Thursday, November 30, English 8-3

Today in English we met in our Lit Circles.  The week two job, in your booklets, should now be complete and we should be working toward week 3. Some of the discussions had some very interesting elements today. Good Work!

Afterwards we went over the stations we had commented on last week and we prepared for our next paragraph assignment.

Thursday, November 30th Socials 8-4

Everyone has handed in a current Event for Week 3!!!

Today, we reviewed for our Roman and Frank Quiz on Tuesday. It will be a multiple choice and short answer quiz.  It will focus on the Fall of Rome  and the Franks.  Use your sketchnotes and your Cornell notes to study.  If you were away and have a hard time figuring out your notes.  Check pages 11, 21,22, 23 of your Pathways Textbook.

We then did a stations activity on the Celts.  I gave you an organizer and you were to choose four of the eight stations and gather information.  I want your gathered information to become a small assignment.  Check your project sheets for information.

Wednesday, November 29 English 8-4 and 8-2

Today in English students met in their Lit Circle groups for the second time.  I noted that the discussions today were much more animated because students have now read further in their books. I asked that all paragraphs on "Outrospection" be handed in before next class on Friday.

8-2 worked on a Run-on worksheet which is also due for next class.

Tuesday, November 28 Socials 8-4

In Socials after our Current Events, we did our first Sketchnote. We took notes on the Franks, who conquered much of the Roman province of Gaul (now France) in the late fourth and early fifth centuries. 

English 8-3

In English 8 today we had a rather interesting lesson. After finishing our lit circle reading and booklet writing, we watched two short videos about bullying.  Each of our novels deals with bullying in one form or another.  These videos help flush out our thoughts on what our characters might be experiencing.  We did a gallery walk and we will discuss what we learned next class.  I will include Shane's Koyczan's spoken word poem, "To this day."

Tuesday, Nov 28th English 9-3

In English 9 on Tuesday, we read out lit circle books up to the end of week two and worked on our lit circle booklets. Remember, by Thursdays class your booklet and your book should be up-to-date.

We then re-watched "Outrospection" in order to refresh our memories and then I gave time for everyone to finish off their paragraphs.  Your paragraph should be complete by class on Thursday. 

The previous post in 9-3 has the paragraph questions.

English 8-3

Today, we had time to read out lit books and work on our booklets.  Then we had a quick review of tenses and how to correct them in our writing.  It was a short class today due to passion block.

English 9-3

Today you were given time to read and work on your lit booklets.  Then you were asked to write a paragraph about the short film we saw yesterday called, "Outrospection."

The three questions were:
1. When or where havyou seen or experienced empathy?  Tell me about it.

2. Write a personal response to Outrospection.

3. The author finds empathy not a, "nice, soft, fluffy, social concept," but something powerful and potentially dangerous - "a fuel for revolution of all kinds." Explain.

I will give more time on Tuesday as it was a short class today.

Socials 8-4

Today in Socials we marked out Crash Course in History worksheets. Be sure to keep these for your quiz next Thursday.

Then we learned 5 elements of sketch-noting. We also learned that sketch-noting is more about looking and listening  carefully, than it is about drawing. I am excited to teach you this method of note-taking as way to take large amounts of information and condense it into a useful note.

English 8-3

Today, the Lit Circles met for the first time.  The first discussions were difficult because the stories haven't really taken off yet.  I would like to remind students that they are being marked on their contributions to lit circles, so it is important that the novels are read and the booklet filled out.

Students finished their paragraphs and they will receive their corrections or mark next class.

Socials 8-4

Today in Social Studies we started with, current events. For current events you need to read an article in the news, and then write a short paragraph about it.  You need to include what news source you got it from, the date of the happening, where it took place, and a short summary of the facts.

 I noted that 6 students did not turn in a current event last week and have asked them to come in at lunch tomorrow for a make-up activity.  If those students read this and put in the comments below what you need for a current event in our Social Studies class, they do not have to come in at lunch Friday. Please include your name. If you do not wish to comment below, send me an email instead.

We then watched, "Crash Course in History," and worked with partners to fill out a worksheet. I have asked that students come up with two good questions that could be used on a quiz.  We will review the sheet and questions tomorrow.

English 9-3

Today, we worked in our Lit circles for the first time.  As a reminder, it is helpful if you have your reading completed and your booklet role filled out, otherwise it can make the discussion very awkward.

We then saw a short clip called Outrospection which discusses empathy and took some notes about Cognitive and Affective empathy. We will continue to discuss this in tomorrows class.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Today, we met in our Lit circles for the first time! The discussions were a little shy and reserved, but I imagine as students get further into their books it will be easier.  Most students said how much they were enjoying the stories.

8-2 Had a chance to finish -up there "Outrospection" paragraphs/ empathy paragraphs. Those of you who are not finished please finish them up in your LA blocks or as homework.

8-4 Had a chance to start their paragraphs. They will be given some time next block to finish them up.

The question:  When or where have you seen or experienced empathy?  Tell me about it.

 or

Write a personal response to,  "Outrospection."

Social Studies 8-4

Today, I was away. I left instructions for the TOC to work on an in class project on, "the Fall of Rome." I hope it was enjoyable.

Tuesday, Novemeber 21 English 8-3

 Today, I was away and I left instructions for the TOC to give time to read and prepare for  literary circles for Thursday.  The groups will meet every Thursday until winter break. Should you be away on that day due to illness, be sure to contact someone in your group and let them know. Share with them what you can.

I asked that you watch the rest of the short film, "Outrospection" (you will find a link to this film on the previous post) which discussed empathy. There are two kinds of empathy: Affective empathy- a shared emotional response and Cognitive empathy - perspective taking or stepping into the shoes of another.  I asked that students write a paragraph explaining when he/she may have experienced or shown empathy.  I will give time next class for students to either correct completed work or finish off their first drafts.

Tuesday November 21 English 9-3

Today, I was away and I left instructions for the TOC to give time to read and prepare for  literary circles for Thursday.  The groups will meet every Thursday until winter break. Should you be away on that day due to illness, be sure to contact someone in your group and let them know. Share with them what you can.

I asked that students take notes from a PowerPoint on capitalization and then work on a handout.  I hope there was enough time to complete the worksheet.

Monday November 20: 8-2, 8-4

On Monday, we had a chance to read and prepare for our literary circles for Wednesday.  The groups will meet every Wednesday until winter break. Should you be away on that day due to illness, be sure to contact someone in your group and let them know. Share with them what you can.

We then talked about some of topics or issues the lit circle novels may address. Some of the novels are about bullying (viral, rumor, and face-to-face), others address stereotyping, racial divides and struggles for students at home and at school. All of the novels share the theme of empathy in one form or another.

We watched a short film, "Outrospection" and discussed empathy. We learned there are two kinds of empathy: Affective empathy- a shared emotional response and Cognitive empathy - perspective taking or stepping into the shoes of another.  I asked that students write a paragraph explaining when he/she may have experienced or shown empathy.  I will give time next class for students to either correct completed work or finish off their first drafts.

English 8-2 and 8-4

Today, we got our lit circle books. We divided them up over the next four weeks and also divided up roles between each member. Everyone got a chance to read and look through the booklet. It was a short class today because of flex block.

English 8-3

We started class off by going down to the library to get our literary circle books. We then broke out into groups and divided up the book and jobs over the next four weeks.  When we were finished, we started by watching  Outrospection - we only managed 5 minutes and we will continue next Thursday.

Already there were great conversations about empathy. 

November 15 Social Studies 8-4

In Social Studies we stepped back in time, to the Early Middle Ages and the rise and fall of Rome.  It may be the quickest crash course in 500 years of history ever!  We took Cornell notes and if you don't know what those are, go back to the previous post and click on the link and you will get a quick lesson. Students handed their notes in. I have put them in the grade book and they are ready to hand back.

I want to remind students that they are responsible to bring a current event once a week.  I have already had a very disappointing turn-out and 7 students did not turn in a current event for week one!

There will be an extra lunch time project that these students will be required to partake in to make-up their mark in Current Events.  A poor start to the new term!

November 15 , English 9-3

Today we got our literary circle books and met in our lit circles for the first time.  Students worked out the roles of each student over the next 4 weeks of reading.  Students ended the class by starting their new books.

I want you all to keep in mind that all the books chosen have a theme of empathy.  I want you to figure out what the theme the author is communicating with us.  What is the message?

English 8-2 and 8-4

Literary Groups: English 8-2 and 8-4

I have had to make some adjustments to the lit circles due to availability.  Stay tuned and I will post new books for groups.  I am presently sourcing similar stories or stories by the same authors.

Literary Groups 8-2

If you have any questions about your group please come talk to me and I will try to accommodate your requests. 

Yellow line:  Ben, Tessa, Cadence, Coral-Lee

Sticks and Stones: Kelly, Naomi, Izzi, Xander

Gravity: Emma, Niahm, Alise 

Crossover:  Brittany, Matea, Nima, Myles

Alexandria of Africa: Meagan K, Ashley, Paige, Callum

My Time as Caz Hazard:  Gracey, Tai, Hiro, Jasmine, Drake

Word Nerd:  Stevie, Elijah, Mathew, Kate 

You will be meeting in groups once a week for 1/2 the class. You will be responsible for a group project at the end.
 

Literary Groups 8-4

If you have any questions about your group please come talk to me and I will try to accommodate your requests. 

Gravity Journal : Maddy, Jordon, and Jenna-May

Truth:  Malayna, Vienna, Tyreen, Junsik

Snitch: Luca, Brendan, Ryan  

Sticks and Stones: Charlie, Theresa, Rafael, and Evan

Word Nerd: Ron, Jack, Gabriel and Austin 

You will be meeting in groups once a week for 1/2 the class. You will be responsible for a group project at the end. 
 

November 15 8-4 and 8-2 English

We took a book walk through several book choices for our upcoming literary circles.  I ask that you choose three and I will form groups.  I will post the groups in a separate post. Stay tuned!

We then had Ms. Sharkey the librarian for a visit and she had the class do a little quiz to figure out which genre they liked most.  Thank you! Ms Sharkey.

November 14 English 8-3

We took a book walk through several book choices for our upcoming literary circles.  I ask that you choose three and I will form groups.  I will post the groups tomorrow.

We then had Ms. Sharkey the librarian for a visit and she had the class do a little quiz to figure out which genre they liked most.  Thank you! Ms Sharkey.

Nov 14 Social Studies 8-4

In Social Studies we wrapped up the last of the presentations.  It was very enjoyable to hear each one.  Good Work!  For the next few weeks we will step back in time beginning with the Fall of the Roman Empire. We will look at the influence of Religion during the Early Middle Ages with a special focus on Islam. Then we will shift our focus to the competing interest trying to fill the void of the lost empire and end with the Vikings.  There will be a few small projects along the way culminating in a final project that we will focus on for the month of December.

Nov 14 English 9-3

We took a book walk and everyone chose three books that they would like to read for Literary Circles. I will post the groups tomorrow.

English 8-2 and 8-4

Today in English 8-2 and 8-4 students finished off corrections and paragraphs. Good work!

Socials 8-4

Today we started the Castle presentation. So far they have been very informative and enjoyable. We ate honey cake, heard of terrible torture, learned about medieval weapons and about fashion and roles aristocracy and peasants.  We even got treats for correct answers!  Looking forward to the rest of the presentations on Tuesday.

English 9-3

 This paragraph was due finished or not at the end of class Nov 9, 2017.

Today we read the story "Thank-you. Ma'am" and then worked on a paragraph on theme.  Before we started we talked about the evidence of the theme the author left for the reader.  We came up with several examples.

The question: What is the theme of, "Thank You. Ma'am," by Langston Hughes? What evidence helped you to find it"

English 8-3

Today in English we got caught up on some unfinished work. The students finished off all owing work. Those who finished early went to the library to work on a Remembrance day activity.

English 8-2 8-4

Today, I handed back your assignments and you each spent time correcting your paragraphs.  It was hard and sometimes frustrating work but many of you completed the work in the hour.  Great job!  You will receive an improved grade once I've had a chance to read through your work and see that you have applied the corrections.

Tuesday Nov 7, Socials 8-4

Today, in socials we went over current events, while some of you finished off your projects.  We made a project schedule and we will present them tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing what you will teach us all.

I showed you how to take Cornell Notes.  This was a little tough for some of you.  We will begin in earnest on Tuesday, next week.

English 8-3 David's Haircut

Today, I handed back assignments.  I asked that you correct your work and hand it back into to me to show that you have learned from your mistakes. Most of you finished in class. Thank you!

Then, we wrote on the theme of David Elkes' short story, "David's Haircut."
I offered some prompts to those who felt they required some supports for their writing.  I asked students to use evidence from the story to support their topic sentence.  Most of you completed your paragraphs in class.   You will be given time next class to finish your writing.

When they are graded I will give an opportunity for students to correct their work for an improved grade.

"Mistakes, obviously, show us what needs improving.  Without mistakes, how would we know what we had to work on."     -Peter McWilliam

English 9-3 Theme

Today, many of you received your Visual Stories and your paragraphs on Mr. Beresford back.  I have asked that you make corrections to your work, so that you can learn from your mistakes.  Once you have handed in your corrected work. I will adjust your grade.

Then we talked about theme:

Theme: Life lesson, meaning, moral or message about life or human nature that is communicated by a literary work.
In other words...
Theme is what the story teaches readers.
Theme is not a word, it is a sentence.
You do not have to agree with the theme to identify it.

We then read some sample short stories and searched for the theme in pairs.  Everyone came up with great examples.

Next class we will read a story and write on the theme.

Socials 8-4 Monday November 6, 2017

Your projects are due today.  Please email or share them with me at karawagner5@gmail.com or drop them off in the classroom. Large projects can be left on the back table ( ie poster boards and 3-D projects) all other in the homework in box.  Thank you for getting your work in on time.

English 8-2 & 8-4 Paragraphs on Theme

Today, we wrote on the theme of David Elkes' short story, "David's Haircut."
I offered some prompts to those who felt they required some supports for their writing.  I asked students to use evidence from the story to support their topic sentence.  Most of you completed your paragraphs in class.   You will be given time next class to finish your writing.

When they are graded I will give an opportunity for students to correct their work for an improved grade.

"Mistakes, obviously, show us what needs improving.  Without mistakes, how would we know what we had to work on."     -Peter McWilliam

Socials 8-4 Castle Project

Today, we worked in the library on our Castle Projects.  You all were very focused and got a great deal done.  Good Work!  The projects are due on Monday, November 6, in my classroom. For Large projects, please leave them on the back table.

English 9-3 Paragraph Writing

 Short Story Test- Next Thursday Nov 8, 2017

Today, we wrote a character analysis on Mr. Beresford from Shirley Jackson's short story, "Paranoia."
I offered some prompts to those who felt they required some supports for their writing.  I asked that students use evidence from the story to support their topic sentence.  Most of you completed your paragraphs in class.   Those of you who did not may come in at lunch today to work on them.

I will have them graded by Tuesday and give an opportunity for students to correct their work for an improved grade. 

"Mistakes, obviously, show us what needs improving.  Without mistakes, how would we know what we had to work on."     -Peter McWilliam

English 8-3 Theme

Today, we talked about theme and how to find the theme of a story.
 
Theme: Life lesson, meaning, moral or message about life or human nature that is communicated by a literary work.
In other words...
Theme is what the story teaches readers.
Theme is not a word, it is a sentence.
You do not have to agree with the theme to identify it.

We then read some sample short stories and searched for the theme in pairs.  Everyone came up with great examples.

Lastly, we read David's Haircut.  This was a chance for you to tryout finding the theme on your own. I asked that you write what you think the themes is at the bottom of your notes.  We will talk about these next time.

* Although there are some notes here, if you were away be sure to photocopy the notes of one of your classmates so that you have a complete copy.

English 8-4 and 8-2

Today, we talked about theme and how to find the theme of a story.
 
Theme: Life lesson, meaning, moral or message about life or human nature that is communicated by a literary work.
In other words...
Theme is what the story teaches readers.
Theme is not a word, it is a sentence.
You do not have to agree with the theme to identify it.

We then read some sample short stories and searched for the theme in pairs.  Everyone came up with great examples.

Lastly, we read David's Haircut.  This was a chance for you to tryout finding the theme on your own. I asked that you write what you think the themes is at the bottom of your notes.  We will talk about these next time. 

* Although there are some notes here, if you were away be sure to photocopy the notes of one of your classmates so that you have a complete copy.

English 8-3 Halloween

Visual Stories and Charles paragraphs are due Oct 31, 2017

Today, despite Halloween, we did a little finish up work.  Students finished their paragraphs for Charles and worked on their Visual Stories.  I went over the Rubrics for  paragraph writing and for the visual stories. Next class we will be starting a new story called, David's Haircut by Ken Elkes.  We will focus on theme.  Both the Charles paragraph and Visual Stories should be handed in.

English 9-3 Halloween

 Visual Stories are due Oct 31, 2017

Today was Halloween and everyone was a little distracted.  I told some Urban Legends, which are stories that appear to be true but are not and we reviewed character traits of Mr. Beresford to get us ready for our next class.  We also went over the marking rubrics for paragraphs and sketch-notes.

I gave you time to finish up the Visual Stories that were due today.

Be ready to write a character analysis on Mr. Beresford  next class.

Socials 8-4

Today, we went over the rubric for the castle project.  I will include a photo of the rubric on this blog page.  I also said that next class that students were to come prepared to work on their projects.  All students who come without materials will have a sheet on the Early Middle Ages on Thursday Nov 2, 2017 to complete during class.

We also teamed up and did an Early Middle Ages quiz to see what we knew.