What+did+we+learn+today?

__**Monday, June 20th to Tuesday, June 28th, 2011**__ __**What are we learning**__
 * We can create a piece of writing that will be presented to specific audience
 * We can present our final piece of writing orally with a focus on content, body language, clarity/tone of voice
 * We can demonstrate the proper techniques used in oral speaking
 * WE CAN SAY GOODBYE TO OUR GRADE 9 YEAR BECAUSE THIS IS IT!

__**How we will learn it**__

__**Monday, June 20th and Tuesday, June 21st**__: CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!! You finally made it to your last week of grade 9! Where did the year go? If you scroll down through this page you can see our very first day and all the other days that we have been through during this year! Seems like yesterday we just started and now you are done! However, before we officially finish, we still have some things to work on.

Today and tomorrow, you will be heading off to the computer labs to work on your final presentations (see last weeks entries, the homepage, and the handouts section of the wiki for all the handouts you need). Remember, use your time wisely! I want you to come into the classroom on your chosen dates to present your speeches with confidence and clarity! Make sure you have everything prepared and check the rubric to make sure you have practiced everything you need to. This is your presentation! Make it the best that you can! **Have you signed up for your presentations time (Thursday, June 23rd and Friday, June 24th from 9:00 to 3:15 pm)? If you have not done that, you need to before the end of Wednesdays class.**

**Please don't forget that you can hand in your GRADE 12 GRAD ENVELOPES to me this week. It is up to you to get them in!**


 * __Wednesday, June 22nd:__** Today is our last day together in our classes. I will give you sometime to work on your speeches, but let's face it, we will probably spend most of the time talking to each other about summer vacation, memories, and everything else under the sun. Let's enjoy our last hours together! **Don't forget that final speeches start TOMORROW. If you have not signed up for a time with me, this is you LAST DAY as they start tomorrow. Remember, if I don't see you for your final presentation, I cannot submit your mark!**


 * Thursday, June 23rd: ELA 9 Final Presentations (9:00 am to 3:15 pm)**


 * Friday, June 24th: ELA 9 Final Presentations (9:00 am to 3:15 pm)**


 * Monday, June 27th: Math 9 (Ms. Erickson) 9:00 am**


 * Tuesday, June 28th: Science 9 (Ms. Lys) 9:00 am**


 * Wednesday, June 29th: GRADE 12 GRADUATION. REPORT CARDS WILL BE Mailed OUT**


 * That's it!!!!! Have an AMAZING and SAFE summer!! We will see you back here on Monday, August 29th as you begin your Grade 10 year!!!! Have a good one!!! **

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__**Monday, June 13th to Thursday, June 16th, 2011**__ __**What are we learning**__
 * We can create a piece of writing that will be presented to specific audience
 * We can present our final piece of writing orally with a focus on content, body language, clarity/tone of voice
 * We can demonstrate the proper techniques used in oral speaking

__**How we will learn it**__

__**Monday, June 13th:**__ Today, we spent the morning all together in the auditorium, with our groups from last week, presenting our unit reviews. You had the opportunity to hear about all the things you have taken this semester in science and math. For ELA, I was observing each of your oral presentations for clarity, body language, and tone of voice.

__**Tuesday, June 14th**__: Today, we went over your final presentation assignment for ELA 9. These presentations will take place during exam week on Thursday, __**June 23rd and Friday, June 24th.**__ We all went over the assignment together (you can download the assignments below). Also, times to present were scheduled with Mr. Young on a first come, first serve, basis starting at 3:15 pm today. After school I was stormed with over 40 students waiting at my classroom door to sign up for their times. You were also given a piece of paper to write down the date and time of your presentation. This is YOUR reminder! Parents, each of your children was given this piece of paper, you can ask to see it, if you wish. If you have not setup a time with me, you need to do so before Wednesday of next week. Please remember, this is a final presentation. If you do not present, I cannot turn in your final mark. Please make sure to come see me, if you have any questions.



__**Wednesday, June 15th**__: Today, you were given time to work on your "Warm Fuzzies" sheet for your friends within our family. These sheets will be put into your grad letter envelopes. A reminder, you may hand in your grad letters (and friend letters) at anytime now. Again, these letters will be tucked away until your graduation in 2014 when you will receive them at the grad banquet. Make sure you get your letters into me before the end of next week.

__**Thursday, June 16th**__: Today, you were given time to start working on your final presentations. Again, if you have not signed up for a time with me for Thursday, June 23rd or Friday, June 24th, you need to do so before Wednesday of next week. That is your job! A reminder that there is **no school tomorrow, Friday, June 17th.**

Have a great weekend and see you next week for your last three days of classes! WOOT WOOT! You can make it! It's almost SUMMER! Maybe we should all do this at the end of next week (below)!

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__**Monday, June 6th to Friday June 10th, 2011**__ __**What are we learning**__
 * We can use guiding questions to analyze our personal opinions on a certain topic
 * We can express our point of view, using specific examples, through the writing process
 * We can write for pleasure and enjoyment
 * We can express our thoughts towards people in an encouraging way
 * We can analyze a selection of music and look at the meaning behind it

__**How we will learn it**__

__**Monday, June 6th:**__ Today, we went back into the computer labs to work on our song appreciation essays (please see the handout section or last weeks entries to download a copy if you misplaced it). You will have today and tomorrow to work on these essays. Please turn them in when you are done and then you can continue to work on your grad letters.

__**Tuesday, June 7th**__: This is your last day to work on your song appreciation essays. They are due at the end of the class. Please make sure to hand them in when you are completed.

__**Wednesday: June 8th**__: Today, we had what we call a "weird day" in our grade nine world. We all gathered together to watch a new movie called "Gnomeo and Juliet". Definitely a bit of a play on what we took a few months ago. Watch for all the inside jokes as only people that have studied the play would get! After the movie, Ms. Erickson and Mr. Lys will explain our family activity for tomorrow. In a nutshell (they will explain more), you are going to be in groups creating a review presentation from one of your units in math or science. Listen to the instructions carefully as you are going to be given the full morning on Thursday to work on this project.

__**Thursday, June 9th:**__ We will be working on the group family activity that was assigned to you by Mr. Lys and Ms. Erickson for the whole morning. You will be presenting these on Monday, June 13th.

__**Friday, June 10th**__: As our classes are shortened for today due to the Peacock Collegiate Awards Assembly, you will have 3, 30 minute classes (ELA, math, science) and then head down for the awards presentations.

Have a great weekend! Next week is your last full weed of school! Can you believe it?

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__**Monday, May 30th to Friday June 3rd, 2011**__ __**What are we learning?**__
 * We can view a specific story that focuses on a social issue
 * We can use guiding questions to analyze our personal opinions on a certain topic
 * We can express our point of view, using specific examples, through the writing process
 * We can write for pleasure and enjoyment
 * We can express our thoughts towards people in an encouraging way
 * We can analyze a selection of music and look at the meaning behind it

__**How we will learn it**__

__**Monday, May 30th**__: Today we headed off to the computer lab to work on your write-ups for Radio. These are due before the end of tomorrow's class

__**Tuesday, May 31st**__: Today was your last day in the computer lab. Please make sure to hand in your final write-ups for Radio at the end of the class. If you completed your write-up, you were invited to work on your "Grade 12 Letters". We will officially start those tomorrow.

__**Wednesday, June 1st to Friday, June 3rd:**__ Today, we started looking at the types of music that we listen to in our lives and how that music has a personal impact on us. Each one of you is going to analyze one song (based on the handout) and take a look at how it has had an impact on you. Here is a copy of the handout if you need it:



Have a great weekend!

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 * __Tuesday, May 24th to Friday, May 27th, 2011__**
 * __What are we learning?__**
 * We can view a specific story that focuses on a social issue
 * We can use guiding questions to analyze our personal opinions on a certain topic
 * We can express our point of view, using specific examples, through the writing process

__**How we will learn it**__

__**Tuesday, May 24th**__: Welcome back from the long weekend! Today we are going to finish up the movie, "Radio", and then start looking at the guiding questions for your write-ups If you need another copy of the questions, please download them here:



__**Wednesday, May 25th and Thursday, May 26th**__: Due to sanctions, there will be no school during these days. Please visit [|www.stf.sk.ca] and [|www.prairiesouth.ca] for more information.

__**Friday, May 27th**__: Today, we continued working on our write-ups for "Radio" by heading to the computer lab.

Have a great weekend!

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__**Monday, May 16th to Friday, May 19th, 2011**__ __**What are we learning?**__
 * We can view a piece of literature in a different style or context
 * We can view a story and think about personal experiences that describes how we live our lives
 * We can reflect on our previous learning through class discussion and photographs

__**How we will learn it**__

__**Monday, May 16th:**__ Today, we took some time to reflect on our Sunningdale learning centres from last week. I was very proud of all of you for your contribution to making Friday such an amazing days for those grade 1 and 2 students. We looked at the photos taken by myself and Ms. Rowe as we went through the morning with you. Thank you, again, for sharing your stories with us.

__**Tuesday, May 17th and Wednesday, May 18th:**__ Today and Wednesday, as I was away with the track and field team, you were given the opportunity to view the "updated" version of Romeo and Juliet. Your job was to take the knowledge of the story, that we took in class, and examine the similarities and differences between the text and the movie. You will hand those in at the completion of the movie.

__**Thursday, May 19th and Friday, May 20th**__: Today, we started a video study on the film "Radio". Radio is an amazing movie about a young teenager that is shunned for his physical and mental abilities. You were given the following handout to guide you through the movie. Remember, the questions are all about you and how you react to the movie and the situation that is being dealt with. Here is the handout if you need it:



We will be finishing this movie next week and starting your essays on this topic, as well.

Have a great, and safe, long weekend!




 * __Monday, May 9th to Friday, May 6th, 2011__**
 * __What are we learning?__**
 * We can create an interactive presentation with a specific audience in mind
 * We can use our writing skills to give clear and specific instructions to a specific audience
 * We can verbalize (use our voices) a clear message to a specific audience

__**How we will learn it**__

__**Monday, May 9th:**__ Welcome back from the weekend. Today, we had two special guests with us this morning; my sister, Mrs. Martin (grade 1 teacher at Sunningdale School) and my new little niece, Mia. Today, Mrs. Martin and started discussing our learning centre project that we will be working on this week and be presenting to the grade 1 and 2 students, at Sunningdale School, on Friday, May 13th. As you know the theme for this year's learning centres is PIRATES! (a personal favourite of your grade 9 ELA teacher).

We went over what a learning centre is, looked at pictures from the grade nines that did this project two years ago, and then we broke into our groups to start creating our own learning centres. You were given a package to be completed by Mrs. Martin and myself on what you would be doing at your learning centre. Remember, we need a list of materials you need in order to help you out. We will be gathering those materials over the next few days so you have them for Friday.

You were also given a note to take home to your parents regarding Friday's trip to Sunningdale. If you need a copy of the letter, please download one here:



__**Tuesday, May 10th to Thursday, May 12th:**__ During these classes, we will be working at completing our learning centres for Sunningdale's grade 1 and 2 classes. I have booked the computer lab for these three days if you need to complete anything on the computers. Please make sure you get your list of materials into me so I can tell Mrs. Martin exactly what we need for you to be successful on Friday.


 * __Friday, May 13:__** Today's the day!! We will be meeting at Sunningdale Schol at 8:45 to get you ready for your learning centres at 9:00 am. I hope you have an amazing morning! We will definitely post some pictures of our morning here!

Have a great weekend!

Because this is coming out next week, and the theme of this week has been "Pirates" it should come as no surprise that I post this:

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__**Monday, May 2nd to Friday, May 6th, 2011**__ **__What are we learning?__**
 * We can use our before, during, and after reading strategies to analyze a piece of text.
 * Before Reading Strategy: We can relate ideas from the story (thus far) to our personal lives
 * During Reading Strategy: We can listen for key lines that explain the characters motives and advance the storyline
 * After Reading Strategy: We can examine personal ideas and view points of what the text is saying to us
 * We can question and reflect on personal responses and interpretations
 * We can use a visual representation (movie) of a specific text (Romeo and Juliet) for clarification of author's message
 * We can participate in partner, group, and whole class discussion to examine meaning of Romeo and Juliet

If you need a copy of the text for Romeo and Juliet, to view online, please  [|CLICK HERE]

__**How we will learn it**__

__**Monday, May 2nd**__: Welcome back from Easter break! Hope you had a great time of relaxing and hanging out with your friends and family. Today, we are going to do our best to get a good chunk of Act 5 scenes 1-3 completed. Whatever we don't finish today, we will finish up tomorrow and work on our study questions. We are so close to being done the play!

__**Tuesday, May 3rd:**__ WE FINISHED IT! WE FINISHED IT! We finally made it through the entire play of Romeo and Juliet. You were then given time to work on your study questions for Act 5. Don't forget, if you need to access the play at home, you can clink on the green link above and it will take you to an online version of the play. Here is a copy of the questions, if you need them:



__**Wednesday, May 4th**__: Today we had some time to work on the study questions for Act 5, we took them up in class and then we finished off the movie version of Romeo and Juliet that we have been taking all the way through. Don't forget, your quiz for Act 5 will take place on Friday, May 6th.


 * __Thursday, May 5th__**: Please see [|www.prairiesouth.ca] for information as why there is no school today.

__**Friday, May 6th**__: Today, we will be having your Act 5 quiz for Romeo and Juliet. We may also get the chance to start watching the "newest" version of Romeo and Juliet. We will be continuing with this next we as we get ready for to head to Sunningdale to see our buddies next Friday, May 13th.

Have an awesome weekend!




 * __Monday, April 18th to Thursday, April 21st, 2011__**
 * __What are we learning?__**
 * We can examine the use of symbolism to represent a specific character in the play, Romeo and Juliet
 * We can create a visual representation (symbol) of that characters characteristics using symbols of our own design
 * We can write a expository paragraph explain to our audience why we created the symbol that we did for that character

__**How we will learn it**__

__**Monday, April 18th:**__ Today, we will go over our quizzes for Act 4 of Romeo and Juliet. We will then take a look at the "Romeo and Juliet Tattoo Symbolism" assignment that you have been working on off and on for the last little bit in class. Today, we will go over the rubric (download below) and you will be given the rest of the time, in class, to look over your sketches and write-ups before we go into the lab tomorrow to work on this assignment. Again, you DO NOT have to use the computer to create your tattoos. You can hand draw them if you wish or you can create them using MS Paint, Tuxedo Paint, or any of the programs we have on the computers. It's your choice. Again, you will need to have your 3 tattoos and 3 paragraphs, explaining the design and elements of your tattoo, completed before the end of Thursdays class.



__**Tuesday, April 19th to Thursday, April 21st:**__ For the next three classes we will be heading into the computer lab to work on your tattoo assignment for Romeo and Juliet. Please read the above post for explanation and you can download the rubric (above) for how you will be evaluated. You assignments are due before the end of class on Thursday.

Have an AWESOME Easter break and we will see you on Monday, May 2nd!



__**Monday, April 11th to Thursday, April 15th, 2011**__ **__What are we learning?__**


 * We can use our before, during, and after reading strategies to analyze a piece of text.
 * Before Reading Strategy: We can relate ideas from the story (thus far) to our personal lives
 * During Reading Strategy: We can listen for key lines that explain the characters motives and advance the storyline
 * After Reading Strategy: We can examine personal ideas and view points of what the text is saying to us
 * We can question and reflect on personal responses and interpretations
 * We can use a visual representation (movie) of a specific text (Romeo and Juliet) for clarification of author's message
 * We can participate in partner, group, and whole class discussion to examine meaning of Romeo and Juliet
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can demonstrate symbolism through a picture display demonstrating the personalities of 3 characters within the play

<span style="color: #008000; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">If you need a copy of the text for Romeo and Juliet, to view online, please <span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;"> [|CLICK HERE]


 * __How we will learn it__**


 * __Monday, April 11th to Wednesday April 13th__**: Today, and over the next couple of days, we will be working out way through the scenes of Act 4. Again, we will be using the MP3 files and class discussion to guide ourselves through the play. We will be using one of the scenes and I will be letting you work through it with a partner to figure out what is going on within the scene before we take it up as a class.

__**Thursday, April 14th to Friday April 15th**__: Over the next two days we will be taking a look at the study questions for Act 4 of the play and we will also be continuing to look at our "Rome and Juliet get Tattoos" assignment. Again, we are looking at using different symbols, that make up the personality traits of the characters within the play, and designing a tattoo for three characters of your choice. During this assignment we will be required to create two things:

1. The tattoo that demonstrates the personality of your chosen 3 characters 2. A short write-up (paragraph in length) that explains the tattoo and why you designed it the way that you did. Pretend you are explaining to that character why you created the tattoo that you did for them. SELL IT TO THEM!!


 * UPDATE: Because of us getting through Act 4 so quickly, we had our Act 4 quiz on Friday, April 15th! If you missed writing it, you will need to come see me and I will give you a time to write it! **

Next week we will be heading into the computer lab to use the computers to create the final versions of this project.

If you need a copy of the study questions, please download them here:



Have a great weekend!



__**Monday, April 4th to Thursday, April 7th, 2011**__ (Friday, April 8th is a non student day due to teacher's convention)

**Reminder: Have your grade 10 course registrations been turned in? We cannot register you for next year unless those are turned in.**

**__What are we learning?__**
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can use our before, during, and after reading strategies to analyze a piece of text.
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Before Reading Strategy: We can relate ideas from the story (thus far) to our personal lives
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">During Reading Strategy: We can listen for key lines that explain the characters motives and advance the storyline
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">After Reading Strategy: We can examine personal ideas and view points of what the text is saying to us
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can question and reflect on personal responses and interpretations
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can use a visual representation (movie) of a specific text (Romeo and Juliet) for clarification of author's message
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can participate in partner, group, and whole class discussion to examine meaning of Romeo and Juliet

<span style="color: #008000; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">If you need a copy of the text for Romeo and Juliet, to view online, please <span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;"> [|CLICK HERE]

__**How we will learn it**__

__**Monday, April 4th**__: Today we will start off by taking up the study questions that you have looked at so far (up to the end of Act 3, scene 3) as a class. Once we have completed that we will move on to scenes 4 and 5. Don't forget, if you are away or forgot your binder at school, you can download copies of the study question here or in the handout section and if you look above you will see a link to an online version of the play. Here is a copy of the Act 3 study questions, if you need them:



__**Tuesday April 5th:**__ Today we will be finishing up Act 3 scene 5 and then I will give you some time to work on the study questions to the end of scene 5. We may take them up before the end of class or we will take them up tomorrow after we watch the movie version of Act 3 of Romeo and Juliet.

__**Wednesday, April 6th**__: Today we will be watching the Act 3 portion of the movie for Romeo and Juliet. Once we have completed that we will be taking up the rest of the study questions and talk about your Act 3 Quiz that will take place tomorrow. Don't forget, your study questions is your resource to help you out in your studying for the quiz.

__**Thursday, April 7th**__: Today, you will be having your Act 3 Quiz on Romeo and Juliet. If time permits, we will take it up as a class so that you know your marks before the end of the period.

Have you have an amazing weekend!



**__Monday, March 28th to Friday, April 1st, 2011__**

Grade 10 registration forms have been sent home with your child (given out last Thursday, March 24th during Ms. Erickson's math class). They are to bring those registration forms back, completed and signed by a parent/guardian. These need to be returned as soon as possible. Please check with your child for more details. We cannot register them for their grade 10 classes until the school receives those back. Thank you!

If you need more information please do not hesitate to contact our school's guidance councillors:

Mrs. Corrie Lewis lewis.corrie@prairiesouth.ca Mr. Rod Johnston johnston.rod@prairiesouth.ca

**__What are we learning?__**


 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can use our before, during, and after reading strategies to analyze a piece of text.
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Before Reading Strategy: We can discuss previous knowledge of the text
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">During Reading Strategy: We can examine key words and phrases to dissect the tone and storyline
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">After Reading Strategy: We can examine personal ideas and view points of what the text is saying to us
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can question and reflect on personal responses and interpretations
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can use a visual representation (movie) of a specific text (Romeo and Juliet) for clarification of author's message
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can participate in partner, group, and whole class discussion to examine meaning of Romeo and Juliet
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can retell the play (up to the end of Act 2) in our own words

<span style="color: #008000; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">If you need a copy of the text for Romeo and Juliet, to view online, please <span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;"> [|CLICK HERE]


 * __How we will learn it__**


 * __Monday, March 28th:__** Today, we will be marking your Act 2 quizzes as a class (not period 2 as it is already done). You will know your marks before the end of class. You will then be given the rest of the class to work on your "R and J in 2 minutes or less" presentation. You will be presenting these in class tomorrow.

__**Tuesday, March 29th:**__ Today, you will be presenting your "R and J in 2 minutes or less" assignments with the present members of your group. Once we have completed this task, we will be heading into Act 3 of Romeo and Juliet.

UPDATE: I AM ILL TODAY! I know, you're very sad that I am not there. However, you do have some tasks to complete today while I am gone:

1. We will have your "R and J in 2 minutes or less" presentations TOMORROW (Wednesday, March 30th) when I come back. Please be prepared, with your group, to go tomorrow.

2. At the front of the classroom (or here if you are away, as well) you will see the handout "Shakespearean Quotes". Your job is, in full and complete sentences, to tell me what each of the quotes means, in your own words. Some of them are from Romeo and Juliet; most of them are not. It is up to you to figure it out. Again, do your best. This will be worth 10 marks to you for full thoughts and completing the task. If you need a copy of the worksheet because you are away, as well, here is a copy for you to download:



3. After you have completed task number 2, you will see paper, pencil crayons, crayons, and pencils at the front of the room. Your task now is to choose one of the ten quotes you just looked at and draw out what that quote means in a picture of your choice. Please make sure that that quote does appears somewhere one the page (write it out however you wish). This will require some thought on your part but I know you can do it. I will be setting a due date for this assignment tomorrow when I get back.

I hope you have a great and productive morning!

__**Wednesday, March 30th to Friday, April 1st:**__ Firs of all, we will be having our "R and J in 2 minutes or less" presentations today. After each group has gone and we discuss, we will spend the next couple of days getting back into the story of Romeo and Juliet after about a week away from them. We will continue through Act 3 and hopefully to the end of scene 4 by Friday. Again, you received a copy of the study questions in class and you can always download them here or in the "Handouts" section for our class. There is also a link to the online version of the play at the top of this week's entry. Here is a copy of the study questions if you need them:



Have a great weekend!



**__Monday, March 21st to Thursday, March 24th, 2011__** <span style="color: #ff0000; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">(Friday, March 25th is a NON student day)

<span style="color: #ff0000; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Reminder that interviews take place on Tuesday, March 22nd and Wednesday, March 23rd from 6:00 till 8:30 pm. Please check the homepage of the wiki for more information.

**__What are we learning?__**
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can use our before, during, and after reading strategies to analyze a piece of text.
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Before Reading Strategy: We can discuss previous knowledge of the text
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">During Reading Strategy: We can examine key words and phrases to dissect the tone and storyline
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">After Reading Strategy: We can examine personal ideas and view points of what the text is saying to us
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can question and reflect on personal responses and interpretations
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can use a visual representation (movie) of a specific text (Romeo and Juliet) for clarification of author's message
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can participate in partner, group, and whole class discussion to examine meaning of Romeo and Juliet
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can retell the play (up to the end of Act 2) in our own words.

**__Romeo and Juliet Text__**

<span style="color: #008000; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">If you need a copy of the text for Romeo and Juliet, to view online, please <span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;"> [|CLICK HERE]


 * __How we will learn it__**


 * __Monday, March 21st:__** Today, we will be having our Act 1 quiz. Period 2, we will have the quiz right after watching the movie. After the quiz we will take it up as a class. Have you made sure to turn your SIAST letters into Mr. Lys? Make sure you get that done. If you need another copy of the letter, please feel free to download it here:




 * __Tuesday, March 22nd__**: Today, we will are going to throw the script for Romeo and Juliet out the window! What we are going to do is get into small groups and pick one scene that we have already looked at in Act 1 and 2. Your job, in your group, is to retell the story of Romeo and Juliet in your own words in two minutes or less. This is what you will need to do to accomplish this task:


 * 1. Get into your groups**
 * 2. Decide who will be your writer**
 * 3. Go around and discuss the highlights of the play so far (you can use the script for this)**
 * 4. In point form, write down all of the highlights of the play so far that you can think of in the play**
 * 5. After you are finished writing in point form, go back through and figure out how you are going to tell the story of Romeo and Juliet to the class in two minutes or less.**
 * 6. Practice Practice Practice**
 * 7. On Thursday, you will be presenting your "R and J in 2 Minutes or Less" to the class**


 * A reminder that parent/teacher interviews take place tonight from 6:00 to 8:30 pm in your child's classrooms. There is also a math meeting in the auditorium tonight at 6:00 that would be beneficial for parents to attend as it deals with the new math curriculum being implemented next school year. You can find more information on the wiki's homepage. **

__**Wednesday, March 23rd:**__ We are at SIAST for the morning, participating in CSI (Come. See. Investigate). If you didn't know this, you have been living under a rock for the last two weeks and you had EVERY opportunity to get your letters into Mr. Lys. It's going to be an awesome morning!


 * A reminder that parent/teacher interviews take place tonight from 6:00 to 8:30 pm in your child's classrooms. Please see the wiki homepage for more information. **


 * __Thursday, March 24th:__** Today, we will debrief about SIAST and also you will be presenting your "R and J in 2 Minutes or Less". I will give you a few minutes with your group to prepare and then we will go! Let's have some fun with this! I can't wait to see what you have come up with! Next week we will be starting into Act 3 of Romeo and Juliet.

As there is no school tomorrow (because we are hosting HOOPLA at Peacock this weekend), I hope you have a great long weekend! Here is a little song to get you through the day tomorrow! :) YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO SING ALONG!

media type="youtube" key="CD2LRROpph0?fs=1" height="273" width="448" align="center"

**__Monday, March 14th to Thursday, March 17th, 2011__** <span style="color: #ff0000; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">(Friday, March 18th is a NON student day)

**__What are we learning?__**
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can use our before, during, and after reading strategies to analyze a piece of text.
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Before Reading Strategy: We can discuss previous knowledge of the text
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">During Reading Strategy: We can examine key words and phrases to dissect the tone and storyline
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">After Reading Strategy: We can examine personal ideas and view points of what the text is saying to us
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can question and reflect on personal responses and interpretations
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can use a visual representation (movie) of a specific text (Romeo and Juliet) for clarification of author's message
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can participate in partner, group, and whole class discussion to examine meaning of Romeo and Juliet

**__Romeo and Juliet Text__**

<span style="color: #008000; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">If you need a copy of the text for Romeo and Juliet, to view online, please <span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;"> [|CLICK HERE]

**__How we will learn it__**

__**Monday, March 14th**__: Today, we will start off be taking up our study questions from scenes 1, 2, and 3 of the play (again, if you need to download a copy of the study questions, please check last Tuesday's entry or the handouts section). We will then continue looking at scene 4 of Act 2 of Romeo and Juliet. Obviously our two main characters have decided to get married because the "love" each other so much (you know why we use quotation marks on the word "love"). As we continue through the next few scenes, take note of how fast this engagement is going. We know why Friar Laurence wants to marry Romeo and Juliet. Do you believe it is a good enough reason for these two characters to get married? Please remember, your study questions are key for success on the Act 2 quiz.

__**Tuesday, March 15th**__: Today we will hopefully finish up Act 2 and finish up our study questions for the act. Tomorrow we will watch Act 2 from the movie and take up the rest of the study questions. We will then talk about next Wednesday, March 23rd as we have been invited to SIAST Palliser Campus to participate in their CSI (Come. See. Investigate.) program for the morning. You will receive letters to be taken home for parent/guardian information. We will also be talking about the process to sign up for the program that you will visiting for the morning. If you need a copy of the letter, you can print one off here:



__**Wednesday, March 16th**__: We will be watching the movie version of Romeo and Juliet today. Again, we are not going to be using the scripts to see if we can figure out what the characters are saying to each other. Plus, we will take note of any changes that you may notice between the movie and play. With the time that is left, we will take up the rest of the study questions, and discuss an upcoming assignment in Romeo and Juliet for the class. Don't forget that tomorrow is "Subject Exploration" day at Peacock. You will be gathering in the auditorium to hear about all of the classes available for you to take in your grade 10 year. **You will be beginning the preliminary registration for your grade 10 classes next Thursday, March 24th, with Mr. Johnston and Mrs. Lewis (guidance councillors) in Ms. Erickson's class.** Report cards were handed out today during period 2 to all students at Peacock Collegiate. They should have been brought home to parents at the end of the day.

__**Thursday, March 17t**__h: Today we headed off to the auditorium for Peacock's annual "Subject Exploration" time. You were introduced to many of your grade 10 teachers and told what to expect when you sign up for their classes next year. This took about an hour and then we finished off the morning by talking about healthy choices, and watching the documentary "Super Size Me". **Please don't forget that you will be having your Act 2 Romeo and Juliet Quiz on Monday (Period 2, we will have your quiz after we watch the movie on Monday)**. Remember, your study questions being completed are key for being successful on your quiz. Please be prepared for that. Also, have you handed in your SIAST letters to Mr. Lys yet? Don't forget we are heading to SIAST on Wednesday, March 23rd for CSI (Come. See. Investigate). Remember, the only way you can sign up for your session at SIAST is to have that letter turned back into Mr. Lys with your parent's signature.

Have a great weekend!

__**Friday, March 18th**__: NON STUDENT DAY AT PEACOCK COLLEGIATE. Enjoy sleeping in and your long weekend! :)




 * __Monday, March 7th to Friday, March 11th, 2011__**

**__What are we learning?__**
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can use our before, during, and after reading strategies to analyze a piece of text.
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Before Reading Strategy: We can predict what the text will be about in an upcoming scene
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">During Reading Strategy: We can note key ideas and what supports them (what the text says and what it means)
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">After Reading Strategy: We can recall, paraphrase and summarize the text of the author's message
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can question and reflect on personal responses and interpretations
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can use a visual representation (movie) of a specific text (Romeo and Juliet) for clarification of author's message
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can participate in partner, group, and whole class discussion to examine meaning of Romeo and Juliet

**__Romeo and Juliet Text__**

<span style="color: #008000; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">If you need a copy of the text for Romeo and Juliet, to view online, please <span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;"> [|CLICK HERE]

__**Monday, March 7th**__: Hope all of you had an awesome weekend. Today we are going to be looking at a visual representation of Romeo and Juliet by using the old 1960s version of the play. Our objective is to be able to view all of Act 1 on the movie without being able to use the scripts that we have been using in class and for use to know what is going on within the story. Also, it would be great to see if you could find some differences between the movie and the script (we will discuss in the class after). We will also be taking up the Act 5 questions in class. **Don't forget that your first quiz for Romeo and Juliet (Act 1 Quiz) has been changed to Wednesday, March 9th instead of Tuesday (as you all requested because you have a science and math test tomorrow).** Tomorrow, we will be moving into Act 2 of Romeo and Juliet. If you need a copy of the summary notes from Act 1, please feel free to download them here:




 * __Tuesday, March 8th__**: **Please don't forget that you quiz for Act 1 will take place during tomorrow's class**. Your study questions being done from Act 1 (see last week's entry if you need to download the study questions) and our discussion in class will be your key to being successful. You should be able to do just fine. Today, we are continuing on and looking at Act 2 scene 1 and most of scene 2 of the play. Romeo is deciding whether or not he should go back into the Capulet mansion and see Juliet and of course the famous "Balcony Scene" will take place. You were also given your study questions for Act 2. Here is a copy of the questions if you need to download them:



__**Wednesday, March 9th**__: Today is your quiz for Act 1 of Romeo and Juliet. You knew about this quiz since last week. We will be having the quiz at the beginning of class and correcting them after you are done. Please make sure to read the questions carefully.

__**Thursday, March 10th and Friday, March 11th**__: Today and Friday, we will be continuing on with the play as we look at Act 2. We will finish up scene 2, if we haven't already done so, and we will continue on into scene three and four. So, Romeo and Juliet have decided to do something pretty outrageous and the questions we have to answer is "is this a good thing or a bad thing?" What do you think? Would you tell your friends and family? Are they too young to make this decision? Is this really love?

If you need a copy of the summary notes (in point form, based on our discussion in class) for Act 2 scenes 1, 2, and 3, please feel free to download them here:



Have a good weekend!

Romeo and Juliet meet for the first time:

media type="youtube" key="CCOafzKxfpA?fs=1" height="273" width="336" align="center"




 * __Monday, February 28th to Friday, March 4th, 2011__**


 * __What are we learning?__**


 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can use our before, during, and after reading strategies to analyze a piece of text.
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Before Reading Strategy: We can predict what the text will be about in an upcoming scene
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">During Reading Strategy: We can note key ideas and what supports them (what the text says and what it means)
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">After Reading Strategy: We can recall, paraphrase and summarize the text of the author's message
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can question and reflect on personal responses and interpretations
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can use a visual representation (movie) of a specific text (Romeo and Juliet) for clarification of author's message
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can participate in partner, group, and whole class discussion to examine meaning of Romeo and Juliet


 * __Romeo and Juliet Text__**

If you need a copy of the text for Romeo and Juliet, to view online, please [|CLICK HERE]


 * __How we will learn it__**


 * __Monday, February 28th__:** Welcome back from "Spring/Winter/Freezing Break"! I hope you all had a great week off and are ready to dive back into Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Today, we did a quick review of the story up till before we stopped at the beginning of the break. After the review we continued on and finished Act 1, scene 1. We then started into Act 1, scene 2. We will be continuing to work through this scene tomorrow as a class. Remember, we are using this time to get into the story of Romeo and Juliet. Like we have said from the beginning, your job is to show up, be on task, asking questions, and contributing to the class discussion. My job is to guide you through the script. Missing a whole bunch of classes WILL contribute to you falling further and further behind in your understanding of the story. If you need any extra help, please ask me! I am available at lunch and after school, if you need help.

__**Tuesday, March 1st**__: Today, we continued working through Act 1, scene 2 and 3, as a class. Tomorrow you will be receiving a package of study materials from me for you to complete as we are working through the play. You will receive a study package for each of the Acts (which there is 5 of) tomorrow. You will be given some class time to work on the study questions/activities. I would suggest you have those completed as they will be on your quiz at the end of the Act.


 * __Wednesday, March 2nd__**: Today, you received a copy of study questions for Act 1 and you were given some class time to work on this. We also worked on getting through the rest of scene 3 and a bit of scene 4 as a class. If you need an extra copy of the study questions, you can download them here:




 * __Thursday, March 3rd and Friday, March 4:__** For these two days we worked at getting through the rest of Act 1 (all scenes). Are you study questions all caught up? On Monday, if we have completed all of the scenes for Act 1, we will be watching Act 1 of the movie, Romeo and Juliet. This is will be used to help give you a visual representation of the play. Your quiz for Act 1 will then be on Tuesday. Please remember, you need an extra copy of the script to look at, you can use the link at the top to access the play online.

Have a great weekend!



__**Monday, February 14th to Friday, 18th, 2011**__


 * __What are we learning?__**
 * We can use our before, during, and after reading strategies to analyze a piece of text.
 * Before Reading Strategy: We can predict what the text will be about in an upcoming scene
 * During Reading Strategy: We can note key ideas and what supports them (what the text says and what it means)
 * After Reading Strategy: We can recall, paraphrase and summarize the text of the author's message
 * We can question and reflect on personal responses and interpretations
 * We can use a visual representation (movie) of a specific text (Romeo and Juliet) for clarification of author's message
 * We can participate in partner, group, and whole class discussion to examine meaning of Romeo and Juliet


 * __How we will learn it__**

__**Monday, February 14th**__: Today we finished up our novel study on "Killing Mr. Griffin" by finishing the movie. You then handed in your similarities and differences chart from the movie (from the book to the movie). Thanks to everyone that did! Also, if you have not handed in your "Killing Mr. Griffin" study questions and vocabulary, you are late in doing so. Please get those in now. We then spent the last little bit of class discussing our next unit on Shakespeare's "Rome and Juliet". Please remember what we talked about. It is up to you to be present for this unit. It is a heavy unit but if you are there and ready to work on it, we will get through. I have some really good tools to get you through the story and all you have to do is trust me. It's not as scary as it seems. Tomorrow, we will be diving into the life of Shakespeare and the beginning of the play. See you tomorrow! P.S. Thank you to everyone who brought cookies for "Cookie Buffet" today! They were awesome!

__**Tuesday, February 15th**__: Today we began looking at the life of Shakespeare (the playwright who wrote Romeo and Juliet). We then started looking at the beginning of the play by looking at the Prologue. This is the beginning of the play where we find out everything that will happen in the story. We began by breaking down the prologue into sections, hooking up with partners, discussing the lines, then coming back together as a class to discuss. It will be your job tonight to go through the prologue and put it into your own words. It is a quick write-up so you will be given 10 minutes at the beginning of class to write it up and hand it in. Tomorrow we will start into the play on Act 1, scene 1.

Here are copies of the handouts you received today if you need them:



__**Wednesday, February 16th to Friday, February 18th**__: For the next three days, we will begin looking the beginning of the play, Romeo and Juliet. We will be using the scripts (books), an audio recording of the play (with actors speaking the parts), and I will be explaining certain lines the overall story to you as we are going through. There will also be study questions for you to look at as we are going through so that you keep the story fresh in your mind. Please remember what we talked about in class. At the end of every Act (which there are 5 of in this play) you will be having a quiz. that means there are 5 quizzes throughout the play instead of one huge test at the end. Your job is to keep up with the class and ask questions if you need any clarification on what is happening within the story. If you get stuck, ASK FOR HELP! You might as well ask now instead of getting into the middle of the play and get really lost. Remember, that is you job and responsibility! My hope is to be the end of Act 1, scene 4 before Friday.

Have an awesome February break and we will see you back here on Monday, February 28th!



__**Monday, February 7th to Friday, February 11th, 2011**__

__**What are we learning?**__
 * We can use our before, during, and after reading strategies to analyze a certain text
 * We can use the text for a certain piece of literature to add to vocabulary growth
 * We can examine the theme of identity as we look at the characters and their action in the novel "Killing Mr. Griffin"
 * We can analyze similarities and differences between a visual representation of a novel and the novel itself
 * We can experiment with quotes from literature and discuss what they mean.


 * __How we will learn it__**

__**Monday, February 7th**__: Today we will be going over chapter 15 and 16 of Killing Mr. Griffin in class. We will read chapter 15 together and then we will break apart into groups to read chapter 16. Your task is to get through chapter 16 and 17 with your group. During this time you have the freedom to decide when your group will read and when you will work on the study questions and vocabulary. **Your study questions and vocabulary will be due on Friday, February 11th for hand in.**

__**Tuesday, February 8th**__: Today, you were given the opportunity to work through chapter 16 and 17 of "Killing Mr. Griffin" in your groups. You were also given time to work on your assignments for the novel. **Again, your study questions and vocabulary will be due on Friday, February 11th for hand in.** If you need to sign out a book with me to take home, for the night, please do so at the end of the morning or right after school.


 * __Wednesday, February 9th__**: We are finishing "Killing Mr. Griffin" today. I will be taking you through the last two chapters (18 and 19) as a class today. We will be now be finished the novel. Your job is to complete the last two chapters of study questions and vocabulary that will be **handed in on Friday, February 11th.** This is your responsibility. You have been given lots of time in class to finish up. Again, if you need to take home a book for the night, please come and see me at the end of the morning or after school and we can sign one out for you.


 * __Thursday, February 10th:__** Today, we are going to beginning the movie "Killing Mr. Griffin". Your task is to make a similarities and differences chart between the book and the movie. I would like to see how many you can get. There will be a lot of differences so don't be too surprised that your similarity chart is not very full. We will be finish the movie on Monday as Friday is "weird" day. **Please don't forget that your study questions and vocabulary assignments for the novel are due tomorrow. Also, we will be having "Cookie Buffet" on Monday, instead of Friday, like we discussed in class.** You have earned the right to bring a batch of cookies (of your choice) to class. This is on a volunteer basis and not expected unless you want to bring them.

__**Friday, February 11th**__: Today is one of those days that we call "Weird Day" in our grade nine family! Your study question for "Killing Mr. Griffin" are due today. I will be coming around to collect those from each of your classes. During your first period classes, today, you will be having your math test. For the last half of the morning we will be heading into the auditorium with Mr. Lys for GeoChallenge 2011. Will you be one of the final 10? We will find out. On Monday, we will finish up the movie "Killing Mr. Griffin" and begin working on our brand new Shakespeare unit and the play "Romeo and Juliet". **Don't forget that we will be having our "Cookie Buffet" on Monday. Please check yesterday's entry for details.**

Have a great weekend!




 * __Monday, January 31st to Friday, February 4th, 2011__**

__**What are we learning?**__
 * We can use our before, during, and after reading strategies to analyze a certain text
 * We can use the text for a certain piece of literature to add to vocabulary growth
 * We can examine the theme of identity as we look at the characters and their actions in the novel "Killing Mr. Griffin"


 * __How we will learn it__**


 * __Monday, January 31st:__** Welcome back from your midterm/finals week! How did you do? You received your midterms back from me and your mark on that test. You also received your progress report for my class on your overall mark that will be going on your report card. Report cards will be handed out this Friday, February 4th to be taken home. We spent most of the class going over your midterms and talking about taking responsibility for this new semester. Tomorrow, we will continue to work through "Killing Mr. Griffin" by looking at chapter 9.

__**Tuesday, February 1st:**__ Today, we continued to work through killing Mr. Griffin by looking a chapter 9 and 10 as a class. Please remember to keep up with your study questions and vocabulary for the novel.


 * __Wednesday, February 2nd__**: Today we worked on chapters 11 and 12 of the novel.


 * __Thursday, February 3rd__**: Today we worked on chapters 13 and 14 of the novel.


 * __Friday, February 4th__**: Today we worked on chapters 15 and 16 of the novel. We will be finishing up the novel next week. You also received your report cards today for all of your classes. These need to go home. Have a great weekend an we will see you on Monday!




 * __Monday, January 17th to Friday, January 21st, 2011__**


 * __What are we learning?__**
 * We can use our before, during, and after reading strategies to analyze a certain text
 * We can use the text from a certain piece of literature to add to vocabulary growth
 * We can examine the theme of Identity as we look at the characters and their actions in the novel "Killing Mr. Griffin"
 * We can write from a specific point of view
 * We can use our writing strategies to create a letter with a specific topic


 * __How we will learn it__**


 * __Monday, January 17th:__** Well, Mr. Young is back. After returning from running my marathons down in Orlando and battling an eye infection and strep throat, he is feeling pretty good! Today, we did a full review of characters and the plot for our novel "Killing Mr. Griffin". We spent about 30-40 minutes going over this. My hope is that you made good notes and you listened carefully as that we will be looking at the things we talked about on your midterm (next Monday, January 24th). We then started working on chapter 7 of the novel. We will continue on with finishing up chapter 8 tomorrow.


 * __Tuesday, January 18th__**: Today, we continued on with chapter 7 and 8 of "Killing Mr. Griffin". Today was a reading day for the most part. Tomorrow we will be finishing up chapter 8 of the novel, giving you time to work on your study questions and vocabulary. We will also be going over your midterm package for you **ELA 9 midterm (Monday, January 24th, 9:00 am).** Everything you need to know for that midterm will be in that package. It will also be posted here for you to download if you need it.

__**Wednesday, January 19th**__: Today we will be going over your midterm package for your midterm that is taking place on Monday, January 24th at 9:00 am. As you can see, from the package, you need to be caught up on all of your "Killing Mr. Griffin" study questions and vocabulary. Please make sure to read through the package carefully (we also went through it in class). If is your job to come to your midterm with your drafts. You were then given time to work on your study questions and vocabulary for the novel, and time to work on your letters for your midterm. Here are copies of the handouts you received in class today if you need to download them:




 * __Thursday, January 20th and Friday, January 21st__**: Over the next two days you will be given this time to work on your "Killing Mr. Griffin" study questions, vocabulary, and work on the letters for your midterm. Again, you are being given this time to work you ELA 9 content for your midterm on Monday, January 24th at 9:00 am. If you choose to use this time to study for math or social studies, that is your choice. If you choose to waste this time and not do anything, that is your choice. You are at the half way point in your grade nine year. If you haven't figured it out yet, next week will definitely be a wake up call. I wish you all the best in your studying for your midterms and finals. Please make sure you are prepared for success!

Just a reminder for your exams:

ELA 9 Midterm - Monday, January 24th at 9:00 am Social Studies Final - Tuesday, January 25th at 9:00 am

Math Midterm - Wednesday, January 26th at 9:00 am

Just because we enjoy our music, here is a game for you. Can you name all 25 songs used in this mashup?

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__**Wednesday, January 5th to Friday, January 14th, 2011**__ __**What are we learning?**__
 * We can use our before, during, and after reading strategies to analyze a certain text
 * We can use the text from a certain novel to discover new words and expand our vocabulary growth
 * We can examine the theme of Identity as we look at the characters and their in actions in the novel "Killing Mr. Griffin"

__**How we will learn it**__

Well come back! I hope you had a great holiday! Did you eat a lot? I hope you did! :)

As you know, and as you can see, I am not here today or for the next week as I am running my races down in Florida (and getting a tan, wearing my shorts and tshirts and Sanuks)! Mrs. MacEntyre and Ms. Rowe (when she is in) will be taking over for me for the next few days. Like we talked about before break (because I know you were all listening and paying attention, yeah right!) you will be starting to work on our novel study of "Killing Mr. Griffin". Your job is to start working through the book, answering the questions from the package, and working on your vocabulary. These packages are on the front table and need to go into your binders. Here is what your period will probably look like:

1. PUT ALL CELL PHONES IN THE BUCKET! If Ms. Rowe or Mrs. McEntyre sees them they go directly to Mr. Huschi, no questions asked. 2. Reading time for 10 minutes at the beginning of class (you will be going to the library on the first or second day back) 3. Reading "Killing Mr. Griffin" - How you will be reading is up to Mrs. McEntyre or Ms. Rowe. It could be groups, partners, individually. Be prepared for anything. 4. Working on your study questions (hint hint wink wink trust me, you know what that means) 5. Working on your vocabulary assignment (hint hint wink wink trust me)

If you are in need of a copy of the study questions or the vocabulary assignment, please feel free to download them here:



I will see you next week! Remember, I am only a text away if Ms. Rowe or Mrs. McEntyre need anything.

Have a great week!

__**Monday, December 20th to Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010**__ __**What are we learning?**__
 * We can reflect on our understanding of the last two weeks of our objectives (listed below)
 * We can analyze if we had success using our voices and writing to impact a certain audience
 * We can use written and artistic expression to represent a specific thought through a short game

__**How we will learn it**__

__**Monday, December 20th:**__ First of all, welcome to your three day week! Second, a huge, incredible, massive, thumbs up to your amazing accomplishments at the schools on Friday. From what I heard and saw you all did an awesome job reading your stories and being a positive influence on those grade one, two, and three students! Well done grade nines! Today, we are going to spend the majority of the period debriefing about what went well on Friday and what we could work on by looking at the pictures taken throughout your morning by Ms. Rowe and myself. We will look at the following questions:

1. What was the highlights of you working with the grade that you did? 2. What were some of the things that you were involved with in your class? 3. How did the reading of your stories go? Using your voice. 4. What did the kids think? How did they react? Did they ask questions? 5. How did Recess go? (always the big question)


 * __Tuesday, December 21st:__** This morning we will be talking about what is coming up after the break in our class. As you know, I will not be here for a week after you get back to school. Mrs. McIntyre will be in for me and she will be starting to take you through the novel, Killing Mr. Griffin. There will be a study package that I will be going over with you today so that you know what will be coming after the break. Our classes will be shortened this morning as we have our Jr. SGA assembly for the last half of the morning.


 * __Wednesday, December 22nd:__** Well CONGRATULATIONS! You made it to the end and now break is going to begin for you! Today we are going to have a bit of break, have some treats and play a short game of Telephone Pictionary. We will divide up into two groups, get some paper, go over the rules, and play a few rounds. I hope that each and every one of you has a fantastic break, eats a lot, and enjoys the time with family and friends. Don't forget that school resumes on **Wednesday, January 5th, 2011**! Have a good one!

Just because most of you know I am a Disney nut, here is one of my favourite Mickey Mouse Christmas stories:

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 * __Monday, December 13th to Friday, December 17th, 2010__**
 * __What are we learning?__**
 * We can write to narrate and experiment with a variety of text forms that explore identity (Love, Loyalty, and Relationships)
 * We can create a present a variety of visual presentations to best represent a message for an intended audience and purpose
 * We can use oral language to interact purposefully, confindently, and appropriately in a variety of situations, including small groups
 * We can assess own and others' work for clarity, correctness, and impact


 * __How we will learn it__**


 * __Monday, December 13th:__** If you need a refresher of our expectations for the week please refer to your handout that you received in class, last week. If you need an extra copy of anything given to you last week, please see last weeks entries or the handout section to download. Today, we are heading back to the computer lab to continue working on your children's stories. This project is going to take up the majority of our week as we will be heading to Sunningdale and Cornerstone this Friday, December 17th. The grade one and twos at these schools are very excited to have you join them for the morning and I want you to put your best effort forward to produce a finished book that you will be proud of to share with these little guys. If you need any extra time (lunch/after school), please let me know so that I can provide a place for you to work. It is up to you to ask! Today, you also found out which school you will be attending and you were given a note to send home to your parents. We will be back to working on our stories tomorrow.


 * __Tuesday, December 14th to Thursday, December 16th:__** During these days, you will continue getting your books together. You will need to complete the following things in order to be ready to complete your books for our final hour together on Thursday:

a. Finish your story on the computer b. Go through all of the editing to fix your story up (reading it out loud to a friend is a good thing, check spelling and punctuation) c. Get your illustrations completed d. Get your story into your page protectors and binders (provided to you) e. Read your finished story to two of your friends in the way that you are going to read it to your grade one and two buddies on Friday. Remember the rubric that we went through in class and is in your binders (please see the attached rubric if you don't have it in your binder)



For the last little bit of the period in Thursday, I am going to be going over a few things that I expect to see when you are at the schools. Remember, maturity and safety are going to be a big focus. We want to have an awesome with our grade one and two buddies but we need to remember that we are not the ones in grade one and two. We need to listen to the teachers and do what is expected of us. We will see you tomorrow at your schools!

__**Friday, December 17th:**__ Well we are all off to Sunningdale and Cornerstone today. It is going to be an amazing morning filled with sharing our stories to our grade one and two buddies and lots of fun. Please remember that we are only at the schools for the morning and your afternoon classes will go on as normal. On Monday, we will spend most of our hour together debriefing how today went. Ms. Rowe and I will be taking lots of pictures to share with you and we want to hear your stories about your experiences from your school. Have a great weekend!

Update: We all had an amazing morning at Sunningdale and Cornerstone! You were all outstanding from what everyone has told me! We will have a great chat on Monday about how today went! Have a great weekend!



__**Monday, December 6th to Friday, December 10th, 2010**__ __**What are we learning?**__
 * We can write to narrate and experiment with a variety of text forms that explore identity (Love, Loyalty, and Relationships)
 * We can create and present a varety of visual presenations to best represent message for an intended audience and purpose
 * We can use oral language to interact purposefully, confindently, and appropriately in a varitey of situation including small groups
 * We can assess own and others' work for clarity, correctness, and impact


 * __How we will learn it__**

Here is the Story Telling: Voice, Tone, and Audience rubric if you need it:
 * __Monday, December 6th__**: Hopefully you brought your children's books with you from home. Today we are going to talk about the art of stroy telling using your voice, tone, and the audience you are dealing with. Obviously, on Friday, December 17th, your audience is going to consist of grade 1 and 2 students at Sunningdale and Cornerstone schools. The first thing we are going to look at, is the following rubric (you can download here). In this rubric you are giong to see four categories that you are going to be evaluated on. This rubric will be used as you are reading to your reading buddies at the elementary schools. After we go over the rubric, I am going to read one more story to you to get you warmed up and then you are going to break up into groups of three and read to your classmates using the tools we talked about effective readers. We will then come back at the end of class and discuss how you did. We will be looking at the actuall "Children's Story " assignment tomorrow.



__**Tuesday, December 7th**__: Today, we started off by going over the assignment for your children's stories. You were given a package which outlined what you need to accomplish over the next number of classes. You were even given an outline of what we would be doing on each given date for the next two weeks (so that if you are away you know what you need to accomplish). We then started working on the "Beginning Your Story" worksheet which gives an outline of your actual story that you are going to create. Remember, this needs to be handed into Mr. Young for approval before you start working on your rough draft. You should be well into your rough drafts by tomorrow. Here is the pages you received today. Please feel free to download and use if you are at home or need an extra:



__**Wednesday, December 8th**__: Have you handed in your "Beginning Your Story" worksheet yet to me? You have to complete that before working on your rough drafts. You should be well into your rough drafts before the end of the period. Make sure to check the outline that was given to you yesterday. This can be done at home for homework, tonight.

__**Thursday, December 9t**h__: How is your rough draft going? Almost done? Today will be your last day to work on your rough drafts. We also talked about setting up your second drafts on the computer. Remember, now that you have polished up your story, it is time for you to work on the layout of your story in book form. Tomorrow will be your first day in the computer lab to start creating your second drafts. We will be going over the basics of Microsoft Publisher to create your stories. You will then be given the rest of the time to start working on your stories on the computers. If you are not done your rough drafts, you need to have those completed for tomorrow's class. This is your responsibility. You should probably take it home for homework if you are not done.

__**Friday, December 10th**__: Today was our first day in the computer lab. You will be shown the basic of Microsoft Publisher as it is really easy to use in designing a story. However, you may also use Microsoft Word if you feel more comfortable. You will then be given the rest of the class to begin laying out your book as you would like to see it in the final stages. Don't forget about your illustrations. Some of you that have decided to draw your pictures for your book have a lot have supplies that you can get from the classroom and use. Next week, we will be in the computer lab from Monday to Thursday for you to work on your book. It will be up to you to judge your time accordingly and complete this task. **We will be going to Sunningdale and Cornerstone next Friday, December 17th. More information and a letter home will be given to you on Monday explaining this awesome opportunity for you to spend the morning with the grade one and two classes at these schools! Have a great wekeend!**

A classic song, from a classic movie, from a classic children's book!

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__**Monday, November 29th to Friday, December 3rd, 2010**__ __**What are we learning?**__
 * We can view, listen to, and read a variety of texts related to the theme or topic of study (Acceptance/Friendship) and show comprghension and demonstrate responses through group presentations
 * We can question and respond to personal reflections of a chosen story
 * We can relate questions and ideas in texts into our personal lives
 * We can investigate points of view and how they affect a text
 * We can report on information from texts when they are heard, read, or viewed
 * We can use the "Before" reading strategy before we look at a certain piece of writing
 * We can work with our peers in creating a presentation based on the knowledge gained in the stories we read
 * We can read to identify tone of voice in an author's piece of writing
 * We can examine the theme (message) that an author tires to tell us about life through a selection of short stories for a specific audience


 * __How we will learn it__**


 * __Monday, November 29th__:** Today, you will have your last hour to work with your group on your short story for your presentation (notice I am emphasizing the word "your"). Please remember that your handouts, for your presentation, must be into me by the end of the class so I can make copies for you to distribute to the class before the presentation takes place. Again, you have been given over three hours of class time time work on this presentation. Please makes sure to check over your assignment that you received last week (the perfect purple package). Everything you need to know is in there Tomorrow, we will draw from a hat and that group will make their presentation.


 * __Tuesday, November 30th to Thursday, December 2nd:__** Today was the first day of presentations for your short stories. How do you feel that you did? Please remember that we will be working on a self evaluation for this project once all the presentations have been completed. Here is a copy if you need it:



__**Friday, December 3rd:**__ Today, your job was to walk into the classroom, remove your shoes, and have a seat on the matts. On the matts? Yes, we completely reorganized our classroom to put ourselves in a grade one and two environment. We then dived into the children's books that had been given to us by Mrs. Martin's grade one class, at Sunningdale. We went through everything from Robert Munsch, Dr. Seuss, etc. We then chose a few wooks to go over and look at the setup of a children's books and how to read to a young child. As you guys realized, there is a lot to actaully reading and the structure of a children's book. Your homework for the weekend is to go home and do your best to find a book you used to read (or read to you) and bring it with you Monday to read to your group. Remember, we are practicing our reading skills. What better way to do this than with a book you feel extremely comfortable with. Have a great weekend!

Here is a video from one of the master authors and readers of our time, Rober Munsch. Notice how he DOES NOT have his book in front of him. How would you like to handle these kids?

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__**Monday, November 22nd to Friday, November 26th, 2010**__ __**What are we learning?**__
 * We can view, listen to, and read a variety of texts related to the theme or topic of study (Acceptance/Friendship) of study and show comprehension and demonstrate responses.
 * We can question and respond on personal reflections and responses
 * We can relate questions and ideas in texts into everyday life scenarios
 * We can investigate points of view and how they affect a text
 * We can report on information from texts, heard, read, or viewed
 * We can use the "Before, During, and After" strategies in reading
 * We can work with our peers in creating a presentation based on the knowledge gained in the stories we read
 * We can use our own reading strategies in texts of our choosing for enjoyment

__**How we will learn it**__

__**Monday, November 22nd**__: Hope you had a great weekend! We are now back to our five day work week! Do you think you can make it a full five days? Today, after our regular reading time, we are going to shake things up a little bit in our classroom. Instead of me reading out the short stories to you (which I have done A LOT of); we are going to be setting you up into groups of five, select a story for you, and let you pick away at it and then you get to be the ones to present it to the class. We will be going over the following documents in class (given to you in a package) and then I am going to assign your groups to you (listed below) and then I am going to let you start working on a short story together (all of you will receive the same story so that we can start getting used to our groups). Your job for today, in your groups, is as follows:

1. Complete the "Reading Group Contract" together. Everyone must fill out the contract. Mr. Young only requires one copy which he will photocopy and give back to you. He will keep the copy for your group with him in case he needs to refer to it.

2. Make sure, before signing your names, that you have decided which group member will do which job from the "Reading Groups Role Descriptions". Everyone will need to have a job.

3. Start Reading through the short story "On the Sidewalk Bleeding" with your group. How you read the story is up to you and your group. Silent reading is not an option so you are going to have to figure out how you are going to read the story.

4. Look over the "Your lesson should include the following" section (//Introduction, Reading of the story, and Group Assignment//) and create a brief outline for your group of what you would do in this section if you were to present it to the class. We will come back together, as a class, and discuss.

5. Mr. Young will be assigning your stories to you that you will present to the class near the end of the week.


 * Please, get started on working through this process and we will see where you are at by the end of the period. If we need to use some of Tuesday's class, we will.**


 * __Groups__**

Jordyn P. Kristen K.  Trent M.  Zoe T. || Ryder E.  Brittany K.  Cody H.  Sydney E.  Cody O. || John F.  Tyler P.  Zach S.  Janessa A.  Dusty J. || Wyatt M.  Ciera S.  Erik N.  Kitana F. || Josh P.  Daniel F.  Noah H.  Emma J.  Austin A. || Kathryn J. Alex S.  Spencer B.  Blake H. || Laurissa R.  Avery B  Keianna S  Austin A.  Nathan F. || Helena J.  Chandler A.  Tanner T.  Dan L.  Amanda B. || Ryan B.  Arianna T.  Austin N.  Jessica F.  Colton B. || Russ O.  Mackenzie K.  Allie W.  Cole O.  Brianna H.  Tonisia A. || David W. John F.  Brittany F.  Cydney A.  Robert R. || Jessica S.  Brittany J.  Tyler M.  David F.  Bailey B.  Jacob W. || Abigail C.  Jenessa K.  Rylan E.  Patrick B.  Adam W.  Jordan C. || Darci Y.  Travis R.  Boyd G.  Austin R.  Jordan B. ||~   ||
 * || Group 1 || Group 2 || Group 3 || Group 4 || Group 5 ||
 * Period 1 || Jayda C.
 * Period 2 || Tyson W.
 * Period 3 || Austin V.


 * Handouts for Reading Group Package**:

__**Tuesday, November 23rd**__: After reading time, you will be going back into your groups to continue working on your assignment from yesterday (please see yesterday's entry numbers 1 through 5). Before the end of the period we will come back and have a class discussion about your outline (we will make a list on the board of ideas you come up with on how to present this story). Mr. Young will then assign your story to you for your group. Your group will be in charge of this story to present to the class (please review "Reading Group Short Story Assignment"). It is now time for you to work, with your group, on your assigned story. **Your presentations will begin on Monday, November 29th.**
 * Group 1: Coffee, Snacks, Worms. Crossroads. page 87**
 * Group: 2: Long, Long After School. Sightlines. page 112**
 * Group 3: Thank You Ma'am. Crossroads. Page 73**
 * Group 4: Man's Best Friend. Crossroad. page 94**
 * Group 5: Gore. Sightlines. page 3**

__**Wednesday, November 24th, Thursday, November 25th and Friday, November 26th**__: After reading time, on these days, you will continue to work, in your groups, on your presentations for your story. There will be a computer lab booked for you on Friday so that you can use the computers for your presentations. **These presentations will begin on Monday, November 29th.** We will be drawing group numbers from a hat so everyone needs to be prepared and ready to go for Monday. Have a great weekend! GO RIDERS!!

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 * __Monday, November 15th to Thursday, November 18th, 2010__**
 * __What are we learning?__**
 * We can examine the theme of acceptance through class discussion
 * We can examine the theme of acceptance through personal writing using guiding questions
 * We can examine the theme of acceptance through reading specfici texts (stories, music, video)
 * We can read for personal enjoyment using texts of our choosing

__**How we will learn it**__

__**Monday, November 15th**__: Hope you had an amazing long weekend! Today, we will start the class with our regular announcements and some silent reading. After that the took at the questions from the "Acceptance" story (see last weeks entries). Please make sure you have those questions answered as they will be useful to you in some of the projects we will be working on in class. Next, we started talking about how we judge someone before we even know what they are capable of. We took a look at the video below and discussed that before Susan Boyle started to sing for the audience they all saw her as a "nothing". Then she blew everyone away with her singing. How many times do we do this to people before we even get a chance to know them.

After looking at the video we started looking at the story, "Kath and Mouse". This story is dealing with our theme of "acceptance" and how we judge someone without even knowing them. We will continue with this story tomorrow. If you need a copy of it to read at home, please use this copy to download:

We only made it through half the story. We will finish up the rest tomorrow in class and work on the discussion questions that are located at the end of the story.

__**Tuesday, November 16th**__: Today, after reading time, we finished up the rest of the story "Kath and Mouse" (see Monday's entry for downloadable copy). We then took some time to work on the study questions that are located at the end of the story. Before class was over we took up these questions, through class discussion, to talk about people's different views of what "acceptance" means to them in this type of story. Tomorrow, we will be starting on the story "Golden Girl".


 * __Wednesday, November 17th__**: Today, after a few announements and reading time, we started talking about how we would handle certain situations when a friend has betrayed us in some way. This is one of the hardest things that we can deal with because sometimes it deals with our best friends. As we worked our way through the story "Golden Girl", we discussed who we would rather be friends with; the character of Donna (the girl telling the story)or Anna (Donna's best friend). Lots of us were having trouble putting up our hands because neither one of them seem like nice people. We will be finishing the story tomorrow and taking a look at the questions that are located at the end. Here is a copy of the story if you missed any part of it:

__**Thursday, November 18th:**__ Well this is your last day before, yes, another long weekend for you! You lucky kids! Today, we will be heading up to the library to renew your books, check new books out, and pay your fines. Once we are done that we will head back to the classroom to finish up the story "Golden Girl" (download the story above). We had alot of fantastic discussions yesterday when it came to the personalities of the two characters, Donna and Anna. Let's keep that going again! Once we have finished we will look at the questions that are at the end of the story. **Progress reports were also distributed to each of you with your updated marks. Please make sure to take these home.** Next week, we will be switching gears just a little bit as we are going to be doing a few things on the computers with the help of Ms. Rowe and you are going to be working on some short stories. However, we will be looking at these short stories in a different way. Have a great and safe weekend! We will see you Monday! Remember, the Western Finals are on this weekend! LET'S GO RIDERS!

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 * __Monday, November 8th to Wednesday, November 10th, 2010__**
 * __What are we learning?__**
 * We can use persuasive writing techniques to create a persuasive letter
 * We can read a selection, of our choosing, for enjoyment
 * We can look at the theme of "acceptance" through class discussion


 * __How we will learn it__**


 * __Monday, November 8th, 2010:__** First of all, welcome to your three day work week! Today, after reading time, we headed off to the computer lab to give you one last opportunity to finish up your letters to your chosen person. Again, these letters are due at the end of the period so that I can get them in the mail be Wednesday. Tomorrow, we will be looking at the them of "acceptance". Don't forget that on Wednesday it is our annual Formal Day at Peacock Collegiate to go along with our Remembrance Day ceremonies. Please feel free to come dressed up in your formal wear. ** Also, don't forget you have a math and social studies quiz on Wednesday. Have you been studying? **

**__﻿Tuesday, November 9th, 2010__**: Today, after reading time, we started looking at the theme of "acceptance" through the use of the shortest story you will ever read if your high school career. We started off by looking the one picture that was in the story. You were then given time to write down, in point form, what you thought the story was about, just based on the picture that you see. We then went through the story twice and then discussed what the story was about. We then looked through the "Responding to the Story" questions; first by yourself then with class discussion. You eached received a copy of the story for your binders. Here is another copy if you need to download it:

Don't forget that tomorrow is our annual Formal Day at Peacock. We will also be having your Remembrance Day ceremony at 11:00, during period 3. ** Don't forget, you have a math and social studies quiz tomorrow. Make sure you study! **

__**﻿Wednesday, November 10th, 2010**__: Today, we headed off to the library to exchange books, renew books, and pay our fines (if we had any). We spent most of the period in the library. Our classes were shortened as we will be having our Remembrance Day ceremony in the auditorium around 11:15. **Don't forget your quiz for both math and social studies today**. If there is sometime during the class, we can use the library for you to study. Enjoy your extra long weekend! Be safe, and we will see you on Monday!


 * Don't forget, there will be a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Civic Centre starting at 10:15. **

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 * __Tuesday, November 2nd to Friday, November 5th, 2010__**
 * __What are we learning?__**
 * We can use the writing process effectively in our writing samples
 * We can use persuasive writing techniques to create a persuasive paragraph on a certain topic
 * We can check our writing over for sentence fluency and voice
 * We can read a book or our choosing for enjoyment

__**How we will learn it**__


 * __Tuesday, November 2nd:__** Welcome back from your extra long weekend! I hope you all got the chance to catch on some sleep! Today, we are going to be continuing having some quiet reading time at our desks for the first 10 minutes of class. We will then continue looking at our persuasive paragraphs that we started on last week. We are only going to be working on these ones as practice paragraphs as we are going to start looking at a certain form of persuasive writing tomorrow. By the end of class I would like for some of you to share your paragraphs with the class. Your homework for tonight is to think of someone that is very important to you in your life (parent, sibling, cousin, aunt, uncle, coach, friend, grandparent, pastor, former teacher, even someone that has passed away can be a choice etc.) and make a list of why they are important to you.


 * __Wednesday, November 3rd:__** Today, after reading time, we began looking at your homework from last night. Your job was to choose one person in your life that is very important to you and list the reasons why they are important to you. As we are working on persuasive writing for the next few days, your task is going to be to use the writing process to create a short letter (one page in length) to this person. Yes, we are going to mail this letter to that person (if the person is deceased, I will let you decide what you want to do with the letter). We want to make sure that these letters are really well written as they are going to be going to a person that you have chosen. We will start by filling out the worksheet, that I will provide you, in setting up your letter. We will work on this for the rest of the period and get into the writing part of the letter tomorrow. If you aren't done the worksheet, you will need to work on it for homework tonight. If you need an extra copy of the worksheet, you can download it here:



__**Thursday, November 4th:**__ Today, after reading time, we will continue looking at our letters for our chosen people. We will be heading into the lab to use the computers, if you wish to, as tools in your writing. Remember, we are trying to tell them how much they mean to us and why they mean so much to us. You were the ones that chose this person, you should be able to come up with a number of reasons why they mean so much to you. The one thing I want you to remember is to do your best to explain each reason about why they mean so much to you. Can you give examples from your life of where this person has effected you in some way? A short explanation (story, moment in time, something you remember about them, etc.) will give your writing that much more of an impact for the reader. You should be getting close to finishing off the rough draft of your letters. Tomorrow, after library time, you will be given the rest of class to finish up your letters and print them off to take them home over the weekend. You will also receive an envelope from me to get an address for your person so we can mail them next week.

__**Friday, November 5th:**__ Today, just like every Friday, we are going to be heading up to the library to check out books, pay fines, and renew our books. You will also be given the rest of the period to print out your letters for our chosen person. Your job, during the rest of the period, and this weekend is to get your core 3 to read over your letters for sentence fluency and editing. On Monday, you will be given one last opportunity to make any changes to your letter that you need to make. Before the end of the period, you must have your letter printed off, folded, and put in your envelope. Please DO NOT seal it as I need to read them over for evaluation. Once I have read them over, they will be sealed in the envelope and mailed to that person. I will make sure to let you know that this has taken place. For those people that may have written their letters to someone who has passed away, I will make sure to get the letter back to you so you can do with it as you wish. If you need an extra copy of the editing checklist, here you go:



Have a great weekend!

__**Monday, October 25th to Friday, October 29th, 2010**__ __**What are we learning?**__
 * We can effetively use the writing process in our writing samples
 * We can write using the explaining and persuassive format
 * We can be an active particpant in our community in helping to setup for the Better Together Food Drive
 * We can effectively work as a team as we participate in Gym Blast 2010


 * __How we will learn it__**
 * __Monday, October 25th__:** Today was a bit different day as we had our school pep rally during period 2. Congratulations to all of the success each of our teams and groups have had over the last two months of school. Lots of you from our Peacocks of the Caribbean family were recognized today and it was awesome to see so many of you involved in extracurricular activities! If you are needing to find an extracurricular team or group to be apart of, do not hesitate in asking any one of your family teachers for information. We are here to help you succeed! As for ELA, we very briefly looked at persuassive writing. We will continue to work on this throughout the next few classes. Tomorrow, we will be heading into the computer lab for you to work on your explaining paragraphs.

__**Tuesday, October 26th**__: This will be our last full day of classes for the week. Isn't grade nine awesome! ha ha ha! Today, after reading time, you were given the opportunity to head into the computer lab to finish up your explaining paragraphs. Period 3 students, we are a little bit behind so this will not be your last time in the lab (you will have one more opportunity before handing in). Please don't forget that tomorrow we will be heading up to the Hillcrest Apostolic church after period 1 attendance to help set up for the Better Together Food Drive that will be taking place this Sunday, October 31st. **Also, please remember to dress appropriately. We will be walking up to the church so come dressed ready to walk. It is supposed to be a bit cool so be prepared.** Our job will be setting up tables and making all of the boxes that will hold the food that will be donated. I expect nothing but the best from all of you. I now you won't disappoint. Once we return from the church we will be breaking up into our teams for Gym Blast 2010. You will be given instruction on what is happening by our Jr. SGA group. Let's have some fun!

__**Wednesday, October 27th**__: Today, we are heading up to the Hillcrest Apostolic church to get things set up for the Better Together Food. We will take attendance in period one and walk up as a group. Once we return from the church we will get placed into our teams for Gym Blast 2010. GET READY! BLUE IS GOING TO WIN!

__**Thursday, October 28th**__: Today is GYM BLAST 2010!!! This is a huge thing for our grade nines! Are you pumped?! Get ready to make some amazing memories and have a ton of fun in the gym as we participate in a ton of group activities. Parents, please be aware that Parent/Student/Teacher interview will be taking place from 6:30-8:30 pm in the main hallways of the school in the bottom floor (right in the student center). Please feel free to come and discussion your child's progress in their classes. We hope to see you there.


 * __Friday, October 29th__:** Parents, please be advised that Parent/Student/Teacher interview will be taking place this morning from 8:30 am to 12:00 noon on the main floor of the school. Please feel free to stop by, have a coffee, and discuss your child's progress in our classes.

Please remember that students will not have classes this Monday, November 1st as staff is having a Professional Learning Community session Yes POTCs, you get to sleep in! See you Tuesday!

Have a great weekend!


 * __Monday, October 18th to Friday, October 22nd, 2010__**

__**What are we learning?**__
 * We can use all aspects of the writing process to create our writing samples
 * We can write using descriptive details
 * We can write using expository/explaining details
 * We can practice our writing skills by using the writing process
 * We can read a book selection, of our choosing, for enjoyment


 * __How we will learn it__**


 * Monday, October 18th**: Today, after announcements, we will have our quiet reading time at our desks. Again, this is an opportunity for you all to read a book of your choosing. This is just so you can relax and read for a bit of enjoyment. After reading, we will be dividing into groups (Mr. Young's choice) and reading our shoe paragraphs to the members of our group. Once that is done, we will switch with our partners and have them read our paragraphs outloud. Again, our hope is to work on sentence fluency and having smooth writing that everyone can understand. As you are reading, please make sure to correct places that are still a bit rough with your pen or pencil. Again, this is practice! To become good writers we must practice!

Please remember, your final drafts for this assignment are due tomorrow, at the beginning of class.


 * Tuesday, October 19th**: Today, before reading time, you handed in the final copy of your shoe paragraph. This would include:

1. your final draft 2. your checklist for editing 3. your rough drafts 4. your prewriting

We will now be moving on to persuasive/explaining paragraphs. These are the paragraphs that we write when we want to explain something to our readers. Whether it be our opinion on something or how to do something, these types of paragraphs are used to inform. We will be going over the notes in class (handout) and then you will be set to the task on creating 2 explaining paragraphs on how to do something. Remember, we are using the writing process (prewriting, rough drafts, revision, presenting) to do this task. What two things are you going to teach me how to do?

If you need a copy of the notes, you can download them here:




 * Wednesday, October 20th**: Today, after reading time, we continued working on our paragraphs. Remember, use your notes to help you out. We will be heading into the computer lab tomorrow for you to write up your second and third drafts. We will be sharing these in class tomorrow with your group.

We also sent home a parent newsletter and a letter discussion the Better Together Food Drive that we will help setting up for next Wedesday, October 27th. You all have the letter in your binder to take home. Here are some copies if you need to download them:



Thursday, October 21st: Today, after reading time, we will be heading into the computer lab to allow you an opportunity to work on the computers in typing up your drafts for your paragraphs. Tomorrow, we will be getting into your groups to go over your paragraphs and work on your editing checklists (yes, again!). On Friday, you will be given half an hour, after we get back from the library to read over your paragraphs in your group and work on your editing.

If you need an extra copy of the editing checklist and rubric, you can download one here:




 * Friday, October 22nd**: We will be heading off to the library, first thing, to renew our books, check new ones out, and pay our fines if we have any. Once we return from the library you will be put into a new group (by Mr. Young) to go over your paragraphs (just like we did with the descriptive paragraphs). In your group, you will read your paragraph out loud to your group, make any changes, then pass it to the next person who will read it out loud and see if there is any changes to make. You will have the rest of the class to work on this. On Monday, you will be given one last opportunity in the computer lab to fix anything up and turn in your final versions of your paragraph.


 * Have a great weekend!**

What are we learning?
 * __Tuesday, October 12th to Friday, October 15th, 2010__**


 * We can use all aspects of the writing process to create our writing samples
 * We can read a book selection of our choosing for enjoyment
 * We can write using descriptive details
 * We can practice our writing skills using the writing process

__﻿How we will learn it__


 * Tuesday, October 12th**: Welcome back! I hope you had an awesome weekend and ate lots of turkey! Today, we are going to be continuing our "Shoe" activity from last week (please refer to last Friday's entry for details. Again, we are working on our descriptive writing using the the writing process (please refer to your notes for details). We will be working on the prewriting process today and movie into our rough copies. Please remember to keep everything, as you will be handing in all of your drafts to show you have gone through the process.


 * Wednesday, October 13th:** Today we will have our first 10 minutes of silent reading (as usual). Remember, these are books that you have chosen from the library or from home. After reading time you will be given the rest of the hour to get your rough drafts and your second drafts completed for your "Shoe" activity. If you are done those copies, you may wan to go to your "Core 3" and have them read over your work. Please remember to get them to sign the checklist as you will be handing those in with your final draft. Tomorrow, we will be heading to the computer lab to give you time type your paragraphs up. These will be due on Friday.


 * Thursday, October 14th:** Today, after reading time, we will be heading off to the computer lab to give you an opportunity to type up your paragraphs (if you wish to hand write them, that is fine). Please remember to complete the checklist that has been provided for you on editing. You will hand those checklists in with your final draft. These paragraphs are due tomorrow at the beginning of class.


 * Here is a copy of the checklist if you need it:**


 * Friday, October 15:** Today, you handed in your final drafts for our "Shoe" activity. Please remember to hand in the following: Your blue editing checklist, your final version of your paragraph, and all of your rought drafts and prewriting. We will then head up to the library to renew our books and check new ones out. We may stay in the library for the whole period to have reading time. Just a chance to get out of the classroom and enjoy a different environment. Next week we will be moving onto expository/explaining writing.


 * Have a great weekend!**

__**Tuesday, October 5th to Friday, October 8th, 2010**__ What are we learning? How we will learn it Tuesday, October 5th: **Today, we will be heading off to computer lab 300 for one more work period on your Terry Fox write-ups. Please remember that we are following the writing process (notes given to you last week, you can download from the handouts section if needed). These write-ups will be do on Thursday, October 7th. If you do not hand them in at that time, you will be placed in Homeowrk Intervention Program startion on Monday. Remember, I will need to see the following in your package when you hand in your final drafts:**
 * We can write to convince others of our thoughts and opinions
 * We can use all aspects of the writing process to create our writing samples
 * We can read a book selection of our choosing for enjoyment
 * We can write using descriptive details
 * We can practice our writing skills using the writing process


 * 1. Your checklist for editing (all checked off)**


 * . Your final version of your write-up**
 * 3. All drafts of your work (rough draft, 2nd draft, 3rd draft, etc.)**
 * 4. Your prewriting**


 * You have been give alot of time to hand in your best work. Please make sure that happens.**

Wednesday, October 6th: **As you can see, I am gone for cross country. This is what you are going to be doing today with Miss Johnston (I know Miss Johnston is married, I just can't remember her married name, ha ha ha!):**


 * 1. Quiet reading time for 10-12 minutes (have your books with you). We will be going to the library tomorrow.**
 * 2. You will be going over the "Descriptive Paragraph" notes as a class (green sheet)**
 * 3. You will be given time to work on the "Stretch a Sentence" worksheet (yellow sheet) which you will be given the rest of class time to work on. You may even take a couple of them up before the end of class.** You will all be sharing one of your bare bones sentences tomorrow so please be prepared.
 * 4. If you finish you can continue to read at your desk.**


 * Here is the notes on descriptive paragraphs and the "Stretch a Sentence" worksheet if you need to download them:**




 * Thursday, October 7th: Today, we will be heading off to the library for some "Library Time". When we get back to the classroom we will be sharing our bare bones sentences that you worked on yesterday. Everyone is sharing one. My hope is that you have all finished all five of them. Remember, we are practicing our writing. The more you write, the easier it gets. After we are dong sharing our paragraphs, we will move on to a more "smelly" activity. Be ready to remove your shoes! EWWW!**


 * Friday, October 8th: Today, we will be continuing on with our "smelly" activity after reading time. You will need to have all your prewriting completed and starting into your rough drafts. Your job is to take the shoe from someone else and create a descriptive paragraph based on that shoe. This is going to be very interesting as you will need to incorporate as much of the senses as you can into your writing (but please, do not tast the shoe, blah!).**


 * Have a great long weekend! Happy Thanksgiving! Eat lots of turkey!**



Monday, September 27 to Friday, October 1, 2010 What are we learning?
 * We can write to convince others of our thoughts and opinions
 * We can use all aspects of the writing process to create our writing samples
 * We can read a book selection of our choosing for enjoyment

How we will learn it Monday, September 27th: **Today we will be finishing up the movie "Terry" (based on Terry Fox's life). Pleae make sure that your "Prewriting" assignment is complete. You are going to need to have those for class tomorrow as we start looking at the writing process.**

Tuesday, September 28th: **Today we started looking at the next phase in the writing process, "Rough Drafts". In the rough draft stage you are getting your thoughts down on paper in more details. Remember the things that we talked about when It comes to rought drafts:**


 * 1. don't worry about spelling or punctuation**
 * 2. make sure you get all of your thoughts down on paper**
 * 3. this is where you use full an complete sentences as best you can**
 * 4. the more you write the easier it is to become a better writer**


 * Using your prewriting from "Terry" you started on your rough drafts in answering the question, "What lessons can I learn from Terry Fox that I can apply to my life?" You will be given the rest of the class to start working on your rough drafts for this assignment. We will continue on with this tomrorow.**


 * Here is a copy of the notes you received about the writing process, today:**



Wednesday, September 29th**: Today, we are going to continue working on the rough drafts of your "Terry Fox" write-ups. Again, we are working on the writing process to complete this task (refer to notes from yesterday). Before starting to work on our rough drafts, again, you are going to be given a copy of the "Editing Tips" notes. Please keep these with you to use as we will be using them as you start into the "Revising" stage of the writing process over the next few classes.**


 * Here is a copy of the "Editing Tips" if you need them:**



Thursday, September 30th and Friday October 1st**: Today and Friday, you are going be given the majority of the class time to work on your "Terry Fox" writing samples. You should be working on your second or third drafts by now. Today, you were also given the rubric on how I will be evaluating you on this assignment and an editing checklist for you to fill out before you hand in your final copies of your writing.**


 * Here is a copy of the two handouts from today:**




 * We will see where we are at the end of the period and set a date for you to hand in your final copies on Monday.**


 * Have a great weekend!**

Tuesday, September 21st to Friday, September 24th, 2010

What are we learning?
 * <span style="display: block; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can read a selection of text for purpose and understanding
 * <span style="display: block; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can identify tone through differnt contexts (reading and presenting)
 * <span style="display: block; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can write for clarification and thought
 * <span style="display: block; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We can share our opinions and thoughts through class discussion

How we will learn it

Tuesday, September 21st**: Today, we FINISHED out first novel study, Losing Joe's Place. Plus, as most of you figured out, You have been writing your quiz all the way along for the novel. Yes, your study questions was your quiz. Those will be handed in tomorrow.**

Wednesday, September 22nd to Friday, September 24th**: Today, you are going to hand in your study question for Losing Joe's Place. We are also going to start looking at the movie "Terry" based on the life of Terry Fox. You are to use this movie to answer one question:**


 * "What lessons can I learn from Terry Fox that I can apply to my life?"**


 * This is the start of the writing process called "Prewriting". We are going to be answering this question in little segments throughout the movie. Your job is to come up with a few things that we can learn from Terry that we can apply to our lives. You might want to think about courage, ambition, motivation, etc.**


 * Remember to write down example from the movie so that you have evidence to back up your thoughts.**


 * We will start looking at the write-ups for this next week.**


 * Have a good one!**

__Monday, September 13th to Tuesday, September 17th, 2010__ __What are we learning?__ __How we will learn it__
 * We can read a selection of text for purpose and understanding
 * We can identify tone through differnt contexts
 * We can write for clarification and thought
 * We can share our opinions and thoughts through class discussion

Monday, September 13th**: Today, we are going to work through chapter 10 of LJP, as a class. Along the way we will be stopping to check for understanding of the story through questions and class discussion. Please remember to keep your chapter questions all caught up. We will be finishing this story next week.**

Tuesday, September 14th**: We continued to work through the novel and had a great class discussion on whether or not Jessica is using her personality and looks to persuade the boys to do things for them. Let's face it, girls are way more mature than boys, at this age (conclusion we all came to at the end of class, ha ha ha). Tomorrow, is a special day as our POTC family is about to grow by 12 new students as we add Miss Osask to our family as our BRAND NEW SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER!**

Wednesday, September 15th**: WELCOME TO OUR BRAND NEW POTC (Peacock's of the Caribbean) FAMILY MEMBERS!!!! Also, a BIG POTC WELCOME to Miss Osask as our new Social Studiess teacher (WOOT WOOT). We are happy to have all of you aboard our POTC ship!!!!! ARRRRRRRR!!**

Thursday, September 16th**: We continued to work through LJP by reading chapter 11 in groups and Mr. Young continued reading chapter 12. Please remember to keep your study questions caught up as we will be finishing the novel next week and I will be asking you for something (hint hint wink wink, trust me! You all know what that means) :)**

Friday, September 17th**: Today we used as "Catch Up" day! We finished chapter 12 of LJP, as a class, and then you were given time to work on your study questions, your maps for Social Studies, and your homework for Math. We also used this time as bonding time with our new POTC crew members that we received this week! I hope you have an awesome LONG weekend. Remember, no school for you on Monday. We will see you on Tuesday!**


 * Have a great and safe weekend!**

__Tuesday, September 7th to Friday, September 10th, 2010__ __What are we learning?__ How we will learn it Tuesday, September 7th**: Today we continued working through Losing Joe's Place by finishing up chapter 5. We did a short review of the book, so far, and what we think will be coming up in the book. You will given the opportunity to work on the study questions for chapter 5 for about 15 minutes, in class. We then started working through chapter 6. We will continue tomorrow.**
 * We can read a selection of text for purpose and understanding
 * We can identify tone through differnt contexts
 * We can write for clarification and thought
 * We can share our opinions and thoughts in class

Wednesday, September 8th**: We will review what we took in chapter 6 yesterday. We will then finish up chapter 6 and continue into chapter 7. You will get some worktime on the questions during class tomorrow.**

Thursday, September 9th**: We will be continuing on with chapter 8 in the novel today. We will be also having a class discussion about the boys and where they have come so far in the novel. Are they facing the same problems that we would face in real life?**

Friday, September 10th**: We will continue working through the novel today. Our hope is to finish up to the end of chapter 9.**


 * PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN SIGN OUT A BOOK TO TAKE HOME FROM MYSELF OR MRS. FREY AT THE END OF THE MORNING OR THE END OF THE DAY. THAT IS YOUR RESPONISBILITY!!!**
 * IF YOU NEED ONE, COME GET ONE!!!***

__Friday, September 3rd, 2010__ __What are we learning?__


 * We can read a selection of text for purpose and understanding
 * We can read a selection of text indentify tone

__How we will learn it__


 * Today we are going to be continuing through Losing Joe's Place. We will be working on chapters 4 and a bit of chapter 5 and give you some time to work on your study questions.**


 * You have had an awesome first full week of grade nine! KEEP IT UP!!! Remember, Welcome Week is going to start next week. There will be alot of activities in and around Peacock for you to take part in. ENJOY IT AND HAVE SOME FUN!!!**


 * Have a great and safe long weekend!**


 * Have a good one!**

__Thursday, September 2nd, 2010__
 * Today we continued to work on our study questions for chapters 1, 2, and 3 of Losing Joe's Place. We did not get to read chapter four like we would have, in class, as you were all out getting your pictures taken. Therefore, you had a good solid 40 minutes to work on your study questions. Remember, having your questions done is YOUR responsibility.**


 * Tomorrow, we will be working on chapter 4, in class.**

__Wednesday, September 1st, 2010__ __What are we learning__
 * Have a good one!**
 * We can write for purpose and understanding
 * We can use oral speaking to express thoughts and understanding

How we will learn it Today, we are going to finish up chapter 3 of Losing Joe's Place. You will then be given a copy of the study questions for the novel. The package I am giving you is filled with questions, notes, and other handouts. Please concentrate on the sheets I give you. Some of them we will go through and some of them we will go through at another date.

If you need to download a copy of the study questions you can do so here:



Tomorrow, we will be continuing on with the novel by getting into chapter 4. Please make sure to keep your study questions caught up. Trust me, it will be for your benefit at the end of the novel.

Have a good one!

__Tuesday, August 31st, 2010__ __What are we learning__
 * We can read a selection of text for purpose and understanding
 * We can read a selection of text identifying tone (the way someone reads)

How we will learn it

Yesterday, we started on our first novel study "Losing Joe's Place". We are going to continue getting further into the book today as we look at who these characters actually are.

Tomorrow, you will be receiving a package of study questions for you to complete as we go through the book. It is up to you to keep these questions caught up as we go through the chapters. TRUST ME, you will WANT to keep these questions caught up and completed. HINT HINT WINK WINK! (if you don't understand that, ask Mrs. Frey)

Have a good one! __Monday, August 30th, 2009__

__What are we learning__
 * We can use oral speaking to contribute ideas and thoughts in discussions with our peers

How we will learn it

Today we are going to finish up with looking at our "Favorite Things" list, as a class.

We will then start looking at a specific topic on "You are living on your own, what are you going to do now?" Your task is to come up with a list (by yourself or with a partner) of the top 10 things you are going to need to survive on your own. You only get 10 things and it cannot be a million dollars!

We will then start going through your lists as a class to see what you have come up with.

Tomorrow, we will start looking our novel study of "Losing Joe's Place".

Have a good one!

__Friday, August 27th, 2010__ __What we are learning__
 * We can use oral speaking to share opinions and and thoughts with our peers

__How we will learn it__


 * We are going to be looking at the questions you answered yesterday so we can get to know each other a bit better. We are also going to be looking at the topic of "Living on Your Own".**


 * Have a great weekend!**

__Wednesday, August 25th and Thursday, August 26th, 2010__**

Welcome to Peacock Collegiate! Today, we are going to be completing the following:

1. Find out where your home room is 2. Assign lockers 3. Demographic sheets 4. Pass out forms 5. Introductions 6. Course Outlines

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask me! We are here to help you out!

On the this wiki page you will always see our SLOs (Student Learning Outcomes/What we are learning), and what we are going to be working on in the class for the day.
 * We can read a book selection of our choosing for enjoyment
 * We can write using descriptive details