Hi Susan,
Handed back their essays from last week and reviewed areas of concern such as staying on topic, consistent use of either past or present tense, difference between looser and loser, transitions from paragraph to paragraph and refraining from using the word " hate."
Sydney read from " The Help" and they did their journal response to that, since I forgot to do it last week.
Also, today we focussed on writing dialogue, and they are all writing a little scene for me, due at the end of class, incorporating dialogue.
They have all been told that they are working on their memoirs in the computer lab.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
English 12: Be sure to check yesterday's blog as it outlines next week's activities
Today: Ms. Moyes and exam preparation
Friday: Lab time to organize and write your memoir which is due Wed. Nov. 6.
You have the explanation and rubric for this project in your notebook. I handed it to you when you started your Oct. USSR book.
We will choose a new USSR book on Monday.
Our next unit is poetry. Yay.
Have a safe night tonight.
Friday: Lab time to organize and write your memoir which is due Wed. Nov. 6.
You have the explanation and rubric for this project in your notebook. I handed it to you when you started your Oct. USSR book.
We will choose a new USSR book on Monday.
Our next unit is poetry. Yay.
Have a safe night tonight.
English 10: Quotation Log Test Day
We treated writing the quotation log like we were writing a test. Silence filled the room. Everyone worked steadily. Some typed. Some handwrote.
If you handwrite the quotation log, you do not need to type it up.
Do follow the samples I gave you as they train your brain to look closely at language--tone, word choice (diction), symbols, grammar, sentence length, etc. so that you have a lot to talk about. Why does an author use skinny instead of slim? Anorexic instead of skeletal? Each word choice provides a reverberation to your imagination, right????
Right!!
You must must must finish your quotation log by Monday as we need a completed quotation log to use as our resource to build a powerful essay.
Read that essay sample again. How does she do it? Look at her diction, sentence variety, use of synonyms, quotation integration, citing, mixture of quotations and paraphrases to support her imaginative opinions.
No one needs to agree with your interpretation of the novel but your interpretation must be plausible and supported majestically with evidence from the text.
We start writing the essay on Monday. See yesterday's blog for the outline of next week's activities.
DO NOT MISS MONDAY'S CLASS AS IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CLASS OF THE YEAR.
If you handwrite the quotation log, you do not need to type it up.
Do follow the samples I gave you as they train your brain to look closely at language--tone, word choice (diction), symbols, grammar, sentence length, etc. so that you have a lot to talk about. Why does an author use skinny instead of slim? Anorexic instead of skeletal? Each word choice provides a reverberation to your imagination, right????
Right!!
You must must must finish your quotation log by Monday as we need a completed quotation log to use as our resource to build a powerful essay.
Read that essay sample again. How does she do it? Look at her diction, sentence variety, use of synonyms, quotation integration, citing, mixture of quotations and paraphrases to support her imaginative opinions.
No one needs to agree with your interpretation of the novel but your interpretation must be plausible and supported majestically with evidence from the text.
We start writing the essay on Monday. See yesterday's blog for the outline of next week's activities.
DO NOT MISS MONDAY'S CLASS AS IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CLASS OF THE YEAR.
Writing 12: Check: If you name is here, you have overdue work
Last day for overdue work is Monday as I submit term 1 marks Wednesday.
Brittany: Redo of poem 5, Oct. 3
Luke: Redo of Patrick Lane response
Connor: replacement response for Carla Funk and two redo poems 7 and 8 Oct 14
Motria Red of poem 12
Olivia
Redo of poems 3, 4,5, 11, 12, Responses to Belfry and Jay
Lauren Carla Funk response or replacement for it
Ashley See notes on the poem I returned today.
Holly See notes on the poem returned today.
Mika Belfry and Jay responses
Braeden poem 10
Cayden See notes on the poem I returned today.
Graeme Redo of poems 5 and 8
You have worked steadily for two months and now you MUST pass the test.
Are you ready to enter the writers' domain?
Yes.
Yes.
And, yes.
But, you must follow the guidelines and carefully edit--See yesterday's blog for suggestions. Ms. Moyes will reiterate these suggestions tomorrow before you focus on editing.
Monday, we will also edit. Use the time well. No distractions such as ipods, internet, etc.
At this point, you know what to do. So, do it.
I'll be at the AP Conference in Van. tomorrow and return Sunday. I'll check email Sunday night.
la la la
Brittany: Redo of poem 5, Oct. 3
Luke: Redo of Patrick Lane response
Connor: replacement response for Carla Funk and two redo poems 7 and 8 Oct 14
Motria Red of poem 12
Olivia
Redo of poems 3, 4,5, 11, 12, Responses to Belfry and Jay
Lauren Carla Funk response or replacement for it
Ashley See notes on the poem I returned today.
Holly See notes on the poem returned today.
Mika Belfry and Jay responses
Braeden poem 10
Cayden See notes on the poem I returned today.
Graeme Redo of poems 5 and 8
You have worked steadily for two months and now you MUST pass the test.
Are you ready to enter the writers' domain?
Yes.
Yes.
And, yes.
But, you must follow the guidelines and carefully edit--See yesterday's blog for suggestions. Ms. Moyes will reiterate these suggestions tomorrow before you focus on editing.
Monday, we will also edit. Use the time well. No distractions such as ipods, internet, etc.
At this point, you know what to do. So, do it.
I'll be at the AP Conference in Van. tomorrow and return Sunday. I'll check email Sunday night.
la la la
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
English 12: Vocab Test, Final Paragraph for Hamlet
If you were absent today, write a paragraph tonight based on your what? / so what? chart. You also missed a vocabulary test on words 1-30.
This weekend finish reading your USSR book.
You need to focus on your memoir.
Here is a site to help your imagination:
Canadian Memoirs
Visit the site and read the samples. Use the USSR books you read for inspiration.
Re-read the criteria and the rubric.
Your 1500 word memoir is due Wed. Nov 6.
I cannot accept late work because I have to have my report cards complete.
Check with me to ensure that all your work is in.
We will be doing a self-assessment on Monday.
Thursday: Exam prep with Ms. Moyes
This weekend finish reading your USSR book.
You need to focus on your memoir.
Here is a site to help your imagination:
Canadian Memoirs
Visit the site and read the samples. Use the USSR books you read for inspiration.
Re-read the criteria and the rubric.
Your 1500 word memoir is due Wed. Nov 6.
I cannot accept late work because I have to have my report cards complete.
Check with me to ensure that all your work is in.
We will be doing a self-assessment on Monday.
Thursday: Exam prep with Ms. Moyes
Writing 12: Only 1 poem due tomorrow
One poem only due this week since the manuscripts are due on Tues. Nov. 5
Thursday: We will have four UVic students in class to read to us. Bring questions!!
Friday: Time to complete the manuscript
Monday: Time to complete the manuscript
Tuesday: Hand in the manuscript. We'll be entering contests so bring extra copies of your poems to send to The Claremont Review, BCTELA, Polyphony, The League of Can. poets and Aerie International.PLEASE BRING A CHEQUE MADE OUT TO THE CLAREMONT REVIEW FOR 20.00 IF YOU ENTERED THE VAN. WRITERS FEST AND 25.00 IF YOU DID NOT. THANKS.
You will need hard copies for BCTELA and The Claremont Review. All the other contests are electronic. YOu will need a jpeg electronic photo of yourself to send to Aerie with your submission. You will need to know your address and postal code.
Thursday: We will have four UVic students in class to read to us. Bring questions!!
Friday: Time to complete the manuscript
Monday: Time to complete the manuscript
Tuesday: Hand in the manuscript. We'll be entering contests so bring extra copies of your poems to send to The Claremont Review, BCTELA, Polyphony, The League of Can. poets and Aerie International.PLEASE BRING A CHEQUE MADE OUT TO THE CLAREMONT REVIEW FOR 20.00 IF YOU ENTERED THE VAN. WRITERS FEST AND 25.00 IF YOU DID NOT. THANKS.
You will need hard copies for BCTELA and The Claremont Review. All the other contests are electronic. YOu will need a jpeg electronic photo of yourself to send to Aerie with your submission. You will need to know your address and postal code.
English 10: Quotation Log
If you were absent today, please call your homework buddy asap to ensure that you understand the instructions below and to ensure that you are prepared for tomorrow.
Commit to an essay topic. Think of three scenes that you can't forget. What do they reveal about some of the key themes in the novel: how change occurs, courage, injustice, kindness, understanding, prejudice, influence of family, standing up for self, empathy etc
Once you commit, post-it note the 9 to 15 quotations that you think reveal the most about your topic.
Arrive tomorrow ready to work so hard you will sweat so that you can get the quotation log completed during class.
Friday: We will watch the film
Monday: The quote log is due. Bring a hard copy to class and bring three different coloured markers or highlighters so that we can begin to organize the ideas into three groups for our body paragraphs.
Monday: We will write the introduction
Tuesday: The introduction is due
Tuesday: We'll complete an essay plan and write the first two body paragraphs
Wed: First two body paragraphs are due.
Wed: We will write the third body para. and the conclusion
Thursday: We will peer edit the essay
Tues: Nov. 12 the essay, the edited draft, and the quote log will all be due for marks.
Commit to an essay topic. Think of three scenes that you can't forget. What do they reveal about some of the key themes in the novel: how change occurs, courage, injustice, kindness, understanding, prejudice, influence of family, standing up for self, empathy etc
Once you commit, post-it note the 9 to 15 quotations that you think reveal the most about your topic.
Arrive tomorrow ready to work so hard you will sweat so that you can get the quotation log completed during class.
Friday: We will watch the film
Monday: The quote log is due. Bring a hard copy to class and bring three different coloured markers or highlighters so that we can begin to organize the ideas into three groups for our body paragraphs.
Monday: We will write the introduction
Tuesday: The introduction is due
Tuesday: We'll complete an essay plan and write the first two body paragraphs
Wed: First two body paragraphs are due.
Wed: We will write the third body para. and the conclusion
Thursday: We will peer edit the essay
Tues: Nov. 12 the essay, the edited draft, and the quote log will all be due for marks.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
English 12: Visit with Yvonne Blomer
If you were absent today, be sure to do all three lessons below. We wrote for ten minutes on each prompt. I collected the what / so what charts on the Hamlet passage you chose. See yesterday's blog if you've been away.
Thanks, Yvonne Blomer. Amazing exercises. We really appreciate your time.
Yvonne's emphasis today was clear. When you write, make it personal but use enough detail that allows your reader to experience it too. Metaphors work really well to make the piece more resonant. Appealing to the five senses really brings the piece to life.
The first prompt was to write about a place. Yvonne read her piece called Four Seasons in Japan and it really made us feel what it was like to be a Canadian living in Japan.
The second piece was to write a personal piece about an object. Yvonne had a bag of objects from a rock to a jar of basil to a wooden spoon to a bottle of Advil. We wrote and shared our pieces.
The final piece used repetition to create interesting scenarios.
Write about a first bicycle to get you started. After 4 minutes, write a new scenario but use the last line of the first paragraph to start the second paragraph. The second para. is about a different bike or cycling experience.
I hope these scenarios and Yvonne's experience will encourage you to do well on your memoir project. We will talk about due dates tomorrow.
Be sure to finish reading your October book by Thursday.
Tomorrow: Quiz on Act 4 and on the first 30 vocabulary words and then we will write a paragraph on the scene that you chose. It will be a busy class tomorrow so arrive well rested and ready to work.
Thursday: Ms. Moyes will be here to do exam prep.
Friday: I am away at a conference so Ms. Moyes will continue working with you.
Thanks, Yvonne Blomer. Amazing exercises. We really appreciate your time.
Yvonne's emphasis today was clear. When you write, make it personal but use enough detail that allows your reader to experience it too. Metaphors work really well to make the piece more resonant. Appealing to the five senses really brings the piece to life.
The first prompt was to write about a place. Yvonne read her piece called Four Seasons in Japan and it really made us feel what it was like to be a Canadian living in Japan.
The second piece was to write a personal piece about an object. Yvonne had a bag of objects from a rock to a jar of basil to a wooden spoon to a bottle of Advil. We wrote and shared our pieces.
The final piece used repetition to create interesting scenarios.
Write about a first bicycle to get you started. After 4 minutes, write a new scenario but use the last line of the first paragraph to start the second paragraph. The second para. is about a different bike or cycling experience.
I hope these scenarios and Yvonne's experience will encourage you to do well on your memoir project. We will talk about due dates tomorrow.
Be sure to finish reading your October book by Thursday.
Tomorrow: Quiz on Act 4 and on the first 30 vocabulary words and then we will write a paragraph on the scene that you chose. It will be a busy class tomorrow so arrive well rested and ready to work.
Thursday: Ms. Moyes will be here to do exam prep.
Friday: I am away at a conference so Ms. Moyes will continue working with you.
Writing 12: Patrick Lane Presentation by the fabulous Olivia and Meghan, UVic event
Thank you, ladies. You did an excellent job. I'm completely inspired. I'm taking a four day course with Patrick, Nov. 14 to 17. Yay.
There is a fund-raising reading at UVic in the Maclaurin building, Lam auditorium, Nov. 28th, the same day we are going to The Belfry.
Lorna Crozier, Patrick Lane, Anne Micheals, Shelagh Rogers.
It's $20.00 but it will be one of those life-changing events and there will be more writers in the audience than you can imagine so an event for people watching.
You could stay downtown after the show, go for dinner, and head up to UVic for a theatrical, poetry event. I suggest buying tickets in advance.
250-721-8480 • tickets.uvic.ca
Please return your Belfry form and $15.00 by Monday, thanks.
Ask your period 3 and 4 teachers for permission to miss Nov. 28, a Thursday.
There is a fund-raising reading at UVic in the Maclaurin building, Lam auditorium, Nov. 28th, the same day we are going to The Belfry.
Lorna Crozier, Patrick Lane, Anne Micheals, Shelagh Rogers.
It's $20.00 but it will be one of those life-changing events and there will be more writers in the audience than you can imagine so an event for people watching.
You could stay downtown after the show, go for dinner, and head up to UVic for a theatrical, poetry event. I suggest buying tickets in advance.
250-721-8480 • tickets.uvic.ca
Please return your Belfry form and $15.00 by Monday, thanks.
Ask your period 3 and 4 teachers for permission to miss Nov. 28, a Thursday.
English 10: USSR, Field Trip, Presentation on chapters 18 - 31
Today, we added prophecize and goad to our list.
Wed: Your edited story is due so that we can send it off for publication. See yesterday's blog for details.
Belfry Theatre Trip: We are going to see a play, Nov. 28th. Please return your form and money promptly. If you were absent today, ask me for the form.
Today, in pairs we created a what / so what chart on key aspects of chapters 18 to 31. If you were absent, be sure to get the notes but also, please create a what / so what chart on one of the following topics. In your chart, you need two key quotations and as many interpretations of the quotations as you can think of. Go beyond the obvious so that your inferences are strong and you can support your inferences with evidence from the text.
1. Mayella's testimony in chapter 18
2. Tom's testimony in chapter 19
3. Dophus Raymond's confession in chapter 20
4. Atticus's summation in court chapter 20
5. Jem's reaction to the verdict (chapter 22)
6. Dill wanting to be a clown (chapter 22)
7. Reactions to Mr. Ewell's threat for revenge ch. 23
8. Responses to the jury: " ' We generally get the juries we dserve' " (290). This page number is in my text but your page numbers differ.
9. Aunt Alexandra calls Walter trash but Scout sticks up for him (ch. 23)
10. Tom's death (ch. 24)
11. Miss Gates, Hitler versus African Americans (ch. 27)
12. Atticus can't conceive of anyone hurting children (end of 28, beginning of 29)
13. Scout cries when she meets Boo (last page of 29)
14. Covering up the fact that Boo kills Mr. Ewell (ch. 30)
15. Final pages of the novel (chpater 31)
Mayella's Testimony: page 240 and 243 (post-it note it in your text)
She admits she is hiding something. Being left-handed seems to be a trick. She is imagining that Atticus is tricking her. Her testimony should have allowed Tom to be acquitted but the fact that he is guilty demonstrates the prejudiced nature of the jury.
"Ma-am" and "Miss Mayella" She thinks politeness is sass. Reflects her lack of education. It shows her upbringing.
Tom's testimony: 261
...you'd be scared, too
Tom is in a tough spot due to his race. He doesn't want to tell the truth that he felt sorry for her.
256 " ' I was glad to do it ' "
Tom knows that Mayella is lonely and poor. He is a kind man who wants to help her. His personality is revealed. He is constantly treated as subservient to the whites, yet in this case, he feels better than Mayella.
Dolphus Raymond
page 268 "' I try to give 'em a reason '"
People will jump at any reason to despise someone. It is considered bizarre to be with someone of another race.
269 " 'Let him get a little older and he will get sick and cry ' "
People are creatures of habit who replicate the behaviours they see.
"' You haven't seen this town'" (269). The racism is really apparent in court.
Atticus's summation in court
273 ... the evil assumption that all Negroes lie, are not to be trusted, etc
He keeps repeating the word, Gentlemen, when he refers to the jury.
"'You know the truth'"
Lying applies to all races, not just one race.
Atticus knows that he has to fight through the prejudiced views of the jury so he keeps repeating "Gentlemen".
273 . . . quotes Thomas Jefferson
He keeps making the same point that everyone is equal and that the colour of skin cannot be used in court.
Jem's reaction to the verdict
page 284 "His face was streaked with angry tears . . . "
Jem is feeling opposite to the happiness of the crowd. He disagrees with the verdict because he has not yet been molded to prejudice.
page 288 I always thought Maycomb folks were the best in the world
He is second guessing his town. Atticus has had a good influence on him.
Dill wants to be a clown . . .
page 289 There ain't one thing I can do except laugh my head off
Dill knows that he can't do anything about the prejudice in the town.
290 I'm going to laugh at folks
a new kind of clown,
Dill wants to laugh at people because he is disgusted by their behaviours.
Reaction to Mr. Ewell's threat for revenge
291 I wish Bob Ewell wouldn't chew tobacco
Atticus is stubborn. He doesn't take the threat seriously. He doesn't want to believe that the people in his town may not be as good as he thinks they are.
293
Nothing to fear from Bob Ewell
Atticus is blind to how serious this situation is. You can't ignore hatred. He is risking the lives of his children. He trusts that Mr. Ewell won't hurt him. He doesn't understand the full consequences of the situation and he is afraid to face the truth.
Responses to the jury "' We generally get the juries we deserve' "
296 Atticus knew he was licked before he even started. The racism in the town reflects the racism in the jury. Atticus's evidence was really good and they were blind to the truth.
296 You'll never see anyone from Maycomb on the jury, they will always come out of the woods. Mean, uneducated, dangerous people.
Aunt Alexandra treats the Cunninghams like white trash
can't scrub the trash out of him . . .
She thinks the Finch family is better no matter how much the Cunninghams try. Atticus said the Finch's were middle class. Scout became angry because she listens to Atticus page 300
299
...not our kind of folks
Can't associate with certain people. She chooses friends based on their background or skin colour.
Tom's death
316
handful of people with humility . . . fair play . . . fair trial . . .
No fair trials when one's skin is black.
Shows how shunned people are
315 Tom was tired of white man's chances and preferred his own.
Tired of racism. Treated worse than an animal.
Miss Gates lesson on Hitler yet she is racist but can't see it
329
They contribute to every society they live in. She is referring to the Jews.
She doesn't realize that the African-Americans are equally mistreated.
Connection: Miss Gates is hypocritical. 329-331 Scout mentions how she likes people who are not hypocrites. 313
Scout cries when she meets Boo
363
Scout is so afraid because he is really not yet human to her yet. She points at him as if he is an animal. Atticus has no prejudice.
362
His lips parted into a timid smile . . .
Scout was crying because she was happy to solve this mystery.
Covering up the murder of Mr. Ewell
366
Bob Ewell fell on his knife says Mr. Tate.
Atticus does not want to believe Mr. Tate. Atticus hates to lie.
He wants to protect Boo. The town already think he is a monster and he doesn't want the Radley family to be seen as any worse than they are already perceived.
Boo could now live a normal life if Atticus would agree to the coverup.
End of chapter 30.
Wed: Your edited story is due so that we can send it off for publication. See yesterday's blog for details.
Belfry Theatre Trip: We are going to see a play, Nov. 28th. Please return your form and money promptly. If you were absent today, ask me for the form.
Today, in pairs we created a what / so what chart on key aspects of chapters 18 to 31. If you were absent, be sure to get the notes but also, please create a what / so what chart on one of the following topics. In your chart, you need two key quotations and as many interpretations of the quotations as you can think of. Go beyond the obvious so that your inferences are strong and you can support your inferences with evidence from the text.
1. Mayella's testimony in chapter 18
2. Tom's testimony in chapter 19
3. Dophus Raymond's confession in chapter 20
4. Atticus's summation in court chapter 20
5. Jem's reaction to the verdict (chapter 22)
6. Dill wanting to be a clown (chapter 22)
7. Reactions to Mr. Ewell's threat for revenge ch. 23
8. Responses to the jury: " ' We generally get the juries we dserve' " (290). This page number is in my text but your page numbers differ.
9. Aunt Alexandra calls Walter trash but Scout sticks up for him (ch. 23)
10. Tom's death (ch. 24)
11. Miss Gates, Hitler versus African Americans (ch. 27)
12. Atticus can't conceive of anyone hurting children (end of 28, beginning of 29)
13. Scout cries when she meets Boo (last page of 29)
14. Covering up the fact that Boo kills Mr. Ewell (ch. 30)
15. Final pages of the novel (chpater 31)
Mayella's Testimony: page 240 and 243 (post-it note it in your text)
She admits she is hiding something. Being left-handed seems to be a trick. She is imagining that Atticus is tricking her. Her testimony should have allowed Tom to be acquitted but the fact that he is guilty demonstrates the prejudiced nature of the jury.
"Ma-am" and "Miss Mayella" She thinks politeness is sass. Reflects her lack of education. It shows her upbringing.
Tom's testimony: 261
...you'd be scared, too
Tom is in a tough spot due to his race. He doesn't want to tell the truth that he felt sorry for her.
256 " ' I was glad to do it ' "
Tom knows that Mayella is lonely and poor. He is a kind man who wants to help her. His personality is revealed. He is constantly treated as subservient to the whites, yet in this case, he feels better than Mayella.
Dolphus Raymond
page 268 "' I try to give 'em a reason '"
People will jump at any reason to despise someone. It is considered bizarre to be with someone of another race.
269 " 'Let him get a little older and he will get sick and cry ' "
People are creatures of habit who replicate the behaviours they see.
"' You haven't seen this town'" (269). The racism is really apparent in court.
Atticus's summation in court
273 ... the evil assumption that all Negroes lie, are not to be trusted, etc
He keeps repeating the word, Gentlemen, when he refers to the jury.
"'You know the truth'"
Lying applies to all races, not just one race.
Atticus knows that he has to fight through the prejudiced views of the jury so he keeps repeating "Gentlemen".
273 . . . quotes Thomas Jefferson
He keeps making the same point that everyone is equal and that the colour of skin cannot be used in court.
Jem's reaction to the verdict
page 284 "His face was streaked with angry tears . . . "
Jem is feeling opposite to the happiness of the crowd. He disagrees with the verdict because he has not yet been molded to prejudice.
page 288 I always thought Maycomb folks were the best in the world
He is second guessing his town. Atticus has had a good influence on him.
Dill wants to be a clown . . .
page 289 There ain't one thing I can do except laugh my head off
Dill knows that he can't do anything about the prejudice in the town.
290 I'm going to laugh at folks
a new kind of clown,
Dill wants to laugh at people because he is disgusted by their behaviours.
Reaction to Mr. Ewell's threat for revenge
291 I wish Bob Ewell wouldn't chew tobacco
Atticus is stubborn. He doesn't take the threat seriously. He doesn't want to believe that the people in his town may not be as good as he thinks they are.
293
Nothing to fear from Bob Ewell
Atticus is blind to how serious this situation is. You can't ignore hatred. He is risking the lives of his children. He trusts that Mr. Ewell won't hurt him. He doesn't understand the full consequences of the situation and he is afraid to face the truth.
Responses to the jury "' We generally get the juries we deserve' "
296 Atticus knew he was licked before he even started. The racism in the town reflects the racism in the jury. Atticus's evidence was really good and they were blind to the truth.
296 You'll never see anyone from Maycomb on the jury, they will always come out of the woods. Mean, uneducated, dangerous people.
Aunt Alexandra treats the Cunninghams like white trash
can't scrub the trash out of him . . .
She thinks the Finch family is better no matter how much the Cunninghams try. Atticus said the Finch's were middle class. Scout became angry because she listens to Atticus page 300
299
...not our kind of folks
Can't associate with certain people. She chooses friends based on their background or skin colour.
Tom's death
316
handful of people with humility . . . fair play . . . fair trial . . .
No fair trials when one's skin is black.
Shows how shunned people are
315 Tom was tired of white man's chances and preferred his own.
Tired of racism. Treated worse than an animal.
Miss Gates lesson on Hitler yet she is racist but can't see it
329
They contribute to every society they live in. She is referring to the Jews.
She doesn't realize that the African-Americans are equally mistreated.
Connection: Miss Gates is hypocritical. 329-331 Scout mentions how she likes people who are not hypocrites. 313
Scout cries when she meets Boo
363
Scout is so afraid because he is really not yet human to her yet. She points at him as if he is an animal. Atticus has no prejudice.
362
His lips parted into a timid smile . . .
Scout was crying because she was happy to solve this mystery.
Covering up the murder of Mr. Ewell
366
Bob Ewell fell on his knife says Mr. Tate.
Atticus does not want to believe Mr. Tate. Atticus hates to lie.
He wants to protect Boo. The town already think he is a monster and he doesn't want the Radley family to be seen as any worse than they are already perceived.
Boo could now live a normal life if Atticus would agree to the coverup.
End of chapter 30.
Monday, October 28, 2013
English 12: Vocab Test Wed. Act 4 quiz, Wed. Yvonne Blomer, memoir, tomorrow
Study the first 30 words. Know the definition, synonym, part of speech and how to use the word correctly in a sentence. Test Wed.
We will have a quiz on Act 4, Wed. Be sure to read it. Read the side columns as well. We watched Act 5 today.
TONIGHT: Complete a clear what ? / so what? chart with 3 good examples for the what side and 6 examples for the so what side.
You are looking for things that are not directly stated!!
Question: What does the soliloquy or scene reveal about Hamlet? Your job is to interpret the language, symbols, punctuation, allusions, tone etc to create a thesis which someone could argue with. Add insight to your conclusions by making connections from this passage that you are studying to other events in the play.
Choose one of the 7 soliloquies or the bedroom scene, nunnery scene or graveyard scene.
The soliloquies are on the following pages:
1. page 21
2. page 30
3. page 45
4. page 48
5 page 58
5 page 60
7 page 69
Nunnery Scene page 49 to 50
Bedroom Scene Scene four (You may choose a section of this scene as it is quite long)
Graveyard scene Start 82-83 Start with Alas, poor Yorick.
Choose a scene that makes you ask questions. Try not to choose a scene that does not allow for interpretation. Remember, you will be writing a short essay on this passge during class. You will have your notebook and the passage in front of you as you write.
Since this is the second test of the year, I will be looking for improvement in your ability to interpret literature. Re-read your notes and all the charts we have created so far. Re-read the paragraphs you have written.
IF YOU WERE ABSENT LAST THURSDAY AND MISSED HILARY MOYES' PRESENTATION, YOU MUST WRITE A 500 WORD COMPOSITION AND EMAIL IT TO ME BY WED. SO THAT I CAN SEND IT TO HER.We wrote it in class and handed it in.
TOPIC: CONNECTIONS TO AN OLDER GENERATION ENRICH A YOUNGER GENERATION. USE THE NOTES FOR WRITING A STRONG SECTION D. FOR EXAMPLE, DO NOT USE THE PROMPT ANYWHERE IN YOUR COMPOSITION. WRITE 4 TO 5 PARAGRAPHS. FOLLOW THE TEMPLATE I GAVE YOU.
GOOD LUCK.
We will have a quiz on Act 4, Wed. Be sure to read it. Read the side columns as well. We watched Act 5 today.
TONIGHT: Complete a clear what ? / so what? chart with 3 good examples for the what side and 6 examples for the so what side.
You are looking for things that are not directly stated!!
Question: What does the soliloquy or scene reveal about Hamlet? Your job is to interpret the language, symbols, punctuation, allusions, tone etc to create a thesis which someone could argue with. Add insight to your conclusions by making connections from this passage that you are studying to other events in the play.
Choose one of the 7 soliloquies or the bedroom scene, nunnery scene or graveyard scene.
The soliloquies are on the following pages:
1. page 21
2. page 30
3. page 45
4. page 48
5 page 58
5 page 60
7 page 69
Nunnery Scene page 49 to 50
Bedroom Scene Scene four (You may choose a section of this scene as it is quite long)
Graveyard scene Start 82-83 Start with Alas, poor Yorick.
Choose a scene that makes you ask questions. Try not to choose a scene that does not allow for interpretation. Remember, you will be writing a short essay on this passge during class. You will have your notebook and the passage in front of you as you write.
Since this is the second test of the year, I will be looking for improvement in your ability to interpret literature. Re-read your notes and all the charts we have created so far. Re-read the paragraphs you have written.
IF YOU WERE ABSENT LAST THURSDAY AND MISSED HILARY MOYES' PRESENTATION, YOU MUST WRITE A 500 WORD COMPOSITION AND EMAIL IT TO ME BY WED. SO THAT I CAN SEND IT TO HER.We wrote it in class and handed it in.
TOPIC: CONNECTIONS TO AN OLDER GENERATION ENRICH A YOUNGER GENERATION. USE THE NOTES FOR WRITING A STRONG SECTION D. FOR EXAMPLE, DO NOT USE THE PROMPT ANYWHERE IN YOUR COMPOSITION. WRITE 4 TO 5 PARAGRAPHS. FOLLOW THE TEMPLATE I GAVE YOU.
GOOD LUCK.
Writing 12: Workshop poem due today, Guest speakers Thursday . . . .
If you were absent today, find time to read poetry. Even if it's only for ten minutes. Each time you do, you exercise your metaphoric muscles, your musician's ear, your structural eye, your heart's sustenance. Reading poetry takes us into the quantum world where change occurs when a wave is observed. By observing, you change the immaterial into the material.
So . . . . what legacy do you want to create with your manuscript?
It is due next Tuesday. How much effort do you need to give it over the next week? What are your weekend plans? This manuscript is worth 50% of term 1. You have worked hard. You have written beautiful poems. Now, give them the attention they deserve!! Know that you will get them published if you focus on the criteria.
Thursday: This week we will have four UVIC Writing 100 students do a reading and a Q & A for us. Any questions about U Vic? Now is the time to ask.
We'll have
Gurpreet Nahal Claremont grad 2012
Shannon Riz Claremont grad 2012
The Riz twins attended UVIC and Clar. last year. They and Gabe took Wr 12 twice.
Gillian Riz Claremont grade 2012
Gabe Lunn (SMUS grad who I taught when he took Wr 12 in grade 11)
So . . . . what legacy do you want to create with your manuscript?
It is due next Tuesday. How much effort do you need to give it over the next week? What are your weekend plans? This manuscript is worth 50% of term 1. You have worked hard. You have written beautiful poems. Now, give them the attention they deserve!! Know that you will get them published if you focus on the criteria.
Thursday: This week we will have four UVIC Writing 100 students do a reading and a Q & A for us. Any questions about U Vic? Now is the time to ask.
We'll have
Gurpreet Nahal Claremont grad 2012
Shannon Riz Claremont grad 2012
The Riz twins attended UVIC and Clar. last year. They and Gabe took Wr 12 twice.
Gillian Riz Claremont grade 2012
Gabe Lunn (SMUS grad who I taught when he took Wr 12 in grade 11)
English 10: New vocabulary words, Getting the novel read by Tues, Oct. 29!!
We added the verbs to proclaim and to prevaricate today. If you were absent, borrow the definitions from a partner.
Tomorrow we will discuss the trial, the ending of the novel and begin creating essay topics and quotation logs.
I returned the stories. Please make all your corrections and final edits by Wed. Oct. 30th.
Choose where you would like to send your story:
BCTELA Writing Contest (Bring a new copy of the story. Do not put your name on it)
The Claremont Review (Put your name on this copy)
Aerie International (This copy must be electronic. We will send it in via email).
You may submit to the BCTELA and one of the other magazines.
If you write more stories, you can submit to more places.
Be prepared to send your story off to be published by choosing one of the above destinations, preparing your story by ensuring it has no errors and bringing it to class on Wednesday.
Tonight: Finish reading the novel.
Tomorrow we will discuss the trial, the ending of the novel and begin creating essay topics and quotation logs.
I returned the stories. Please make all your corrections and final edits by Wed. Oct. 30th.
Choose where you would like to send your story:
BCTELA Writing Contest (Bring a new copy of the story. Do not put your name on it)
The Claremont Review (Put your name on this copy)
Aerie International (This copy must be electronic. We will send it in via email).
You may submit to the BCTELA and one of the other magazines.
If you write more stories, you can submit to more places.
Be prepared to send your story off to be published by choosing one of the above destinations, preparing your story by ensuring it has no errors and bringing it to class on Wednesday.
Tonight: Finish reading the novel.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Hi Susan,
The kids are busy writing right now; what a nice group. I have given them detailed info as regards to behavior and learning expectations. They seem pretty keen. I reviewed a couple of examples of 4,5 and 6 level essays. Suggested they start with a scene or an object for their paper. Spent 15 minutes or so going over what is looked for during provincial exam re: writing level, content etc. Told them to stay away from being "trite" and gave them examples of cliched writing. I'm collecting their work today to give back to them next week.
Have a nice weekend...Cheers,
Hil
The kids are busy writing right now; what a nice group. I have given them detailed info as regards to behavior and learning expectations. They seem pretty keen. I reviewed a couple of examples of 4,5 and 6 level essays. Suggested they start with a scene or an object for their paper. Spent 15 minutes or so going over what is looked for during provincial exam re: writing level, content etc. Told them to stay away from being "trite" and gave them examples of cliched writing. I'm collecting their work today to give back to them next week.
Have a nice weekend...Cheers,
Hil
Writing 12: Enter the contest before Sunday at 5 p.m.!!
Here is the link:
Teen contest
It will cost you $5.00. Bring me in the receipt and I will charge you $5.00 less
for The Claremont Review entry.
If you have trouble, email me!!
Teen contest
It will cost you $5.00. Bring me in the receipt and I will charge you $5.00 less
for The Claremont Review entry.
If you have trouble, email me!!
English 10: We created a what / so what chart today and read chapters 16, 17, and 18
Copy out the chart below or print it out and add it to your notebooks.
We have chapters 19 to 31 to read by Tuesday. You will have time in class Monday to read so organize your time over the next four nights to accomplish this task. You will need to read 2 1/2 chapters per night.
THIS SECTION OF THE NOVEL READS QUICKLY AS WE ARE NOW INVOLVED IN TOM'S TRIAL. IT'S EXCITING ACTION. KEEP OBSERVING THE INJUSTICE AND THE LESSONS THE CHILDREN LEARN.
IF YOU FORGET YOUR NOVEL AT SCHOOL, COME AND GET IT AS THE SCHOOL IS OPEN FRIDAY. If you can't get into the school, borrow a copy from the local library or purchase a copy at a second hand book store downtown.
Great work today. Have a safe weekend. See you Monday.
Read to at least chapter 27 by Monday. Thanks.
Now, go through chapter 16 and find at least one pertinent quotation. Add it to your chart and respond to the ideas on the so what side of the chart. (WE DID THIS PART DURING CLASS TODAY. THIS NOTE IS FOR THOSE WHO WERE ABSENT).
We have chapters 19 to 31 to read by Tuesday. You will have time in class Monday to read so organize your time over the next four nights to accomplish this task. You will need to read 2 1/2 chapters per night.
THIS SECTION OF THE NOVEL READS QUICKLY AS WE ARE NOW INVOLVED IN TOM'S TRIAL. IT'S EXCITING ACTION. KEEP OBSERVING THE INJUSTICE AND THE LESSONS THE CHILDREN LEARN.
IF YOU FORGET YOUR NOVEL AT SCHOOL, COME AND GET IT AS THE SCHOOL IS OPEN FRIDAY. If you can't get into the school, borrow a copy from the local library or purchase a copy at a second hand book store downtown.
Great work today. Have a safe weekend. See you Monday.
Read to at least chapter 27 by Monday. Thanks.
|
Chapter 14, 15 and 16 discussion notes
|
Be sure to make inferences which go beyond the
obvious
|
|
What?
Dill's parents and why he runs away from his home in Meridian, Mississippi (end of chapter 14) Mr. Cunningham, the night the gang from Old Sarum arrives to attack and possibly kill Tom Robinson says, “ ' I'll tell him you said hey, little lady'” (154). (End of chapter 15) At the beginning of chapter 16, Scout narrates that “ The full meaning of the night's events hit me and I began to cry” (156). |
So What? Parents don't give him enough attention. He has a new dad. Dill is a chronic liar and makes up fantasies because he is forced into entertaining himself. He feels ignored so he creates an alternate reality. Scout doesn't want to believe what others say about Dill. Pushed aside. Identifies with Jem and Scout and Atticus. Shows that you need someone to love and care for you. Dill is similar to Boo. “ ' . . . maybe he doesn't have anywhere to run of to'” (192). Mr. Cunningham realizes that if he hurts Tom, he's hurting the community. Scout keeps asking him personal questions. Kids can help change the world. The ones who know the least, know the most. Stepping into someone else's shoes creates empathy and change. When he sees Scout, he realizes he would lose his own kids and have less than he has now. When Scout realizes everything, she realizes her town wasn't as safe as she thought. Jem cried when he realizes the mistreatment of Boo by Mr. Nathan Radley. Scout realizes Atticus and Tom could have been killed by a gang she thought were her friends. She finally sees that not all folks are good folks. Mrs. Dubose was addicted to morphine. Mr. Radley mistreats Boo and now the Old Sarum farmers act like killers. She was innocent and sheltered before but now she is in the middle of the action and she is forced to see the truth: prejudiced and injust. |
Now, go through chapter 16 and find at least one pertinent quotation. Add it to your chart and respond to the ideas on the so what side of the chart. (WE DID THIS PART DURING CLASS TODAY. THIS NOTE IS FOR THOSE WHO WERE ABSENT).
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
English 12: USSR, Practice Writes, Words 29, 30, Act 3
If you were away today, you need to make up the 65 minutes you missed, plus the 30 minutes for homework. Need a quiet place to work? Come in to my room during lunch hour.
Read at least 15 pages of your USSR book.
Write for 10 minutes on the following topic chosen by Hannah:
Write about a time you used "mitigated speech", words which sugarcoat what you actually have to say. This one was fun!
Last night you read Claudius' soliloquy and Hamlet's solioquy # 6.
Why does Hamlet not kill Claudius?
Tomorrow: SPECIAL EVENT
We have expert exam prepper: Ms. Hilary Moyes to teach the class. Ms. Moyes will be visiting our class Thursdays and Fridays to work on the various sections of the exam. She and I will be team teaching the course so Ms. Moyes will be marking the assignments she asks you to do. She is great. You will LOVE her stories.
This exam is worth 40% of the mark so these lessons are worth attending to. Good luck.
Tuesday, Oct. 29: Another special event!!
We have memoir specialist and Camosun college instructor, Yvonne Blomer visiting the class. She will be giving us a writing workshop on the elements of this genre--the memoir. Your memoir will be due the following Tuesday, Nov. 5.
My marks are due Nov. 7 so I cannot allow any late extensions for this project.
Be sure to get the memoir completed.
Today: We made notes on Claudius' confession and on Hamelt's sixth soliloquy.
This weekend: Read all the side notes to Act 4. Make notes of the key events in your notebook. We start Act 5 on Monday.
YOU MUST FINISH YOUR USSR BOOK BY TUESDAY, PLEASE.
Read at least 15 pages of your USSR book.
Write for 10 minutes on the following topic chosen by Hannah:
Write about a time you used "mitigated speech", words which sugarcoat what you actually have to say. This one was fun!
Last night you read Claudius' soliloquy and Hamlet's solioquy # 6.
Why does Hamlet not kill Claudius?
Tomorrow: SPECIAL EVENT
We have expert exam prepper: Ms. Hilary Moyes to teach the class. Ms. Moyes will be visiting our class Thursdays and Fridays to work on the various sections of the exam. She and I will be team teaching the course so Ms. Moyes will be marking the assignments she asks you to do. She is great. You will LOVE her stories.
This exam is worth 40% of the mark so these lessons are worth attending to. Good luck.
Tuesday, Oct. 29: Another special event!!
We have memoir specialist and Camosun college instructor, Yvonne Blomer visiting the class. She will be giving us a writing workshop on the elements of this genre--the memoir. Your memoir will be due the following Tuesday, Nov. 5.
My marks are due Nov. 7 so I cannot allow any late extensions for this project.
Be sure to get the memoir completed.
Today: We made notes on Claudius' confession and on Hamelt's sixth soliloquy.
This weekend: Read all the side notes to Act 4. Make notes of the key events in your notebook. We start Act 5 on Monday.
YOU MUST FINISH YOUR USSR BOOK BY TUESDAY, PLEASE.
Writing 12: Workshop and Two Poems Due
Keep reading sample poems to get inspired.
Also due tomorrow, the poem which uses the purple line you chose from the envelope during Tuesday's class.
Nov. 5 your best 12 poems are DUE.... Keep at it. It's epiphany time.
Also due tomorrow, the poem which uses the purple line you chose from the envelope during Tuesday's class.
Nov. 5 your best 12 poems are DUE.... Keep at it. It's epiphany time.
English 10: YOU REALLY IMPRESSED THE UVIC VISITORS TODAY!!!
Comments: More impressive than other classes we've observed
Articulate responses. Amazing citing ability.
What we did today was difficult but when we work together, we learn. Please know that a big part of learning is struggle. If we help a butterfly out of a cocoon, it can't fly? Why? Because it needs that struggle to break free to strengthen the wings!!
Learning equals sweating.
When you offer an opinion, you must support it with evidence from the novel. You can't make things up! But, you can test out your theories.
Come up with an idea. Test it.
Ask: Where else did the character act in the way I'm suggesting?
What symbols are associated with the character? What do other characters
have to say about this character?
Creating opinions (inferences) is what we call READING.
Reading is not simply applying ideas you already know to the material.
Reading is being comfortable risking not knowing.
Tonight:
Finish reading chapter 15. Read it carefully. Be ready to discuss key quotations and back up your inferences with other events or symbols from the chapters you have read so far.
This weekend: You have three days off so I will expect you to read for an hour and a half at least which is 45 more pages.
Make time to read. If you are busy next week, read ahead.
What?
Dill's parents and why he runs away from his home in Meridian, Mississippi (end of chapter 14)
Mr. Cunningham, the night the gang from Old Sarum arrives to attack and possibly kill Tom Robinson says, “ ' I'll tell him you said hey, little lady'” (154). (End of chapter 15)
At the beginning of chapter 16, Scout narrates that “ The full meaning of the night's events hit me and I began to cry” (156).
For each of the items above, be sure to create a strong So What chart.
Next, read through chapter 16 and choose at least two quotations which you feel reveal key themes of the novel.
Articulate responses. Amazing citing ability.
What we did today was difficult but when we work together, we learn. Please know that a big part of learning is struggle. If we help a butterfly out of a cocoon, it can't fly? Why? Because it needs that struggle to break free to strengthen the wings!!
Learning equals sweating.
When you offer an opinion, you must support it with evidence from the novel. You can't make things up! But, you can test out your theories.
Come up with an idea. Test it.
Ask: Where else did the character act in the way I'm suggesting?
What symbols are associated with the character? What do other characters
have to say about this character?
Creating opinions (inferences) is what we call READING.
Reading is not simply applying ideas you already know to the material.
Reading is being comfortable risking not knowing.
Tonight:
Finish reading chapter 15. Read it carefully. Be ready to discuss key quotations and back up your inferences with other events or symbols from the chapters you have read so far.
This weekend: You have three days off so I will expect you to read for an hour and a half at least which is 45 more pages.
Make time to read. If you are busy next week, read ahead.
What?
Dill's parents and why he runs away from his home in Meridian, Mississippi (end of chapter 14)
Mr. Cunningham, the night the gang from Old Sarum arrives to attack and possibly kill Tom Robinson says, “ ' I'll tell him you said hey, little lady'” (154). (End of chapter 15)
At the beginning of chapter 16, Scout narrates that “ The full meaning of the night's events hit me and I began to cry” (156).
For each of the items above, be sure to create a strong So What chart.
Next, read through chapter 16 and choose at least two quotations which you feel reveal key themes of the novel.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
English 12: Great work today!! If you were away . . .
We finished Act 2 and watched Act 3, scenes 1 and 2. See if you can find it on youtube. Be sure to read Act 3, Scene 1 to read his third soliloquy "To be or not to be" and to see how he responds to Ophelia.
Make notes on Ophelia's soliloquy: page 50 line 153.
Remember that the final test is open notebook (notes you write only)
so create good notes. Write down quotations and cite properly.
We also watched Hamlet's fifth soliloquy which is very short. Make notes on it as well. Notice the tone. Page 58.
Tonight: Read Act 3 Scene 3. Be prepared to discuss Why Hamlet does not kill Claudius? I'm looking for answers which are not in the book. Make connections to the play in its entirety. Ask Cayden as he has a theory.
Focus tonight on Claudius' soliloquy on page 59 and Hamlet's soliloquy 6.
This is Hamlet's penultimate soliloquy as there are only 7 in the play.
The next seen is referred to as The Closet or Bedroom Scene. It's brilliant and sad and horrifying and murderous and so wonderful.
See you tomorrow.
Make notes on Ophelia's soliloquy: page 50 line 153.
Remember that the final test is open notebook (notes you write only)
so create good notes. Write down quotations and cite properly.
We also watched Hamlet's fifth soliloquy which is very short. Make notes on it as well. Notice the tone. Page 58.
Tonight: Read Act 3 Scene 3. Be prepared to discuss Why Hamlet does not kill Claudius? I'm looking for answers which are not in the book. Make connections to the play in its entirety. Ask Cayden as he has a theory.
Focus tonight on Claudius' soliloquy on page 59 and Hamlet's soliloquy 6.
This is Hamlet's penultimate soliloquy as there are only 7 in the play.
The next seen is referred to as The Closet or Bedroom Scene. It's brilliant and sad and horrifying and murderous and so wonderful.
See you tomorrow.
Writing 12: Edit the workshop poems and write a new poem using your purple line
DO PREPARE FOR WORKSHOP WELL.
DO WRITE A NEW POEM.
LA LA LA
DO WRITE A NEW POEM.
LA LA LA
English 10: The Most Amazing Class on the Planet!!!
I absolutely adore your enthusiasm for this course. Tonight, I will begin to read your stories. I read stories slowly, savouring the language, the plot, the symbols, the characters' deeds so I suspect I'll return them to you by Monday next.
I will return your Mockingbird paragraphs tomorrow.
Tonight: Finish reading chapters 13 and 14. They are not the most engaging of the novel but you will be rewarded by chapter 15 where someone almost DIES.
(scary music here)
Lucky you. Find a quiet spot. Read and enjoy.
I will return your Mockingbird paragraphs tomorrow.
Tonight: Finish reading chapters 13 and 14. They are not the most engaging of the novel but you will be rewarded by chapter 15 where someone almost DIES.
(scary music here)
Lucky you. Find a quiet spot. Read and enjoy.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Writing 12: the narrative lyric, how to title a poem, how to get from stanza 1 to 2 . ..
We did a lot of analysis today but didn't have time to write.
Consequently, tonight, you need to dedicate one half an hour to writing a poem on a topic of your choice which uses the poems we read today as models.
Today's poems chose political events to comment on. Once an artist makes a comment, it becomes political as your work of art effects change in opinion. Change equals politics.
You chose 1 technique to focus on tonight.
Arrive tomorrow with an account of your process. Could you do it? What did you learn? What do you need to know?
To prepare for tomorrow's presentation, google the works and life of poet and singer, Leonard Cohen. Stephanie and Holly present. Yay.
Your manuscripts are due Tuesday, Nov. 5.
I cannot accept late work as I must mark them and complete report cards by Nov. 7.
I will give you a criteria list for the setup of the manuscript and you must also send me an electronic copy. You will need to submit your BEST 12 poems. You are welcome to submit more though because there are a lot of contests and magazines that publish teen work and you'll want to have something to send to them.
Each night for the next two weeks, write and write and write.
By doing so, you will be in great shape to edit your poems because you will have conquered writer's block which is fear in the shape of self loathing.
Doubt is horrible and all artists have to find a way to deal with it. A healthy dose of doubt wards off arrogance and complacency. Seek balance.
Here is an idea:
You could put a label on your water bottle that says COURAGE so that every time you drink from it, you are swallowing the courage needed to fight the nemesis called W.B. (writer's block)
Courage is from the French world: le coeur (the heart) so by following your heart, you find courage. How lovely is that? _
Nighty night.
Consequently, tonight, you need to dedicate one half an hour to writing a poem on a topic of your choice which uses the poems we read today as models.
Today's poems chose political events to comment on. Once an artist makes a comment, it becomes political as your work of art effects change in opinion. Change equals politics.
You chose 1 technique to focus on tonight.
Arrive tomorrow with an account of your process. Could you do it? What did you learn? What do you need to know?
To prepare for tomorrow's presentation, google the works and life of poet and singer, Leonard Cohen. Stephanie and Holly present. Yay.
Your manuscripts are due Tuesday, Nov. 5.
I cannot accept late work as I must mark them and complete report cards by Nov. 7.
I will give you a criteria list for the setup of the manuscript and you must also send me an electronic copy. You will need to submit your BEST 12 poems. You are welcome to submit more though because there are a lot of contests and magazines that publish teen work and you'll want to have something to send to them.
Each night for the next two weeks, write and write and write.
By doing so, you will be in great shape to edit your poems because you will have conquered writer's block which is fear in the shape of self loathing.
Doubt is horrible and all artists have to find a way to deal with it. A healthy dose of doubt wards off arrogance and complacency. Seek balance.
Here is an idea:
You could put a label on your water bottle that says COURAGE so that every time you drink from it, you are swallowing the courage needed to fight the nemesis called W.B. (writer's block)
Courage is from the French world: le coeur (the heart) so by following your heart, you find courage. How lovely is that? _
Nighty night.
English 12: Hamlet: Act 2, Scene 3
We read parts of this scene. If you were absent, read the scene and also get the notes from a friend. I returned the soliloquy 1 analyses. Well done.
We added words 27 and 28 and we wrote for ten minutes on the topic: What am I really good at? This topic was chosen by Kyle who read aloud an excerpt from the book he is reading, The Outliers by Malcom Gladwell.
Tonight: Soliloquy 3 analysis: Create a solid what / so what? chart to reveal Hamlet's state of mind in this soliloquy. Three whats and nine so what bullets, please.
Vocabulary will be Tuesday on words 1 to 30. Start to study now.
Thanks for arriving prepared to work! Bring all your materials, too.
We added words 27 and 28 and we wrote for ten minutes on the topic: What am I really good at? This topic was chosen by Kyle who read aloud an excerpt from the book he is reading, The Outliers by Malcom Gladwell.
Tonight: Soliloquy 3 analysis: Create a solid what / so what? chart to reveal Hamlet's state of mind in this soliloquy. Three whats and nine so what bullets, please.
Vocabulary will be Tuesday on words 1 to 30. Start to study now.
Thanks for arriving prepared to work! Bring all your materials, too.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Writing 12: New seating plan! New workshop group! 3 copies of a poem due Monday
Those who missed class today need to make up the time at lunch Monday. Thanks. Ask for today's exercises and the handout.
WORKSHOP: Bring three copies of a new poem for peer editing. No lates, please.
I'm looking forward to reading your poems. I will get them back to you by Tuesday.
Monday, we'll discuss the manuscript deadline, the criteria, up-coming contests.
WHERE ARE YOU GOING THIS WEEK FOR A LITERARY EVENT?
If you have missed any of our three guest readers, you will need to make up extra literary events outside of class. Check the Thursday edition of The Times Colonist as it lists events for the week. Check the Planet Earth Poetry blog. Check U Vic Writing department.
WORKSHOP: Bring three copies of a new poem for peer editing. No lates, please.
I'm looking forward to reading your poems. I will get them back to you by Tuesday.
Monday, we'll discuss the manuscript deadline, the criteria, up-coming contests.
WHERE ARE YOU GOING THIS WEEK FOR A LITERARY EVENT?
If you have missed any of our three guest readers, you will need to make up extra literary events outside of class. Check the Thursday edition of The Times Colonist as it lists events for the week. Check the Planet Earth Poetry blog. Check U Vic Writing department.
English 10: Read to the end of chapter 11, revise your short story
If you were absent today, make sure you find someone to peer edit your story.
Revision means to re-evaluate the vision of the story.
Cut all adverbs and most adjectives.
Does the theme address a social or personal issue?
Show don't tell is your motto.
Are the characters unique rather than stereotyped?
Is the dialogue punctuated properly?
Does the language reflect the character? Check the diction.
Are the paragraphs indented?
Does it sound like a story we have studied in class?
Monday: We will be writing a paragraph on the first 11 chapters of the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. The question is Discuss three events in three lessons that Jem and/or Scout learn which make them question their beliefs about the world.
Follow our literary must-haves list, double space.
Create a strong what / so what chart before you begin writing.
Use all of your handouts: the how to integrate quotations sheet, the literary must-haves sheet, etc.
Tuesday:
Arrive to class with THREE copies of your story.
Today's draft edited by three of your peers.
The copy that you edit having read their suggestions.
Print this new copy out and edit it again.
Make more changes.
Finally, print out a good copy that you are proud of.
Yay. Glad you are so successful in English this year.
Revision means to re-evaluate the vision of the story.
Cut all adverbs and most adjectives.
Does the theme address a social or personal issue?
Show don't tell is your motto.
Are the characters unique rather than stereotyped?
Is the dialogue punctuated properly?
Does the language reflect the character? Check the diction.
Are the paragraphs indented?
Does it sound like a story we have studied in class?
Monday: We will be writing a paragraph on the first 11 chapters of the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. The question is Discuss three events in three lessons that Jem and/or Scout learn which make them question their beliefs about the world.
Follow our literary must-haves list, double space.
Create a strong what / so what chart before you begin writing.
Use all of your handouts: the how to integrate quotations sheet, the literary must-haves sheet, etc.
Tuesday:
Arrive to class with THREE copies of your story.
Today's draft edited by three of your peers.
The copy that you edit having read their suggestions.
Print this new copy out and edit it again.
Make more changes.
Finally, print out a good copy that you are proud of.
Yay. Glad you are so successful in English this year.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Writing 12: Plan a literary event to go to this week!! Two poems due tomorrow.
I'm going to Planet Earth Poetry Friday night.
Bryn has signed up for two writing workshops at the Victoria Writers Festival.
You could go to the free teen workshop (You must pre-register), remember?
You could go to one of the readings, panels or parties at the festival. It's at Camosun. Have fun!
Or you could go to this talk next Wednesday night:
Author of Us and Them
You must attend two literary events outside of class.
All writers attend events. You are writers. You attend events.
You know you want to.
These events are suitable for parents so invite Mom or Dad along or poor Uncle Harry who never gets invited to anything and have fun.
You'll probably have an inspiring experience AND you get marks, too.
What do you know, eh?
Toodles.
Bryn has signed up for two writing workshops at the Victoria Writers Festival.
You could go to the free teen workshop (You must pre-register), remember?
You could go to one of the readings, panels or parties at the festival. It's at Camosun. Have fun!
Or you could go to this talk next Wednesday night:
Susan,
Please come as my guest and bring your students, if this is of interest:
The Great Connect: PWAC Vic* and Friends Big Fall Event
(*Professional Writers Association of Canada, Victoria Chapter)
Are
you in touch these days or alone at your keyboard? Introducing the
Big Fall Event, for PWACers and friends, writer, students and future
writers. On Wednesday, Oct. 23, we'll discuss how we network and
share information with other writers, online or off. What are the best
websites, discussion groups, email lists for writers? How do you reach
editors, publishers, readers, clients and contacts through social media
like Facebook and Twitter? And how do you do all this efficiently,
because most of us don't have an extra few hours to spend. This will
be the focus of our discussions at the Great Connect, featuring Ruth
Linka, publisher of Victoria publishers Touchwood Editions, and
including two writer-to-writer sessions before and after her
talk. Ruth, you'll recall, gave an excellent overview of the state of
the publishing industry at our meeting last February. She's been
coaching writers about their networking strategy--with very good
results--since the era when social media was tea with the neighbor
listening to Peter Gzowski. This time, Ruth will be the main event
again, but we writers--PWACers, and we expect, an equal number of
guests--will share information about these issues, for the half hour
before Ruth speaks and the hour or so after at the Ross Bay Pub, a short
stumble from the Garry Oak. Ruth's talk will apply mostly to book
authors, but will also provide solid information for writers of all the
other forms of work our members are involved in. We really hope to
see you--and your writing friends and guests--on October 23. Invite one, two or ten if you like--experienced writers, students,
newbies,
even poets, or aligned folks like photographers, designers and editors.
If you teach a class, invite all your students. We're trying in
particular to attract younger people. Just forward this notice and
invite them. The Garry Oak Room holds 80 people--let's fill it.
Your
loyal executive thought it was time to share our chapter's experience
and one of our best programs of the year with the larger writing world
in Victoria. Among other things, we're hoping to attract some new
members (we have two who just signed up, hopefully you'll meet them on
the 23rd.) Please let us know if you're coming, how many guests
you'll bring, so we know if we need a hire a doorman.
So here’s the basic info:
WHAT: The Great Connect: PWAC Vic and Friends Big Fall Event
WHERE:
Garry Oak Room of the Fairfield Gonzales Community Association, 1335
Thurlow (at the back of Sir James Douglas School, a half block from Bill
and Penny's)
WHEN: Wed., Oct. 23
7-7:30 pm: writers meet and greet. Ask a writer you don't know--how do you connect with clients and other writers?
7:30-9 pm: Ruth Linka's inspiring, fact, filled talk: the writer online
Sid TaflerAuthor of Us and Them
You must attend two literary events outside of class.
All writers attend events. You are writers. You attend events.
You know you want to.
These events are suitable for parents so invite Mom or Dad along or poor Uncle Harry who never gets invited to anything and have fun.
You'll probably have an inspiring experience AND you get marks, too.
What do you know, eh?
Toodles.
English 10: How to write dialogue, how to punctuate dialogue, show don't tell
If you were absent today, ask me for a copy of the story, "Hot Chocolate" by Heath Johns. Also, borrow all the notes we took off the board and ask for a copy of the handout, how to punctuate dialogue.
Due tomorrow: A typed draft of your story. Double space. Title it. Make sure it meets the criteria. Bring a coloured pen for peer editing.
For Monday: Read to the end of chapter 11. Post-it note all of the following points so that you can write a paragraph during class on Monday.
Chapter 8: symbol of the snowman, 1/2 dirt, 1/2 snow, looks like Mr. Avery, the fire, Boo's blanket
Chapter 9: Why is Atticus defending Tom? Cecil Jacobs, Cousin Francis, Aunt Alexandra, Prejudice in families, Uncle Jack
Chapter 10: It's a sin to kill a mockingbird, One-shot Finch, Jem is proud of his dad
Chapter 11: How are Atticus and Mrs. Dubose alike? Also, find this quote: ' ' I've got to live with myself' ". and also find the essence of a man's conscience
Good luck editing your stories tonight.
Due tomorrow: A typed draft of your story. Double space. Title it. Make sure it meets the criteria. Bring a coloured pen for peer editing.
For Monday: Read to the end of chapter 11. Post-it note all of the following points so that you can write a paragraph during class on Monday.
Chapter 8: symbol of the snowman, 1/2 dirt, 1/2 snow, looks like Mr. Avery, the fire, Boo's blanket
Chapter 9: Why is Atticus defending Tom? Cecil Jacobs, Cousin Francis, Aunt Alexandra, Prejudice in families, Uncle Jack
Chapter 10: It's a sin to kill a mockingbird, One-shot Finch, Jem is proud of his dad
Chapter 11: How are Atticus and Mrs. Dubose alike? Also, find this quote: ' ' I've got to live with myself' ". and also find the essence of a man's conscience
Good luck editing your stories tonight.
English 12: I collected the soliloquy 1 paragraph
If you were absent today, you must bring a note if you want me to accept the paragraph that was due today.
Recap:
Assignments are due on the due date.
If you cannot meet the deadline, you must ask for an extension. You will then receive a new due date, which you must meet. Work not submitted on due dates receives a 0.
If you are absent from class, you must check the blog. I expect the work to be done. If the work is not completed, you must bring a note or email me to ask for an extension.
Any time you are absent, check the blog.
It is a good idea to check it daily as a form of review and connection to the learning that you did and to tune in to what is for homework.
WE DISCUSSED THE ABOVE GUIDELINES TODAY AND EVERYONE AGREES THE POLICIES ARE FAIR. PLEASE BE ADVISED.
We read 15 pages of our USSR books and we added the word qualm and grippe to our vocabulary list.
Next, I read a scene from a memoir by Trevor Blake, which described Trevor as a young boy growing up in Wales. His father smoked 40 cigarettes a day and their home was tiny so the air was unbreathable. No use complaining, he realized, so he'd spend hours outside. He learned to connect to the animals out there. He'd be out rain or shine. After several months outdoors, his marks improved and his athletic abilities. Soon he realized that he was developing ESP or extra-sensory perception. He could feel a storm coming even if the sky was coudless. He could predict what you were thinking.
I handed out new 1/2 Hilroy exercise books today for journal writing. We will write for ten mintues per class. You are welcome to write in it at home as well. These notes will be private so they are a great opportunity to explore what you think as you respond to memories or to current events in your life or in the world.
Today's assignment: Describe something you didn't like. (The smoke in the house in the example above). Describe what you did instead to change the situation. (Went outdoors). Describe what you discovered. (ESP)
Some topics will not appeal to your life so in that case, write fiction.
Other topics will be made just for you.
Starting Monday, each member of the class will read a good scene from the book they are reading and then present a topic for writing in our journals that day.
Next week:
Monday: Kyle
Tuesday: Alex
Wed: Hanna
Thurs: Sydney
Snacks tomorrow:
Yushi, Kyleigh, Quinn and Ben
Thanks!!
Homework:
We watched Act 1 scene five up to Hamlet's second soliloquy (lines 92 to 11). Read lines 1 to 92 so that you understand the ghost's message.
Read soliloquy 2: Create a thesis statement to answer the question below:
How does Hamlet react to the ghost?
Look for imagery, literary devices, allusions, cut-off thoughts, punctuation to help you interpret this passage.
Recap:
Assignments are due on the due date.
If you cannot meet the deadline, you must ask for an extension. You will then receive a new due date, which you must meet. Work not submitted on due dates receives a 0.
If you are absent from class, you must check the blog. I expect the work to be done. If the work is not completed, you must bring a note or email me to ask for an extension.
Any time you are absent, check the blog.
It is a good idea to check it daily as a form of review and connection to the learning that you did and to tune in to what is for homework.
WE DISCUSSED THE ABOVE GUIDELINES TODAY AND EVERYONE AGREES THE POLICIES ARE FAIR. PLEASE BE ADVISED.
We read 15 pages of our USSR books and we added the word qualm and grippe to our vocabulary list.
Next, I read a scene from a memoir by Trevor Blake, which described Trevor as a young boy growing up in Wales. His father smoked 40 cigarettes a day and their home was tiny so the air was unbreathable. No use complaining, he realized, so he'd spend hours outside. He learned to connect to the animals out there. He'd be out rain or shine. After several months outdoors, his marks improved and his athletic abilities. Soon he realized that he was developing ESP or extra-sensory perception. He could feel a storm coming even if the sky was coudless. He could predict what you were thinking.
I handed out new 1/2 Hilroy exercise books today for journal writing. We will write for ten mintues per class. You are welcome to write in it at home as well. These notes will be private so they are a great opportunity to explore what you think as you respond to memories or to current events in your life or in the world.
Today's assignment: Describe something you didn't like. (The smoke in the house in the example above). Describe what you did instead to change the situation. (Went outdoors). Describe what you discovered. (ESP)
Some topics will not appeal to your life so in that case, write fiction.
Other topics will be made just for you.
Starting Monday, each member of the class will read a good scene from the book they are reading and then present a topic for writing in our journals that day.
Next week:
Monday: Kyle
Tuesday: Alex
Wed: Hanna
Thurs: Sydney
Snacks tomorrow:
Yushi, Kyleigh, Quinn and Ben
Thanks!!
Homework:
We watched Act 1 scene five up to Hamlet's second soliloquy (lines 92 to 11). Read lines 1 to 92 so that you understand the ghost's message.
Read soliloquy 2: Create a thesis statement to answer the question below:
How does Hamlet react to the ghost?
Look for imagery, literary devices, allusions, cut-off thoughts, punctuation to help you interpret this passage.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Writing 12: Two poems due Friday. Prepare for a talking circle . . .
It is the way to hear your own voice.
Ms. Van Leeuwen has invited us to join her English 11 class to have a talking circle in honour of our ancestors and to support Canada Reads 2013 novelist, Richard Wagamese, who will be reading at Claremont, period 1 and 2, Nov. 25th!! Lucky yuuuzzze.
If you haven't read this amazing novel yet, I highly recommend that you purchase a copy. It's called Indian Horse and it's about the life of a First Nations young boy and his relationship to identity, society, residential schools and to hockey.
The opening begins in a traditional oral manner:
My name is Saul Indian Horse. I am the son of Mary Mandamin and John Indian Horse. My grandfather was called Solomon so my name si the diminutive of his. My people are from the Fish Clan of the noerthern Ojibway, the Anishinabeg, we call ourselves. We made our home in the territories along the Winnipeg River, where the river opens wide before crossing into Manitoba after it leaves Lake of the Woods and thre rugged spine of northern Ontario. They say that our cheekbones are cut from those granite ridges that rise above our homeland. They say that the deep brown of our eyes seeped out of the fecund earrth that surrounds the lakes and markshes. The Old Ones say that our long straight hair comes from the waving grasses that thatch the edges of bays. Our feet and hands are broad and flat and strong, like the paws of a bear. Our ancestors learned to travel easily through territories that the Zhaunagush, the white man, later feared asn sought our hlep to navigate. Our talk rolls and tumbles like the rivers that served as our roads. Our legends tell of how we emerged from the womb of our Mother the Earth; Aki is the name we have for her. We sprng forth intact, with Aki's heartbeat trumming in our ears, prepared to become her stewards and protectors.
When I was born our people still talked this way. We had not yet stepped beyond the influence of our legends. That was a border my generation crossed, and we pine for a return that has never come to be.
These people here want me to tell my story. They say I can't understa nd where I'm going if I don't understand where I've been. The answers are within me, according to them. By telling our stories, hardcore drunks like me can set ourselves free from the bottle and the life that took us there.
I was taught by a Dene professor for one of my courses in Curriculum Studies at U Vic for my masters degree. It was a transformative process.
I hope you will enter this new experience with curiosity and humility. Since you are in Writing 12, your stories may be more embellished with imagery than the ones written by the 11s. That's okay.
You must speak on the spot. You can't read anything. You simply speak into the circle while you hold the talking stick. When not speaking, you listen by letting the words float over you. The circle is symbolic of community and connection. One can so often feel alone in a giant school such as Claremont. By calling upon the rituals of our First Peoples, we are a stronger school and a stronger nation.
You can google Richard Wagamese and you can find him on Facebook.
Ms. Van Leeuwen has invited us to join her English 11 class to have a talking circle in honour of our ancestors and to support Canada Reads 2013 novelist, Richard Wagamese, who will be reading at Claremont, period 1 and 2, Nov. 25th!! Lucky yuuuzzze.
If you haven't read this amazing novel yet, I highly recommend that you purchase a copy. It's called Indian Horse and it's about the life of a First Nations young boy and his relationship to identity, society, residential schools and to hockey.
The opening begins in a traditional oral manner:
My name is Saul Indian Horse. I am the son of Mary Mandamin and John Indian Horse. My grandfather was called Solomon so my name si the diminutive of his. My people are from the Fish Clan of the noerthern Ojibway, the Anishinabeg, we call ourselves. We made our home in the territories along the Winnipeg River, where the river opens wide before crossing into Manitoba after it leaves Lake of the Woods and thre rugged spine of northern Ontario. They say that our cheekbones are cut from those granite ridges that rise above our homeland. They say that the deep brown of our eyes seeped out of the fecund earrth that surrounds the lakes and markshes. The Old Ones say that our long straight hair comes from the waving grasses that thatch the edges of bays. Our feet and hands are broad and flat and strong, like the paws of a bear. Our ancestors learned to travel easily through territories that the Zhaunagush, the white man, later feared asn sought our hlep to navigate. Our talk rolls and tumbles like the rivers that served as our roads. Our legends tell of how we emerged from the womb of our Mother the Earth; Aki is the name we have for her. We sprng forth intact, with Aki's heartbeat trumming in our ears, prepared to become her stewards and protectors.
When I was born our people still talked this way. We had not yet stepped beyond the influence of our legends. That was a border my generation crossed, and we pine for a return that has never come to be.
These people here want me to tell my story. They say I can't understa nd where I'm going if I don't understand where I've been. The answers are within me, according to them. By telling our stories, hardcore drunks like me can set ourselves free from the bottle and the life that took us there.
Tomorrow: We will get a chance to experience a talking circle.
What is a talking circle?
It is absolutely wonderful to connect to our stories and to one another in a gigantic circle of talk. Think about what you would like to say about yourself and where you "come" from. Use imagery to highlight your people, land, neighbourhood, etc. Read the sample above for ideas and think about what has shaped you?
For me it is certainly Port Hope and Hope Township, Ontario where I lived until I moved to Victoria when I was 19. This area is on Lake Ontario and is surrounded by lush farms and rolling hills, tall maples that blaze yellow, orange, and red each October. A lake so large it looks like an ocean and the Ganaraska River where I would catch crayfish and float in the rapids and jump of the old stone bridge at a park called Sylvan Glen. This small town let me see it all. The poor, the rich, the educated, the lonely, the brave, the cowardly, the mean, the dirty, the artists, the leaders, the weak, the dying. When I return and stand on the shores of that lake or on the bridge beside the library where I spent hours researching and reading about the world I knew I would travel one day, that river, that renewal is who I am. Barefoot, free, child-like and bold.
Your diction will not necessarily sound like the diction in the Wagamese excerpt above unless you are First Nations. Your diction will reflect YOU. Your images will reflect you. You send your story into the centre of the circle so you are not talking to any ONE person. You are putting your story out into the world to honour where you are from, who you are and what you may become.
I was taught by a Dene professor for one of my courses in Curriculum Studies at U Vic for my masters degree. It was a transformative process.
I hope you will enter this new experience with curiosity and humility. Since you are in Writing 12, your stories may be more embellished with imagery than the ones written by the 11s. That's okay.
You must speak on the spot. You can't read anything. You simply speak into the circle while you hold the talking stick. When not speaking, you listen by letting the words float over you. The circle is symbolic of community and connection. One can so often feel alone in a giant school such as Claremont. By calling upon the rituals of our First Peoples, we are a stronger school and a stronger nation.
You can google Richard Wagamese and you can find him on Facebook.
English 10: A paragraph in 30 minutes? We did it!!!
Today during USSR, we read chapters 6 and 7 with a purpose. Each student had a number of post-it notes to tack to key quotes they would later use in the paragraph. If you were absent today, please complete the paragraph at home.
We read the two chapters in 20 minutes. Spent 10 minutes creating a chart and 30 minutes writing the formal, literary paragraph.
Discuss how Jem learns the truth about Boo. In your discussion, be sure to examine the reasons Jem cries at his discoveries (at the end of chapter 7).
Be sure to create a solid, insightful chart before you begin writing.
Tomorrow, we will review how to write and punctuate dialogue.
PLEASE BRING A PAGE OF DIALOGUE FROM YOUR STORY FOR A QUICK EDITING SESSION.
YOUR COMPLETED STORY (READY FOR PEER EDITING) IS DUE FRIDAY.
Type it out. Edit it as best you can. Focus on the criteria you will be marked on. Double space it. Print it out.
We read the two chapters in 20 minutes. Spent 10 minutes creating a chart and 30 minutes writing the formal, literary paragraph.
Discuss how Jem learns the truth about Boo. In your discussion, be sure to examine the reasons Jem cries at his discoveries (at the end of chapter 7).
Be sure to create a solid, insightful chart before you begin writing.
Tomorrow, we will review how to write and punctuate dialogue.
PLEASE BRING A PAGE OF DIALOGUE FROM YOUR STORY FOR A QUICK EDITING SESSION.
YOUR COMPLETED STORY (READY FOR PEER EDITING) IS DUE FRIDAY.
Type it out. Edit it as best you can. Focus on the criteria you will be marked on. Double space it. Print it out.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
English 12: You need to be at page 165 by tomorrow. Thanks!!
Keep reading your USSR books. Look for good ideas for your own memoir.
I've got Camosun college memoir teacher, Yvonne Blomer, booked to visit the class, Oct. 29th to get you started on your memoir.
Today, we re-read Hamlet's first soliloquy (1.2.129-159) and worked in groups to provide answers to the following question:
Discuss the use of any three of the following techniques used in the sililoquy that reveal Hamlet's state of mind. What is the technique? How does it reveal his state of mind. Don't simply say that he is suicidal. There is more to the soliloquy than that.
Search for any three of the following:
Your thesis and subsequent evidence needs to explore an idea that is not directly stated in the soliloquy. It says he is suicidal and upset so these two ideas will not be in your thesis, right?
Good luck.
If you were absent today, get the notes from a friend. I expect your paragraphs on Thursday, too.
I've got Camosun college memoir teacher, Yvonne Blomer, booked to visit the class, Oct. 29th to get you started on your memoir.
Today, we re-read Hamlet's first soliloquy (1.2.129-159) and worked in groups to provide answers to the following question:
Discuss the use of any three of the following techniques used in the sililoquy that reveal Hamlet's state of mind. What is the technique? How does it reveal his state of mind. Don't simply say that he is suicidal. There is more to the soliloquy than that.
Search for any three of the following:
- imagery
- hyperbole
- diction (word choice)
- tone
- rhetorical questions
- allusions
- punctuation
- puns
- what is unstated
- figurative language (metaphor, simile, personification,)
Your thesis and subsequent evidence needs to explore an idea that is not directly stated in the soliloquy. It says he is suicidal and upset so these two ideas will not be in your thesis, right?
Good luck.
If you were absent today, get the notes from a friend. I expect your paragraphs on Thursday, too.
Writing 12: Jay Ruzesky / Belfry responses due
Pantoum is due tomorrow. Typed or handwritten is fine.
You need to get into the habit of writing each night.
Every night there is homework in writing class.
Often, you decide what it is.
Choosing to take a night off will not help build skills in the long run.
You need to be in shape for when the poem wishes to arrive.
Tomorrow, during workshop, you must spend at least 10 minutes per poem.
We edited Prasant's poem today as a class.
What did you learn from that experience? Be prepared to discuss it tomorrow as we proceed.
Your two poems this week will be due Friday.
Please, do not hand in "exercises". Instead, hand in something that you know
meets the criteria, something that surprises you, something you'd like to publish one day,
once you have all the bugs out.
Also, do come and see me after school or before school or during lab time so that
you get some one to one time.
To check to see if you have one a BCTELA writing prize from last year, Google BCTELA
and the winners are announced on their home page.
There are a lot of Claremont names.
Way to go!!
Also, I have heard from Bryn that he has registered for a writing workshop this weekend at the Victoria Writers Festival. Let me know if you intend to go.
There are also two fabulous poets reading at Planet Earth Poetry, Friday night, at the MOka HOuse
Cafe on Hillside across from the Hillside Mall, near Shelbourne St. $3.00 cover charge.
Barbara Pelman is reading and Jeannette Lynes. We have all of their books in our library. Check them out! (Chocolate bar for anyone who gets this pun and emails me the two meanings). la la la
You need to get into the habit of writing each night.
Every night there is homework in writing class.
Often, you decide what it is.
Choosing to take a night off will not help build skills in the long run.
You need to be in shape for when the poem wishes to arrive.
Tomorrow, during workshop, you must spend at least 10 minutes per poem.
We edited Prasant's poem today as a class.
What did you learn from that experience? Be prepared to discuss it tomorrow as we proceed.
Your two poems this week will be due Friday.
Please, do not hand in "exercises". Instead, hand in something that you know
meets the criteria, something that surprises you, something you'd like to publish one day,
once you have all the bugs out.
Also, do come and see me after school or before school or during lab time so that
you get some one to one time.
To check to see if you have one a BCTELA writing prize from last year, Google BCTELA
and the winners are announced on their home page.
There are a lot of Claremont names.
Way to go!!
Also, I have heard from Bryn that he has registered for a writing workshop this weekend at the Victoria Writers Festival. Let me know if you intend to go.
There are also two fabulous poets reading at Planet Earth Poetry, Friday night, at the MOka HOuse
Cafe on Hillside across from the Hillside Mall, near Shelbourne St. $3.00 cover charge.
Barbara Pelman is reading and Jeannette Lynes. We have all of their books in our library. Check them out! (Chocolate bar for anyone who gets this pun and emails me the two meanings). la la la
English 10: Paragraph / Short Story
Today we read chapters 4 and 5 of To Kill a Mockingbird and wrote a 250 to 350 word paragraph on the depth of prejudice in Maycomb.
Homework all this week is to spend the time needed to complete a strong draft of your short story. See previous blogs for ideas.
Many of you are in the privileged situation of having completed a draft so your job now is to revise and edit each night.
Show don't tell is the MOST important criteria for this assignment.
Homework all this week is to spend the time needed to complete a strong draft of your short story. See previous blogs for ideas.
Many of you are in the privileged situation of having completed a draft so your job now is to revise and edit each night.
Show don't tell is the MOST important criteria for this assignment.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
English 12: We read and read and read and read . ..
Friday was a reading block.
Thanks to Suhyeon for bringing snacks.
Please check the list behind my desk so you know which date you signed up for.
Hope you can make time to read this weekend in between helpings of
Thanksgiving feasts. You need to be at page 150 by Tuesday, please.
Tuesday, we'll finish reading Hamlet's first soliloquy and you will be writing a paragraph on it.
If you'd like to prepare notes in advance, look for evidence of his state of mind.
Find good examples of imagery, hyperbole, allusions, diction, tone, and any other
figurative techniques used to demonstrate his state of mind.
Thanks to Suhyeon for bringing snacks.
Please check the list behind my desk so you know which date you signed up for.
Hope you can make time to read this weekend in between helpings of
Thanksgiving feasts. You need to be at page 150 by Tuesday, please.
Tuesday, we'll finish reading Hamlet's first soliloquy and you will be writing a paragraph on it.
If you'd like to prepare notes in advance, look for evidence of his state of mind.
Find good examples of imagery, hyperbole, allusions, diction, tone, and any other
figurative techniques used to demonstrate his state of mind.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Writing 12: Thanks for all the great questions asked today!!
Absolutely wonderful response to our guest today.
Thank you!
This weekend: Do the homework Jay suggested. A metaphor walk. What a great idea.
This red maple tree -- Barbara's shiny stilletos or as red as the eye of Jupiter.
You are getting a little closer to manuscript deadline so your pile of poetry needs to be read, re-read, and edited this week.
I'm seeing a lot of people simply handing in the exercises we do in class with very little editing. If that's all you do, you're missing out on finding a way to express what is really going on for you right now. You are a living archive for your generation. Let's hear your voices.
And you probably have heard this adage before but it's a good one:
Learning involves effort.
No way that I know of around that fact.
Due Tuesday:
1. Belfry Response (Thanks to those who submitted it today!)
2. Jay Ruzesky Response (or Wednesday)
3. 3 copies of a poem for workshop (If you "forget", I will need to offer you uncomfortable consequences).
This is a short week so I will accept TWO new poems on Friday. Okay?
We need to focus on how to workshop / edit this week.
TONIGHT: IF YOU WISH TO REGISTER FOR THE FREE TEEN WORKSHOP, PLEASE DO SO. IF YOU WISH TO ENTER A POEM TO WIN ONE OF THE WORKSHOPS WHICH COST $30.00, YOU HAVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT. GOOD LUCK.
Now, would be a good time to organize your literary event. Why not go to the Victoria Writers' Festival and support your local, provincial and national writers? Tickets are reasonable. Might be a great date night? The Friday night usually involves great food, too. Mingle with the writers. Tell them what you are writing about.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you!
This weekend: Do the homework Jay suggested. A metaphor walk. What a great idea.
This red maple tree -- Barbara's shiny stilletos or as red as the eye of Jupiter.
You are getting a little closer to manuscript deadline so your pile of poetry needs to be read, re-read, and edited this week.
I'm seeing a lot of people simply handing in the exercises we do in class with very little editing. If that's all you do, you're missing out on finding a way to express what is really going on for you right now. You are a living archive for your generation. Let's hear your voices.
And you probably have heard this adage before but it's a good one:
Learning involves effort.
No way that I know of around that fact.
Due Tuesday:
1. Belfry Response (Thanks to those who submitted it today!)
2. Jay Ruzesky Response (or Wednesday)
3. 3 copies of a poem for workshop (If you "forget", I will need to offer you uncomfortable consequences).
This is a short week so I will accept TWO new poems on Friday. Okay?
We need to focus on how to workshop / edit this week.
TONIGHT: IF YOU WISH TO REGISTER FOR THE FREE TEEN WORKSHOP, PLEASE DO SO. IF YOU WISH TO ENTER A POEM TO WIN ONE OF THE WORKSHOPS WHICH COST $30.00, YOU HAVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT. GOOD LUCK.
Now, would be a good time to organize your literary event. Why not go to the Victoria Writers' Festival and support your local, provincial and national writers? Tickets are reasonable. Might be a great date night? The Friday night usually involves great food, too. Mingle with the writers. Tell them what you are writing about.
Happy Thanksgiving.
English 10: Spend a half hour each day writing a good draft . . .
You were able to get a good start on your stories today. Some of you chose to re-read our samples for ideas, while others have completed your first two pages.
Well done.
Homework: Due to the large number of students who did not do the homework last night, I have cancelled our computer lab time. We will continue with our novel study on Tuesday. You may read ahead if you have extra time this weekend.
Note change of due date:
Bring a double spaced draft copy of your story, typed to class Friday, Oct. 18th. You must have it printed out before 9 a.m. If you can't print at home, arrive early or print it out the day before. Make sure you are following the criteria you wrote down in your notebooks.
The people who read their sample paragraphs aloud today clearly demonstrated how strong writing can be when 99% of adjectives and adverbs are eliminated. Show don't tell is your motto. Actions speak louder than words.
Bring any questions you have to class on Tuesday. I am also willing to discuss your progress before or after school next week.
Pace yourself. Create something you are proud to have written.
Well done.
Homework: Due to the large number of students who did not do the homework last night, I have cancelled our computer lab time. We will continue with our novel study on Tuesday. You may read ahead if you have extra time this weekend.
Note change of due date:
Bring a double spaced draft copy of your story, typed to class Friday, Oct. 18th. You must have it printed out before 9 a.m. If you can't print at home, arrive early or print it out the day before. Make sure you are following the criteria you wrote down in your notebooks.
The people who read their sample paragraphs aloud today clearly demonstrated how strong writing can be when 99% of adjectives and adverbs are eliminated. Show don't tell is your motto. Actions speak louder than words.
Bring any questions you have to class on Tuesday. I am also willing to discuss your progress before or after school next week.
Pace yourself. Create something you are proud to have written.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Writing 12: Jay Ruzesky is coming to class tomorrow!!
Have a look at Jay's website:
Jay Ruzesky
The best questions are ones that you really want answered.
I love the questions which refer to poems that Jay has written or other books that he has written.
Be prepared. Think about a question tonight.
HOMEWORK:
BELFRY THEATRE RESPONSES DUE FRIDAY.
JAY RUZESKY RESPONSES DUE TUESDAY.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING.
Goodnight Desdemona, Good morning, Juliet
Jay Ruzesky
The best questions are ones that you really want answered.
I love the questions which refer to poems that Jay has written or other books that he has written.
Be prepared. Think about a question tonight.
HOMEWORK:
BELFRY THEATRE RESPONSES DUE FRIDAY.
JAY RUZESKY RESPONSES DUE TUESDAY.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING.
Goodnight Desdemona, Good morning, Juliet
English 10: Short Story Draft Due next Thursday, Oct 17! Draft. Double-spaced.
Criteria:
Homework:
Describe a house on your street in 10 or more sentences. Use details which evoke sadness. You are attempting to make the reader feel sorrow so choose details which will make the reader feel sad. You can't "just say it"; you must show it.
Tomorrow: We will work on your stories.
Be sure that you have read to the end of chapter 3. You will need to read the novel this weekend. Try to finish the first section by Wednesday.
- Write about something in your family, neighbourhood, school, or world that you wish to investigate (What bugs you?) (What can't you accept?)
- Choose a very small incident to explore (a photograph moment)
- Actions speak louder than words so put your characters in an uncomfortable situation and watch them squirm their way out of it
- Cut almost every adjective and adverb and use specific nouns and strong verbs that create the atmosphere you wish to achieve
- Aim for 1200 to 1500 words (This story is quite short. The length imitates Leon Rooke's story, "Want to Play House?"
- Choose a title which can act as a symbol. Think of the symbols in the titles of the stories that we studied: a sick pigeon, a lamp at noon, a doll's house, a line in the sand in "Want to Play House?", a haunted house in Whiteford's "Haunted House"
- Imitate the styles of the stories we have read.
- Re-read "Haunted House" because it was written by a student and it was published in The Claremont Reveiw.
Homework:
Describe a house on your street in 10 or more sentences. Use details which evoke sadness. You are attempting to make the reader feel sorrow so choose details which will make the reader feel sad. You can't "just say it"; you must show it.
Tomorrow: We will work on your stories.
Be sure that you have read to the end of chapter 3. You will need to read the novel this weekend. Try to finish the first section by Wednesday.
Alice Munro--the first Canadian Nobel Prize for Literature Winner
I'm overwhelmed by this win. As Alice Munro, says, she is grateful that this award will bring more attention to Canadian writing.
I agree. I have tears in my eyes as I write this!!
Listen to an interview with Munro's publisher
I agree. I have tears in my eyes as I write this!!
Listen to an interview with Munro's publisher
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
English 12: Read Hamlet's soliloquy on page 21 Belfry Trip Tomorrow
Describe Hamlet's state of mind in this soliloquy.
In order to answer this question, look closely at the following elements:
Date: October 9, 2013
In order to answer this question, look closely at the following elements:
- tone
- punctuation
- incomplete thoughts
- literary devices such as allusion, hyperbole, understatement, rhetorical questions etc
- content / context for the soliloquy
- imagery
You will write a response during class on Friday.
Belfry Theatre Trip
Meet out front at noon. Bring your lunch as you can eat on the bus.
Dress appropriately for a public outing.
You may wish to dress up a little.
We will leave your packs and phones on the bus so be prepared
for a lovely afternoon of entertainment and intrigue.
If you have not read Othello, I suggest you google a summary of the story so that you know the plot.
The play we are seeing tomorrow is called Goodnight Desdemona, Good morning, Juliet, by Anne-Marie Macdonald.
Date: October 9, 2013
To: Susan Stenson,
Claremont High School
From: Casey
Fitterer
Box
Office Manager
Dear Susan,
Thank you
for booking a student group at the Belfry Theatre and for choosing to make live
theatre part of your students’ educational experience. As per our conversation, I have booked:
61 student
tickets and 6 complimentary chaperones, for the Thursday October 10 1:00pm
performance of Goodnight Desdemona (Good
Morning Juliet).
To ensure
an enjoyable event for everyone, we also ask that you review the following
points with your students:
§
Please try to have all members of your group here ½ an
hour prior to the performance. It takes
some time to process a group. Any patron
who arrives late will be seated at the discretion of our Front of House Manager
in the Latecomers’ Seats at the back of the theatre as to avoid disruption to
the actors and other patrons. If they
arrive too late, we may not be able to seat them at all.
§
The Belfry sells drinks and snacks before the
performance, which can be taken in to the theatre. Food and drink brought in from outside the
Belfry may not be taken into the theatre (with the possible exception of
plastic or steel water bottles). We
suggest you allow your students plenty of time to eat their lunches prior to
arriving at the theatre.
§
Any student or teacher who needs to leave during the
performance will be re-seated in the Latecomers’ Seats at an appropriate break
in the performance by our Front of House Manager. This is standard policy to minimize
disruption to the actors and other patrons.
Therefore we recommend that students and teachers use the facilities
prior to the performance.
§
We request that patrons turn off all electronic
devices prior to entering the theatre; ask your students to refrain from
texting or even opening their phones during the performance; the light from the
screens can be very distracting. If you
need to be contacted in an emergency, please leave your name and seat number
with our House Manager. No cameras or recording devices are
permitted in the theatre.
§
Please refrain from using perfume and cologne when you
come to the theatre. Some of our parons
are highly allergic to scents.
§
We make every effort to advise you of strong language,
subject matter or extreme technical effects (strobe lights, fog). Please look for signs at the entrances to the
theatre. This production uses stage fog, stage haze, and strobe lighting. There is some strong language, and suggestive
content.
§
During Thursday matinees, there is no off-street
parking available. In addition, many
streets in the Fernwood area are designated “Residential parking only”. We suggest using Stanley Avenue or Pembroke Street,
or the 1400-block of Gladstone Avenue.
Please allow enough time to find adequate parking.
§
Casual atmosphere: our audience ranges in age from 15
to 95 and wears everything from suits to jeans to the theatre.
§
Access: The Belfry is fully wheelchair accessible,
including a wheelchair accessible washroom.
There is a ramp along the west side of the building, for those who have
difficulty with stairs. Go to the second
door, and ring the doorbell; a staff member will let you in. If any members of your group
require special seating or assistance, please arrange that with me ahead of
time, rather than waiting until you arrive at the theatre. Performances often sell out ahead of time,
and we may not be able to accommodate special requests on short notice.
Thank you for your assistance in
communicating these points to your students and we look forward to seeing you
at the theatre. If you have any further
questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (250)385-6835 or email: boxoffice@belfry.bc.ca
Sincerely,
Casey Fitterer
Box Office Manager
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