Monday Nov 26th

Today we began a brand new unit with our version of show and tell.  Students (well most) shared assigned facts, interesting tidbits, personal stories, and Shakespeare artifacts.

Journal #1 was handed out, students had a chance to write and we began to talk about some  responses. What qualities do relationships need to grow and last?  Why do some relationships last and others don't?  Journal entries are due (in sentence form) when I see you next day...Mon Dec 3rd. 

I've asked students to requests a specific novel or two for Christmas.  Here's hoping Santa delivers some great reads to aspiring readers and writers this holiday season.

Homework:  READ, complete journal #1

Thursday Nov 22nd

Today we got right to work and wrote opinion pieces.  All work was submitted today in class.

On Monday we'll be launching into our next unit - Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet!  We'll start things off with our version of Show and Tell.  Students have all been assigned a particular Shakespeare fact and to bring in an object/interesting 'something' current that shows how Shakespeare is alive and well in 2012. 

Homework:  READ, Shakespeare Show and Tell

Tuesday Nov 20th

Today we spent the class working on outlines for Thursday's in-class write.  Thursday Nov 22nd all students will write their opinion pieces using notes/outlines. Do not bring in any drafts or outside materials...I will supply paper for you.  I look forward to reading your arguments.

Today I also explained the upcoming Shakespeare 'Show and Tell'.  Each student is responsible for a particular Shakespeare fact and bringing in a piece of Shakespeare in 2012 for MONDAY NOV 26th.  You must be present to present...10 marks available.  Not ready to go Monday = no mark for you. 

Homework: READ, Shakespeare 'Show and Tell' preparation

For tomorrow...

Yikes!  This is late...my apologies!  For those of you that were up on Grouse on Friday here is where you need to be.

You must must must have your two articles printed and have completed your pink sheets.

Tomorrow we will move into the outlining/drafting stage so it is crucial that you have finished your research.

You will write your opinion piece in class on Thursday.

See you tomorrow!

Wed November 14

Today we spent the period in the computer lab learning how to conduct research.  Students were required to use a few specific databases that provide reliable sources to find 2 or 3 articles.

At this stage articles should be printed out, and students should be filling out pink sheets to get ready for the writing process.  We will begin outlining next day.

****French Immersion students - check blog over the weekend so you will know what to complete over the weekend - I'll post what we covered so you know where to be for next week.

Homework - READ (remember, you promised!), two articles and pink sheet(s) filled in for Friday.

Monday Nov 5th

Today we had a chance to take a look at each others' spoof ads.  Some really wonderful ideas!  Well done.  I handed back Media Logs - Media tests will be returned on Friday (someone still has to write test).

We got going with our next piece of writing which is a persuasive opinion piece based on one aspect of the media unit we've worked through.

The first step was to write for 3 minutes on the following topics: (absent students, you need to do this before you move on to the next step, please complete this for next day).

For three minutes write your opinion about these topics.  Don't worry about spelling/grammar, but make sure you write what you think.  Take a side - don't be afraid (be compelled even) to have an opinion.

#1  Gender Stereotyping - the media causes young men/women to have poor body image.  Agree/Disagree
#2  Violence and the Media - violent games/movies negatively affect young children/teens.  Agree/Disagree
#3  Social Media (like Facebook) - is it safe?
#4 Digital Technology - does our use of social technology help or hinder interpersonal communication?
$5  Media and Teen - does the media help or hurt teens?

Next day you will learn how and why to conduct research to support your opinion...so you'll have to choose a topic Friday.

Our discussion then moved to the specifics of opinion piece/persuasive writing.  I shared an example, and students had a quick chance to take a look at examples from the newspaper.

See you Friday!  Wednesday is Take Your Grade 9 to Work Day - have a great day at work.

Homework:  READ, any media logs/spoof ads are now overdue....

Thursday Nov 1st

Today students handed in Media Log and wrote the media unit test.  Student were given a copy of the spoof ad rubric to guide their work over the weekend.  Good copies of spoof ads and paragaphs are due Mon Nov 5th.

We will be moving to our next piece of writing - persuasive - next week.