Fri. Feb. 27, 2015: Hero in post Middle Ages

Today, we discussed the "Robin Hood and the Three Squires" ballad provided yesterday. I then gave you the reading "What Men Live By" by Leo Tolstoy. You are to read it actively (highlight 5ws, highlight and define unknown words, write a summary and a purpose for it on the back). This is to be due for Monday.
IF YOU WERE NOT HERE: this reading can be found online; just Google it!

Thurs. Feb. 26, 2015: Hero of the Common People

Today, you handed in your excerpt critique assigned for yesterday's reading. We then discussed one more hero who appeared during the middle ages: Robin Hood. I presented a Powerpoint (if you were not here, the notes are in your portfolio). I then gave out the reading assignment which was to actively read "Robin Hood and the Three Squires." The last slide of the Powerpoint explains what I want you to do in more detail.
These are to be submitted at the start of class tomorrow.

Wed. Feb. 25, 2015: Excerpt Critique Completion

Yesterday, you were provided with an excerpt from the ballad Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (translated into story form instead of the original poetic). You were to read it yesterday and create an article critique by the end of class today. This must be typed and follow the format expectations you have already received.

Tues. Feb. 24, 2015: Intro. to Chivalry as an Ideal

Today, I introduced the concept of chivalry in the Middle Ages. If you were not here, the Powerpoint is in your portfolio.
I then gave you an excerpt from Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to read and then write a text critique on. This is due at the end of class tomorrow.

Mon. Feb. 23, 2015 Beowulf Discussion and Group Work

Today, students were placed into groups to answer a question related to the excerpt from the poem Beowulf. Each group was given a different question. We then discussed them.
Students who were not here on the Friday prior to the break did not do this activity. They were given questions to answer instead.

Notes from what the students found:

Personality of the king, Beowulf and Grendal.
- Grendal (loner,impatient, curious, in pain due to lack of sleep, strong, angry, savage, stubborn)
-Beowulf (hero, brave, courageous, smart, determined, vain)
- King Hrothgar (scared, caring, miserable, depressed, coward)

How is Beowulf a hero on paper?
- courage to take on monster
- no weapons
- lead his men
- strategist
-related to king, notable birth
- strength to fight bravely
- ticked Grendal feigning sleep
- strength to hold on to the monster's claws
- fair fight (integrity and strength of character)
- puts himself in danger for the safety of others

Defend Grendal
- Lousy birth
- lived alone
- curious (he probably would have left him alone if they weren't partied)
- could have partied less
- abandoned bar
- sent for help rather than rumours
- bad urban planning
-ate for food and as a deterent
- attempted to stay away from others
- Shows no hatred to people, just annoyance

Admirable traits about Beowulf (see above)
Antonyms (overconfident, harsh, murderer, feels  no remorse)

Admirable traits for Grendal
Strong, powerful, fearless, smart, sneaky

Not Admirable
miserable, sneaky, scary, murderous, annoyed)

Fri. Feb. 13, 2015: Beowulf Reading and Tone Discussion

Today, we discussed the importance of monitoring tone when writing so that readers are not offended. We then examined the excerpt Beowulf. I read it out loud, discussed the difficulty with citing this excerpt, and then instructed you to do the "What is Relevant" section on your own for homework.
I also reminded you that the holidays are a great time to get independent novel readings out of the way. The activity relating to the novel is not due until June 8; however, getting it out of the way early will reduce stress.

Thurs. Feb. 12, 2014: Discussion of Conventions and Language

Today, we discussed the layout of the Text critique. I explained that it is best to read and write the section on what is relevant before doing the summary. I also discussed how language has changed over time and why this can make it difficult to understand words in context. If you were not here, you might want to talk to me or a classmate to get a better understanding of the class.
I also used the analogy of a TV show to help explain expectations in the critique.

Wed. Feb. 11, 2015: Introduction to Unit One: Ideals

Today, I presented a Powerpoint explaining the questions you should be able to answer in this short unit as well as what the unit is about. The focus is on societal ideals. If you were not here, the Powerpoint notes are in your portfolio.

Tues. Feb. 10, 2015: Novel Study: Writing Activity

Today, students were reminded that they have outstanding assignments. Those who do not have them in by the end of lunch will be given an alternative that allows them to demonstrate mastery over the same objectives.

Today, they all had to have their novels (which they were instructed to have yesterday: see "Course Outline"). I gave them the assignment "Novels Study Initial Activity" which allows them the opportunity to practice their citation skills, summary skills and reading time.

This activity will determine how long it will take them to read their books. As such, it must be completed in class. If a student has been absent, he or she needs to see me at lunch to do this (it will not be in the portfolio).

Mon. Feb. 9, 2015: Writing/revision class

Today, you worked on completing your text critique. I also sat with some of you and explained revisions needed on the layout of your paragraphs. Both of these assignments are due and will be entered as late/NHI after school if they are not in by that time.
Students who had extra time were to read their novels. You were to have them (and your supplies) for today. Be sure to bring your novel for tomorrow's class as you will be completing an activity using it.

Fri. Feb. 6, 2015:Text Critique One: Writing Class

Today, you worked on your first critique based on the reading you received yesterday. To do this assignment effectively, you need the reading, the "Understanding Text Critiques" booklet, the "MLA Citation" booklet, and the "Computer Usage Steps" booklet.
While you worked on this, I also talked to you about your paragraphs. You will have Monday to complete this activity. If you were not here, read the information above and check your portfolio (if absent on Thursday and Friday) for the reading. Commit to being in the class at lunch as this is an in-school assignment.

Thurs. Feb. 5, 2015: Introduction to Western Literature

Today, we discussed the sheet you already received entitled "Understanding Text Critiques."
I then talked a bit about how Western Literature mattered and developed. In order to reinforce this, I gave you the reading "Life and Literature in Early Britain" by Richard Craig Coheen. This is a two-page read that should take less than 15 minutes to read. You are to have it read for tomorrow's class.

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015: Writing Class

Today, students completed their paragraphs and ensured they saved them properly on the computer system (using their "Computer Usage Steps" instruction sheet).

Tues. Feb. 3, 2015: Paragraph Discussion/Writing Assignment

Today, I reviewed paragraph writing with you, focusing on the importance of arriving at examples tied to topic before arriving at a thesis. If you were not here, there is a handout about this in your portfolio.

I also handed out your first assignment. You will be writing a personal response paragraph. It is also in your portfolio. This assignment is due at the end of class Tomorrow (Wednesday, February 4). It will be used to assess current levels of competency so it is an unavoidable exercise. Students absent will need to come in and work on this at lunch.

Mon. Feb. 2, 2015: Class Introduction

Welcome to ELA B30. The goal today was to introduce students to the course outline, important papers needed all year, and how to access this Blog.
The papers you were given today are as follows:
* Course Outline (Get supplies by Mon. Feb. 9)
* Approved Novel Study Choices (Get novel by Mon. Feb. 9)
* Independent Novel Study Assignment (Due  Monday, June 8)
* 15 Common Errors Booklet
* MLA Citation Booklet
* Integrating Quotations in Sentences
* Computer Usage Steps
* Understanding Text Critiques
* Stylistic Devices sheet

CELL PHONES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN CLASS.