ENGLISH 12
BCP exam is Tuesday, January 24 at 9:00 am in computer lab room 113
Good luck!
Good luck!
Tuesday, January 10
Where has the semester gone?! We are halfway through our review for the BCP now. Today we finished reviewing terms G-M and also played a kahoot. There is a quiz on these terms tomorrow. Be ready! Next, I returned the four sets of multiple choice questions for Part A from last week and we discussed the answers. Students were also given a set of exemplars for Part A with sample paragraph answers ranging from 2 - 6 on a 6-point scale. We read the samples that scored a 6 and discussed the depth of insight that elevates an answer from a 5 to a 6. The outline and paragraph answer for one of the practice poems (From a Foot to Its Child or Wordsmith) is due this Thursday. |
Monday, January 9
Today we began the review for BCP Part B: Synthesis. Students read two texts and answered multiple choice questions. These were handed in and will count towards your grade. Basketball players wrote the quiz from Friday while other students worked on the outline and paragraph for Part A. We also began reviewing terms and devices G-M but didn't get very far. We will continue this tomorrow. There will be a quiz this Wednesday on terms G-M. |
Friday, January 6
Before students wrote the quiz, we played the kahoot again to review. Students wrote the quiz for terms A-F. Next, students created an outline for one of the paragraph responses for Part A of the BCP: Stand Alone Text. Note: Students chose one of the two poems, "Wordsmith" or "From the Foot to Its Child", and used the prompt given in the practice exam to create their outline. |
Thursday, January 5
I gave out a calendar for January that outlines everything we will do between now and the end of the term, including: BCP review specifics, review quizzes and assignments, and cut-off dates. See me if you need a copy of the calendar. We did a kahoot to practise terms and devices A-F. Next, we reviewed Part A of the BCP: Stand Alone Text. Students did four practice tests each with 7-8 multiple choice questions. Two of the tests consisted of non-fiction and two were poetry. I will use the highest of the two tests results for marks. Cut-off for the Twelfth Night Scavenger Hunt is today. The She's the Man compare and contrast graphic organizer is due today. TOMORROW BE READY FOR THE QUIZ ON TERMS A-F! |
Wednesday, January 4
Today we reviewed the terms and devices A-F for the BCP and this took awhile. Remember that most of these terms are defined in the terms booklet I gave you at the beginning of the course. There will be a quiz on terms A-F this Friday. Next, we went to the computer lab to complete assignments. I gave out study packages to those students who are going to Skagway to play basketball and leave tomorrow. These students should be prepared to write the terms quiz on Monday. The quiz format includes multiple choice, matching and fill in the blank questions. It's worth marks! Study!
Today we reviewed the terms and devices A-F for the BCP and this took awhile. Remember that most of these terms are defined in the terms booklet I gave you at the beginning of the course. There will be a quiz on terms A-F this Friday. Next, we went to the computer lab to complete assignments. I gave out study packages to those students who are going to Skagway to play basketball and leave tomorrow. These students should be prepared to write the terms quiz on Monday. The quiz format includes multiple choice, matching and fill in the blank questions. It's worth marks! Study!
Tuesday, January 3
Welcome back! I hope you had a fun and relaxing holiday. It's back to work and only twelve more days of classes before exams begin! Today I gave out a booklet with info about the BCP including: the format, weighting of the marks in each section, evaluation rubrics and a list of all the terms and devices students could be tested on. We discussed this information and Iaid out the plan for preparing/studying to write the BCP which we will start tomorrow. Next, I returned the process analysis essays and students went to the library/lab to work on completing the Scavenger Hunt and She's the Man graphic organizer as well as work on revisions to previous assignments.
Welcome back! I hope you had a fun and relaxing holiday. It's back to work and only twelve more days of classes before exams begin! Today I gave out a booklet with info about the BCP including: the format, weighting of the marks in each section, evaluation rubrics and a list of all the terms and devices students could be tested on. We discussed this information and Iaid out the plan for preparing/studying to write the BCP which we will start tomorrow. Next, I returned the process analysis essays and students went to the library/lab to work on completing the Scavenger Hunt and She's the Man graphic organizer as well as work on revisions to previous assignments.
Reminder: The last day to submit revisions, excluding the process analysis essay and camping out questions, is midnight Wednesday, January 4. The revisions MUST be accompanied by all drafts and rubrics.
Cut-off for theTwelfth Night Scavenger Hunt is Thursday, January 5th.
Due date for the She's the Man compare and contrast graphic organizer is also Thursday, January 5th.
Revisions to the process analysis essay and camping out questions are due by midnight Tuesday, January 10th.
Cut-off for the She's the Man compare and contrast graphic organizer is Tuesday, January 10th.
Cut-off for theTwelfth Night Scavenger Hunt is Thursday, January 5th.
Due date for the She's the Man compare and contrast graphic organizer is also Thursday, January 5th.
Revisions to the process analysis essay and camping out questions are due by midnight Tuesday, January 10th.
Cut-off for the She's the Man compare and contrast graphic organizer is Tuesday, January 10th.
Thursday, December 15
Students created a graphic organizer to compare and contrast Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night to the movie She's the Man. We then watched the first half of the movie and students filled in their graphic organizers. We will finish the movie tomorrow.
Due today: Twelfth Night Scavenger Hunt
Cut-off for handing in the Scavenger Hunt is Thursday, January, 5.
Students created a graphic organizer to compare and contrast Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night to the movie She's the Man. We then watched the first half of the movie and students filled in their graphic organizers. We will finish the movie tomorrow.
Due today: Twelfth Night Scavenger Hunt
Cut-off for handing in the Scavenger Hunt is Thursday, January, 5.
Monday, December 12
Students read Act V and then went to the computer lab to complete the scavenger hunt. A few students wrote the quiz from last Friday and the all other quizzes were marked and returned to students. THE SCAVENGER HUNT IS DUE THIS THURSDAY. Midnight tomorrow is the cut-off for handing in the "Camping Out" assignment and the process analysis essay. Twelfth Night Unit Test is tomorrow. Students should be able to identify the four different types of fools in the play as well as give support/explain. They should also be able to identify 3 types of humour and provide a specific example of each as well as be familiar with the common elements of Shakespearean comedy and how they apply to Twelfth Night. |
Friday, December 9
Students wrote the quiz for Acts II and III. Afterwards, we read Act IV and then students went to the computer lab to work on the scavenger hunt.
REMINDER: THE CUT-OFF DATE FOR HANDING IN THE "CAMPING OUT" ASSIGNMENT AND THE PROCESS ANALYSIS ESSAY IS NEXT TUESDAY.
THE UNIT TEST FOR TWELFTH NIGHT IS ALSO ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13.
Students wrote the quiz for Acts II and III. Afterwards, we read Act IV and then students went to the computer lab to work on the scavenger hunt.
REMINDER: THE CUT-OFF DATE FOR HANDING IN THE "CAMPING OUT" ASSIGNMENT AND THE PROCESS ANALYSIS ESSAY IS NEXT TUESDAY.
THE UNIT TEST FOR TWELFTH NIGHT IS ALSO ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13.
Wednesday, December 7
Students wrote the Act I quiz and then we read to the end of Act II (Scene 10 in our version of the play). Thank you students who read a part of the play today and yesterday. Tomorrow be ready to read Act III. Reminder: There will be a quiz on Acts II and III on Friday. Students should be working on the Twelfth Night scavenger hunt. |
Tuesday, December 6
We read to the end of Scene 4 (end of Act I) and then we did a kahoot as practise for the quiz tomorrow. Next, we read three more scenes and the last twenty minutes of class was spent in the computer lab working on the process analysis essay which is due tomorrow or the scavenger hunt. If you were absent, it is up to you to read the play on your own as it moves along quite quickly. Go to No Fear Shakespeare online if you are having difficulty and need the text translated into modern-day English. |
Monday, December 5
We started our Shakespeare unit with a note on elements of Shakespearean comedy. Students viewed two trailers of modern comedy films and found elements of Shakespearean comedy in them. I also gave them the scavenger hunt and a copy of Twelfth Night. Boo! Nobody wanted to read a part so I read aloud to the end of scene iv. See handouts for note and scavenger hunt.
We started our Shakespeare unit with a note on elements of Shakespearean comedy. Students viewed two trailers of modern comedy films and found elements of Shakespearean comedy in them. I also gave them the scavenger hunt and a copy of Twelfth Night. Boo! Nobody wanted to read a part so I read aloud to the end of scene iv. See handouts for note and scavenger hunt.
Tuesday, November 29
The theme essay is due today! Students are reminded the LPI begins tomorrow at 8:30 in room 203.
We read Ernest Hemingway's Camping Out and students worked individually or in pairs to answer some questions. We then went to the computer lab to view wiki_How to Camp and compared it to Camping Out in terms of audience, purpose, tone, literary techniques and style. See handouts tab for the assignment.
The theme essay is due today! Students are reminded the LPI begins tomorrow at 8:30 in room 203.
We read Ernest Hemingway's Camping Out and students worked individually or in pairs to answer some questions. We then went to the computer lab to view wiki_How to Camp and compared it to Camping Out in terms of audience, purpose, tone, literary techniques and style. See handouts tab for the assignment.
Monday, November 28
Today we went over the answers to the Part I Sentence Error practise tests from last week. Students then did a practise test for Part III Summarizing using dry erase boards. Lastly, I returned the practise essays that were written last Thursday. I evaluated the essays using the six point scale which will be used to assess this section of the actual LPI. Students are reminded that the practise essay counts towards their term two mark, so students who were absent are still expected to write it. Also, students are encouraged to revise the practise essay and re-submit it for evaluation. I suggest reviewing the sample essays that were given last week and referring to the essay outline when revising the practise essay.
Today we went over the answers to the Part I Sentence Error practise tests from last week. Students then did a practise test for Part III Summarizing using dry erase boards. Lastly, I returned the practise essays that were written last Thursday. I evaluated the essays using the six point scale which will be used to assess this section of the actual LPI. Students are reminded that the practise essay counts towards their term two mark, so students who were absent are still expected to write it. Also, students are encouraged to revise the practise essay and re-submit it for evaluation. I suggest reviewing the sample essays that were given last week and referring to the essay outline when revising the practise essay.
Friday, November 25
Students completed the practise essay for the LPI and worked on the assignments that are due early next week.
EDMODO POSTS ARE DUE TODAY
THREE NOVEL STUDY ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE ON MONDAY
THEME ESSAY IS DUE ON TUESDAY
LPI IS WEDNESDAY MORNING PERIODS 1 AND 2
Students completed the practise essay for the LPI and worked on the assignments that are due early next week.
EDMODO POSTS ARE DUE TODAY
THREE NOVEL STUDY ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE ON MONDAY
THEME ESSAY IS DUE ON TUESDAY
LPI IS WEDNESDAY MORNING PERIODS 1 AND 2
Tuesday, November 22 - November 24
On Tuesday six of the eight groups presented their mini grammar lessons to the class. There were lots of kahoots which everyone seemed to enjoy. Students were given some time to work on their novel study assignments and theme essay. On Wednesday the last two groups did their presentations and I gave a handout that explained and gave examples for each of the eight sentence errors in Part I of the LPI. I also gave four practise tests on Part I that students completed and we went over the answers to one of the practise tests. Most students worked productively for the rest of the class on the theme essay. On Thursday I was away at a meeting and Mr. Byblow was the sub. Students wrote the practise essay for the LPI. Note: This practise essay is being counted towards your term two mark. You will have an opportunity to revise it like all other writing assignments in the course. REMINDER: EDMODO POSTS ARE DUE THIS FRIDAY! |
Monday, November 21
Today we practised for part III of the LPI and then students were given the rest of the class to prepare for the presentations tomorrow, work on novel study assignments and/or write the theme essay.
Today we practised for part III of the LPI and then students were given the rest of the class to prepare for the presentations tomorrow, work on novel study assignments and/or write the theme essay.
UPCOMING DUE DATES:
Present Mini Grammar Assignment to class - Tuesday, November 22
Edmodo questions and responses - Friday, November 25
3 Novel study assignments - Monday, November 28
Theme Essay - Tuesday, November 29
LPI - Wednesday, November 30
Monday, November 14 - Friday, November 18
I gave students a calendar for the month of November that outlines what we are doing each class and gives all the due dates. It will be a busy month!
Reminder: All students will write the LPI on the morning of NOVEMBER 30. It is a 2.5 hour test so you will need to write during both periods 1 and 2.
I introduced the theme essay on Monday and gave two examples for students to read and evaluate. We held a lit. circle discussion for Three Day Road. At this point students should be finished reading their novel and working on their novel study assignments. Some students are not using this time in the library very effectively.
On Tuesday, we held lit. circle discussions for The Glass Castle and I Am the Messenger. Wednesday will be the final lit. circle discussions - 1984 and Life of Pi. The computer lab next to the library is booked for students to work on novel study assignments and post questions and comments on Edmodo.
On Thursday, we will spend part of the class reviewing for the LPI. I will introduce the mini grammar assignment which will be presented to the class on Tuesday, November 22. Students will spend the rest of the class in the computer lab working on the mini grammar assignment and working on novel study assignments.
Friday's class will be spent reviewing for the LPI and working in the computer lab posting comments on Edmodo or working on the theme essay.
Monday, November 7 - Thursday, November 10
I gave a handout outlining the parts of the LPI and then we did practise work on Part III Reading Comprehension and Writing a Paragraph Summary.
Students were given time to read their novels and work on the novel study assignments. We held lit. circle discussions for each group. Students are strongly encouraged to finish reading their novel this weekend!
On Thursday there was no class as students attended the Remembrance Day ceremony.
Monday, October 31 - Friday, November 4
END OF TERM ONE IS THIS FRIDAY - ALL MIA'S AND REVISION WORK MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MIDNIGHT ON NOV. 4.
Students read their novels for part of each class this week. They also set up Edmodo accounts and a few began posting questions and comments about the novel they are reading. Part of Monday and Tuesday's class was spent in the computer lab where some students continued to do some revision work or begin working on the novel study assignments. Wednesday through Friday was spent doing Lit. circle discussions. See handouts tab for novel study assignments and Edmodo information.
Present Mini Grammar Assignment to class - Tuesday, November 22
Edmodo questions and responses - Friday, November 25
3 Novel study assignments - Monday, November 28
Theme Essay - Tuesday, November 29
LPI - Wednesday, November 30
Monday, November 14 - Friday, November 18
I gave students a calendar for the month of November that outlines what we are doing each class and gives all the due dates. It will be a busy month!
Reminder: All students will write the LPI on the morning of NOVEMBER 30. It is a 2.5 hour test so you will need to write during both periods 1 and 2.
I introduced the theme essay on Monday and gave two examples for students to read and evaluate. We held a lit. circle discussion for Three Day Road. At this point students should be finished reading their novel and working on their novel study assignments. Some students are not using this time in the library very effectively.
On Tuesday, we held lit. circle discussions for The Glass Castle and I Am the Messenger. Wednesday will be the final lit. circle discussions - 1984 and Life of Pi. The computer lab next to the library is booked for students to work on novel study assignments and post questions and comments on Edmodo.
On Thursday, we will spend part of the class reviewing for the LPI. I will introduce the mini grammar assignment which will be presented to the class on Tuesday, November 22. Students will spend the rest of the class in the computer lab working on the mini grammar assignment and working on novel study assignments.
Friday's class will be spent reviewing for the LPI and working in the computer lab posting comments on Edmodo or working on the theme essay.
Monday, November 7 - Thursday, November 10
I gave a handout outlining the parts of the LPI and then we did practise work on Part III Reading Comprehension and Writing a Paragraph Summary.
Students were given time to read their novels and work on the novel study assignments. We held lit. circle discussions for each group. Students are strongly encouraged to finish reading their novel this weekend!
On Thursday there was no class as students attended the Remembrance Day ceremony.
Monday, October 31 - Friday, November 4
END OF TERM ONE IS THIS FRIDAY - ALL MIA'S AND REVISION WORK MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MIDNIGHT ON NOV. 4.
Students read their novels for part of each class this week. They also set up Edmodo accounts and a few began posting questions and comments about the novel they are reading. Part of Monday and Tuesday's class was spent in the computer lab where some students continued to do some revision work or begin working on the novel study assignments. Wednesday through Friday was spent doing Lit. circle discussions. See handouts tab for novel study assignments and Edmodo information.
Monday, October 24 - Friday, October 28
Students finished their satire projects and presented them on Tuesday and Wednesday. We began the novel study; students were given their novels on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday were devoted to reading novels, doing revision work and preparing for lit. circle group discussions.
Students finished their satire projects and presented them on Tuesday and Wednesday. We began the novel study; students were given their novels on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday were devoted to reading novels, doing revision work and preparing for lit. circle group discussions.
Monday, October 17 - Thursday, October 20
This week students swapped passionate poems with a partner and wrote a reply using the criteria of a parody. Students were also given ample class time to work on the satire project which is due on Tuesday. Many students revised and re-submitted assignments.
This week students swapped passionate poems with a partner and wrote a reply using the criteria of a parody. Students were also given ample class time to work on the satire project which is due on Tuesday. Many students revised and re-submitted assignments.
Friday, October 14
Students read Jonathan Swift's essay "A Modest Proposal", and then worked in pairs or individually to answer the questions from yesterday's Satire Background and Project handout. They then had the choice to either work in the classroom or computer lab on their satire project. The passionate poem is due today. |
Thursday, October 13
Today we studied satire. We viewed the videos "Simpson's Satire for the Classroom" and "What is Satire?" and students noted the criteria of a satire. I gave a handout that defined the criteria in more detail and then we viewed "Maddie and Tae - Girl in a Country Song" and "Experience the power of a bookbook". Students noted which criteria of satire were found in each video and gave supporting evidence. Next, we viewed "A Modest Proposal" and students answered the questions on the handout. We discussed the answers and then viewed "C-SPAN: Stephen Colbert Opening Statement". Lastly, I introduced the satire project which students will begin working on tomorrow. There was a few minutes left to work on the passionate poem which is due tomorrow. |
Wednesday, October 12
Today we continued our work on parody. We reviewed the three criteria of a parody and read "The Nymph's Reply". Students worked in pairs or individually to answer questions about the poem and then began writing their Passionate poem. Most students completed the questions in class and handed them in for assessment. The questions and poem are due this Friday. Students also handed in their "This is Just to Say" poem for assessment. Great work ethic today!
Today we continued our work on parody. We reviewed the three criteria of a parody and read "The Nymph's Reply". Students worked in pairs or individually to answer questions about the poem and then began writing their Passionate poem. Most students completed the questions in class and handed them in for assessment. The questions and poem are due this Friday. Students also handed in their "This is Just to Say" poem for assessment. Great work ethic today!
Tuesday, October 11
Today students presented their personal responses to the cultural appropriation article and/or video. There were only two groups as most students chose written rather than oral responses. I gave a handout on the parody and satire and we discussed the differences. We viewed the video "Word Crimes" and students easily found the elements of parody. Next, we read the poem "This is Just to Say" and the parody of it. Students then wrote their own parodies and some chose to read their poems to the class. Well done!
Today students presented their personal responses to the cultural appropriation article and/or video. There were only two groups as most students chose written rather than oral responses. I gave a handout on the parody and satire and we discussed the differences. We viewed the video "Word Crimes" and students easily found the elements of parody. Next, we read the poem "This is Just to Say" and the parody of it. Students then wrote their own parodies and some chose to read their poems to the class. Well done!
Friday, October 7
I marked the grade 8 and 9 School-Wide Writes today, so there was a sub. Students will present their oral responses to the article/video on cultural appropriation on Monday. Students spent time in the computer lab completing their personal responses, revising work, or finishing any MIAs. The re-test for figurative language terms was written today also.
I marked the grade 8 and 9 School-Wide Writes today, so there was a sub. Students will present their oral responses to the article/video on cultural appropriation on Monday. Students spent time in the computer lab completing their personal responses, revising work, or finishing any MIAs. The re-test for figurative language terms was written today also.
Thursday, October 6
Students attended the Grad Retreat at F.H. Collins this morning during English class.
Students attended the Grad Retreat at F.H. Collins this morning during English class.
Monday, October 3 - Wednesday, October 5
We read the article "Cultural Appropriation..." and then we had a lively discussion. I introduced the personal response assignment and students went to the computer lab to view the video from last week again and begin work on a written or oral response. On Tuesday and Wednesday we continued working on the personal response. This assignment is due on Friday.
We read the article "Cultural Appropriation..." and then we had a lively discussion. I introduced the personal response assignment and students went to the computer lab to view the video from last week again and begin work on a written or oral response. On Tuesday and Wednesday we continued working on the personal response. This assignment is due on Friday.
Monday, September 26 - Wednesday, September 28
Students were given a handout on Elegy. They read "Elegy" noting the rhyme scheme and subject and then determined whether it was an example of classical or modern elegy. Students also read "Candle in the Wind", discussed three traits of Princess Diana as seen by the speaker, and included a quotation as support. They looked for figurative devices and noted the speaker's tone. Afterwards, they read "Elegy for Jane" and answered the four questions. Lastly, they viewed the video "Cultural Appropriation: Why Your Pocahontas Costume Isn't Okay" in preparation for an activity on Wednesday. On Tuesday, we studied the dramatic monologues "Hood" and "My Last Duchess". Students began reading the short story, "Death by Landscape" by Margaret Atwood. On Wednesday, students were to have read "Death by Landscape" and worked in groups of 2-3 to complete the symbolism assignment. Afterwards, they went to the computer lab to revise their ode/sonnet and their synthesis essay on "The Masque of the Red Death". |
Friday, September 23
Terry Fox Run and Neon Day today! Students participated in the Terry Fox Run during our period two English class. I highly suggest you continue the revision work on your synthesis essay. Only one revised essay was handed in yesterday. I expect all revised essays to be handed in by Monday, October 2. |
Thursday, September 22
I gave back the figurative language quizzes today and we went over the answers. Next week is a short week due to the YTA conference, so the re-test will be the week after. We went over a sample synthesis essay on the "The Masque of the Red Death" and discussed the strengths and reasons it scored a four. Afterwards, I handed the synthesis essays back to students and we went to the computer lab to make revisions. |
Wednesday, September 21
We spent some time at the beginning of class finishing up the fiction terms review assignment. Most groups shared some of their ideas on poster paper and we went through the answers. Students assessed their group using the group activities rubric. Afterwards, we read the handout on ballads and then listened to two ballads, "Lord Randall" and "The Twa Corbies" looking for elements of the ballad. |
Tuesday, September 20
Most students attended a meeting with Mr. Soujah and Ms Estabrook regarding the planning of this week's spirit events. This meeting extended twenty minutes into class, so we did not do as much as I had planned. C'est la vie! I introduced the De-stress for Success program and students received their log books. We completed the first workshop on identifying stressors and their elements using the N.U.T.S. acronym. Afterwards we worked on the small group activity from yesterday. Students will present their ideas tomorrow. |
Monday, September 19
The rough draft of your ode or sonnet was due today. Unfortunately, only half the class had this completed. Students did some peer-editing of the poems, and others worked on their rough drafts. Afterwards, we reviewed the fiction terms from the Literary Terms handbook and students read Kate Chopin's short story, "The Story of an Hour". They worked in small groups to answer the questions on characters, conflict, irony, symbolism and theme. We will spend part of tomorrow's class finishing this activity and each group will then present one element of the story to the class. |
Friday, September 16
Today students wrote their personal essays which were timed and had to be completed by the end of class. If you were absent, you need to talk to me and arrange a time to write your personal essay. The ode visual assignment was due today and the rough draft of the ode or sonnet is due on Monday. Enjoy the weekend and good luck to all the volleyball players! |
Thursday, September 15
Students wrote the figurative devices quiz and then we discussed the diction, sentence structure and voice of the personal essay "This Side of Paradise". We then went to the computer lab to put the finishing touches on the ode visual assignment which is due tomorrow. Lastly, students prepared notes for the personal essay they will be writing in class tomorrow. I received a few "Masque of the Red Death" assignments this week but there still more to come in. Some students need to hand in the sonnet assignment from yesterday. Remember, the rough draft of your ode or sonnet is due on Monday. |
Wednesday, September 14
Only a few students had read and were prepared to discuss the personal essay "This Side of Paradise" so we postponed that discussion for tomorrow. Be ready. We read "What Makes a Personal Essay?" (see handout tab) and read "Three Days to See" to look for the criteria from the handout. Students then spent the rest of the class preparing to write their personal essay or working on their poem. Reminder: Figurative language quiz tomorrow! |
Tuesday, September 13
Students are reminded there is a figurative devices quiz this Thursday. We worked through the sonnet handout by first labelling and decoding both the English and Italian sonnet. Students then did the page "Which is it?" and handed this page in. Afterwards students began writing their own ode or sonnet. Finally, students were given the personal essay "This Side of Paradise" and were to read it and highlight examples of diction/word use, sentence structure, and voice. We will be looking at this essay tomorrow and discussing what makes it a personal essay and how its different from a narrative essay. There will be an in-class personal essay on Friday. If you are absent, you need to arrange a time to write and be timed. See me. |
Monday, September 12
In today's lesson we focussed on writer's style. We reviewed the handout on style from Friday and then read "An Ode to the Death of a Favourite Cat in a Bowl of Goldfishes". We labelled and decoded the ode and then discussed the author's writing style. The rest of class time was spent in the computer lab working on the ode assignment. The ode assignment is due this Friday. We will not be in the lab again until Thursday, so some of you may need work on this assignment outside of class time. I am still missing some "Masque of the Red Death" assignments. Get them handed in please or see me if you are having difficulties. |
Friday, September 9
We went over the answers to the quiz from yesterday and then we did some more work on metonymy and synecdoche. See the handouts tab for the practise sheet and video we watched. We then continued working on the ode assignment. Some students went to the computer lab to begin work on the visual while others worked in the classroom. I will give you half an hour in the lab on Monday to work on this assignment and then it is up to you to finish it outside of class. The ode assignment is due Friday, September 16. |
Thursday, September 8
We went through the Figurative Language section of the Grade 12 Literary Terms and Devices Handbook which students received today. I provided some examples as well as some extra explanation and students added this information to their handbooks. I gave a handout on oxymoron vs. paradox as well as a handout on puns. Afterwards, we did a Kahoot to help us review as well as a practise quiz (see handouts tab) on the terms which I collected. We will go over the answers to the quiz tomorrow. I will look through the quizzes tonight to see where students need extra review. Note: there will be a quiz on these terms next Thursday. Lastly, we began work on odes by looking up the definition of ode followed by the following assignment: ODE EXERCISE TASK: Create a visual which shows: 1.The poem itself and a title 2. A breakdown of at least 7 figurative devices – underline or identify in some way 3. At least 5 illustrations which demonstrate the poem’s imagery 4. A commentary on the poem’s style: diction, structure and voice |
Wednesday, September 7
The rough draft of your literary synthesis essay was due today. Unfortunately, not everyone had this completed. Come see me at lunch if you need some help. Students who completed their drafts worked with a partner to do some peer editing. They were instructed to highlight specific elements/points that should be present in this piece of writing as well as assess it on a 4-point scale using a rubric. Once edited by a peer, both the rubric and essay need to be handed in to me. I will assess your rough draft and provide more specific feedback. |
Friday, September 2
Today we laid the groundwork for writing a literary synthesis essay. Students were given a handout on allusions and an outline (see handouts tab). Students completed a t-chart/Venn diagram and many have a good start on the outline. We will continue this assignment next week. On Tuesday we will look at some exemplars and the rough drafts of essays are due Wednesday. |
Thursday, September 1
We did a small group activity using the graphic organizers from yesterday's class as a quick review of some of the literary terms. I introduced the terms metonymy and synecdoche and we completed a worksheet. Afterwards, we discussed the reading strategies students use for decoding words and figured out the meanings of more of the difficult words in Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death". Lastly, we generated a list of questions we had about this story and students brainstormed/researched the answers. |
Wednesday, August 31
Students created a graphic organizer/visual for one of the many literary terms you should know by the end of grade 11. We read Edgar Allen Poe's short story "The Masque of the Red Death" and students highlighted any vocabulary they did not understand in the story. We decoded some of the difficult words and discussed the main events in the story. |
Tuesday, August 30
We went over the course outline and students wrote a letter of introduction. See the handouts tab for a copy of this and any future assignments.
We went over the course outline and students wrote a letter of introduction. See the handouts tab for a copy of this and any future assignments.
Welcome to Grade 12 English!