Thurs. Dec. 19 Unit exam

Today, your wrote your unit exam focusing on comprehension of the text The Merchant of Venice.

Tues. Dec. 17 Merchant Film

Today, we finished watching the film The Merchant of Venice.  I handed back your Act III questions and reminded you that your Act IV and V questions are now past-due. I need everything hande in prior to the break in order to avoid an NHI.
You will have your comprehension test on this unit on Thursday. It will be in a fill in the blanks (matching), multiple choice, and true false format.

Fri. Dec. 13 Merchant of Venice

Today, I handed out updated progress reports which I want signed by a parent or guardian. I also informed you that you will be writing a comprehension quiz on The Merchant of Venice next Thursday. I also reminded you that your Act IV and V questions are now due.
We then watched the feature film The Merchant of Venice, starring Al Pacino (up to 115:47).

Wed. Dec. 11 Merchant Completion

Today, we finished reading The Merchant of Venice and started watching the feature film for it (the Al Pacino version). we watched up to 31:51 minutes in. I also reminded the class that their questions for the last two acts are due.

Mon. Dec. 9. Merchant of Venice.

Today, we read up to Act 5, Scene 1, line 209 (the top of page 225) of The Merchant of Venice. Be sure to stay on top of your questions.

Thurs. Dec. 5 Merchant of Venice

Today, we read up to Act 4, scene 1, line 344 (page 197) of The Merchant of Venice. You were to hand in your Act III questions today. If you haven't, get them in tomorrow as I won't get to them until the weekend. I also handed out the Act IV questions.

Teus. Dec. 3 Merchant of Venice

Today, we read up to Act 4 of The Merchant of Venice. This means that your Act III questions are now due. I also spent time gong over the Act II questions that have been returned to you. It is important that you take more time to ensure you have answered the questions as fully as needed to actually meet the task requested (supplying evidence to back up an opinion).

Fri. Nov. 29 Merchant of Vencie Act 3

Today, we finished reading up to Act 3, scene 11, (page 149, line 297). You also had to hand in your Act II questions today.

Wed. Nov. 27 Act III Merchant of Venice

Today, we finished reading Act II of The Merchant of Venice. Act II answers are due on Friday. We then started reading Act III of The Merchant of Venice. The questions for Act III were also handed out so you can work on them as we read. We read All of Act III, scene I (end of page 127).

Mon. Nov. 25 Merchant of Venice

Today, we discussed the answers to Act I of The Merchant of Venice. If you didn't get these questions in, you were provided with alternative questions as I had to hand these back. Get these done and I will remove the NHI. We then read Up to the end of Act 2, Scene 8 (page 105). You were then give class time to work on your Act II questions.

Thurs. Nov. 21 Merchant of Venice

Today, you handed in your answers for the first act of The Merchant of Venice. We then read up to the end of Act I, scene 6.  We will start Act I, scene 7 on Monday. I also want you to finish answering the correcponding questions in the booklet I gave you.

Tues. Nov. 19 Merchant of Venice

Today, we discussed Act I of the play (and completed it). You are to have the Act I questions completed and submitted for Thursday (you can always hand in early if you will be missing on Thursday). We then read Act II, scene i and part of scene ii up to when the servant leaves after speaking to Bassanio (page 63, line 113).
I then handed out the vocabulary and questions for Act II.

If you are absent, one trick that works is to go to "no fear shakespeare merchant of venice" This site will show you the act on one side and a modern translation on the other. It will make the task of reading alone much easier. I still insist you read the Shakespeare version first in order to become familiar with the language.

Fri. Nov. 15 Merchant Act I

Today, were finished reading Act I, scene I, Act I, scene II and part of Act I scene three up to page 39, line 94.
For this weekend, you are to define all terms on the sheet given and then answer the questions for Act I scene I and Act I, scene II. These are due on Tuesday.

Wed. Nov. 13 Merchant Act I

Today, you handed in your Sonnet 130 analysis and exercise.
I then instructed you to take out the playscript for The Merchant of Venice.
I explained that the text is set up so that there is a summary at the beginning of every act and scene, that there are explanations of terms and hard to understand words on the left hand side of each page of script, and that there are questions to start us off in discussion about the text we have read.
I then assigned roles for Act I and we began to read it (in a circle format).
As part of this reading, I focused on examples of personification, allusion and the importance of reading with punctuation in mind (stop at semi-colons and periods, chang direction at periods; keep reading at the end of one line if there is no punctuation present to stop you.
We were able to read up to Act I, scene I, line 120 (page 15).

Fri. Nov. 8: Shakespeare Analysis

Today. we reviewed your answers from last class on determining rhyme scheme (iambic pentameter). You then handed these in.
I then gave you a sonnet to read. We reviewed active reading and analysis, and then you had time to work on this. I also gave you multiple choice questions to answer after the analysis portion is complete (don't just jump into the questions, as you must know the poem in order to really "get" the questions).
These are due for Wednesday. If you were not here today, the readings and questions are in your portfolio.

I am pasting the sonnet here as it is available online. However, you will have to come in on Tuesday and get the questions from the portfolio.

Sonnet CXXX

My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun;
Coral is far more red than her lips' red;
If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;
If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.
I have seen roses damask'd, red and white,
But no such roses see I in her cheeks;
And in some perfumes is there more delight
Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.
I love to hear her speak, yet well I know
That music hath a far more pleasing sound;
I grant I never saw a goddess go;
My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground:
And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare
As any she belied with false compare.

Wed. Nov. 6: Iambic Pentametre

Today, we discussed iambic pentametre. If you weren't here, the abridged notes are in your portfolio. I tehn gave you an assignment to complete for Friday. If you weren't here, it is in your portfolio. If absent, be sure to check your portfolio on the day you return, regardless of whether it is a scheduled class day or not. This way, you will stay caught up and still have time to talk to me if you are confused.

Mon. Nov. 4 Merchant Intro

Today, I gave you notes and presented a Powerpoint on The Merchant of Venice. If you were not here, a copy of he Powerpoint (in note form) is in your portfolio. Be sure to come in and get it tomorrow so you can review it for Wednesday.

Thurs. Oct. 31 Commas, Shakespeare Quiz, test review

Today, you wrore a quiz on Shakespearean terms in which you had to follow the instructions exactly in order to get the mark.
I then handed out your test (poetry) for you to review. As a class, you were very successful on this test, which is awesome!
I then reviewed the rest of the "commas" exercise concerns that we didn't complete on Tuesday.
Finally, you went to the library and signed out your own copy of The Merchant of Venice which you will need from this class onward.

Tues. Oct. 29 Commas review

Today, we discussed the comma sentences/rules you as a class had the most trouble with. The quiz you were to have today has been moved to Thursday (really helpful to absent students!), and the test you wrote will also be examined then.

I also added a number of words to your Shakespeare vocabulary. Thel will appear many times, are not "appropriate" but, if not understood, are very confusing. If you were not here, you will need to look up the meanings on your own and also determine whether they are connotative (positive or negative) or denotative.

Wench
sirrah
fie
impotent (archaic meaning)
slattern

Fri. Oct. 25 Shakespeare assignments

Today, we finished our introductory discussion of Shakespeare. We specifically examined the language. In order to get you guys to "see" how the language has evolved, I located some work by others in which they took modern lyrics and rewrote them in archaic (Old English) language. You were then given a worksheet on these to complete for Tuesday (if you were not here, it is in your portfolio and is due on Wednesday).

I also gave you a lilst of words that you have to be able to know the modern meanings of for a quiz you will have on Tuesday. I have pasted the list below so you can stay caught up.

'gainst     means     against
thou        means     you
ne'er        means     never
'gins        means     begins
sooth       means     truth
thy          means      your
thee         means     him/her
whence   means     where
hast         means     has
quoth      means     said
o'            means     of
i'             means     in
doth        means    does
is't           means    is it
o'er         means    over
hath        means    have
thine       means    belonging to
'twere     means     it were
'tis           means    it is
afeard     means     afraid
durst       means     dared
ere          means     before
suit         means     request
soft         means     quiet/wait
tarry        means    wait
a'            means     he

Wed. Oct. 23 Shakespeare Intro Cont.

Today, we discussed the entertainments on the other side of the Thames (Bear-baiting, womanizing, theatre) focusing on the importance of theatre as escapist entertainment. We ended our discussion after introducing a pandemic (the Black Plague) and explaining its effects on society. For those who haven't done so, be sure you get late assignments in as I have to make up the new RTI sheet for Friday.

Mon. Oct. 21 Shakespeare intro

Today, we discussed your prior knowledge about Shakespeare and his times. I then introduced you to his background (childhood, schooling, marriage, family, children), his move to London (plays, conditions of the city) and the impact of religion on the society (Henry VIII and his daughters; James). The bell rang at the point that we were discussing the entertainment of the times in London city itself (church, pubs, executions).

Thurs. Oct. 17 Commas

Today, I handed out a copy of your marks to each of you. We then reviewed comma rules as this is an area the class needs to work on. I also gave you exercises to complete for your next class, which is Monday.

Fri. Oct. 11 Exam

Today, you wrote your first exam. The focus was on comprehension and analysis (in this case, poetry), and comprehension of terms.

Wed. Oct. 9 Pretest

Today, you did a pretest activity to prepare you for your exam on Friday. It was a competition game called a Teams/Games/Tournament (you competed against others for a prize). Be ready for the exam on Friday by studying the terms and reviewing your "How to Read Poetry" sheets for the analysis (see also that I have omitted some of the steps. These are on your test prep sheet

Mon. Oct. 7 Poetry Analysis; Test Prep

Today, we marked the analysis and questions for the poem "Billy Paris." I then gave you a sheet entitled "Poetry Test: Test Prep Sheet." Use this to prepare yourself for Wednesday when you will have a pre-test. On Friday, you will have the exam itself.

Thurs. Oct. 3 Poetry Analysis

Today, we reviewed the poem "Ernest Mott" to discuss the steps to active reading as well as to remind the students of expectations (neatness, use of full sentences, what interrogative sentences are, layout, questioning).
We will have the exam for this unit on Wednesda. In order to study, I gave you a practice reading ("Billy Paris") and questions to answer using process of elimination (crossing out the obvious non-choices to arrive at two possiblities, one of which is then circled). Study your literary terms sheet and poetry analysis layout in preparation.

Tues. Oct.1 Poetry cont

Today, we discussed the poem "Jamie." I also defined the word "ambiguous". We didn't get all that far, but the discussion was worthwhile and relevant. Basically, we stopped after defining literary terms. We still need to discuss the theme, summary, and purpose. In addition, we still need to discuss "Ernest Mott" which I had you hand in (we will do this on Wednesday). If you want to prepare yourself for the upcoming exam, study the literary terms I have given you as well as the steps to reading poetry (which you will have to demonstrate an understanding of).

Fri. Sept. 27 Poetry Analysis cont.

Today, you received your assignment "Did I Miss Anything?" back. We discussed the mark (how to read poetry as expected) and I reminded you that the notes are on this homework check (you just have to look back).
As a class, we then analyzed the poem "Grandmother" which was due today. We followed the steps in order to ensure you were all analyzing it in a manner that would lead to the most concise outcome. I then gave you your assignment for next Tuesda.
You assignment for necxt Tuesday is to read two poems actively :
 "Ernest Moss" by Mel Glenn (1982), and
"Jamie"  by Elizabeth Brewster
You were also instructed to answer the following question when you finished the analysis:

What topic/purpose similarities exist between the two peoms?

These are all due for next class.

Wed Sept 25 Poetry

Today, you handed in your active reading completion for the poem "Did I Miss Anything?" As a class, we then went over the answers you completed in response to this analysis. I then gave you the poem "Gramdmother" to actively read for Friday's class. Keep in mind that you will be assessed in your understanding of the steps of active reading within the next couple of weeks (TBA).

I also defined:
Satire
understatement

Mon Sept 23 Lit devices discussion

Today, you got back into your groups from last week and quickly discussed the last part of the assignment you were working on (Grammar Assignment #2). We then discussed some of these sentences and their findings as a class.

I then instructed you to refer to the poem you also received last week ("Did I Miss Anything?"). You were then given questions to answer for this poem (in addition to the active reading strategies). These are to be completed for Wednesday.

Thurs. Sept. 19. analysis

Today, I gave you a sheet containing a number of sentence which demonstrated various literary devices in use. In groups (or independently), you were instructed to highlight and identify the devices. Many of the sentences contain more than one example of a device, which is why working with others is preferable (more discussion). I then gave you the poem "Did I Miss Anything?" to actively read for our next class (Monday, September 23).

Tues. Sept. 17 Poetry Analysis cont

Today, we continued discussing the steps students need to undertake when analyzing poetry. I have pasted the final notes below (the rest appear in the blogger from Wed. September 11). In addition, students needed to address the following jurnal topic in their journals and then put the journal in their portfolio:

September 17, 2013

Have you ever engaged in gossip? Why? What was the outcome? What did you learn?

Poetry steps (final information.

5.  Examine the poem once more. Identify any figures of speech you see (write the type down)  and explain what they mean in literal terms. Also, look for connotations (positive or negative).

6.Ask questions about what you don’t know. Write them on the page if possible.

7.    Summarize and determine topic, theme/purpose.

Friday, Sept 13 ICT Outcomes

Today, you typed in your personal responses from last week into the school system for editing. The ICT outcomes are specific and need to be followed as directed (you have a copy of them).

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Today, we discussed the poem "Two Prisoners", addressing the questions you were given to answer for today.  I then gave you information on how to read a poem. I have pasted these below; however, you will need to talk to another student to "see" what a "read" poem will look like (these are also not all of the steps. I have given you four out of seven). We will finish these up next Tuesday).

In addition, I explained to the class that their assigment on Friday will be to enter their essay in the computer at school at meet basic ICT expectations. I gave them the information and their essays back but they will have class time on Friday. If you were not here, your essay and the information is in your portfolio.

Lesson on How to Analyze Poetry

 

In today’s class, you will need your pens/highlighters out so I can teach you AMAZING things about the reading of poetry!!!!

Reading poetry is a lot like reading prose (which is everything but poetry)… you need to do it actively. Today, I will give you a poem and then we will analyze it together. I will give you the steps to analysis (which you can write on the back of the poem I am giving you) and then put this in an easily accessible place for reference (along with your MOSES sheet).

 

How to Read a Poem

 

1.      Look at the title of the poem. What might it mean? Write down what you think in one or two words beside it. (this is no different than looking at the title of a book or short story… it is just part of the “seeing” before judging…flip the page over and look at the title now. Put down a couple of words to explain the title in your own words.

2.      Look at the layout of the poem. Note the number of stanzas, lines, rhyme scheme and any layout that deviates from a flush left, parallel set-up. Write these down.

 

3.      Read the poem through, highlighting and paying attention to periods, commas and other punctuation marks (read it properly). During this read, also highlight words that are not familiar.

 

4.      Look up definitions of the highlighted words and put them on the page near the word they are defining.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Today, we discussed what is meant by natural and constructed worlds. I have pasted the notes below. I then handed out the poem "Two Prisoners" and asked you to answer some questions (also pasted below). Finally, I gave you a list of literary terms you need to learn in this unit. If you were not here, they are in your portfolio.

The Natural and Constructed World

 

What is meant by natural?

·                     Things that occur without man-made influence.

o   Honey

o   Cows (animals that are not genetically modified)

o   Streams

o   Air

o   Sun

o   Trees/forest/plants (that are not genetically modified)

o   Baby crying/need for affection/emotions/ basic needs

 

What is meant by constructed?

·                     Man-made or man manipulated.

o   Genetically modified food

o    Books

o   Buildings

o   Schools

o   Furniture

o   Clothes

o   Dams

o   Vehicles

o   Art

o   Laws

o   Rules

o   Societal norms

o   Prejudices

o   Fashion

o    Hierarchy (age, position, gender, ethnicity, location)

 

Why should I care?

Much of our world is constructed. Sometimes, it is constructed to favour some of us. At other times, it is constructed in a way that is detrimental. Knowing the world is constructed means we have the ability to evoke change. In fact, all we have to do is look back a decade or so to see that this indeed occurs.

 

Questions to address in relation to the poem "Two Prisoners"

1.  How is this world in “Two Prisoners” constructed?

2.  What are the problems with it?

3.  Summarize the poem in your own words.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Today, you worked on your personal response (three paragraph assignment). This is due at the end of class tomorrow as we need them for assessment purposes.

Tues. Sept 3 Introduction

I have pasted your supply list and first assignment here in case you misplace them.

SUPPLIES

There are a number of supplies that you will need to get. See me if obtaining any of these are a problem. I expect that you will be able to do this for Monday, September 9, 2013. This gives you just short of a week and a weekend to accomplish this. The supplies needed are as follows:

·         pens: dark blue or black ink only (ball point)
·         Hilroy exercise book, 32 pages (comes in packs of four with various colours)
·         Highlighters (a pack of four distinct colours)
·         binder with dividers (four dividers minimum)
·         a USB stick
·         loose leave paper (pack of 100 minimum)
·         pencils and erasers
·         an independent novel to read (see myself or the librarian if you need help with this one)


ASSIGNMENT ONE

 

Welcome to my ELA B10 class! Today, you will write your first assignment for me.

 

The following assignment has three benefits:

 

·         It demonstrates your skill in writing paragraphs, the building blocks of essays.

·         It serves as an introduction.

·         It introduces you to the marking standards and practices of this course.

 

INSTRUCTIONS

 

In a three paragraph personal response, write a self-introduction. Each paragraph should be no shorter than nine sentences and no longer than twelve. It should also have a short title.

 

ASSIGNMENT CHECKLIST (your personal response needs to contain the following):

 

·         an introductory paragraph with background information about yourself, as well as a main point that you will want to support in the body.

 

·         a body paragraph in which you support a main point about yourself that was stated in the introduction. You will need to provide two or three examples or supporting points.

 

·         a concluding paragraph in which you tie everything together, restate your main point but in a different way, and offer either a final thought or ask me a thought-provoking question (which also should tie to your personal response)

 

·         Each paragraph should be 9-12 sentences.

 

·         Your personal response also needs an effective short title conveying the subject and at least implying your point of view.

 

·         As this is an expository paragraph, it should feature first person. The level of language should be formal, as you are introducing yourself to your instructor. However, your natural speaking voice should still come through.

 

·         Mechanics (punctuation) should be correct. Avoid comma splices and do not (don’t) use contractions.

 

·         Check your grammar as well to make sure it is correct.

 

·         This is to be submitted by Friday, September 6, 2013 (just bring it to class and put it in the “in” box.