I can't believe our time together in English 12 is at an end. I have loved and learned every minute working with you all. Your humour, creativity, insight and kindness has made each day a joy. Thank you for all of your hard work.
I wish each and every one of you fulfillment and wild peculiar joy as you set out on your next journey, your next bright, bright horizon.
p.s. remember back to your own Kindergarten years; see how far you've come!
Mon. June 10th:
* Group reading challenge * Final Literature Circle
* Hand in self/peer-evaluation
Tues. June 11th: * Complete and hand in your book reviews!
* See the samples here * Class field trip to City Central Library for Kelley Armstrong author visit!
Wed. June 12th:
* Work on final portfolio share * Portfolio Gala Friday! Be ready Thurs. June 13th:
* Finish work on portfolio
* Write a letter to your future self. I'll mail it you years from now :) Fri. June 14th:
* Portfolio Gala * All portfolios due
Have a great weekend! Work on practice provincials in the sun!
Mon. June 3rd:
* Language power practice
* Relax and read: Continue delving into your Literature Circle novel. Be aware of your group's reading schedule * Complete chosen role sheet for tomorrow's Literature Circle * Remember, Friday is marks cut-off for all overdue work
Tues. June 4th:
* Group practice provincial reading challenge
* Literature Circle
* Add to your self and peer evaluation record Wed. June 5th:
* Class work together through provincial exam practice * Marks cut-off Friday (in class). No exceptions. Thurs. June 6th:
* Language power practice
* Relax and read: Continue delving into your Literature Circle novel. Be aware of your group's reading schedule
* Complete chosen role sheet for tomorrow's Literature Circle. Remember, Monday is final Literature Circle
Fri. June. 7th:
* Marks cut-off for all overdue work. No Exceptions
* Group reading challenge: Exam prep practice.
* Reading and role sheet day for final Lit Circle Monday.
* Independent book review of your novel introduced. Written in-class Tuesday, June 11th.
Tuesday June 11th is coming up. We are getting out in the sunshine, with your friends, and heading to the Central City Library to meet and mingle with Canadian author Kelley Armstrong!
She has a reading prepared, discussion and sharing, and we get to wander the fabulous new facilities so you can pick-up some new reads for yourself.
What you need to do: 1.) Get your permission form signed and turned in ASAP 2.) Notify your period 3/4 teachers and get your school form signed, and return to Ms. Bertrand 3.) Find your go-card and gather $3.50-$5.00 for transportation 4.) Percolate your questions and any new reads you want to explore at the library and check-out
Mon. May, 27th: * Professional Development Day: Students not in school Tues. May, 28th:
* Reading Round Robin: Choose your Literature Circles novel
* Meet with group, decide reading schedule, lit circle roles, and dive into your new book!
Wed. May, 29th:
* Exam prep practice questions and group competition
* Reading and role sheet day * Period 1 first Literature Circle
Thurs. May 30th: * Period 2 first Literature Circle
* Continue your group's reading schedule
Fri. May, 31st:
* Exam prep practice questions and group competition * 2nd Lit Circle
* Peer and self-assessment of continued literature circles * Homework: Complete practice writes and see samples/answer keys for your English 12 Provincial
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 athoughtful discussion and argumenton 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.
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?
Tues. May, 21st: * CROSSGRADE
* Be in Library by 8:25am
* Use all 3 hours. Try out your narrative with the topic. Read each question carefully. Plan each of your written responses. Good Luck to you all!
Wed. May, 22nd:
* Class consider technology's impact on us and the optimist/pessimist spectrum once again.
* Complete Technology and Us Final Response. Consider all shared, discussed and shown. What are your take-ways, your predictions, your outlook at the conclusion of this mini-unit?
* Work on Portfolio * Key Portfolio reflection due tomorrow * Technology and Us Final Response Due to class site by tomorrow.
Thurs. May, 23rd:
* Time on portfolio. Where have you grown? What areas are still progressing? How will you achieve your goals?
Fri. May, 24th:
* Author study of Kelley Armstrong exploration in preparation of our Author meet at City Central Library on Tues. June 11th
Your Final Exams are coming up and they are your responsibility. Your Crossgrade Exam is in the library Tues. May, 21st: 8:30am-11:45am Your Provincial Exam (worth 40%) of your grade is on Thursday, June. 20th in the small gym It is required that you complete practice reads, writes, and use ALL the resources available to you to be expertly prepared for these important final evaluations.
1.) Complete at least one practice exam (including written) each week 2.) Use the answer keys and samples of excellence and failure 3.) Study your literary and poetic devices. Not just memorize the terms, but be able to identify and analyze them 4.) Switch practice written pieces with friends and edit, revise. Compare your writing pieces to the samples and answer keys provided 5.) Go back through all of your work, all of the feedback, remedy your personal areas for improvement and bring those improved skills into your final evaluations.
Use the following links for practice and preparation: * The Ultimate Exam Preparation Site: https://www.surreyschools.ca/StudentServices/ExamHelp/Pages/default.aspx
* Provincial Exam Writing Samples Minimal to Excellence: https://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/exemplars/english12.htm
* English 12 Provincial Exam Site:http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/search/searchResults.php
* Rasul Group: Great Multiple Choice and Written Practice and Help: http://rasullearning.ca/category/blog/exam-preparation/
* Question Bank: The Biggest Practice Provincial Bank of Questions and Written:
http://www.questionbank.ca/
* Poetic and Literary Devices Glossary: http://www.gale.cengage.com/free_resources/glossary/
* Choose your choice words for sidewalk chalk poetry tomorrow!
* Continue tracking your technology usage and habits for Technology and Humanity mini-unit. * Individual Technology Log Due Tomorrow
Tues. May, 14th:
* Sidewalk chalk poetry
* Crossgrade pointers and review support * Your Crossgrade is next Tuesday morning May. 21st, 8:30am-11:30am * Homework: Finish Tech Log. Complete practices in preparation of your Crossgrade
Wed. May, 15th:
* Technology and Us: Information's transformation, technology's impact on our habits, infobesity
* 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. May, 16th:
* Class round robin exploring technology's impact on relationships, privacy,
and intimacy
* Key statistics and information (ex: data-mining, etc.)
* Explore more Digital Nation
Mon. May. 6th:
* Class deconstruct "On Death Without Exaggeration" by Wylsawa Symborska (use these helpful links, including from Nobel Prize)
* Groups dissect death poems * Present/teach the class tomorrow
Tues. May. 7th:
* Practice poetry quiz: Review and master all poetic devices
* Groups complete death dissection: Teach the class
Mon. April. 29th:
* Words of the week
* Finish your marvelous "Valentines." Due tomorrow!
* Ministry survey & McCreary Health Society survey
Tues. April. 30th:
* Words of the week * Share your "Valentines" with each other
* 17th century pick-up poetry: "To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell
Wed. May, 1st:
* Class draw Shakespeare's infamous lover from Sonnet 130. Was she ugly? beautiful? rare?
* Shakespeare's Sonnet 130. How does it differ from Marvell's love poetry, or Koyczan's?
* Guy versus girl simile challenge. May the "best" gender win :)
Thurs. May. 2nd:
* Share your chosen photograph
* Photograph creative free-write
* Create a photographic poem
* For homework: Challenging poetic devices practice (metonymy, synechdoche, cacophony, and many more)
* Portfolio reflection and dissect your body biography. Who gets the head? Who the heart? * Poetry begins tomorrow! Tues. April, 23rd:
*Intro to poetry with Shane Koyczan!
* Poetic device scramble competition.
* What do you know? What do you need to relearn?
Wed. April, 24th:
* Explore the poet of the damned, the poet of the gutter. My all time favourite. I hope he speaks to you too!
You and your team are hunting and finding the most effective, accurate and specific information to win your debate. Remember, you are required to :
use print and reputable electronic sources
Include 4statisticsthat support your claim
Utilize 1-2 quotes that support and persuade
Incorporate 1-2 real world examples that strengthen your claims
All groups should use the following electronic databases: If you need, the password is sd36bc. You can access both databases through Matheson's Library Catalogue
Mon. April. 15th:
* Finish Of Mice and Men film. Compete compare/contrast with novel
- Which did you prefer? Why? - What significant changes were made to characterization? Why?
* Debate groups created, topics selected, plan of action decided
* Debate topics: euthanasia, capital punishment, welfare, and prostitution
* "May the Best Argument Win!" Outline and Key Criteria
Tues. & Wed, April. 16th & 17th:
* Debate Research in C127
* Team members divide research
* Complete Debate Planning Guide
Thurs. April. 18th:
* Final Debate Prep Class in B111
* Prepare opening and closing statements
* Complete bibliography
* Debate tomorrow: Be Ready!
Fri. April. 19th:
* Team Debates
* Convince the Class!
Mon. April. 8th:
* Body Biography
* Bring a character from Of Mice and Men to life, in life-size
* Draw, colour, trace, glue, just like in Kindergarden: Due for presentation on Wednesday
Tues. April. 9th:
* Words of the Week
* Continue Body Biography: Present Wednesday afternoon (Period 1) & Thursday (Period 2)
Wed. April. 10th:
* Class read Of Mice and Men: Chapter 5
* How has your perspective of the characters changed?
* How will this all end?
Thurs. April. 11th:
* Present Body Biography
* Devour the conclusion from Of Mice and Men
Wed. April. 3rd:
* Talk Time: Pick a partner and share initial thoughts of novel:
- "Live off the fatta the lan'": What is this? - What role do the rabbits play? Explain - If Lenny gets in trouble, what is he to do? - Questions and percolating thoughts
* Class ball-toss share
* Guided read of Chapter 2
* Choose Literature Circles Role Sheet
* Read Chapter 3 of Novel and prepare thoughtful, thorough Lit Circle Role Sheet Due Tomorrow
* See John Steinbeck Online Support
Thurs. April. 4th:
* Misogyny defined. Find it in Of Mice and Men: What was Steinbeck's purpose? How did he use and why? * Literature Circles on novel * Study for Week 5 & 6 vocabulary quiz tomorrow Fri. April. 5th: * Week 5 & 6 Vocab Quiz * Pathos and Motif concepts defined and hunted.
* Class read Chapter 4 of our novel
* Partner hunt and present pathos and motifs discovered.
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?
Mon. March. 4th: * In-class short story synthesis.
* Open book. Use stories of your choice, arguments of your choice. Have your outlines ready!
* Due at end of class
Tues. March. 5th:
* Does where we begin determine where we end up? What role do parents, teachers, peers, money, play in our education and life choices?
* Film Analysis of Good Will Hunting
Wed. March. 6th:
* Class complete Good Will Hunting and film response
Thurs. March. 7th:
* Similes and metaphors through the eyes of a teacher
* Narrative Essentials: Group created recipe.
* Complete Week 5 Vocab: Checked tomorrow
Fri. March. 8th:
* "Show Don't Tell": See the How to Show (Not Tell) support
* Choose your own narrative: Work on outline-Due Monday
Mon. Feb. 25th:
* Words of the week: Week 3 & 4 vocab quiz friday
* "The Lottery" group carousel
* Begin synthesis choices and ideas: In-class write next Monday Tues. Feb. 26th: * Check your tag: Considering our own scapegoats
* Introduce Literature Circle Options: Choose group and roles
* Independently read "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" by Ursula K. LeGuin.
* Online discussions abound. Here's a sample analysis and differing opinions on this enrichingly ambiguous distopian piece: Sample Critical Analysis of Omelas
Wed. Feb. 27th:
* Independently complete role sheet for tomorrow's literature circles on "The Ones who Walk Away from Omelas" * Study for terms test Friday
Thurs. Feb. 28th:
* Question, discuss, and debate in your literature circles
* Choose your two stories for the in-class synthesis on Monday
* Begin your synthesis outline
Fri. March. 1st:
* Week 3 & 4 vocabulary quiz * Short story terms quiz * Complete synthesis outline for in-class write (test) Monday
Mon. Feb. 18th:
* Words of the week
* Class guided read of "Hairball" by Canadian legend Margaret Atwood. This story will stay with you! It's disturbing, wonderfully challenging and resonate.
* Check out one literary blogger's summary of this angry piece of fiction.
Tues. Feb. 19th:
* Share of Community Corrections!
* Choose a Creative Character Study for "Hairball" Mobile? Visual Timeline? Prezi? Scrapbook? Journal? The choice is yours.
First, I applaud all of you for your thoughtful responses to the TED Talks video "Do Schools Kill Creativity?" Check out each other's ideas and the further replies and questions shared.
Tues, Feb. 12th:
* Dissecting Irony
* Collective guided read of "Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin. Our first story together, aren't you excited! Check out the hyperlinks to see who she was and what her story's all about
Wed. Feb. 13th:
* Taking on Point of View: 4-point quiz tomorrow
* "The Weapon" by Fredric Brown. What do you think it is? What is meant by "only a madman would give a loaded revolver to an idiot"? Who is the mad man? Who is the idiot?
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. Be specific.
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, with specific reasons and details. Sign your name. Edit, this is a public forum, and see your peers' perspectives. Respond to each other's ideas thoughtfully.
Hi ladies and gents, for any of you who were curious about your brain and various abilities the brain science link has been remedied. It connects you to the Cambridge Brain Science Tests page, and for those of you wondering, it's the spatial reasoning category where I have the capacity of a monkey :)
Mon. Feb 4th:
* Reading comprehension practice. What do you know? Where are the gaps? Help each other. Compete for victory
*Vocabulary introduced and assigned. First check on Thursday * Complete portfolio. Finished portfolio due Thursday Feb 7th
Tues. Feb. 5th:
* Do Schools Kill Creativity?
* As a class and as individuals we will explore our school system critically. Share your ideas and opinions. Discuss, debate, publish your ideas
Wed. Feb. 6th:
* P.E.E. formula and music challenge
* What was Henrix talking about? What does his metaphor mean?
This is one of Hendrix' most autobiographical and personal songs. He hated talking about his past, and avoided it during press conferences and interviews. Hendrix played all of the lead guitar parts backwards, then rewound the recording of the lead guitar parts to the song to get that effect you hear in the beginning and in the middle of the song.
Thurs. Feb. 7th:
* Vocab checked * Finish and hand in portfolio
* Short Story notes: Create a quiz to stop your friends in their tracks. Help each other with these foundations.
Fri. Feb. 8th:Professional Development Day. Students not in school
Have a spectacular long weekend! See you all Tuesday.
English can be a challenging course and the readings can be complex, but once upon a time there was love in your heart for a good story. So although it may seem far far away, think back to when you were a kid, or perhaps even this summer. What did you enjoy reading? What books have earned your love?
For me it's been too many to name, but Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are will always be one of my favourites.
What books have you enjoyed? What are your favourites?
I am so excited to meet and work with you! We will be diving into so many opportunities and experiences, through stories, poetry, art, music, debate, creation, and of course challenges worthy of you all.
I look forward to learning and laughing with you as we embark on a wonderful semester together.
Class sites are listed in the top right corner. Use it for weekly agendas, important information, tools, practices, assignment help and enrichment of everything we do in our classes. I know we're going to have a powerful, successful semester, so lets get started!
I can't believe our time together in English 12 is at an end. I have loved and learned every minute working with you all. Your humour, creativity, insight and kindness has made each day a joy. Thank you for all of your hard work.
I wish each and every one of you fulfillment and wild peculiar joy as you set out on your next journey, your next bright, bright horizon.
p.s. remember back to your own Kindergarten years; see how far you've come!
Monday, Jan. 14th:
* Reading comprehension practice
* Practice with Original Composition portion of provincial exam
* Use your own personal narrative from September. Get it ready for use
* Class read synthesis texts: complete multiple choice and plan own response.
Tuesday, Jan. 15th:
* Synthesis samples, class-created model
* Revise one of your own synthesis
* Crossgrade tomorrow. Be in library by 8:20 am with pen and pencil Wednesday, Jan. 16th: * Crossgrade Thursday, Jan. 17th: * Portfolio Preparation Class: Gala Tuesday Jan. 22nd Friday, Jan. 18th:
* Crossgrades returned and examined as class
* Organize Portfolio Gala as a class * Continue prepping portfolio for gala and final submission Tuesday Jan. 22nd
Now that you have all read, discussed, laughed (and cried?) over your chosen Lit Circle novel, let us know what you think: * Introduce the work: Title and author * Summarize the novel (events and key issues) * Describe who should read this novel and why * Include a key passage and a visual
Your Final Exams are coming up and they are your responsibility. Your Crossgrade Exam is in the library Wed. Jan16th: 8:30am-11:45am Your Provincial Exam (worth 40%) of your grade is on Monday. Jan 28th in the small gym It is required that you complete practice reads, writes, and use ALL the resources available to you to be expertly prepared for these important final evaluations.
1.) Complete at least one practice exam (including written) each week 2.) Use the answer keys and samples of excellence and failure 3.) Study your literary and poetic devices. Not just memorize the terms, but be able to identify and analyze them 4.) Switch practice written pieces with friends and edit, revise. Compare your writing pieces to the samples and answer keys provided 5.) Go back through all of your work, all of the feedback, remedy your personal areas for improvement and bring those improved skills into your final evaluations.
Use the following links for practice and preparation: * The Ultimate Exam Preparation Site: https://www.surreyschools.ca/StudentServices/ExamHelp/Pages/default.aspx
* Provincial Exam Writing Samples Minimal to Excellence: https://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/exemplars/english12.htm
* English 12 Provincial Exam Site:http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/search/searchResults.php
* Rasul Group: Great Multiple Choice and Written Practice and Help: http://rasullearning.ca/category/blog/exam-preparation/
* Question Bank: The Biggest Practice Provincial Bank of Questions and Written:
http://www.questionbank.ca/
* Poetic and Literary Devices Glossary: http://www.gale.cengage.com/free_resources/glossary/
Mon. Jan. 7th * Welcome Back! I hope your winter break was restful and rejuvenating!
* In-class final reading day
* Final Literature Circle with your group
Tues. Jan 8th:
* Class in C127
* Group posts book discussion to class blog and prepares for Class-wide share on Thursday Jan. 10th
Wed. Jan. 9th:
* Class in C127
* Complete your independent book review: Due tomorrow
Thurs. Jan. 10th:
* Groups present books and share * Crossgrade/Provincial Exam Layout discussed. Begin Independent Study! * Hand in Book Review
Fri. Jan 10th:
* Crossgrade Preparation
* Stand Alone Practice read, questions and response
* Samples of excellence and failure
* Crossgrade is Wednesday Morning 8:30am in the library. Be on time. Be prepared
