Technology and Us: Optimism vs. Pessimism

Now that we have explored different information and opinion, including the data of your own life, it's time to revisit your perspective(s) on technology's influence.

1.) What information about technology surprised you the most? Why?

2.) In what ways has technology changed your life? Discuss an area with as much detail and explanation as you can. Example, you could tell us your opinion on how technology impacts intimacy, anxiety, sleep cycles, surveillance, critical thinking, the need to be "famous"/public, etc, etc. Any area you feel technology has significantly impacted you and your world.

3.) In what ways do you think technology is changing our future (work, learning, communication, relationships, etc.)?

4.) Describe your perspective towards technology. Are you more of an optimist or a pessimist? Why? Explain.

Criteria: 

•  Present a thoughtful discussion and argument on the topic: Technology’s influence
• Select 2-3 distinct areas to comment on (ex: creative thought, privacy, biopower)
• P.E.E. to explain and support your opinion
• Edit for grammar, spelling and expression
• I encourage you to comment on each others' arguments and ideas.

What the World is Saying About Technology and Our Humanity: Do You Agree?

Hi gang, as we delve into some theories, facts, statistics and experiences based on how technology impacts our daily lives and broader world consider these views: Do you think they're correct? What critiques do you have?

* "Is Google Making Us Stupid?" The Atlantic

* An Ugly Toll of Technology: The NY Times

* "Growing Up Digital: Wired for Distraction": The New York Times

* Sherry Turkle: "Connected, but alone?"

Task: Read and view the following texts and comment
1.) What claims do the authors make that you agree with? Why? Explain
2.) What critiques do you have of any of their arguments or claims? What have they left out?

Due: Sunday, Dec. 9th

Week 14: What to Expect

Mon. Dec. 3rd:
* Poetic Device Terms Test and Poetry Synthesis write

Tues. Dec. 4th:
* Mid-Year Reflection and Action Plan
* Individual Technology Log Due Tomorrow

Wed. Dec. 5th:
Technology Exploration Mini-Unit
* How has technology affected you? How has it changed our world?
* Powerpoint and discussion: Class explores infobesity and how technology is affecting our humanity
* View of Digital Nation's clips

Thurs. Dec. 6th:

* Class round robin exploring technology's impact on relationships, privacy, 

and intimacy
* Key statistics and information (ex: data-mining, etc.)
* Explore more Digital Nation

Fri. Dec. 7th:
* Week 7 & 8 Vocabulary Quiz
* "Internet Addiction"
* Powerpoint and class discussion on Our Virtual Futures
* Complete Technology Record and Ideas

Week 13: What to Expect

Mon. Nov. 26th:
* Your wonderful "Valentine" share
* Class draw and dissect Shakespeare's infamous sonnet: "My Mistress' Eyes are Nothing Like the Sun" Is he insulting his lady love?

* Partner Practice Poem Synthesis: Your own in-class synthesis next Monday
* Begin Your Technology Record Log (add to each day, due Wed. Dec. 5th)

Tues. Nov. 27th:
* Practicing with the most challenging poetic devices: metonymy and synecdoche. Are you up for it?
* War Poetry: Why would people who have experienced war want to write poetry?
* "Dulce Et Decorum Est" class analysis. An infamous war poem written after experiencing WWI
* Complete Venn Diagram of war poem of choice: Contrast "Dulce Et Decorum Est" to "Flanders Fields," "What They Were Like?" (Vietnam War) or current Canadian soldier's comment on War in Afghanistan

Wed. Nov. 28th:
* A 'lil death poetry in the morning!
* Class Dissect Wyslawa Szymborska's unique vision of death: "On Death, Without Exaggeration"
* Groups choose alternative vision of death to analyse: You are teaching the poem to the class tomorrow

Thurs. Nov. 29th:
* Poetic Terms Test on Monday: Study! 
*Poetry practice quiz
* Groups present their death poem and teach the class

Fri. Nov. 30th:
* Poetry Practice Quiz: Terms Test Monday
* Select two poems of your choice for your final assessment: Poetry Synthesis. 
* Complete outline for your in-class write on Monday

Week 12: What to Expect

Mon. Nov. 19th:
* Group Poetic Device Scramble: What do you know? What do you need to know?
* Class dissection of "Swimmer's Moment." Audio and commentary in link.
* Poem Dissection of choice: Due tomorrow
* Guy versus Girl Simile Challenge!

Tues. Nov. 20th:
* Paint Our World: Creating Colour and Devices

Wed. Nov. 21st:
* Bukowski! The poet of the gutter, of the underbelly, we explore his vision of love.
* "How is Your Heart?" class and independent analysis

Thurs. Nov. 22nd:
* "Valentine" deconstruction: Pass the onion, smell the love.
* Create your own powerful metaphor poem, your own "Valentine"

Fri. Nov. 23rd:
* What are the worst pick-up lines that you've heard?
* Class deconstruct "To His Coy Mistress," 17th century metaphysical "pick-up" poetry. Translate the poetic to prose. Why is this poem relevant to the 21st century?

Week 11: What to Expect

Mon. Nov. 12th: Remembrance Day Holiday
School Not in Session

Tues. Nov. 13th & Wed. Nov. 14th:
* Of Mice and Men Film and Novel Comparative

Thurs. Nov. 15th:
* In-class Of Mice and Men Essay

Fri. Nov. 16th:
* Intro to POETRY! 
* Shane Koyczan's "Stop Signs"

* Poetic Device Group Scramble: What do you know? What do you need to know?

Week 10: What to Expect

Mon. Nov. 5th:
* In Library before lunch Debate research and prep
* In C127 after lunch Debate research and prep

Tues. Nov. 6th:
* In Library completing arguments for tomorrow's in class debates: May the Best Argument Win!

Wed. Nov. 7th:
* In-class Debates following outlined debate format and timing
* Groups hand in bibliography
* Individuals submit independent research notes package

Thurs. Nov. 8th:
* Final group debate
* Words of the Week and Vocabulary
* In-class Of Mice and Men response topics distributed and time for planning. In-class essay next Thursday Nov. 15th
See the following sites for support:
-Of Mice and Men Sparknotes
- Of Mice and Men Novel Guide

-

Friday: Nov. 9th
Professional Development Day. Students not in school

Have a wonderful long weekend!

Week 9: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 29th:
* Exploration of our almost next Great Depression, as we consider our characters struggling in the first
* Class explore Too Big to Fail

Homework: Read Chapter 4 Of Mice and Men and complete questions (class voted homework so no whining and no slacking)


Tues. Oct. 30th:
* Body Biography: Remember creating life-size characters, tracing out yourself or your freinds, well we're bringing it back! Collectively and creatively manufacture life-size characters: George, Lennie, Crooks, Curly, Curly's Wife, take your pick
Homework: Read Chapter 5 Of Mice and Men and complete questions (class voted homework so no whining and no slacking)

Wed. Oct 31st:
* Happy Halloween!
* Complete creative, insightful (and massive) Body Biography. Due for Presentation tomorrow

Thurs. Nov. 1st:
* Present Body Biography
* Class Finish Of Mice and Men
* Debate Challenge introduced: What side of the debates will you fall on?

Fri. Nov. 2nd:
* Class in Library researching for your debates. May the best arguments win!

Have a Great Weekend!

Week 8: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 22nd:
* Write your own satire. What will you scathingly mock?
* Portfolio work and reflection

Tues. Oct. 23rd:
* "Brother Can You Spare a Dime?" song analysis

* Group pre-reading activity
* Class begin Of Mice and Men. Independently complete Chapter One.

Wed. Oct. 24th:
* Words of the Week
* Steinbeck stylistics: Can you distinguish the naturalistic and lyrical styles? What's the difference? What do both add to the telling?
* Class read Chapter 2

Thurs. Oct. 25th:
Early Dismissal Day. Parent-Teacher Conferences 2:15-5pm. See you there!
* Literature Circles introduced, organized and students select roles of their choice.
* Independent read of Chapter 3 and complete of chosen role sheet.
* Tomorrow Lit. Circles! Have your thoughtful questions ready for all.

Fri. Oct. 26th:
* Week 5 Vocab Completion Check
* Literature Circles hosted. Debate, discuss, and then class-wide share.
* Class read "To a Mouse" by Robbie Burns. Our novel's title is an allusion to this famous poem. How does it connect to Steinbeck's Depression era epic? What predictions can you make for the tale of George, Lenny, Candy and Crooks?

Week 7: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 15th:
* Exploring voice: Passive vs. Active
* Complete Personal Narrative Draft
* Peer Conference and revise to make your Narrative the best it can be (Due Thursday)

Tues. Oct. 16th:
* Exploring Satire: What is it? What are its Pieces?

Wed. Oct. 17th:
* Words of the Week: Vocab Quiz Thursday
* Explore Johnathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal," a biting satire intended to invoke social criticism and change.

Thurs. Oct 18th: 
* Week 3 & 4 Vocab Quiz
* Class Dissect of "A Modest Proposal."
* Student Sample of modern Satire: Plan your own
***In-Class Satire creation Monday. Be Ready!***

What Writing Is

As you are bleeding, sweating, and wrestling with your mind for the right words, just remember that many have fought this hard-won battle and emerged triumphant. Here is what they had to say about the writing process (and book-love). Who do you think is the most correct? Who said it best?

Week 6: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 8th: School Closed
Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you are enjoying time with family and food!

Tues. Oct. 9th:
* In-Class Synthesis Write. It's your short story final evaluation and an opportunity to shine!

Wed. Oct. 10th:
* Corrections Community share
* Groups dissect former students' samples of excellence
* Narrative Essentials
* Complete Narrative Outline for tomorrow

Thurs. Oct. 11th:
* Words of the Week
* Dialogue Rules. Great dialogue is essential to your narrative. Check out the Dialogue Tricks and Tips.
* Begin crafting your amazing narrative

Fri. Oct. 12th:
* Week 3 & 4 Vocab quiz
* Simile and metaphor practice. These are the lifeblood to your creative writing. See the great links as followed: How to Show (Not Tell) and How to Write Better: 7 Instant Fixes
* Complete Narrative
* Next week we take your writing to a whole new level with satire! I know you cheeky monkeys will be able to mock the world with brilliance and ease

Corrections Community

This came across my path and reminded me of all of you hunting down atrocious communicators. Seek. Find. Fix.

Week 5: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 1st:
* Free write on tradition
* "The Lottery" critical read
* Analyse Shirley Jackson's masterpiece. See the following link for ideas and support on Shirley Jackson's work, major themes and "The Lottery": "The Lottery" and Other Stories
* See this short film version of Shirley Jackson's infamous social critique:

*After lunch: "Corrections Community" introduced
Consider the following examples. What you say and how you say it matter in this world:

Tues. Oct. 2nd:

* What is the cost of happiness? Is it too high?

* Literature Circles Introduced

* "The Ones Who Walk away From Omelas": It's another gem that will stay with you long after English 12. See the link attached for more insight into this challenging and delightfully different sci-fi piece. 

 The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas enotes (look to the left for an abundance of options)

Wed. Oct. 3rd:

* Words of the Week: Week 3 & 4 Vocab Quiz Friday

* Complete chosen role sheet and prep your thoughtful discussion questions and responses for tomorrow's Lit Circles

* Study Literary Terms. Small matching quiz on comprehension Friday!

Thurs. Oct. 4th:

* Types of Characters review

* Literature Circles and Class Debate

* Tuesday's Short Story Final introduced. Synthesis exploring any two of the stories from the course. What will you use? "Hairball"? "The Lottery"? "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas"? 

* Here's your Synthesis Outline handout to prep all your ideas for best chances at success and ease.

Fri. Oct 5th:

* Literary Terms Quiz

* Prep Synthesis Outline so you walk into Tuesday's Short Story Evaluation Ready and Able. See the following link for samples of excellence: 

Synthesis Support Handout 

Sample Synthesis Readings and Answer Keys

Week 4: What to Expect

Mon. Sept. 24th: Professional Development Day. School is not in session.

Tues. Sept. 25th:
* Words of the week
*Complete your creative, intelligent, awing "Hairball" creations. Due Thursday

Wed. Sept. 26th:
* Story in film analysis: Good Will Hunting
* Check out the trailer below:

Thurs. Sept. 27th:
* Good Will Hunting film/literary pieces analysis
* Continue work on film response (including plot map, character analysis and theme exploration)

Fri. Sept. 28th:
* Complete Good Will Hunting analysis. Hand in response sheet.
* Week 3 Vocabulary checked

Humble the Poet Coming Tuesday!

All the senior English students at L.A. Matheson are very fortunate. Humble the Poet is coming to speak, share and connect with all you budding poets this Tuesday (Sept. 25th).

Remember:
1.) Get in-school field trip form signed by your period 4 teacher
2.) Hand in your form to Ms. Tanino or Ms. Compton between 8-9:30 am for your ticket. No form = No ticket.
3.) Go straight to the small gym for 10:40 (regular start time of Period 4). No late entries will be permitted, and you'll return to your regular period 4 class.

Check out some of his work below:

Week 3: What to Expect

We are diving head first into some great pieces this week

Mon. Sept. 17th:
* Skill Builder: Point of View. Quiz Tomorrow
* Read and dissect "The Weapon." Who's "the idiot with the loaded gun?"
* Words of the Week
* Independent read: Working through synthesis

Tues. Sept. 18th:
*Point of View Quiz
* Class modeled and collaboratively created synthesis piece. Thirty minds are better than one.

Wed. Sept. 19th:
*Skill Builder: Types of Character
* "Hairball" guided read. This story will stick with you!
Below you'll find an image of our notorious Canadian female author. She's alive and well. Find her on Twitter! Also, here's one of her beliefs about the act of writing itself. Do you agree? Check out the link provided for commentary on her piece. Remember, you're coming back to all of these pieces in a final choice evaluation.

One reviewer states "it may be her angriest story, but also one of her funniest." Commentary can be found on "Hairball" below

"Hairball" Commentary

Thurs. Sept. 20th:
* "Hairball" assignment. Get your creative juices flowing! Pick your mode. Pick Kat apart

Friday. Sept. 21st:
* Week 1 & 2 Vocab Quiz
* Create your "Hairball." Due Wednesday.

"Story of an Hour"

Happy Friday!

We will be delving into a brilliantly ambiguous piece tomorrow by Kate Chopin, a world-famous New Orleans author. To help you get a sense of the author and our story, below is an image of Chopin, a famous quote by her and an important link to the story (its meanings, commentary and a comic based on the tale). In the future you'll have a choice as to which pieces you want to work with more in-depth to show off your mad skills. These resources can help. Check them out!

Kate Chopin International Society

Do Schools Kill Creativity?

Now that we've heard and seen Sir Ken's argument about the education system we need to know, what do you think?

1.) What did you agree with? What did you disagree with? Why. Explain your thoughts on the ideas presented.

2.) Where do you see yourself in the education system in your future? Post-Secondary? Independent studies? travel? different type of learning?

Remember: Write in full thoughts, and respond to each other's ideas thoughtfully

Week 2: What to Expect

Mon, Sept. 10th:
* Skill builder & "Ms. B's Pet Peeves" (What to do, and not to do in your writing)
* "Do Schools Kill Creativity?" video/speech.
* Post your opinion/commentary
* Work on Portfolio: Due Monday, 17th.

Tues, Sept. 11th:
* P.E.E. writing formula.
* Song analysis. Group P.E.E. challenge
* Work on Week 1 Vocab: Checked Friday

Wed, Sept. 12th: 
* Short Story Foundations
* Create quiz to ambush your peers with
* Portfolio

Thursday, Sept. 13th:
* Skill builder: 2nd taste of your Provincial
* Finish week 1 vocab for tomorrow and portfolio (tape/seal)

Friday, Sept. 14th:
* Wake-up quiz
* "The Story of an Hour" class guided read
* P.E.E. practice
* Week 1 vocab due

Week 1: What to Expect

I'm thoroughly excited to start our journey together. This is what you can expect this week:
Wed. Sept. 5th: 
* What do you love/hate about English? Paper ball toss
* Class created constitution
* Begin gathering portfolio images, lettering
* Letter to Ms. Bertrand (I wrote one for you)

Homework: Get your posterboard. Bring your images, quotes for tomorrow. Explore class website and helpful links

Thurs. Sept. 6th:
* Portfolio Creation

Friday. Sept. 7th:
* Skill Builder: Vocabulary introduced. Time for Week 1 concepts
* Portfolio creation
Have a great weekend! Keep adding to your spectacular portfolios.

WELCOME!

Welcome young scholars! I hope the summer treated you exceptionally well. We are about to embark on a great school year and a great English 12 class. I look forward to working, laughing and learning with you all.