Thurs, May 29, 2015: Test Pre/Catch-up Day

Today, I handed out information you need in order to be prepared for the final exam on June 23. If you were absent, I have put that information in your portfolios. If you were not here, I recommend you come and meet with me so I can explain what is happening in detail.
The time left over was used to get caught up on assignments in order to meet the last hand-in deadline (June 8).

Wed. May 27& Thurs, May 28, 2015: Catch up Day

Today, students were instructed to work on creating their short story critiques, get their "Career Ed." files moved and completed, and/ or work on their independent novel assignment.
The "Career Ed." file needs to be completed by May 31.
The short story critiques and independent novel assignment must be in to me, at the latest, by June 8 (the short story assignment was presented on May 12 and the novel assignment was given by February 10). I have stressed that this is the last day; many have already started to hand items in so they will not miss this final deadline.

Tues. May 26, 2015: Miss Brill Discussion

Today, I presented a PowerPoint on the short story "Miss Brill." This is the last short story that you were provided. Many of you have handed in your active reading and short story critiques, which is great as it frees up your remaining time to work on your independent novel study assignment.
Keep in mind that THE LAST DAY that I will take ANY assignments is MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2015. There are no exceptions. I have provided this as the last day knowing that the independent novel study was given prior to the initial activity related to it (February 10), and the short story assignment was given on May 12. In other words, you have had plenty of time to do these assignments.
We also have to get the Career Cruising information moved into Microsoft (as well as a copy of your resume and cover letter). The deadline for these is May 31 (this is due to the system being shut down on this date.

Mon. May 25, 2015: Short Story Discussion

Today, we discussed the following:

Period Two: "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"

Period Three: "Harrison Bergeron"

Any remaining time was used to work on short story critiques/Career Cruising/Independent novel study assignment.

Tomorrow, we will discuss "Miss Brill"

Fri. May 22, 2015: Catch Up

Today, students were instructed to work on creating their short story critiques, get their "Career Ed." files moved and completed, and/ or work on their independent novel assignment.
The "Career Ed." file needs to be completed by May 31.
The short story critiques and independent novel assignment must be in to me, at the latest, by June 8. I have stressed that this is the last day; many have already started to hand items in so they will not miss this final deadline.

Thurs. May 21, 2015: "The Lottery" Discussion

Today, we reviewed/discussed the short story "The Lottery." If you were not here, you will have to do some research on line to determine themes, symbols (the names), and what horrors, in addition to the stoning, are present.

Wed. May 20, 2015: Discussion of a short story

Today, we discussed one of the following short stories:

Period Two: "Paul's Case"
Period Three: "The Destructors"

Both were to have been read in preparation for the classes.
Tomorrow, we will discuss the following:

Period Two: "The Lottery"

Tues. May 19, 2015: "The Rocking-Horse Winner"

Today, we discussed the first of five short stories: "The Rocking-Horse Winner." If you were not here, the notes are in your portfolio. Tomorrow, we will discuss "Paul's Case" (in period two) and "The Destructors" (in period three). Be sure you have read the story and are prepared to discuss.

Fri. May 15, 2015: Short Story Active Reading

Today, you worked on one of the following assignments:
* Actively reading the five short stories (expected to have this done for Tuesday's class)
* Work on reading/developing your independent novel study assignment (must be completed by June 8).
* Transfer Career Cruising file into a word folder: create a cover letter and resume if you don't have one (must be completed by May 31).

For all of these activities, you can look back at earlier blogs for explanations.

Thurs. May 14, 2015: Readings and STEAL

Today, I reviewed what is expected on your short story critiques. While you don't have to do the MLA citation, you do have to include more information on characterization in your "what is relevant" section.
I gave you a handout explaining direct and indirect characterization. If you were not here, it is in your portfolio. You will need to read it.
I also discussed how to transfer your Career Cruising information into a folder on the school system. See yesterday's blog for more information.
You were then given time to read the short stories actively (again, see back on the blogs for more specifics on this assignment). You should have the active reading completed by the end of the long weekend (but not the critiques).

Wed. May 13, 2015: Reading and Update

Today, you read the short stories you have been assigned (see back to yesterday's instructions). I also updated you on the "Career Cruising" assignment all students in the Division are to have completed for the end of their grade 12 year.
You need to go to the site and sign in. You then need to copy/transfer all information to a word document.
You then need to put this into a folder called Career Ed (create it).
In this folder, you will need to have a copy of your resume, a copy of your Career Cruising information and a copy of your cover letter.
See me if you need your password (you would have started this in other years) or need help gathering this information (or creating it).

Tues. May 12, 2015: Overview of the rest of the Semester

Today, I provided an overview of what we will focus on for the remainder of the semester. The students have been provided with all readings. The steps to active reading are expectations. If they do all the steps, they will be rewarded with 100 per cent for those readings. More details will follow.
THIS IS ALSO A LAST CALL FOR YOUR READING QUESTIONS ON LORD OF THE FLIES. THEY NEED TO BE IN BY THE END OF CLASS TOMORROW.

Notes from class"

Overview of B30

Until End of the year

 

The final Unit: Short Stories (Characterization)

·       You will read five short stories ACTIVELY (yes, you will be marked on this part)

o  Review title

o  Read a paragraph and highlight the five W’s

o  Paraphrase the paragraph in a FEW words

o  Note ANY examples of stylistic devices (highlight and label)

o  Put in question marks where there are any changes of direction (odd shifts, moments of confusion: these can help us when we discuss a piece)

 

·       Create five short story critiques (one on each story) with a focus on Characterization (you will not have to do MLA citation!)

·       I will discuss each of these stories in-class; however, I might not match up to your own reading schedule.

·       Get short stories read by the end of the long weekend

·       More TBA

 

Understanding the 15 Common Errors

·       These mini lessons will be incorporated into your classes

 

Getting independent novel completed (Due June 8)

 

Essay Structure/test prep

 

Mon. May 11, 2015: In-Class Essay

Today, you wrote your in-class essay for the novel study unit. If you were not here, you will need to see me to write an make-up exam (in class as well).

Fri. May 8, 2015: Lord of the Flies Exam

Today, you wrote a comprehension exam on Lord of the Flies (with two additional readings to ensure you are developing comprehension skills). If you were not here, you will need to make arrangements to write the alternative within five days of your return. Keep in mind that the in-class essay is on Monday. See back to all entries last week to see what this entails.

Thurs. May 7, 2015: Finishing Film

Today, we completed our viewing of the film Lord of the Flies (1963). I also showed clips of a modern film adaptation in order to show how ideas are adapted for different audiences. You have your exam tomorrow and your essay on Monday. Look back to prior days for more specific information.

Wed. May 6, 2015: Lord of the Flies Film

Today, we continued to watch Lord of the Flies. I also showed students how writing programs on line can help with conventions, sentence structure and vocabulary, but are virtually useless when it comes to organization and content (see me if you want to view what we did.

Tues. May 5, 2015: Test Prep and Film

Today, I explained in more detail the exams you will be writing on Friday and Monday.
On Friday, you will write a multiple choice/reading comprehension exam on Lord of the Flies.
You will have to understand/know:
* the plot
* the characters
* various words which appear in the text
  

Excruciatingly        Skewed          Purged                  Coverts          Temptestuously                       

      Rebuke                    Bastion          Gesticulated         Inscrutable      Opaque                                    
      Pall                          Eclipsed        Maternal               Impalpable     

*  motivations for actions
* THERE WILL BE AN EXCERPT FROM A SHORT STORY YOU HAVE NOT READ AND NINE QUESTIONS TO ANSWER (COMPREHENSION: MULTIPLE CHOICE) AFTER YOU HAVE READ IT.


On Monday, you will write an in-class essay. You will receive ONE of FOUR possible questions: I have posted the questions below:

a.       In the novel Lord of the Flies, Golding uses the allegory of personality (Id, Ego, Superego) to explain man’s civility (or lack thereof). How does the allegory of personality demonstrate itself in this novel and what is its purpose?

 

b.      In the novel Lord of the Flies, Golding provides a very dark view of man. How does this novel connect to the concept of Genocide?

 

c.       In writing his novel Lord of the Flies, Golding attempts to support his view that man is a savage who, without civilization, will revert to a savage state.  Based on the novel, has Golding been able to present a strong argument to support this?

d.      Film adaptations from novels often have a number of differences. What are some of the differences you noted between the two? What do you perceive as the screenwriter’s purpose in making the choices/changes he made as well as the effectiveness?

If you miss EITHER exam, you will have to write an alternative that will test your skills, but not be trivia-based (don't miss exams!)

Fri. May 1, 2015: Lord of the Flies Completion

As stated yesterday, today is a catch-up day. For Tuesday, you need to have the book read and the reading questions submitted. What has changed is that I am going to watch the film. One of your possible in-class essay questions WILL be to discuss the differences between the film and the novel, so it is worth paying attention to and being here for these days.