Thurs. Apr. 30, 2015: Chapter 12

Today, you wrote a paragraph answering a questions relating to this chapter (timed journal). These are used not only to determine your knowledge of content, but also to reinforce writing conventions.
I then discussed this chapter at length and presented you with the sea allegory. If you were not here, you can look this allegory up (it is readily available via Google).
You will get a "catch up" day tomorrow in which you will finish reading the novel and answering questions.
On Tuesday, we will discuss the novel, then on Wednesday, you will write a comprehension exam. On Thursday, you will write an in-class essay (which will be explained on Tuesday: be here).

Wed. Apr. 29, 2015: Chapter Nine and Ten

Today, you did a journal activity relating to one of these chapters. It was timed. If you were not here, you need to see me to do it. I also talked about conventions that I expect a Grade 12 student to have under his or her belt (Capitalize nouns, write in pen, periods at the ends of sentence, name, date and class in the upper right hand corner, writing without contractions, writing without using first or second person reference, spelling out numbers up to 100, putting in a title if one is not present).

For tomorrow, you need to have Chapter 11 read (and all the chapters before it, of course)!

Tues. Apr. 28, 2015: Discussion Chapter Eight

Today, you wrote a quiz on Chapter 7 and 8. You were also instructed to read chapters 9 and 10 for tomorrow's class.
I then discussed the significance of this chapter. It is here that the audience gets a real understanding of what the "danger" on the island is (it is the "Id" inside all of us). We discussed the myth of the beast (the masks, the pig's head, the parachutist), and the meaning of the term "Lord of the Flies."
I also discussed how pathetic fallacy is present in this scene. If you were not here, look up this term on your "Stylistic Devices" sheet and then see for yourself the connection. The rest of the class time was used for reading.

Mon. Apr. 27, 2015: Chapter Discussion

Today, we discussed Chapters 4 - 7 of Lord of the Flies. As part of this, we discussed the message the boys receive from above, the reliability of witness statements, how we perceive our reality based on former experiences, and how fear can become an uncontrollable force. We also discussed various symbols found in the play (the conch, masks, clothing, fire), the importance of Castle Rock and the further disintegration of Ralph and Jack's relationship.
For tomorrow you need to have Chapter 8 read as well as the reading questions.

Fri. Apr. 24, 2015: Chapter 3

Today, we discussed Chapter 3 of Lord of the Flies. We put focus on how Jack has changed since the beginning of the novel and discussed the importance of drawing inferences based on the evidence presented. I also handed out a sheet about faulty logic.
For the weekend, you are to read Chapters 4 thru 7. I may quiz you on Monday. You also need to answer the reading questions so you can participate in the discussion. I may also mark these.

Thurs. Apr. 23, 2015: Discussion of Chapter 2

Today, you wrote a quiz to ensure you are reading and comprehending the text. We then discussed the Chapter 2 questions for Lord of the Flies. I also gave you information on how the conch is a symbol. From here, you were assigned to read Chapter 3. It is short. I also informed you that time on the island has passed between Chapter 2 and Chapter 3. You are to have this chapter read and the questions answered for tomorrow's class.

Wed. Apr. 22, 2015: Chapter One

For tomorrow, you are to have read Chapter One and Chapter Two of Lord of the Flies. You are also to have the Chapter One questions completed.
A question that I came with after reading out loud on Tuesday was that Piggy does two things that he wouldn't normally do and he is proud of them. The fact that he does them shows that he is not simply a superego personality, as he is over-riding the rules of his aunt. What does he do?
* Piggy takes his jacket off outside/takes his clothes off
*Piggy gets into the water of the lagoon

Tues. Apr. 21, 2015: Lord of the Flies Intro. Cont.

Today, we discussed Freud's idea of the Id, Ego and Superego. This is important as the novel we are reading is an allegory and personality types are identified (much like the morality plays discussed when I was introducing Hamlet). If you were not here, I have a copy of the notes.
I then read the first part of the first chapter. (almost to the end of page 15 in period 2 and page 13 in period 3). In both cases, the conch has been spotted. I then gave you questions to answer for tomorrow (page one). If you were not here, or left early, you will need to see me for the questions. I am here at 7am, so come before class.

Mon. Apr. 20, 2015: Lord of the Flies

Today, you signed out the novel Lord of the Flies from the library. If you were not here, be sure you do this before coming to class.
I then introduced the novel (Powerpoint). If you were not here, this is in your portfolio. Please read it.

Wed. April 15, to Fri. April 17, 2015: Writing Class

Students used these three days (three in-class hours) to outline, write and revise an essay with Hamlet as the evidentiary source. This length of time is far greater than the amount of time they will be given during finals to write (Saskatchewan Education standards). The latest it will be accepted (without approval) will be the end of class on Friday. If the paper is not submitted, an alternative can be provided.

Tues. April 14, 2015: Arriving at a thesis

Today, we discussed the essay assignment you were given yesterday (the one that is due on Friday). I discussed how to approach the development of a thesis through charting, handed out an additional support for inserting quotations, and explained the exemplars that are now posted on the board (both at the front of the room and the back). I also stressed that you will have to write a timed essay at the end of the year (finals) and that the expectation is for you to write one in an hour.

Mon. Apr. 13, 2015: Hamlet Comprehension Test

Today, you wrote your Hamlet comprehension test. If you were not here, you will need to see me about writing the alternative.
I also handed out your next major essay assignment. If you were not here, this is in your portfolio. The completed essay is due at the end of class on Friday. This is an ample amount of time considering you will have to write an essay of this type for the final and will have roughly an hour to do so.

Wed/Thurs. April 1 & 2, 2015: Hamlet Completion

Today and tomorrow, we are going to complete the reading of the play Hamlet. You are also going to be given study questions for Acts III, IV, and V.
These questions are due at the end of the holidays. If you are not here, do the Act III and Act IV ones that are posted earlier in this blog and get in ASAP on Monday, April 13 to get the rest out of your portfolio to complete.

You will also have a Hamlet comprehension test on Monday, April 13. This test will ONLY test you on your understanding of the play (NOT on your understanding about how to read this type of prose). It will be matching, True/false, and multiple choice.