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.