animal form, of course). You can find all the notes below, and there is a video that outlines the Russian Revolution in a nutshell.
Russian Revolution Notes
Russian Revolution Video
Key Historical Figures
Tuesday, Nov. 24th: At Home
Finish the Pre-Writing Organizer for your Diary of a Character assignment (instructions are found in Teams under the Assignment tab). It is due today at midnight. Please upload your completed copy to the "Assignment" section in Teams.
Wednesday, Nov. 25th: At School
Today we finished watching the documentary on Joseph Stalin. We then listened to the first two chapters of the Animal Farm audiobook and used the remaining time to add information to our Animal Farm character chart. I gave you some discussion questions to ponder before next class.
Joseph Stalin Documentary
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Animal Farm Character Notes Page
Chapter 1 Discussion Points
Chapter 2 Discussion Points
Thursday, Nov. 26th: At Home
Task 1:
Read over the discussion questions for chapter 1 and 2 of Animal Farm (see yesterday's post) and give them some thought for our discussion next class.
Task 2:
Continue working on your diary assignment, due Dec. 1st. You do not need to wait to get back your pre-writing organizer. I won't be providing feedback until the writing assignment is also handed in.
Today we finished watching the documentary on Joseph Stalin. We then listened to the first two chapters of the Animal Farm audiobook and used the remaining time to add information to our Animal Farm character chart. I gave you some discussion questions to ponder before next class.
Joseph Stalin Documentary
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Animal Farm Character Notes Page
Chapter 1 Discussion Points
Chapter 2 Discussion Points
Thursday, Nov. 26th: At Home
Task 1:
Read over the discussion questions for chapter 1 and 2 of Animal Farm (see yesterday's post) and give them some thought for our discussion next class.
Task 2:
Continue working on your diary assignment, due Dec. 1st. You do not need to wait to get back your pre-writing organizer. I won't be providing feedback until the writing assignment is also handed in.
Friday, Nov. 27th: At School
Today we began by filling in our character chart for chapters 1 and 2 of Animal Farm and then discussed those chapters using the discussion points posted above. I also introduced you to Flipgrid, which is a tool we will be using to voice our thoughts and reactions to Animal Farm as we read each chapter.
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Monday, Nov. 30th: At Home
Task 1:
Continue working on your diary assignment, due tomorrow night. Instructions are found on Teams under the Assignments tab.
Task 2:
Access my "Introduction to Flipgrid" discussion topic using the following link:
https://flipgrid.com/f92993c9
Make a short video to contribute to the discussion and upload it under the discussion topic on flipgrid. It could be a video introducing your pet, favourite hobby, most prized possession, a family member, etc. Less than 2 minutes! Only I will see the video. It is meant to be casual and imperfect so don't spend too much time on this. Mistakes and mispronunciations are OK!
Today we began by filling in our character chart for chapters 1 and 2 of Animal Farm and then discussed those chapters using the discussion points posted above. I also introduced you to Flipgrid, which is a tool we will be using to voice our thoughts and reactions to Animal Farm as we read each chapter.
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Monday, Nov. 30th: At Home
Task 1:
Continue working on your diary assignment, due tomorrow night. Instructions are found on Teams under the Assignments tab.
Task 2:
Access my "Introduction to Flipgrid" discussion topic using the following link:
https://flipgrid.com/f92993c9
Make a short video to contribute to the discussion and upload it under the discussion topic on flipgrid. It could be a video introducing your pet, favourite hobby, most prized possession, a family member, etc. Less than 2 minutes! Only I will see the video. It is meant to be casual and imperfect so don't spend too much time on this. Mistakes and mispronunciations are OK!
Tuesday, Dec1st: At School
Today we began by watching some of the flipgrid videos you guys sent in over the weekend. We then listened to Chapter 3 of Animal Farm and discussed it. We quickly moved on to listen to chapter 4 of Animal Farm.
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Chapter 3 Discussion Points
Chapter 4 Discussion Points
Wednesday, Dec. 2nd: At Home
Task 1:
Finish your diary assignment, due last night. Instructions are found on Teams under the Assignments tab.
Task 2:
Read over the Discussion Points for Chapter 3 above and give them some thought. Choose one or two points and respond to them in video format using flipgrid.
Access my "Chapter 3" discussion topic using the following link:
P5D2: https://flipgrid.com/7ad39576
Task 3:
Read over the Discussion Points for Chapter 4 above and give them some thought. Choose one or two points and respond to them in video format using flipgrid.
Access my "Chapter 4" discussion topic using the following link:
P5D2: https://flipgrid.com/60f531cb
Today we began by watching some of the flipgrid videos you guys sent in over the weekend. We then listened to Chapter 3 of Animal Farm and discussed it. We quickly moved on to listen to chapter 4 of Animal Farm.
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Chapter 3 Discussion Points
Chapter 4 Discussion Points
Wednesday, Dec. 2nd: At Home
Task 1:
Finish your diary assignment, due last night. Instructions are found on Teams under the Assignments tab.
Task 2:
Read over the Discussion Points for Chapter 3 above and give them some thought. Choose one or two points and respond to them in video format using flipgrid.
Access my "Chapter 3" discussion topic using the following link:
P5D2: https://flipgrid.com/7ad39576
Task 3:
Read over the Discussion Points for Chapter 4 above and give them some thought. Choose one or two points and respond to them in video format using flipgrid.
Access my "Chapter 4" discussion topic using the following link:
P5D2: https://flipgrid.com/60f531cb
Thursday, Dec. 3rd: At School
Today we began by discussing Chapter 4 of Animal Farm. We then discussed who each of the characters represents from History. Finally we listened to Chapter 5.
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Chapter 4 Discussion Points
Chapter 5 Discussion Points
Friday, Dec. 4th: PL Day for Teachers - No classes at school or online
Monday, Dec. 7th: At Home
Task 1:
Finish your diary assignment if you haven't already done so, and submit online.
Task 2:
Read over the Discussion Points for Chapter 5 and give them some thought. Choose one or two points and respond to them in video format using flipgrid.
Access my "Chapter 5" discussion topic using the following link:
P5D2: https://flipgrid.com/e4622a7c
Today we began by discussing Chapter 4 of Animal Farm. We then discussed who each of the characters represents from History. Finally we listened to Chapter 5.
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Chapter 4 Discussion Points
Chapter 5 Discussion Points
Friday, Dec. 4th: PL Day for Teachers - No classes at school or online
Monday, Dec. 7th: At Home
Task 1:
Finish your diary assignment if you haven't already done so, and submit online.
Task 2:
Read over the Discussion Points for Chapter 5 and give them some thought. Choose one or two points and respond to them in video format using flipgrid.
Access my "Chapter 5" discussion topic using the following link:
P5D2: https://flipgrid.com/e4622a7c
Tuesday, Dec.8th : At School
Today we began by discussing Chapter 5 of Animal Farm. We then discussed who each of the characters represents from History. Finally we listened to Chapter 6.
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Chapter 5 Discussion Points
Chapter 6 Discussion Points
Wednesday, Dec. 9th: At Home
Task 1:
Finish your diary writing assignment if you have not already done so. For those of you who did not meet the deadline last week, if you want feedback you will have to book a time with me during school hours between 8:30 and 9:15 sometime this week to sit down and get feedback. Otherwise you have missed your chance for feedback and I will just mark whatever you hand in with a final grade.
If you already submitted your diary assignment last week, you can begin working on your final, revised copy once you have received my feedback via Teams.
Task 2:
Read over the Discussion Points for Chapter 6 and give them some thought. Choose one or two points and respond to them in video format using flipgrid.
Access my "Chapter 6" discussion topic using the following link:
P5D2: https://flipgrid.com/7e4cd33a
Today we began by discussing Chapter 5 of Animal Farm. We then discussed who each of the characters represents from History. Finally we listened to Chapter 6.
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Chapter 5 Discussion Points
Chapter 6 Discussion Points
Wednesday, Dec. 9th: At Home
Task 1:
Finish your diary writing assignment if you have not already done so. For those of you who did not meet the deadline last week, if you want feedback you will have to book a time with me during school hours between 8:30 and 9:15 sometime this week to sit down and get feedback. Otherwise you have missed your chance for feedback and I will just mark whatever you hand in with a final grade.
If you already submitted your diary assignment last week, you can begin working on your final, revised copy once you have received my feedback via Teams.
Task 2:
Read over the Discussion Points for Chapter 6 and give them some thought. Choose one or two points and respond to them in video format using flipgrid.
Access my "Chapter 6" discussion topic using the following link:
P5D2: https://flipgrid.com/7e4cd33a
Thursday, Dec.10th : At School
Today was an independent work day. I gave you an article to read and respond to, and then I asked you to read or listen to Chapter 7 on your own.
Herd Mentality Article
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Chapter 7 Discussion Points
Friday, Dec. 11th: At Home
Task 1:
Continue working on your final, revised copy of the diary assignment (once your draft has been returned). It is due on Thursday, Dec. 17th.
Task 2:
Read over the Discussion Points for Chapter 7 and give them some thought. Choose two points and respond to them in video format using flipgrid. Be sure to use the feedback you've been given for chapters 3-5 in order to improve on your flipgrids for the remainder of the book. Your responses should make use of a lot of examples from the text to support your point and you should choose at least one question where you can provide an opinion or deeper analysis instead of just finding the answer in the text.
Access my "Chapter 7" discussion topic using the following link:
P5D2: https://flipgrid.com/140f8764
Today was an independent work day. I gave you an article to read and respond to, and then I asked you to read or listen to Chapter 7 on your own.
Herd Mentality Article
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Chapter 7 Discussion Points
Friday, Dec. 11th: At Home
Task 1:
Continue working on your final, revised copy of the diary assignment (once your draft has been returned). It is due on Thursday, Dec. 17th.
Task 2:
Read over the Discussion Points for Chapter 7 and give them some thought. Choose two points and respond to them in video format using flipgrid. Be sure to use the feedback you've been given for chapters 3-5 in order to improve on your flipgrids for the remainder of the book. Your responses should make use of a lot of examples from the text to support your point and you should choose at least one question where you can provide an opinion or deeper analysis instead of just finding the answer in the text.
Access my "Chapter 7" discussion topic using the following link:
P5D2: https://flipgrid.com/140f8764
Monday, Dec.14th : At School
Today we discussed Chapters 6 and 7 and we went on to read Chapter 8.
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Chapter 7 Discussion Points
Chapter 8 Discussion Points
Tuesday, Dec. 15th: At Home
Task 1:
Continue working on your final, revised copy of the diary assignment. It is due on Thursday, Dec. 17th.
Task 2:
Read over the Chapter 8 Discussion Points and give them some thought. Choose two points and respond to them in video format using flipgrid. Be sure to use the feedback you've been given for chapters 3-5 in order to improve on your flipgrids for the remainder of the book. Your responses should make use of a lot of examples from the text to support your point and you should choose at least one question where you can provide an opinion or deeper analysis instead of just finding the answer in the text.
Access my "Chapter 8" discussion topic using the following link:
P5D2: https://flipgrid.com/357a18b8
Today we discussed Chapters 6 and 7 and we went on to read Chapter 8.
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Chapter 7 Discussion Points
Chapter 8 Discussion Points
Tuesday, Dec. 15th: At Home
Task 1:
Continue working on your final, revised copy of the diary assignment. It is due on Thursday, Dec. 17th.
Task 2:
Read over the Chapter 8 Discussion Points and give them some thought. Choose two points and respond to them in video format using flipgrid. Be sure to use the feedback you've been given for chapters 3-5 in order to improve on your flipgrids for the remainder of the book. Your responses should make use of a lot of examples from the text to support your point and you should choose at least one question where you can provide an opinion or deeper analysis instead of just finding the answer in the text.
Access my "Chapter 8" discussion topic using the following link:
P5D2: https://flipgrid.com/357a18b8
Wednesday, Dec.16th : At School
Today we discussed Chapter 8 and we went on to read Chapter 9.
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Chapter 8 Discussion Points
Chapter 9 Discussion Points
Thursday, Dec. 17th: At Home
Task 1:
Continue working on your final, revised copy of the diary assignment. It is due TODAY.
Task 2:
Read over the Chapter 9 Discussion Points and give them some thought. Choose two points and respond to them in video format using flipgrid. Be sure to use the feedback you've been given for chapters 3-5 in order to improve on your flipgrids for the remainder of the book. Your responses should make use of a lot of examples from the text to support your point and you should choose at least one question where you can provide an opinion or deeper analysis instead of just finding the answer in the text.
Access my "Chapter 8" discussion topic using the following link:
P5D2: https://flipgrid.com/8421d61d
Today we discussed Chapter 8 and we went on to read Chapter 9.
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Chapter 8 Discussion Points
Chapter 9 Discussion Points
Thursday, Dec. 17th: At Home
Task 1:
Continue working on your final, revised copy of the diary assignment. It is due TODAY.
Task 2:
Read over the Chapter 9 Discussion Points and give them some thought. Choose two points and respond to them in video format using flipgrid. Be sure to use the feedback you've been given for chapters 3-5 in order to improve on your flipgrids for the remainder of the book. Your responses should make use of a lot of examples from the text to support your point and you should choose at least one question where you can provide an opinion or deeper analysis instead of just finding the answer in the text.
Access my "Chapter 8" discussion topic using the following link:
P5D2: https://flipgrid.com/8421d61d
Friday, Dec. 18th: At School
Today we discussed Chapter 9 and we went on to read Chapter 10.
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Chapter 9 Discussion Points
Chapter 10 Discussion Points
Monday, Dec. 21st: At Home
Read over the Chapter 10 Discussion Points and give them some thought. Choose two points and respond to them in video format using flipgrid. Be sure to use the feedback you've been given for chapters 3-5 in order to improve on your flipgrids for the remainder of the book. Your responses should make use of a lot of examples from the text to support your point and you should choose at least one question where you can provide an opinion or deeper analysis instead of just finding the answer in the text.
Access my "Chapter 10" discussion topic using the following link:
P5D2: https://flipgrid.com/cf5bc51b
Today we discussed Chapter 9 and we went on to read Chapter 10.
Animal Farm Audiobook
Animal Farm Text
Chapter 9 Discussion Points
Chapter 10 Discussion Points
Monday, Dec. 21st: At Home
Read over the Chapter 10 Discussion Points and give them some thought. Choose two points and respond to them in video format using flipgrid. Be sure to use the feedback you've been given for chapters 3-5 in order to improve on your flipgrids for the remainder of the book. Your responses should make use of a lot of examples from the text to support your point and you should choose at least one question where you can provide an opinion or deeper analysis instead of just finding the answer in the text.
Access my "Chapter 10" discussion topic using the following link:
P5D2: https://flipgrid.com/cf5bc51b
Final Assignment: Tuesday, Jan. 5th to Friday, January 15th:
A REMINDER TO FINISH YOUR DIARY ASSIGNMENT AND YOUR FLIPGRID RESPONSES, WHICH WERE BOTH DUE OVER THE BREAK.
Today I introduced you to your essay assignment for Animal Farm. This is the final assignment we have for the course (besides the end-of-course conference) and will take all our time for the next 2 weeks. The detailed assignment instructions can be found on Teams.
The 2 choices for essay topics are below:
Steps to complete over the next 2 weeks (pace yourself accordingly):
A REMINDER TO FINISH YOUR DIARY ASSIGNMENT AND YOUR FLIPGRID RESPONSES, WHICH WERE BOTH DUE OVER THE BREAK.
Today I introduced you to your essay assignment for Animal Farm. This is the final assignment we have for the course (besides the end-of-course conference) and will take all our time for the next 2 weeks. The detailed assignment instructions can be found on Teams.
The 2 choices for essay topics are below:
- Provide a detailed argument for which three characters are the most likeable in Animal Farm, from a reader’s perspective.
- Provide a detailed argument for which three characters are the most unlikeable in Animal Farm, from a reader’s perspective.
Steps to complete over the next 2 weeks (pace yourself accordingly):
- Complete the essay outline (check Teams Assignments for materials and instructions). Use the sample partial outline I gave you as a model.
- Conference with me in class to get your outline approved and receive feedback.
- Complete a draft essay using your outline and the sample essay I have given you as a model. Use the feedback I gave you on your outline.
- Conference with me in class to receive feedback on your draft.
- Revise your draft using the feedback I gave you and submit a final copy for grading no later than January 15th.
Tuesday, Jan. 19th: At School
Today I gave you the guidelines for your end of semester interview. Below you will find all the materials you will need. Interviews will begin on Thursday, January 21st in class.
1. List of assignments and activities we've completed this semester
2. Assignment Organizer: You need at least one assignment for each box. Assignments can be used in more than one box, but aim for a variety.
3. Interview Questions
4. Interview Rubric
Wednesday, Jan. 20th: At Home
Today I gave you the guidelines for your end of semester interview. Below you will find all the materials you will need. Interviews will begin on Thursday, January 21st in class.
1. List of assignments and activities we've completed this semester
2. Assignment Organizer: You need at least one assignment for each box. Assignments can be used in more than one box, but aim for a variety.
3. Interview Questions
4. Interview Rubric
Wednesday, Jan. 20th: At Home
- Prepare for your interview
- Complete any late assignments (Diary Assignment, Flipgrid Responses, Animal Farm Essay)