Baby Boy

This is Everett.  He is my heart.

Final Marks

Final marks are posted outside of the classroom.

Enjoy your summer, everyone!

Ms. Michalski

Last day!

Hi all,

Today was another choice exam prep day.

Thank you for a wonderful year together.  Best of luck in your grade 10 year, and I will update on here when little one arrives.

See you tomorrow for your exam.  I will be in the classroom from 8:15am for a last minute review.

Exam is at 9am in the big gym.
Arrive by 8:30am.
Bring water.

Choice Exam Prep Day

Hi all,

Today in class you got to choose how to spend your study time.  You could choose to do one of the following:

1.  Continue reviewing and taking notes on the works studied in class.
2.  Study your poetry terms and definitions.
3.  Use sample poems and questions to practice for the exam.
4.  Take a sample short story and organize a corresponding literary paragraph.
5.  Choose a thesis statement option and use the works studied in class to create a practice literary essay outline.

We will continue with choice study time tomorrow.

Reminder:

I will be in the English classroom on Thursday morning at 8:15am in order for you to see a friendly face and help you approach your 9am exam with confidence.  We can chat about course works, eat breakfast together, or just take some breathing time.  You will all be great :)

Exam:
Thursday at 9am in the big gym.
Arrive by 8:30am
No electronics
Quiet snacks only.
Bring water!
Bring extra pens.

Exam Prep

Hi all,

Today in class I collected your USSR forms.  Today was the last day to hand them in, in order to receive credit for the 5% USSR component of the course.

We then spent time going over some helpful study tips in preparation for Thursday's exam.

For the remainder of class, you worked on your review of the works we have studied together in class.  I had textbooks in the room for you to peruse, but today is the last day for that.  If you would like to study from a textbook, you can sign one out from the Learning Commons.

Tomorrow and Wednesday will be spent with choice study time.  I will have options for the poetry, short story and essay sections of the exam that you can use to prepare from.

You're almost there!

Exam:

Thursday, June 22nd
9am
Large Gym
Arrive 30 minutes prior to the start time.
Exam length is 3 hours.  You must stay for at least the first hour.
No electronic devices allowed in the gym.  Leave them in your locker or outside of the gym.

Lit Essay Prep

Hi all,

Today in class we broke down the literary essay section of your final exam.  This is a course content essay, and you will be required to use the works studied in class to prove one of the thesis statement options on the exam.

We used some thesis statement examples in class today.  You were then asked to figure out the ways that you would prove these statements.  Working with a partner, you then compared evidence and tried to come up with the best possible response.

Remaining time was spent working further through course content review.

REMINDER:  USSR FORMS DUE MONDAY, JUNE 19.

Peer Edits and Course Content Review

Hi all,

Today, in preparation for the exam, we spent some time doing peer edits of the short stories paragraphs you practised last class.

I then explained the format for the literary essay component.  Tomorrow, I will give you example thesis statements and we will practice organizing and writing one.  Today, we focused on a review of course content.  I brought in all of the books we have studied this year, and you spent time writing notes and important details.  This will help you remember the works studied for the literary essay component of the exam.

Keep up the good work!

REMINDER:  USSR FORMS DUE NO LATER THAN NEXT MONDAY!

More Exam Prep

Hi all,

Today in class we reviewed your poetry unit test.  I went over some of the recurring errors I am seeing in my marking of your literary paragraphs.  We spent time reviewing tense errors and quote integration.

I then went through the short story section of the exam with you, and you had a choice of practising for the exam by reading and responding to a story, or by reading poetry and answering questions.  I have copies of all exam prep handouts, so please see me for these if you require.

We will continue with exam prep next week and will start to focus on essay prep.

Thanks for your work today, everyone!  Have a great weekend :)

Homework:  USSR forms due to me no later than Monday, June 19th

Exam Prep

Hi all,

Today in class I went over the structure of the final exam with you.  If you were away today, it will be important to check in with me or another member of the class.

We focused our exam prep today on the poetry portion of the exam.  We went through some term practice and you were given the opportunity to create cue cards to help with your studying.

We then read a practice poem and answered some questions that are similar to ones you may see on the exam.

We will continue with our exam prep later this week.

Reminder:  If you missed the poetry unit test, don't forget to attend your make up test time.

Handouts:

See me for exam prep handouts.

Poetry Unit Test

Hi all,

Today in class you wrote your poetry unit test.  Time in class will now be spent preparing for your final exam.

If you were away today, you will be writing your test on Tuesday after school in room 134.  This is the time designated by the school to make up missed tests/learning in June.  Your test will be there waiting for you :)

Have a great weekend, everyone!

No handouts today.

Unit Test Prep

Hi all,

Today in class I collected your poetry editing assignments.  I am very excited to read these!  We then learned about reading poetry during a test/exam.  We went over some tips and tricks and then practised coming up with topic sentences for literary paragraphs using poems we have read together in class.

For the remainder of class, you had the choice to practice multiple choice poetry questions, study terms, or practice preparing a literary paragraph.  These choices will all help you prepare for Friday's unit test.

Please make sure you carefully look over your unit review sheet and prepare yourselves for Friday's unit test.

Good work today, everyone!

Homework:

Poetry Unit Test Friday!

Editing Poetry and Unit Test Prep

Hi all,

Today in class we went over the gallery walk poem questions from last class.

Next, you were given time to work on your poetry editing assignments, which are due in good copy tomorrow.

If you finished this, you could start studying for your poetry unit test.  We will write the test on Friday, June 2nd, and we will spend tomorrow's class in preparation.

No handouts today.

Homework:

Poetry Editing Assignment:  Due Tuesday, May 30th.

Reminder:  Don't forget to be handing in your USSR forms as you complete silent reading books.  This is 5% of your grade in English!

End of Unit Prep

Hi all,

Today in class I spent most of the block going over what is coming up in our poetry unit.  I talked about your final poetry writing assignment, as well as your upcoming unit test (June 2nd).  We then worked on some activities that will help you practice poetry comprehension as well as poetry writing as we approach the upcoming assignments.  Today we had time to work on the gallery walk assignment that we did not get to last class.  While I will not be marking this, this is excellent practice for your upcoming test and exam.  We will be going through it together in class.

Homework (while we will have further class time for the below, use your own time at your discretion):

Editing Poetry Assignment (due Tuesday, May 30th)

Poetry Unit Test Review (test on Friday, June 2nd)

Handouts:

Poetry Editing Assignment: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhQmE5TjhlYms2N1U/view?usp=sharing

Poetry Editing Assignment Rubric:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhZHBvSU1qQVV2Z0k/view?usp=sharing

Editing Poetry Handout: https://drive.google.com/a/sd63.bc.ca/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhQnJiSk96ZE5uZ1U/view?usp=sharing

Poetry Unit Review Sheet: https://docs.google.com/a/sd63.bc.ca/document/d/1VJx-xlfaeQLUg3_IIbzAZxU0gvZBWRuCPK_Bc3vpyJ8/edit?usp=sharing

Good Copies and Pantoums!

Hi all,

Today in class I collected the good copies of your literary paragraphs.  I was really impressed with the work yesterday and how many of you managed to finish your work in class.  Well done!

After collecting your paragraphs, I talked to you about writing a pantoum today.  We focused on descriptive writing, and edited one of your free writes to use as a jumping off point for the pantoum.

For the remainder of class, we completed a gallery walk.  This had you moving around the room and reading different poems.  The goal of this task was to get you comprehending and responding to poetry as a way of practising your term knowledge as we approach the final exam.

Good work today everyone!

No homework :)  Have a great long weekend!

Handouts:

Writing a Pantoum: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WzQGMbzV2Dp8lqOfQsA_LQZl7Hv-8Tiv98iS0WEBNGk/edit

Gallery Walk:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhNE5mR0xNQVlqeWs/view?usp=sharing
See me for poems.

Rough Copy Edit Day!

Hi all,

Today in class your rough copies of your "Warren Pryor" paragraph were due.  We spent today's class getting three of our peers to edit our paragraphs using peer editing checklists and our knowledge of literary writing in order to give strong feedback.  Once your paragraphs were edited, you were given time to revise your rough copy of your essay using the provided feedback.  Your explanation of your planned revisions must be written out on the back of one of your peer editing checklists.

GOOD COPIES DUE TOMORROW.

Homework:

For homework tonight, the only thing you should have left to do (if you used your class time wisely) is type out your essay in good copy form.

Tomorrow (Friday), please staple your work together and hand in in the following order:

1.  Good Copy
2.  1st Rough Copy
3.  Peer editing checklists (one with your editing plan on the back)
4.  Revised copy (if you created a new one based on feedback)

Handouts:

Peer Editing Checklist (use first page only): https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhVlZwa3N3MzMyMG8/view?usp=sharing

Literary Paragraph Prep

Hi all,

Today in class we reviewed proper literary paragraph techniques.  I then gave you your topic for the "Warren Pryor" literary paragraph assignment.

In a literary paragraph of 250-350 words, examine the poem's attitude towards success.

I handed out paragraph outlines, and your job was to start outlining your paragraph and completing your topic sentences.  Our goal was to have a good head start on your rough drafts before the end of the block.

Paragraph rough drafts are due next Thursday, May 18th.  This is only a rough draft.

Handouts:

Paragraph Outline Template:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhOVZ2N3d1M3AxVE0/view?usp=sharing

Warren Pryor

Hi all,

Today in class you handed in your two tone poems from yesterday.  We completed a free write before reading a new poem together in class.  This poem will be used for our literary paragraph assignment, which we will begin tomorrow.

After discussing the poem, you were given several comprehension questions to complete.  Questions are due tomorrow, and we will then start working on literary paragraphs.  Details for that assignment will be posted tomorrow.

Handouts:

"Warren Pryor" poem: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18qD4NvjgJUb7IvzbIFkD3Djwl5P3Szq71N-DOztVOcs/edit?usp=sharing

"Warren Pryor" questions (due tomorrow): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rYCsszjcfuTCw0B4v6yLTyb7787HIe8eOpAmkRvX5TA/edit?usp=sharing

Two Tone Poetry

Hi all,

Today in class I collected your "Lesson of the Moth" questions.  We then completed a free write which was prompted by an interesting painting.

For the remainder of class, we completed something called a two-tone poem.  We went to the LC to work on these.  I will be collecting finished copies of this poem in tomorrow's class.

Homework:

Two-Tone Poem - due tomorrow

Handouts:

Two Tone Poem Assignment: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhWXJyUnNNNXA4Um8/view?usp=sharing

"The Lesson of the Moth"

Hi all,

Today in class I collected your questions on "Your Own Brother" and checked to see that your Autobio poems were done.  We then completed a free write and spent some time working on your He Said / She Said poems.  I will be checking to see that these are complete on Tuesday.

We spent the remainder of the class talking about the poem "the lesson of the moth."  This poem uses nature as a way to teach some life lessons.  After analyzing the poem, I handed out some other reflection questions.  I will be collecting these from you on Tuesday.

Homework:

"the lesson of the moth questions" - due Tuesday

He Said / She Said poem - completion check Tuesday

Lessons From Nature poem - hand in on Tuesday

Handouts:

"the lesson of the moth" poem: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HG_iZfz2odIyCLfp72Vtz2H0zaw9Iyl0sWYqvz-kwKY/edit?usp=sharing

"the lesson of the moth" questions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M44dvmEGYaNLa_r5ujGipUemQOjp06iiiyH9wcl16Uw/edit?usp=sharing

Lesson From Nature poem assignment: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JbgAWsGo9nKRzgmaYi7AqL_MZ56xcHO37eILlulCBq8/edit?usp=sharing

"Your Own Brother"

Hi all,

Today in class we went over your in class essays.  I would like you to thoroughly go over my comments in order to understand where you can improve as we move closer to exam time.

We started the poetry portion of our class by talking about descriptive language.  We went over some practice examples together on the board.

We then spent time discussing a new poem called "Your Own Brother."  Questions for this poem are due tomorrow.

To finish the class, we started discussing abstract vs. concrete imagery.  We began working on a partner poetry assignment, and we will finish this up in class tomorrow.

Homework:

"Your Own Brother" Questions - due tomorrow (Wednesday)

Handouts:

"Your Own Brother" Poem:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jikEvhSUDox90q65RnfKuNEwgUVCdGuNeCxmyV-6KWc/edit?usp=sharing

"Your Own Brother" Questions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14rYQxTeWWHQjE0efxvchYVfgcRAAh98_57_lTZuyKr0/edit?usp=sharing

Abstract Nouns:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhZHJKdThIbXg4X3c/view?usp=sharing

He Said / She Said Poem:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AUVLhPng0krkyIz_iE_sSMvaYXf0CsxkzSwx5Mo_XVw/edit?usp=sharing

Looking at Poetry

Hi all,

Today in class we looked at poetry in a few ways.

To start, we practiced identifying which poetic device was present in a bunch of examples.  Next, we read a poem together and tried to identify the title of the poem.  From there, we discussed what we thought the speaker of the poem was trying to convey to us as readers.

We ended class by writing an Autobio poem.  These are meant to get you thinking about descriptive language and tone.  Tone is the author's attitude towards the piece of writing, and there are many words that can help us convey tone.  Your poems are to be completed for homework (the writing of them), but I will not be collecting them Tuesday.  All poems are to be kept in the poetry section of your binder, and we will be working on editing and putting our poems into good copy later this unit.

Handouts:

Poetry ID: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhOHZwTWdOdHBjNXM/view?usp=sharing

Mirror: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19SigL0JKRGp56qONC-eOoaV-1jdQsUhoPGDGy_jYiM8/edit?usp=sharing

Tone Vocab: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhOVdCRkF1WFZ6MFk/view?usp=sharing

Autobio Poem: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dtjzSXClJE1T5dvgCGQUYBqndNkRoiA2nUW1X-Qy61c/edit?usp=sharing

Homework:

Finish your Autobio poem for Tuesday

Poetry!

Hi all,

Today in class we learned about free writing and many poetic devices.  We then worked together to create some poetry and then worked on our own to create a found poem using our free writes from today.

Reminder:  Please return your MSND texts to the Learning Commons.

Also, I will have your essays back to you next time I see you.

Handouts:

Poetic Devices:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhN2k3dkUzZnZYQUE/view?usp=sharing

No homework today.

Finishing the Play and Beginning Poetry

Hi all,

Today in class we finished watching the film version of A Midsummer Night's Dream.  We then talked about our upcoming poetry unit and learned about free writing.  We completed a practice free writing activity as well.

Thank you for all of your hard work with the preparation and writing of your essays.  I promise to get those back to you as soon as possible.

Reminder:  Please return your MSND books to the Learning Commons as soon as possible.

Enjoy your weekend!

No handouts today.

In Class Essay

Hi all,

Today in class you completed your in class essay write for A Midsummer Night's Dream.  I will do my best to have these marked and back to you at some point next week.

Good work, everyone!

No handouts today.

We will begin our poetry unit tomorrow.

Please remember to take back your MSND text.

Unit Test and Essay Prep

Hi all,

Today in class you completed your unit test for A Midsummer Night's Dream.  You then had the rest of the block to get some planning/prep done for your in class essay write next week.  Please come to class prepared with your essay ideas for next Thursday's class.

No handouts today.

Homework:

In Class Essay on Thursday, April 20th.  Finish your planning and have your ideas ready to go for class that day.  Remember that you only need to memorize one quote.  The rest of your evidence can be paraphrased.

Essay and Unit Test Prep

Hi all,

Today you were given the entire block to work on your essay outlines or study for tomorrow's unit test.  When you are finished writing tomorrow's test, you will have lots of class time for essay work as well.  This should help minimize your homework.

Tomorrow:  Unit Test (Multiple Choice)
Next Thursday (20th): In class essay writing (no materials will be with you)

Email me if you have questions.

No handouts today.

Getting Ready for Tests and Essays

Hi all,

Today in class we completed your second character quiz.  We then reviewed the parts of the essay in preparation for next week's in class essay write.  We finished the day by finishing the rest of the play and reviewing for Wednesday's unit test.

Tomorrow in class we will have a full review day for your unit test and essay.

Wednesday:  MSND Unit Test
Next Thursday (April 20th):  In class essay write

Handouts:

Unit Test Review Sheet:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cAFXNiUtujyfL-rR0MxLNRAatnaXWK00SFwRE57kwIw/edit?usp=sharing

Introduction Example:  https://drive.google.com/a/sd63.bc.ca/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhZ0dtVFRKM2ttVWs/view?usp=sharing

Body Paragraph Example:  https://drive.google.com/a/sd63.bc.ca/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhY1ItTjc0cndiNkk/view?usp=sharing

Conclusion Example:  https://drive.google.com/a/sd63.bc.ca/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhMVhzdm1ZaFgyNXM/view?usp=sharing

Essays and Play Exploration

Hi all,

Today in class we did some essay writing review.  We then read Act IV Sc ii of the play, and continued watching the video version.

We will finish the play and continue preparing essays and reviewing for your unit test next week!

Reminders:

Character Quiz #2 on Monday
Unit Test Wednesday, April 12th
In Class Essay Writing on Thursday, April 20th

Homework:

Review your essay writing

Handouts:

Literary Essay Topics: https://docs.google.com/a/sd63.bc.ca/document/d/15ol4Gm3nc3BnvelATWNzucMRD791KEsKTvyYg7PO0Cw/edit?usp=sharing

Literary Essay Outline:  https://drive.google.com/a/sd63.bc.ca/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhREJVaEdpU0ljWms/view?usp=sharing

Sample Outline:  https://drive.google.com/a/sd63.bc.ca/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhdkItODEyWXViYWM/view?usp=sharing

Bottom's Dream

Hi all,

Today in class I collected your "Oberon's Plan" assignment.  We then discussed the end of Act III Sc ii and read IV.i. together as a class.  We had group conversations about Bottom's dream, and then watched more of the film version of the play.

Homework:  Review your literary essay writing guidelines.  We will be writing another essay coming up, so it is a good idea to review the expectations before we begin.

Handouts:

Bottom's Dream:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ukR4sHJf5Mt1jeU5BW4AOx_PzOgN9pIwhFUXZNo2hCw/edit?usp=sharing

Oberon's Plan

Hi All,

Today in class we continued exploring the play.  We read part way through Act III Sc ii as a class, and then got into groups to continue reading the scene and discuss Oberon's plan.

For homework, please complete (if you haven't already done so) the Oberon's Plan worksheet.  These are due in class tomorrow.

Thanks, everyone!

Handouts:

Oberon's Plan:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/11rDgiPdcakElbsbptFCWD2us10R_6DkKBHjZZ0nKdX4/edit?usp=sharing

The Big Mix Up

Hi all,

Today in class I collected your Lyrical Fairy World assignments from yesterday.  We then completed a quick write, and read through Act III Sc i together.  I showed you the video version of the play up until where we've read, and we spent the remaining class time working on the The Big Mix Up assignment.  This assignment is due after the break on Monday, April 3rd.

I hope you all have a wonderful Spring Break!

Homework:

The Big Mix Up: Due Monday, April 3rd.

Handouts:

The Big Mix Up Assignment: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1klfCaosiJkb_awy4KYPo9TsR0ru9rxbNdLjVET6cUm8/edit?usp=sharing

The Lyrical Fairy World

Hi all,

Today in class we finished reading Act II Sc ii.  We then talked about some of the figurative language in Shakespeare, and you were given the opportunity to look at Titania's speech in order to identify the figures of speech used.

We had some time to work on this, and then we began watching a more modern film version of A Midsummer Night's Dream. We will continue with this as we move along.

Homework:

The Lyrical Fairy World:  Due tomorrow (Tuesday)

Handouts:

The Lyrical Fairy World: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhZVhoV0FHOVBEdGM/view?usp=sharing

The Fairy World

Hi all,

Today in class we discussed your answers to the prompted questions from yesterday's class.  We then read to the end of Act II Sc. i.

We then discussed Oberon and Titania's fight in more detail and I handed out a set of questions that were due at the end of the block.

On Monday, we will have our first character quiz.  This is a short quiz that will have you looking at some of the details we have learned about the characters so far.  It is all matching.

See you next Monday!

Handouts:

A Fairy Fight:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PsamKAhmKlq5tMchwzQ7_VocBXChYfKi8sx3xttmjd4/edit?usp=sharing

Iambic Pentameter

Hi all,

Today in class we reviewed the characters in the play.  We then broke down some of Shakespeare's language and started practising the differences between iambic pentameter, tetrameter and prose.

We finished class by entering the magic forest for the first time and began reading Act II Sc i.  We will continue with this tomorrow.

Homework:

Your Thoughts on Love:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1g5OilVowzsznWXyluDxHcxZTJ7eypjj1rkha0tEzCzs/edit?usp=sharing
This will be used for class discussion only and will not be handed in. Please come to class tomorrow with this sheet completed.

MSND Act I Sc ii

Hi All,

Today in class I collected your questions from Act I Sc i.  We then went through some notes on the play.  When we were finished, we read Act I Sc ii together in class.  I gave you a small homework assignment titled, "Views of Love."  You were given some time to work on this, and I will be collecting this assignment next Tuesday, March 7th when I see you next.

Have a great long weekend!

Homework:  Views of Love due next Tuesday

Handouts:

MSND Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j-KOgqWOKFUWwVOGJO4bZL9FBkCXGIOTCeL89lLAoKw/edit?usp=sharing

Views of Love Assignment: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10bAV-B3r-0q1lm0kQP39lY78I_45RjfB903V4EfCqKY/edit?usp=sharing

MSND Act I Sc i

Hi All,

Today we jumped into A Midsummer Night's Dream.  We looked at who the characters are in the play and read Act I Sc i.

Homework:  Complete Act I Sc i questions.  Due tomorrow (Tuesday).

Handouts:

Play Map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhQ0pXcDVTMW1UMEk/view?usp=sharing

Character Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhcVBNd04zMGxlSkE/view?usp=sharing

Act I Questions:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JZC12BZX36Cxreccs--HHZAOvYdtIOJJftmik0Ufo5Y/edit?usp=sharing

Shakespeare Intro Cont'd and Starting the Play

Hi all,

Today in class we finished our introduction to Shakespeare's life and times.  We then took some notes on terms you will need to be familiar with during the unit.  We will begin next class by getting as far into the play as we can!

Homework:

Complete your map of the Globe Theatre labelling the parts. - Due Monday, February 27th

Handouts:

The Globe Theatre:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhemNtVWRiWFkyMjA/view?usp=sharing

Figurative Language: https://docs.google.com/a/sd63.bc.ca/document/d/14GGm-tQG6X_9hEjfW4ehGUs6ITCKFtT5Khc6F-OBQUI/edit?usp=sharing

Essay Review, Commas and an Introduction to Shakespeare!

Hi all,

Today in class we reviewed common mistakes in our literary essay assignment.  You had time to go through your essays to review my comments.

We then spent some time learning about and practising comma use.

We finished the class with an introduction to the life and times of Shakespeare's London!

Handouts:

Intro Powerpoint: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1_iwSZL1AlU_DfrL4LDlNVcWiExhtwPnuHLtPXQgBpUM/edit?usp=sharing

The Globe Theatre:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhemNtVWRiWFkyMjA/view?usp=sharing

Finishing the Film Study

Hi all,

Today in class we finished our film study of Finding Forrester.    You were given some time to complete your reflective response.  Please aim for ten similarities or differences to the novel.

We also traded our novel for a copy of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.  We will start reading the play next week!

Responses due next Friday, February 17th.

Homework:

Reflective Response:  Due Friday, February 17th.

Film Study

Hi all,

Today in class we continued with our film study comparison of the novel.  We will continue with this tomorrow, and responses will be due at the end of the block.

Note:  Tomorrow is back to being an English day!

No homework today.

No handouts today.

Novel Unit Test

Hi all,

Today in class you completed your novel unit test.  When you were finished, we spent the time silent reading.

Tomorrow, we will exchange our textbooks.  We will then complete a final novel activity before transitioning into our Shakespeare unit.

No homework today.

No handouts today.

Unit Test Reminder

Hi all,

Happy snow day!  Just a quick reminder that you have your novel unit test in class tomorrow.  Might be a good idea to review your vocab, chapter questions, and the novel.

And also, have some fun in the snow :)

Thanks,

Ms. Michalski

Novel Unit Review

Hi All,

Today in class your essays were due.  I collected them at the beginning of the block.  We then spent the remaining class time reviewing the novel in preparation for your upcoming unit test.  The unit test will not be overwhelming but will merely look at your knowledge of the novel's content and vocabulary.  I handed out a review sheet to assist you with your preparation.

Unit test will occur next Wednesday, February 8th.

Homework:  Study for novel unit test.

Handouts:

Novel Unit Test Review Sheet: https://docs.google.com/a/sd63.bc.ca/document/d/12kEntrO8amjg1x3kml3jZSsxCZVwSjPA_13_KG6oxzc/edit?usp=sharing

ATDPTI Essay Editing Day

Hi all,

Today in class you were expected to bring in the rough draft of your essay.  We spent the block passing essays around for peer review.  You were required to edit three essays, and have your essay edited by three others.  After having your essay edited, you were asked to review the feedback before completing an essay editing plan.

The remainder of the block was spent revising and re-writing your essay good copy.

Good copies due tomorrow.  Please review list of all of the items to be handed in:

Cover Page
Good Copy
Rough Copy
Peer Editing Checklists
Essay Editing Plan

Homework:

ESSAY GOOD COPIES DUE TOMORROW!

Handouts:

Peer Editing Checklist: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhVlZwa3N3MzMyMG8/view?usp=sharing

Literary Essay Editing Plan:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sbwi568tCiaqMBw5OOknTmoxS7B4bDUIAURa6YcvtuY/edit?usp=sharing

Writing Conclusions

Hi all,

Today in class we learned how to write conclusions for our literary essays.  We then went to a computer lab so you could have time to write out your draft conclusions.

LITERARY ESSAY ROUGH DRAFTS DUE JANUARY 31ST.  We will edit them in class that day.

GOOD COPIES DUE FEBRUARY 1ST.  Please make sure to review the list of everything you need to hand in along with your good copy.

Homework:  Finish rough drafts (Due Jan. 31st)

Handouts:

Analysis of a Conclusion:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/12Ome3JR_RER2AfhPloMwxAl0Du7FtgjqdjV_to3Z0fs/edit?usp=sharing

Body Paragraphs Day 2

Hi all,

Today in class you met me directly in the Learning Commons.  You were given the entire class to work on the rough body paragraphs of your essay.

Tomorrow we will break down the parts of a conclusion and work on writing yours.

Reminder:  Semester two room change.  Class will now be in room 302 starting January 31st.

Ms. Michalski

No handouts today.

Writing Body Paragraphs

Hi all,

Today in class we followed a similar structure to yesterday.  I began the class by giving a mini lesson on writing body paragraphs.  I also gave you an example.  We then moved to the computer lab where you were given the remainder of class time to start writing your rough body paragraphs.  Since there are three body paragraphs, we will have the whole block on Monday for you to work on them as well.

Please meet me in the Learning Commons on Monday.  Do not go to the classroom first.

Have a great weekend!

Homework:

Make sure your rough introduction is finished and that you have a good start on your rough body paragraphs.

Handouts:

Writing A Body Paragraph: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iRCXIFtiVH99MkEQ72Sz8ZWYb_acbP3WwfuRJoVHzms/edit?usp=sharing

Essay Introductions

Hi all,

Today in class I talked you through how to write an introduction for your literary essays.  I gave you an example, and we broke the example down piece by piece.  The remainder of class time was spent in the computer lab.  You were given over an hour to finish writing your introduction rough draft.

Tomorrow, we will learn how to write our body paragraphs.

Homework:

Finish your introduction rough draft.

Handouts:

How to write an introduction:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ck9QGsgaEOdZVM4A9HHvx6M65DEuXmmOyO8xdmBmotM/edit?usp=sharing

Essay Outlines

Hi All,

Today in class you completed your vocab quiz.  We then used the entire block to work on essay outlines.  Remember that an essay outline is not a word for word breakdown of your essay but merely an overview of your ideas.  We will then make those ideas more specific this week as we work on each part of the essay.

As you completed your thesis statements today, I began checking them over with each of you.  By the end of the class tomorrow, I will have met with each of you to go over your thesis statements.  

Tomorrow, we will be writing our introductions together, so please bring in your completed outline.

Homework:

1.  Essay outlines due tomorrow (Thursday)

You may already have completed the above in class today, so you may not have any homework!

The Structure of an Essay

Hi All,

Today was a busy day for us.  We started with a vocabulary check in preparation for your vocab quiz on Wednesday.

I then spent the block carefully going through the structure of a five paragraph essay with you.  I handed out the literary essay assignment for the novel, but we will be working step by step through the essay writing together in class.

I put a sample essay outline on the board, and we discussed the way to put an outline together.  We spent some time working on your outlines, and I checked as many thesis statements as I could today.  I will be looking at all of your thesis statements by the end of the block on Wednesday.

You will be given a large chunk of class time on Wednesday to finish your outlines.  These outlines are not meant to be a completion of your essay, but a compilation of your ideas and where you are heading.  

Four of the next five classes will be partially spent in computer labs.  I will be teaching you about writing and introduction on Thursday, and you will write your own introduction that day in class.  We will spend next Friday and the following Monday working on your body paragraphs and Tuesday on your conclusion.  We will peer edit and submit essays following exam week. 

The structure of this assignment should drastically reduce the amount of homework you have (assuming you use your class time wisely).  There will be no USSR on essay prep days in order to give you EVEN MORE TIME to get your work done.

HOMEWORK:

Study for your vocab quiz:  Wednesday

Finish reading the novel

Chapter Questions #3:  Due Wednesday

Essay Outline:  Due Thursday (class time Wednesday will be spent working on these)


HANDOUTS:

Literary Essay Outline: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iBBdTZ8L7O6CNXgOk1SqdWAG-rEUsL4Z9n-nUaNpylI/edit?usp=sharing

Literary Essay Assignment: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vnAyNAG6D_ScgbUfN3AyHdpy4eFAmiHdkFAkBIm3Hdc/edit?usp=sharing

Sample Essay Outline: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V2JLnwQWT0tLx03DTVesIfYinW99WWJJ6DGoRmjDQwA/edit?usp=sharing

Literary Essay Guidelines: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18ijoehNYUSakJWABI6Z7kPzmABvvj4Beg0uCzkeC9rM/edit?usp=sharing

The Structure of a 5 Paragraph Essay: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwheGxuOGlIQ29NVkU/view?usp=sharing

5 Paragraph Essay Checklist: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XSIYoQBjwhNGVyUkVCSlBzWmc/view?usp=sharing

Tribes Poems

Hi all,

Welcome back!  Today was our first day back together after the break.  Here's what we did:

Literary paragraphs were due at the beginning of class.  We then talked about what we read in the novel over the break.  Afterwards, we completed our next quick write and I handed out the next list of vocabulary words.  We finished class today by working on a poem assignment.  This assignment looks at the concept of tribes that Junior discusses in the novel.  We took this concept and applied it to the tribes that we feel our relevant in our own lives.

Tribes poems are due tomorrow.

Handouts:

Vocab List 3: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eheRb2TEqS60HRKgBXEdZuzvT6OlOHOOxti0dkzIM6Y/edit?usp=sharing

My Tribes Poem Assignment: https://docs.google.com/a/sd63.bc.ca/document/d/1_Yq4gDmRVByb9KjwU87sLNuYX5-EDVv0bY5Tl6yQ1Q4/edit?usp=sharing

Homework:

Tribes poems - Due Friday, January 6th
Vocab Homework Check - Friday, January 6th
Vocab Quiz - Wednesday, January 11th
Chapter Questions #3 - Wednesday, January 11th

Read to the end of the chapter "My Freshman Year Report Card"