consecutive - in a row
boasted - bragged
announced - said publically
immune - protected
whirlwind - small tornado
revelry - celebration
fluke - lucky break
controversial - source of strong disagreement
accommodate - to do a service for
resumed - to begin again
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Lisa Leslie: Making a Script
You may work with a partner. If you do, please add your partner's name to your post.
1) List some different events from Lisa's life that might make a good 10 minute play.
2) Which of the above events do you think might be most interesting to our audience (friends, teachers, parents)?
3) Check out the following site: CBC TV's "The Outlet"
4) Follow the first three suggestions under "Write a Script" for one of the events you identified above.
1) List some different events from Lisa's life that might make a good 10 minute play.
2) Which of the above events do you think might be most interesting to our audience (friends, teachers, parents)?
3) Check out the following site: CBC TV's "The Outlet"
4) Follow the first three suggestions under "Write a Script" for one of the events you identified above.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
For Today...
I don't want to start anything new until we finish some of the things we have on the go already.
Please ensure that your sentences are done from yesterday and that you have your paragraph written from Friday. If you are caught up on both of these activities you can practice your vocabulary words for the week. The slideshow is posted on the calendar (check yesterday) and you can always put the words into www.spellingcity.com.
Don't forget that we are also part way through our Independent Novel reports. If you have re-read your report and spell checked it you can get me or Ms. Agnew to help proofread it.
Once we finish Lisa Leslie we will write a script for our play.
Please ensure that your sentences are done from yesterday and that you have your paragraph written from Friday. If you are caught up on both of these activities you can practice your vocabulary words for the week. The slideshow is posted on the calendar (check yesterday) and you can always put the words into www.spellingcity.com.
Don't forget that we are also part way through our Independent Novel reports. If you have re-read your report and spell checked it you can get me or Ms. Agnew to help proofread it.
Once we finish Lisa Leslie we will write a script for our play.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Write a Paragraph
Write a paragraph using the characteristics we discussed in class yesterday. Your paragraph should begin with a general topic sentence, include 2 or 3 more detailed sentences and a concluding statement.
You might write your sentence on any of the following topics: dirtbiking, hockey playoffs, English class, summer holidays. You can also choose your own topic.
Be sure to spellcheck and re-read your paragraph before you publish.
You might write your sentence on any of the following topics: dirtbiking, hockey playoffs, English class, summer holidays. You can also choose your own topic.
Be sure to spellcheck and re-read your paragraph before you publish.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Lightning Vocabulary
Open up www.spellingcity.com on another tab. Cut and paste the vocabulary words into the program (just the words, not the definitions). Spend some time listening to the words and then test yourself until you can spell them all.
1. tremendous - very very large
2. echoes - repeats the sound
3. photograph - a picture
4. sensor - a detector
5. scientist - a science expert
6. lightening -becoming less dark
7. especially - very much
8. flickering -flashing quickly
9. explosion - a violent burst
10. static - having no motion
1. tremendous - very very large
2. echoes - repeats the sound
3. photograph - a picture
4. sensor - a detector
5. scientist - a science expert
6. lightening -becoming less dark
7. especially - very much
8. flickering -flashing quickly
9. explosion - a violent burst
10. static - having no motion
Monday, May 10, 2010
Independent Reading Report
Click on the link HERE to get to the report that goes along with your independent novel.
Read the instructions carefully. Answer any questions that you can independently. I'll be back tomorrow to help clarify any confusion.
CP
Read the instructions carefully. Answer any questions that you can independently. I'll be back tomorrow to help clarify any confusion.
CP
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Chapter Six of "What Are You Figuring Now?"
Wednesday May 5th 2010:
- Attendance
- Reading Chapter Six
- Chapter Six Questions: Answer the following questions in groups of three on lined paper, be sure that you put your names on the piece of paper.
1. Benjamin goes to write this document at the end of Chapter 5, what is he writing and what does he stop to buy on his way home? (2 marks)
2. On page 49 Benjamin feels relieved; he is able to take a long rest why? (1 mark)
3. When Benjamin finishes his Almanac what is his concern? (1 mark)
4. What did Benjamin do while he waited to hear back from the printers? (2 marks)
5. What is the point of the afterword? Look up what an afterword of a story is. (2 marks)
Once you have complete these questions as a group I would like for you to work independently to complete various items that you have yet to complete. Most of you need to complete the Vocabulary sentences exercise using the ten words you were just tested on in ten separate sentences.
Also you must complete your chapter four summary.
As well you may need to finish your questions from Chapter Five from yesterday.
If you have complete EVERYTHING I would like for you to put your lap top away and continue with your self-selected reading.
- Attendance
- Reading Chapter Six
- Chapter Six Questions: Answer the following questions in groups of three on lined paper, be sure that you put your names on the piece of paper.
1. Benjamin goes to write this document at the end of Chapter 5, what is he writing and what does he stop to buy on his way home? (2 marks)
2. On page 49 Benjamin feels relieved; he is able to take a long rest why? (1 mark)
3. When Benjamin finishes his Almanac what is his concern? (1 mark)
4. What did Benjamin do while he waited to hear back from the printers? (2 marks)
5. What is the point of the afterword? Look up what an afterword of a story is. (2 marks)
Once you have complete these questions as a group I would like for you to work independently to complete various items that you have yet to complete. Most of you need to complete the Vocabulary sentences exercise using the ten words you were just tested on in ten separate sentences.
Also you must complete your chapter four summary.
As well you may need to finish your questions from Chapter Five from yesterday.
If you have complete EVERYTHING I would like for you to put your lap top away and continue with your self-selected reading.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Tuesday May, 4th 20010:
Attendance
Vocabulary Quiz on Chapter 1& 2 Vocabulary.
Reading chapter five as a class:
Complete the following questions independently for chapter five:
1. How old was the Declaration of Independence in 1790? (1 mark)
2. Who is the president of the United States in 1790? (1mark)
3. How did the surveyor plot the land that they would eventually build the new city? (2 marks)
4. What job did Benjamin Banneker get during this time? What was his title and who was he working for? (2 marks)
5. How old is Benjamin in 1791? (1 mark
6. How does Benjamin feel when he reads his name in the news paper on March 12th? (1 mark)
When you are done put your laptop away and do your self-selected reading please.
Attendance
Vocabulary Quiz on Chapter 1& 2 Vocabulary.
Reading chapter five as a class:
Complete the following questions independently for chapter five:
1. How old was the Declaration of Independence in 1790? (1 mark)
2. Who is the president of the United States in 1790? (1mark)
3. How did the surveyor plot the land that they would eventually build the new city? (2 marks)
4. What job did Benjamin Banneker get during this time? What was his title and who was he working for? (2 marks)
5. How old is Benjamin in 1791? (1 mark
6. How does Benjamin feel when he reads his name in the news paper on March 12th? (1 mark)
When you are done put your laptop away and do your self-selected reading please.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
"What Are You Figuring Now?" - Chapter Four Continued
Monday May 3rd, 2010:
- Attendance
- Review what happened in chapter four.
- Complete your chapter four summaries.
- Complete your chapter 1& 2 vocabulary sentences.
Use the vocabulary word in a full and complete sentence, make sure you use the word correctly.
1. Almanac - an annual publication containing a calendar for the coming year, the times of such events and phenomena as anniversaries, sunrises and sunsets, phases of the moon, tides, etc., and other statistical information and related topics.
2. Tobacco - any of several plants belonging to the genus Nicotiana, used for chewing and smoking.
3. Caterpillars - the wormlike larva of a butterfly or a moth.
4. Different - not alike in character or quality; differing; dissimilar: The two are different.
5. Acre - a common variable unit of land measure.
6. Figure - an amount or value expressed in numbers.
7. Valley - an extensive, more or less flat, and relatively low region drained by a great river system.
8. Clothes - garments for the body; articles of dress; wearing apparel.
9. Thought - the product of mental activity; that which one thinks: a body of thought.
10. Enough - adequate for the want or need; sufficient for the purpose or to satisfy desire: enough water; noise enough to wake the dead.
- Avatar?
That is all for today!
- Attendance
- Review what happened in chapter four.
- Complete your chapter four summaries.
- Complete your chapter 1& 2 vocabulary sentences.
Use the vocabulary word in a full and complete sentence, make sure you use the word correctly.
1. Almanac - an annual publication containing a calendar for the coming year, the times of such events and phenomena as anniversaries, sunrises and sunsets, phases of the moon, tides, etc., and other statistical information and related topics.
2. Tobacco - any of several plants belonging to the genus Nicotiana, used for chewing and smoking.
3. Caterpillars - the wormlike larva of a butterfly or a moth.
4. Different - not alike in character or quality; differing; dissimilar: The two are different.
5. Acre - a common variable unit of land measure.
6. Figure - an amount or value expressed in numbers.
7. Valley - an extensive, more or less flat, and relatively low region drained by a great river system.
8. Clothes - garments for the body; articles of dress; wearing apparel.
9. Thought - the product of mental activity; that which one thinks: a body of thought.
10. Enough - adequate for the want or need; sufficient for the purpose or to satisfy desire: enough water; noise enough to wake the dead.
- Avatar?
That is all for today!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
"What are You Figuring Now? Chapter 4
Friday April 30th, 2010:
- Reading Chapter Four (as a class)
- Next I would like you to read chapter four over again if you need to in order to summarize what has happened. Make notes on a piece of paper or in a word document to help you recall what has happened.
Your paragraph should be a minimum of 250 words and should describe at least five key events from the chapter.
Review your paragraph before you post it. I would like you to check your spelling and use the dictionary to figure out how to spell words you are unsure of.
Also use the proper capitals and punctuation. If you rush through this assignment it will show. Take the time and do it correctly the first time or you will be asked to do it AGAIN.
Also, use the book to make sure you have the correct spelling of the character's names.
- Once you have completed your summary paragraph you may use the ten vocabulary words listed below in 10 separate sentences.
1. Almanac - an annual publication containing a calendar for the coming year, the times of such events and phenomena as anniversaries, sunrises and sunsets, phases of the moon, tides, etc., and other statistical information and related topics.
2. Tobacco - any of several plants belonging to the genus Nicotiana, used for chewing and smoking.
3. Caterpillars - the wormlike larva of a butterfly or a moth.
4. Different - not alike in character or quality; differing; dissimilar: The two are different.
5. Acre - a common variable unit of land measure.
6. Figure - an amount or value expressed in numbers.
7. Valley - an extensive, more or less flat, and relatively low region drained by a great river system.
8. Clothes - garments for the body; articles of dress; wearing apparel.
9. Thought - the product of mental activity; that which one thinks: a body of thought.
10. Enough - adequate for the want or need; sufficient for the purpose or to satisfy desire: enough water; noise enough to wake the dead.
When you have completed both tasks you may work on any unfinished work or put your lap top away and do your self-selected reading!
Have a wonderful weekend!
- Reading Chapter Four (as a class)
- Next I would like you to read chapter four over again if you need to in order to summarize what has happened. Make notes on a piece of paper or in a word document to help you recall what has happened.
Your paragraph should be a minimum of 250 words and should describe at least five key events from the chapter.
Review your paragraph before you post it. I would like you to check your spelling and use the dictionary to figure out how to spell words you are unsure of.
Also use the proper capitals and punctuation. If you rush through this assignment it will show. Take the time and do it correctly the first time or you will be asked to do it AGAIN.
Also, use the book to make sure you have the correct spelling of the character's names.
- Once you have completed your summary paragraph you may use the ten vocabulary words listed below in 10 separate sentences.
1. Almanac - an annual publication containing a calendar for the coming year, the times of such events and phenomena as anniversaries, sunrises and sunsets, phases of the moon, tides, etc., and other statistical information and related topics.
2. Tobacco - any of several plants belonging to the genus Nicotiana, used for chewing and smoking.
3. Caterpillars - the wormlike larva of a butterfly or a moth.
4. Different - not alike in character or quality; differing; dissimilar: The two are different.
5. Acre - a common variable unit of land measure.
6. Figure - an amount or value expressed in numbers.
7. Valley - an extensive, more or less flat, and relatively low region drained by a great river system.
8. Clothes - garments for the body; articles of dress; wearing apparel.
9. Thought - the product of mental activity; that which one thinks: a body of thought.
10. Enough - adequate for the want or need; sufficient for the purpose or to satisfy desire: enough water; noise enough to wake the dead.
When you have completed both tasks you may work on any unfinished work or put your lap top away and do your self-selected reading!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
"What Are You Figuring Now?" Continued
Thursday April 29th, 2010:
Attendance
Vocabulary For Chapters One and Two:
1. Almanac - an annual publication containing a calendar for the coming year, the times of such events and phenomena as anniversaries, sunrises and sunsets, phases of the moon, tides, etc., and other statistical information and related topics.
2. Tobacco - any of several plants belonging to the genus Nicotiana, used for chewing and smoking.
3. Caterpillars - the wormlike larva of a butterfly or a moth.
4. Different - not alike in character or quality; differing; dissimilar: The two are different.
5. Acre - a common variable unit of land measure.
6. Figure - an amount or value expressed in numbers.
7. Valley - an extensive, more or less flat, and relatively low region drained by a great river system.
8. Clothes - garments for the body; articles of dress; wearing apparel.
9. Thought - the product of mental activity; that which one thinks: a body of thought.
10. Enough - adequate for the want or need; sufficient for the purpose or to satisfy desire: enough water; noise enough to wake the dead.
FINISH CHAPTER TWO QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU START CHAPTER THREE!
Read Chapter Three:
Questions:
1. What did Benjamin do to keep his mind busy? (1 Mark)
2. How old was Benjamin in 1751? (1 Mark)
3. What made Benjamin’s heart jump like a rabbit? (1 Mark)
4. What did Benjamin do with the watch when he got home? (2 Marks)
5. How many years after Benjamin borrowed the gold watch did it take for him to make all the pieces and put them back together again? (1 Mark)
That is all for today!
Attendance
Vocabulary For Chapters One and Two:
1. Almanac - an annual publication containing a calendar for the coming year, the times of such events and phenomena as anniversaries, sunrises and sunsets, phases of the moon, tides, etc., and other statistical information and related topics.
2. Tobacco - any of several plants belonging to the genus Nicotiana, used for chewing and smoking.
3. Caterpillars - the wormlike larva of a butterfly or a moth.
4. Different - not alike in character or quality; differing; dissimilar: The two are different.
5. Acre - a common variable unit of land measure.
6. Figure - an amount or value expressed in numbers.
7. Valley - an extensive, more or less flat, and relatively low region drained by a great river system.
8. Clothes - garments for the body; articles of dress; wearing apparel.
9. Thought - the product of mental activity; that which one thinks: a body of thought.
10. Enough - adequate for the want or need; sufficient for the purpose or to satisfy desire: enough water; noise enough to wake the dead.
FINISH CHAPTER TWO QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU START CHAPTER THREE!
Read Chapter Three:
Questions:
1. What did Benjamin do to keep his mind busy? (1 Mark)
2. How old was Benjamin in 1751? (1 Mark)
3. What made Benjamin’s heart jump like a rabbit? (1 Mark)
4. What did Benjamin do with the watch when he got home? (2 Marks)
5. How many years after Benjamin borrowed the gold watch did it take for him to make all the pieces and put them back together again? (1 Mark)
That is all for today!
Wednesday April 28th, 2010
Wednesday April 28th, 2010:
Attendance
Note: All of the questions have a mark value assigned to them, keep in mind if the question is worth one mark I am looking for one correct point, if the question is worth two or three marks I am looking for two or three correct points in your answer.
In groups of 3 answer the following questions on paper, pertaining to chapter one:
1. What does the term “Almanac” mean? Look up the definition. (2 Marks)
2. How old was Benjamin when the story began? (1 Mark)
3. Every evening Benjamin does something with Grandma Molly, what is it? (2 Marks)
4. What did Benjamin do when he wasn’t busy counting or helping with the tobacco plants? Describe the activities fully. (2 Marks)
5. What is the one problem that Benjamin describes in the end of this chapter?
Read Chapter Two: as a class
Independently answer the following questions:
1. Mrs. Banneky cooked a special meal, there was special news for Benjamin, what was it? (1 Mark)
2. Describe the events of Benjamin’s first day of school, fully. (3 Marks)
3. How many other kids were in the school when Benjamin arrived on his first day? (1 Marks)
4. After going to school for four winters what had Benjamin learned? (2 Marks)
Finish INCOMPLETE WORK, if I do NOT have YOUR JOURNAL # 2 today by 4 pm it will NOT be MARKED. Which means you get a zero.
Self – selected reading time – put your lap top away.
Attendance
Note: All of the questions have a mark value assigned to them, keep in mind if the question is worth one mark I am looking for one correct point, if the question is worth two or three marks I am looking for two or three correct points in your answer.
In groups of 3 answer the following questions on paper, pertaining to chapter one:
1. What does the term “Almanac” mean? Look up the definition. (2 Marks)
2. How old was Benjamin when the story began? (1 Mark)
3. Every evening Benjamin does something with Grandma Molly, what is it? (2 Marks)
4. What did Benjamin do when he wasn’t busy counting or helping with the tobacco plants? Describe the activities fully. (2 Marks)
5. What is the one problem that Benjamin describes in the end of this chapter?
Read Chapter Two: as a class
Independently answer the following questions:
1. Mrs. Banneky cooked a special meal, there was special news for Benjamin, what was it? (1 Mark)
2. Describe the events of Benjamin’s first day of school, fully. (3 Marks)
3. How many other kids were in the school when Benjamin arrived on his first day? (1 Marks)
4. After going to school for four winters what had Benjamin learned? (2 Marks)
Finish INCOMPLETE WORK, if I do NOT have YOUR JOURNAL # 2 today by 4 pm it will NOT be MARKED. Which means you get a zero.
Self – selected reading time – put your lap top away.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Quiz & "What Are You Figuring Now?"
Tuesday April 27th, 2010:
1. "Gloria Estefan": Spelling/Vocabulary Quiz
2. Contractions Grammar Work Sheet
3. Reading "What Are You Figuring Now?" Chapter One
4. FINISH ANY UNCOMPLETED WORK - ESPECIALLY JOURNAL # 2
That is all for today.
1. "Gloria Estefan": Spelling/Vocabulary Quiz
2. Contractions Grammar Work Sheet
3. Reading "What Are You Figuring Now?" Chapter One
4. FINISH ANY UNCOMPLETED WORK - ESPECIALLY JOURNAL # 2
That is all for today.
"Gloria Estefan"
Monday April 26th, 2010:
Today's Agenda:
Read Pages 24 - 30 as a class
Answer the following reading Comprehension Questions in FULL SENTENCES using proper grammar and spelling:
1. What event does Gloria describe as her most difficult time? Why was it difficult? Look on page 26.
2. How many weeks after Gloria got out of the hospital passed before she started to work on her music again? Was her music a source of comfort?
3. When did Gloria and the Miami Sound Machine begin to play their music again?
4. How does Gloria Estefan describe herself on the last page (page 29)?
5. Reflect: Have you ever had to overcome something in your life that you did not think you could? What tools and skills did you use in order to overcome this ordeal?
ORAL READING ASSESSMENT - You will do this one on one with me throughout the period.
If you have been AWAY please see the calander and click on the link for each day of the week to find the work you have missed it is important that you get caught up!
Complete the Vocabulary Crossword: YOUR SPELLING/VOCABULARY QUIZ IS TOMORROW = TUESDAY APRIL 27th 2010!
If you have finished all your work for today please complete any unfinished work you have to do for me and then you may use the remainder of your time for self-selected reading.
Today's Agenda:
Read Pages 24 - 30 as a class
Answer the following reading Comprehension Questions in FULL SENTENCES using proper grammar and spelling:
1. What event does Gloria describe as her most difficult time? Why was it difficult? Look on page 26.
2. How many weeks after Gloria got out of the hospital passed before she started to work on her music again? Was her music a source of comfort?
3. When did Gloria and the Miami Sound Machine begin to play their music again?
4. How does Gloria Estefan describe herself on the last page (page 29)?
5. Reflect: Have you ever had to overcome something in your life that you did not think you could? What tools and skills did you use in order to overcome this ordeal?
ORAL READING ASSESSMENT - You will do this one on one with me throughout the period.
If you have been AWAY please see the calander and click on the link for each day of the week to find the work you have missed it is important that you get caught up!
Complete the Vocabulary Crossword: YOUR SPELLING/VOCABULARY QUIZ IS TOMORROW = TUESDAY APRIL 27th 2010!
If you have finished all your work for today please complete any unfinished work you have to do for me and then you may use the remainder of your time for self-selected reading.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
"Gloria Estefan"
Thursday April 23, 2010:
1. Attendance
2. Grammar worksheet – Using end punctuation.
3. As a class Read pages 19 -23 of "Gloria Estefan"
4. Use the ten vocabulary words to make ten separate sentences, remember to use proper capitals and punctuation or I will ask you to re-do them!
5. Individual oral reading consultations/assessment.
6. Finish your Journal #2 or any other questions you have not yet completed.
7. If you have completed everything please work on work you have not completed yet or proceed to do your self-selected reading.
That is all for today!
1. Attendance
2. Grammar worksheet – Using end punctuation.
3. As a class Read pages 19 -23 of "Gloria Estefan"
4. Use the ten vocabulary words to make ten separate sentences, remember to use proper capitals and punctuation or I will ask you to re-do them!
5. Individual oral reading consultations/assessment.
6. Finish your Journal #2 or any other questions you have not yet completed.
7. If you have completed everything please work on work you have not completed yet or proceed to do your self-selected reading.
That is all for today!
Monday, April 19, 2010
"Gloria Estefan" & A Journal
Tuesday April 20th, 2010
• Attendance
• Check to ensure their grammar work sheets are completed, review corrections.
• Read pages 10 – 19
Reading Comprehension Questions Pages 10 – 19:
Answer the questions IN FULL SENTENCES ONLY, this is the last time I am asking you. If you do not use full sentences along with capitals and proper punctuation it will result in a zero.
1. Why were Cubans not entirely welcome when they moved from Cuba to the United States?
2. Which place did Gloria always consider to be home?
3. When was the first time Gloria performed?
4. List the three types of music described in “Cuba’s Music and Culture”, which type would you prefer to listen to and why?
Journal # 2 for Miss. S:
What is your favourite type of music and why? You may include the names of some of your favourite artists. Make sure you tell me when you first started to like this music and the type of impact it has on your life. When do you listen to music?
• If you have finished the work from today and from Monday you may use this time to do your self- selected reading.
That is all for today!
• Attendance
• Check to ensure their grammar work sheets are completed, review corrections.
• Read pages 10 – 19
Reading Comprehension Questions Pages 10 – 19:
Answer the questions IN FULL SENTENCES ONLY, this is the last time I am asking you. If you do not use full sentences along with capitals and proper punctuation it will result in a zero.
1. Why were Cubans not entirely welcome when they moved from Cuba to the United States?
2. Which place did Gloria always consider to be home?
3. When was the first time Gloria performed?
4. List the three types of music described in “Cuba’s Music and Culture”, which type would you prefer to listen to and why?
Journal # 2 for Miss. S:
What is your favourite type of music and why? You may include the names of some of your favourite artists. Make sure you tell me when you first started to like this music and the type of impact it has on your life. When do you listen to music?
• If you have finished the work from today and from Monday you may use this time to do your self- selected reading.
That is all for today!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Language Power: Capitalization & "Gloria Estefan"
Monday April 19th, 2010
If you were away on Friday and did not get to do your spelling/vocabulary quiz you need to do that TODAY!
Activity: Language power – Capitalization- lesson this will be marked for completion please hand in your work sheets.
New Text: "Gloria Estefan"
What do they think this book will about? What are some of the clues you can gather from looking at the front and back covers?
Vocabulary Words: “Gloria Estefan”
1. Disconnected – not connected, disjointed, broken
2. Attach - to join, connect, put together
3. Procedure - an action, step by step process
4. Prejudice – an unfavourable feeling or opinion formed without knowledge, thought or reason.
5. Latina – A woman of Latin-American or Spanish speaking descent/origin.
6. Mixture – a combination or blend of different components
7. Achievement – something accomplished, attaining a goal, success
8. Performance – a display of a skill, talent or art
9. Convince - to persuade, to make someone agree or believe in something
10. Determination – the will to succeed, extremely motivated.
Class Reading: pages 1 -9
Title: Reading Comprehension Questions Pages 1 -9.
Answer these questions in FULL and COMPLETE sentences with capitals and punctuation or I will ask you to re-do them!
If you do not know what a word means please use a dictionary to look it up and learn the meaning.
1. Who is Gloria Estefan?
2. What part of Gloria was injured in the bus accident on March 20th, 1990?
3. Have you ever broken a bone? If yes which bone? If no what do you think your life would be like if you had to wear a cast on your arm for eight weeks?
4. Estefan had to make a choice between having a surgery to correct her broken bones or have her entire body in a cast for six months. Which choice would you have made and why?
5. Estefan and her parents were considered to be exiles, they moved to the United States in the Late 1950’s and early 1960’s? Why did they move?
6. Who is the Author of this book?
If you have completed all of your work you may use this time for self selected reading put your computer away.
Thank you!
If you were away on Friday and did not get to do your spelling/vocabulary quiz you need to do that TODAY!
Activity: Language power – Capitalization- lesson this will be marked for completion please hand in your work sheets.
New Text: "Gloria Estefan"
What do they think this book will about? What are some of the clues you can gather from looking at the front and back covers?
Vocabulary Words: “Gloria Estefan”
1. Disconnected – not connected, disjointed, broken
2. Attach - to join, connect, put together
3. Procedure - an action, step by step process
4. Prejudice – an unfavourable feeling or opinion formed without knowledge, thought or reason.
5. Latina – A woman of Latin-American or Spanish speaking descent/origin.
6. Mixture – a combination or blend of different components
7. Achievement – something accomplished, attaining a goal, success
8. Performance – a display of a skill, talent or art
9. Convince - to persuade, to make someone agree or believe in something
10. Determination – the will to succeed, extremely motivated.
Class Reading: pages 1 -9
Title: Reading Comprehension Questions Pages 1 -9.
Answer these questions in FULL and COMPLETE sentences with capitals and punctuation or I will ask you to re-do them!
If you do not know what a word means please use a dictionary to look it up and learn the meaning.
1. Who is Gloria Estefan?
2. What part of Gloria was injured in the bus accident on March 20th, 1990?
3. Have you ever broken a bone? If yes which bone? If no what do you think your life would be like if you had to wear a cast on your arm for eight weeks?
4. Estefan had to make a choice between having a surgery to correct her broken bones or have her entire body in a cast for six months. Which choice would you have made and why?
5. Estefan and her parents were considered to be exiles, they moved to the United States in the Late 1950’s and early 1960’s? Why did they move?
6. Who is the Author of this book?
If you have completed all of your work you may use this time for self selected reading put your computer away.
Thank you!
Friday, April 16, 2010
A Day of Thinking: Reflecting and Questioning
Friday April, 16th 2010:
We will start today by doing our Vocabulary quiz :( (sad I know!) you will all do wonderful just try your best please!
Following this activity you can use this time to finish ANY and ALL uncompleted work from this week it needs to be in.
If you have completed everything you can write me a blog to tell me what you are doing this weekend. Try to write in full complete sentences with no spelling errors, use the spell checker and ask for help with words you are unsure of.
Number six is optional, if you choose not to do this you can do your self-selected reading!
-That is all for today, have a great weekend!
We will start today by doing our Vocabulary quiz :( (sad I know!) you will all do wonderful just try your best please!
Following this activity you can use this time to finish ANY and ALL uncompleted work from this week it needs to be in.
If you have completed everything you can write me a blog to tell me what you are doing this weekend. Try to write in full complete sentences with no spelling errors, use the spell checker and ask for help with words you are unsure of.
Number six is optional, if you choose not to do this you can do your self-selected reading!
-That is all for today, have a great weekend!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
"Tunnels, Tracks and Trains" the END!
Thursday April 15th 2010:
Reading pages: 37 – 47 of “Tunnels, Tracks and Trains” as a class – volunteers will have to read out loud in class.
Practice Spelling Quiz:
You will be asked to WRITE (that is correct on a piece of paper) out each word as I dictate (say) the ten vocabulary words to you and you must spell them correctly.
If you are unable to spell the word correctly you will be asked to write out the word you spelled incorrectly five times with its definition!
Answer the reading comprehension questions on the blog page concerning page: 37 - 47. Answers should be completed in full sentences: (Title: Reading Comprehension Pages 37-47)
1. When they describe subway art what are they referring to?
2. Reflect: have you ever ridden on the subway? Did you see any art? Should we have art along our subway tunnels and our stations?
3. How do they control the subway train traffic in the new subway systems?
4. How have the train operators been practicing for when the Metro Red Line Subway lines open?
5. When do they test the first Red Line train?
Please complete any unfinished work you have for me!!!!
The students will be given the time to read their self-selected reading at this point.
That is all for today!
Reading pages: 37 – 47 of “Tunnels, Tracks and Trains” as a class – volunteers will have to read out loud in class.
Practice Spelling Quiz:
You will be asked to WRITE (that is correct on a piece of paper) out each word as I dictate (say) the ten vocabulary words to you and you must spell them correctly.
If you are unable to spell the word correctly you will be asked to write out the word you spelled incorrectly five times with its definition!
Answer the reading comprehension questions on the blog page concerning page: 37 - 47. Answers should be completed in full sentences: (Title: Reading Comprehension Pages 37-47)
1. When they describe subway art what are they referring to?
2. Reflect: have you ever ridden on the subway? Did you see any art? Should we have art along our subway tunnels and our stations?
3. How do they control the subway train traffic in the new subway systems?
4. How have the train operators been practicing for when the Metro Red Line Subway lines open?
5. When do they test the first Red Line train?
Please complete any unfinished work you have for me!!!!
The students will be given the time to read their self-selected reading at this point.
That is all for today!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
"Tunnels, Tracks and Trains" Continued part 2
Wednesday April 14th 2010,
Today:
Take up comprehension questions from Tuesday's class.
Read pages 26-36 of "Tunnels, Tracks and Trains" as a class. You MUST read in class in order to be successful in this class it is imperative that you read so you can be evaluated. If you do not volunteer yourself I will begin to volunteer people myself.
Complete the following comprehension questions in full sentences. Title: Reading Comprehension Pages 26-36.
1. What is the floor of the tunnel made out of?
2.What to construction workers do at surface level in order to prepare the city at surface level for the Metro Red Lin's midtown route?
3. What is the name of the temporary road called that is created for street traffic to use during the cut and cover station construction? What are these roads made out of and why?
4. On Pages 30-31 there are is a model of the train station, do you like it? What would you change about this station model?
5. What is the "Pink Lady"?
Once you have completed your crossword and your comprehension questions can you please complete any left over work you have not finished:
1. Reading comprehension pgs.1 -15
2. Journal # 1 for Miss S. "The hardest thing I have ever done is...."
3. Ten sentences - use the ten vocabulary words in their own sentences, please be sure you are using the word correctly.
4.Reading comprehension questions pgs. 16 -25
5. Today's comprehension questions pgs. 26 -36
6. Hand in your crossword.
When you are done all of these things you may do your self-selected reading!
Monday, April 12, 2010
"Tunnels, Tracks and Trains" Continued
Tuesday:
Take up the reading comprehension questions from Monday’s class.
Reading pages: 16 -25 of “Tunnels, Tracks and Trains” as a class.
Go to yesterday's post and copy and past the 10 vocabulary terms into a new post. Use these ten terms in ten sentences and post them on your blog pages by the end of the period. (Title: Tunnel, Tracks and Trains Vocabulary Sentences)
Answer the comprehension questions on your blog pages. Answers will be found on pages 16-25. Answers should be completed in full sentences. (Title: Reading Comprehension Pages 16-25)
1. What are the concerns of project manager Bryan Lee?
2. Why do they engineers and construction workers use a boring machine to make tunnels instead of cut and cover construction?
3. What do the worker’s do to protect themselves in the newly formed tunnels from harmful levels of gases found in the soil at the various new subway sites?
Once you have completed your vocabulary sentences and your reading comprehension you
can first finish your journal entry's from yesterday: "The hardest thing I have ever done...".
When you are done that you may use this time to read your self-selected reading.
That is all for today!
Take up the reading comprehension questions from Monday’s class.
Reading pages: 16 -25 of “Tunnels, Tracks and Trains” as a class.
Go to yesterday's post and copy and past the 10 vocabulary terms into a new post. Use these ten terms in ten sentences and post them on your blog pages by the end of the period. (Title: Tunnel, Tracks and Trains Vocabulary Sentences)
Answer the comprehension questions on your blog pages. Answers will be found on pages 16-25. Answers should be completed in full sentences. (Title: Reading Comprehension Pages 16-25)
1. What are the concerns of project manager Bryan Lee?
2. Why do they engineers and construction workers use a boring machine to make tunnels instead of cut and cover construction?
3. What do the worker’s do to protect themselves in the newly formed tunnels from harmful levels of gases found in the soil at the various new subway sites?
Once you have completed your vocabulary sentences and your reading comprehension you
can first finish your journal entry's from yesterday: "The hardest thing I have ever done...".
When you are done that you may use this time to read your self-selected reading.
That is all for today!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
A New Start
Today's Agenda:
-> We will start by reading pages: 1-15 of “Tunnels, Tracks and Trains” as a class.
"Tunnels, Tracks and Trains" Vocabulary:
-> Look at these words, they will appear in the text, you will need to know how to spell them and what the words mean.
Vocabulary Word- Synonym or Meaning:
1. Excavate- Dig, remove, create a hole
2. Artifact- Anything made or used by man kind
3. Uprooted- Pull up, destroy, remove
4. Contaminate- Impure, unclean
5. Camaraderie- Friendship, bond
6. Gleaming- Flash, dim light
7. Gruelling- Exhausting, tiring
8. Commission- Given authority, put in charge, given direction
9. Roam- Travel without fixed purpose,
10. Subterranean- Exists below the surface of the earth
-> Answer the following comprehension questions, post your answers on your blog page (Title the blog post: Reading Comprehension for pages 1 -15). You can copy and paste the questions onto your post and place the answers beneath each question. Answers should be completed in full sentences, and can be found on pages 1 -15 of the text. You should be able to complete this task in 25 minutes.
1. Which city are they building this new subway system in?
2. Why is there a need for a subway system here? What issue will it resolve?
3. The chief construction Engineer, John Adams plays what role in the process of creating a new subways system?
4. What is the role of Roberta Greenwood?
5. What can be learned from the process of analyzing the excavation site?
6. What is your opinion on page 11, where they have decided to destruct MacArthur Park to make it into the hub of the Metro Line?
-> Create a new post, title it Journal # 1 for Miss S.
Start your journal entry with “The hardest thing I have ever done…” complete a journal entry that is a minimum of 100 words, 250 words and post it on your blog by the start of period three on Wednesday’s.
That is all for today!
If you have had a successful and productive day then I will find two posts from each student one for the reading comprehension questions and one for the Journal entry. It is not an option to not participate, failure to do so will lead to academic consequences.
- Miss. Storkey
-> We will start by reading pages: 1-15 of “Tunnels, Tracks and Trains” as a class.
"Tunnels, Tracks and Trains" Vocabulary:
-> Look at these words, they will appear in the text, you will need to know how to spell them and what the words mean.
Vocabulary Word- Synonym or Meaning:
1. Excavate- Dig, remove, create a hole
2. Artifact- Anything made or used by man kind
3. Uprooted- Pull up, destroy, remove
4. Contaminate- Impure, unclean
5. Camaraderie- Friendship, bond
6. Gleaming- Flash, dim light
7. Gruelling- Exhausting, tiring
8. Commission- Given authority, put in charge, given direction
9. Roam- Travel without fixed purpose,
10. Subterranean- Exists below the surface of the earth
-> Answer the following comprehension questions, post your answers on your blog page (Title the blog post: Reading Comprehension for pages 1 -15). You can copy and paste the questions onto your post and place the answers beneath each question. Answers should be completed in full sentences, and can be found on pages 1 -15 of the text. You should be able to complete this task in 25 minutes.
1. Which city are they building this new subway system in?
2. Why is there a need for a subway system here? What issue will it resolve?
3. The chief construction Engineer, John Adams plays what role in the process of creating a new subways system?
4. What is the role of Roberta Greenwood?
5. What can be learned from the process of analyzing the excavation site?
6. What is your opinion on page 11, where they have decided to destruct MacArthur Park to make it into the hub of the Metro Line?
-> Create a new post, title it Journal # 1 for Miss S.
Start your journal entry with “The hardest thing I have ever done…” complete a journal entry that is a minimum of 100 words, 250 words and post it on your blog by the start of period three on Wednesday’s.
That is all for today!
If you have had a successful and productive day then I will find two posts from each student one for the reading comprehension questions and one for the Journal entry. It is not an option to not participate, failure to do so will lead to academic consequences.
- Miss. Storkey
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Round Up of Terms
I've double-checked the Grade 9 English Curriculum since that is where the people who make the test look to see what kinds of questions are "fair game."
Use 'google' or 'bing' to look up the following terms to find out what they mean. Then cut and paste the list into a new blog post of your own. Try to create your own example of each term. e.g. "Interrogative statement: Would you like to eat now?"
parentheses
exclamatory statement
declarative statement
imperative statement
italics
synonym,
antonyms
homonym
theme
prefix
suffix
*syllables -- break the following words into syllables: convenient, introduction, preparation, summer, collection
Use 'google' or 'bing' to look up the following terms to find out what they mean. Then cut and paste the list into a new blog post of your own. Try to create your own example of each term. e.g. "Interrogative statement: Would you like to eat now?"
parentheses
exclamatory statement
declarative statement
imperative statement
italics
synonym,
antonyms
homonym
theme
prefix
suffix
*syllables -- break the following words into syllables: convenient, introduction, preparation, summer, collection
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Developing Self Awareness as a Writer
One really good way to improve your writing is to improve your ability to edit your own work. This can be tough since you always know what you went, but try to pretend that you are someone else reading your work. Ask yourself, "Can someone who doesn't know me understand this piece of writing?"
Read the following link: "Six Common Punctuation Errors" carefully. Which of the errors covered is one you are most likely to make?
Now, choose an early post from your blog and copy and paste it into a new post for today called "Developing Self Awareness." Try editing it and be on the lookout for the six common punctuation errors, in addition to any other corrections you can make.
Consider the following list:
Make sure each sentence sarts with a capital letter
Make sure each sentence ends with final punctuation
Make sure each sentence is a complete thought (if it is more than one thought, perhaps it needs to be made into separate sentences)
Make sure you have spell checked the post.
**As a bonus activity, you might try cutting and pasting the text into a word processor and using the "Grammatik" feature--ask me about this. You can also try checking the results of your work by using Premier Tools.
Read the following link: "Six Common Punctuation Errors" carefully. Which of the errors covered is one you are most likely to make?
Now, choose an early post from your blog and copy and paste it into a new post for today called "Developing Self Awareness." Try editing it and be on the lookout for the six common punctuation errors, in addition to any other corrections you can make.
Consider the following list:
Make sure each sentence sarts with a capital letter
Make sure each sentence ends with final punctuation
Make sure each sentence is a complete thought (if it is more than one thought, perhaps it needs to be made into separate sentences)
Make sure you have spell checked the post.
**As a bonus activity, you might try cutting and pasting the text into a word processor and using the "Grammatik" feature--ask me about this. You can also try checking the results of your work by using Premier Tools.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Killing Reading
As always, please cut and paste the following questions into your blog and answer them carefully.
One of the issues that came up on Friday at our meeting was how often school can become responsible for destroying a student's enjoyment of reading. The presenter pointed out that students have a hard time getting excited about reading a book if they know that they are going to have to answer a lot of questions, or prepare chapter summaries once they've finished.
On the other hand, sometimes students like to do something with their reading since it can help them understand their book better. Other students who are excited about what they read, may wish to write in order to show their teacher just how much they learned.
1) Use your own experience to explain why you agree or disagree with these statements.
2) Do you feel reading becomes more and more work the higher you progress in school? Please refer to your own experience to answer this question.
3) Would you enjoy reading "with no strings attached"? In other words, you read what you want but don't have to write a report or assignment once you've finished? Explain.
4) Imagine that you have just finished the best book you ever read. How would you want to share some of your reading experience with your classmates and teacher? (e.g. create a poster about the novel, conference with the teacher, present to a small group of students...)
One of the issues that came up on Friday at our meeting was how often school can become responsible for destroying a student's enjoyment of reading. The presenter pointed out that students have a hard time getting excited about reading a book if they know that they are going to have to answer a lot of questions, or prepare chapter summaries once they've finished.
On the other hand, sometimes students like to do something with their reading since it can help them understand their book better. Other students who are excited about what they read, may wish to write in order to show their teacher just how much they learned.
1) Use your own experience to explain why you agree or disagree with these statements.
2) Do you feel reading becomes more and more work the higher you progress in school? Please refer to your own experience to answer this question.
3) Would you enjoy reading "with no strings attached"? In other words, you read what you want but don't have to write a report or assignment once you've finished? Explain.
4) Imagine that you have just finished the best book you ever read. How would you want to share some of your reading experience with your classmates and teacher? (e.g. create a poster about the novel, conference with the teacher, present to a small group of students...)
Friday, March 26, 2010
1. John said, That's my coat.
John said, "that's my coat."
2. Jack said, I have a coat like yours.
Jack said, " i have a caat like yours."
3. Is the pizza here? asked Hillary.
"Is the pizza here?" asked Hillary.
4. I love extra cheese, said Jamie.
" I love extra cheese", said Jamie.
5. Grandmother asked, Did you plant beans, peppers, and melons in your garden?
Grandmother asked," did you plant beans, peppers, and melons in your garden"?
6. No, I only planted beans and melons, answered Ashley.
No " I only planted beans and melons," ansed Ashley.
7. William exclaimed, I can't believe we're finally here!
William exclaimed, " I can't believe we're finaly here!"
8. This beach, said Dad, is more beautiful than ever.
This beach, said Dad, ' is more beautiful than ever".
9. The lost scouts screamed, How will we ever get out of here?
The lose scouts screamed , " how will we w ever get out of here"?
10. Help! shouted the scoutmaster. We can't find our way out of this cave!
Help! shouted the scoutmaster. " We can't find our way out of this cave"!
John said, "that's my coat."
2. Jack said, I have a coat like yours.
Jack said, " i have a caat like yours."
3. Is the pizza here? asked Hillary.
"Is the pizza here?" asked Hillary.
4. I love extra cheese, said Jamie.
" I love extra cheese", said Jamie.
5. Grandmother asked, Did you plant beans, peppers, and melons in your garden?
Grandmother asked," did you plant beans, peppers, and melons in your garden"?
6. No, I only planted beans and melons, answered Ashley.
No " I only planted beans and melons," ansed Ashley.
7. William exclaimed, I can't believe we're finally here!
William exclaimed, " I can't believe we're finaly here!"
8. This beach, said Dad, is more beautiful than ever.
This beach, said Dad, ' is more beautiful than ever".
9. The lost scouts screamed, How will we ever get out of here?
The lose scouts screamed , " how will we w ever get out of here"?
10. Help! shouted the scoutmaster. We can't find our way out of this cave!
Help! shouted the scoutmaster. " We can't find our way out of this cave"!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Using Quotation Marks Appropriately
If you are still finishing an activity from yesterday, please finish it.
Cut and paste the exercise part of the sheet into a new blog post for today on your blog. You may refer to the rules at the bottom of the sheet in order to figure out where to insert quotation marks.
CLICK HERE to go to a worksheet that offers practice on how to use quotation marks appropriately. Using quotation marks properly helps with both news reports and narrative writing.
Cut and paste the exercise part of the sheet into a new blog post for today on your blog. You may refer to the rules at the bottom of the sheet in order to figure out where to insert quotation marks.
Don't forget to publish when you are done!
Narrative (Fiction)
At least one reading selection on the literacy test will be a narrative. In other words, it will be some sort of story. It is important to know you are reading a story (as opposed to non-fiction) because it changes how you read.
Take a few minutes to read several (3 to 5) of Aesop's Fables. Then answer the following questions on your blog:
1) Which fables did you read?
2) Which one did you enjoy the most? Explain why.
3) Compare the fable, a short narrative, to a news report. What is the same and what is diffferent?
4) How important is the dialogue? Would you rather read description or dialogue? Explain why.
5) Would you be interested in reading more fables? Why or why not?
Take a few minutes to read several (3 to 5) of Aesop's Fables. Then answer the following questions on your blog:
1) Which fables did you read?
2) Which one did you enjoy the most? Explain why.
3) Compare the fable, a short narrative, to a news report. What is the same and what is diffferent?
4) How important is the dialogue? Would you rather read description or dialogue? Explain why.
5) Would you be interested in reading more fables? Why or why not?
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
SSR Self Selected Reading.
1. Give the title of your book and name the author. Is your book fiction or non-fiction?
2. What did you read today? How do you feel about what you read today? (fiction) or What did you learn from what you read today? (non-fiction)
3. Explain what you think will happen later in the book.
4. Do you find that your interest in your book is increasing or decreasing? Explain why.
5. Was anything confusing about what you read? Do you have any questions that you would like answered? Your question might be about something specific in your book or it could be about something your book made you think of.
2. What did you read today? How do you feel about what you read today? (fiction) or What did you learn from what you read today? (non-fiction)
3. Explain what you think will happen later in the book.
4. Do you find that your interest in your book is increasing or decreasing? Explain why.
5. Was anything confusing about what you read? Do you have any questions that you would like answered? Your question might be about something specific in your book or it could be about something your book made you think of.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Review Opinion Piece and News Report
The Literacy Test is in about 3 weeks. In order to make sure you are ready to give your best performance look back at the information you have on the news report and the series of paragraphs. You could look on your blog and the course blog. You may specifically wish to look at the Getting Ready guide.
Now you are going to take a turn as teacher. Create two new blog posts in order to write out instructions on how to write the news report and how to write the series of paragraphs. Give each post an appropriate title, e.g. "How to write a news report."
Write out step by step instructions of how to do each type of writing. Include information about how to plan the piece of writing. Also incude a list of "Do's" and "Don'ts." You a writing for a student in grade ten who does not know anything about the literacy test.
As always, don't forget to spellcheck!
Now you are going to take a turn as teacher. Create two new blog posts in order to write out instructions on how to write the news report and how to write the series of paragraphs. Give each post an appropriate title, e.g. "How to write a news report."
Write out step by step instructions of how to do each type of writing. Include information about how to plan the piece of writing. Also incude a list of "Do's" and "Don'ts." You a writing for a student in grade ten who does not know anything about the literacy test.
As always, don't forget to spellcheck!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Lord of the Flies - Response
1. Did you know that "Lord of the Flies" is another name for the devil? The title of the book suggests that the author was interested in evil. Interestingly, all the evil was committed by the children and the "Lord of the Flies" never appears. Describe some of the evil you witnessed in the film. If you did not see the whole movie you can discuss any evil you have heard of in the news.
2. How responsible do you think the children are for what happened? At what age is a person no longer a child and fully responsible for his or her behaviour?
3. What do you believe? Do people behave because they know that it is the right thing to do, or do people behave because they are afraid of consequences?
4. Whose fault was it that Piggy died? Was it simply the boy(s) who rolled the stone on top of him or was it the whole gang?
5. Do you feel that people act differently when they are in a group? What is the difference? Why will people do things as a group that they would never do on their own?
2. How responsible do you think the children are for what happened? At what age is a person no longer a child and fully responsible for his or her behaviour?
3. What do you believe? Do people behave because they know that it is the right thing to do, or do people behave because they are afraid of consequences?
4. Whose fault was it that Piggy died? Was it simply the boy(s) who rolled the stone on top of him or was it the whole gang?
5. Do you feel that people act differently when they are in a group? What is the difference? Why will people do things as a group that they would never do on their own?
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The following is a list of people who need to add me so that I may view (and comment) on your blogs.
Katie Borman
Aleesshia Brown
Shawn Jakob
Catherine Lapointe
Destiny Lavellee
Stephanie Neganiwina
Leonard Perkins
Amber Staats
Kristy Teal
James Tinari
Please go to tyffanimartin@gmail.com
This is very important in order for an accurate assessment of the work that you have completed this far.
Katie Borman
Aleesshia Brown
Shawn Jakob
Catherine Lapointe
Destiny Lavellee
Stephanie Neganiwina
Leonard Perkins
Amber Staats
Kristy Teal
James Tinari
Please go to tyffanimartin@gmail.com
This is very important in order for an accurate assessment of the work that you have completed this far.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Lord of the Flies - Bonus Crossword Puzzle
Just for fun and if you have completed all of your work,you can visit the link http://www.argo217.k12.il.us/departs/english/blettiere/LOTF_cross.htm
The link will take you to a Crossword Puzzle you can complete.
I would like you to answer the following three questions as well:
1. Are you able to complete this crossword puzzle without having to read the book?
2. What kind of information do you think has been left out of the movie, why?
3. After watching the movie, would you consider reading "Lord of the Flies". Explain why or why not.
It is very important that I (Mrs. Martin) am asked to join each one of your blogs. I am still missing several invitations, and I feel left out. I would like to be able to read and comment on everyones blog. The people that I am a part of currently have written so many wonderful stories and created some really great pieces. Please feel free to add me (tyffanimartin@blogspot.com) as soon as possible.
Making Full Sentences
Mrs. Martin and I were really pleased with the way everyone applied themselves to the "Writing Conventions" activity. Given that we keep running into incomplete sentences, we thought it would be a good idea to provide you with some extra practice.
Please cut and paste the following list of incomplete sentences into a new post in your blog. You can call it "Making Full Sentences." Turn each incomplete sentence into a full sentence. Some sentences may be fine just as they are. If a sentence does not need to be fixed, just leave it as is. (You could put "Ok, as is" after it). Remember, a sentence is a complete idea. As always, spell check before you post.
1. April's movie Lord of the Flies.
2. A group of boys about 5 to 15 years old.
3. The boys, very excited about not having adults to tell them what to do.
4. At first, trying to create their own civilisation.
5. The conch, a large shell. Passed from boy to boy.
6. allowed to speak when they have the conch.
7. some boys are kind, some are greedy and selfish
8. bullies making fun of piggy even though he is the smartest of all the boys.
9. Some of the boys decide to follow Ralph, some follow Jack.
10. basically Ralph's gang and Jack's gang.
11. Obviously out of control when one boy dies.
12. At first, they boys are sure they will be rescued.
13. several weeks later without a rescue.
14. an incredible amount of violence from a group of very ordinary boys.
15. What might the writer, William Golding, be trying to say about human nature?
Please cut and paste the following list of incomplete sentences into a new post in your blog. You can call it "Making Full Sentences." Turn each incomplete sentence into a full sentence. Some sentences may be fine just as they are. If a sentence does not need to be fixed, just leave it as is. (You could put "Ok, as is" after it). Remember, a sentence is a complete idea. As always, spell check before you post.
1. April's movie Lord of the Flies.
2. A group of boys about 5 to 15 years old.
3. The boys, very excited about not having adults to tell them what to do.
4. At first, trying to create their own civilisation.
5. The conch, a large shell. Passed from boy to boy.
6. allowed to speak when they have the conch.
7. some boys are kind, some are greedy and selfish
8. bullies making fun of piggy even though he is the smartest of all the boys.
9. Some of the boys decide to follow Ralph, some follow Jack.
10. basically Ralph's gang and Jack's gang.
11. Obviously out of control when one boy dies.
12. At first, they boys are sure they will be rescued.
13. several weeks later without a rescue.
14. an incredible amount of violence from a group of very ordinary boys.
15. What might the writer, William Golding, be trying to say about human nature?
Friday, March 5, 2010
Series of Paragraphs
Write a series of paragraphs (at least 3) expressing an opinion on the following topic:
Should boys and girls be required to attend separate high schools?
Use a piece of paper to plan your answer before you write. Your series of paragraphs should be organised the same as our sample series of paragraphs. Your final post should look like the sample essay. Keep in mind that for the series of pargraphs each paragraph should be a minimum of 3 to 4 sentences. The sentences must be together in the same way that they are in this paragraph.
Should boys and girls be required to attend separate high schools?
Use a piece of paper to plan your answer before you write. Your series of paragraphs should be organised the same as our sample series of paragraphs. Your final post should look like the sample essay. Keep in mind that for the series of pargraphs each paragraph should be a minimum of 3 to 4 sentences. The sentences must be together in the same way that they are in this paragraph.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Sample Series of Paragraphs
Why Dogs Make Better Pets Than Cats
In my opinion dogs make better pets than cats. Dogs are more likely to protect you than a cat. Dogs are quicker learners than cats. You can take them out to the backyard, throw a ball around, and they will play with you.
Due to a dog's primal instincts they are better protectors. They will consider you to be part of their pack and look out for you. Also dogs are bigger and stronger. They have the ability to fight off an attacker.
Another reason why dogs make better pets is that they can be trained. I once tried to train my cat and dog to fetch my slippers. The cat never got the hang of it but my dog brings me my slippers (and the newspaper every day).
The last reason that dogs make better pets is that they are more fun to play with. Cats can not even play outside without running away. Dogs can do many things including playing frisbee, tag or catch. Sometimes dogs will even suprise you by taking away your mittens and starting a game of catch. My dog even likes to wrestle.
The last reason that dogs make better pets is that they are more fun to play with. Cats can not even play outside without running away. Dogs can do many things including playing frisbee, tag or catch. Sometimes dogs will even suprise you by taking away your mittens and starting a game of catch. My dog even likes to wrestle.
In conclusion, there are many different reasons why dogs make better pets. Cats will never be as fun to play with or portect you as well as dogs can.
Monday, March 1, 2010
My Best News Report-Writing
Task: Write a news report based on the headline and the picture to the right. You will have to make up the facts and information, answering some or all of the questions: Who, What, Where, When, Why, How?
You must relate your newspaper report to both the headline and the picture.
Purpose and Audience: to report an event for the readers of a newspaper.
Length: 100 to 200 words
Headline: Students Make Important Discovery
My Best News Report-Marking
Before we go any further with the news report, take a few minutes to look at how they are marked. The people who mark the test give you two marks. The first is a mark for your command of writing conventions (spelling, using capital letters properly, punctuation). Click Here to see the actual chart that will be used to mark your handling of writing conventions on the news report. Notice that the best you can score here is 40.
The second mark is what EQAO calls "topic development." This is a mark for the strength of your news report as a whole. Read the scoring guide by clicking here. Notice that the best mark here is a 60. Read the descriptions of a 0 and a 10 to get an idea of what NOT to do. Read the language describing a 50 and a 60 in order to get an idea of what TO do.
Mrs. Martin and I would like you to do one more News Report... but this one we won't finish with until you have scored at least a 30 for writing conventions and a 40 or 50 for topic development.
Click Here to go to My Best News Report-Writing.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Seating Plan
When everyone's working and getting good results, Mrs. Martin and I are happy. Unfortunately, not everyone is consistent in this respect.
So.... starting today we will have a new seating plan in place. It is very important that you sit in your assigned seat and return there each day. Mrs. Martin or I may juggle you around a bit as necessary. We may even allow you to sit near a friend once we are confident that you can do so without limiting your productivity.
CLICK HERE to see the new seating plan.
So.... starting today we will have a new seating plan in place. It is very important that you sit in your assigned seat and return there each day. Mrs. Martin or I may juggle you around a bit as necessary. We may even allow you to sit near a friend once we are confident that you can do so without limiting your productivity.
CLICK HERE to see the new seating plan.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Character Counts
For today's activity you will need to do a little research and find out about Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette. Use google and read one or two newspaper sources to find out her story.
1. Who is Joannie Rochette?
2. Why are the media giving her so much attention this week?
3. How successful are you at putting your personal life on hold before coming to class or starting a shift at work? Use details.
4. What do you think of Joannie Rochette's story? How extraordinary do you think she is?
5. Explain whether hearing about how she managed to give her best effort so soon after her personal tragedy inspires you. Why or why not?
1. Who is Joannie Rochette?
2. Why are the media giving her so much attention this week?
3. How successful are you at putting your personal life on hold before coming to class or starting a shift at work? Use details.
4. What do you think of Joannie Rochette's story? How extraordinary do you think she is?
5. Explain whether hearing about how she managed to give her best effort so soon after her personal tragedy inspires you. Why or why not?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Writing Conventions
The point of today's activity is quite straight forward. Copy and paste the following list of sentences into a new blog post called "Writing Conventions" and fix each one.
You must include both the original and the fixed version of the sentence.
Fix these sentences:
1. she claims she was playing Frisbee with her Friends at the park when the flying dog of doom assaulted her out of no were the police and paramedics believe the dog was attracted to the blue of her jacket and was enraged by it.
2. Today i finished my News Report , that i did on Thursday ; but now im workin on this .
3. It didnt change my mind but i think of high school better.
4. I did not watch the hole movie.
5. i do not like to writ books or paragraph.
6. actually i found the movie very entertaining cause i understanded all of it.
7. I think theyre targeting people who would thing what it is like to be hang over and people who loves comedy.
8. pilot ejected him from a Southwest Airlines flight from Oakland to Burbank, California, saying he didn't fit properly in a single seat.
9. I write good enough that you can read it with perfectly grammer.
10. I dont write that much but im prety confident about my ability.
11. The reason why I think Mrs. Martin and Mr. Pierce chose this film because it show us that anyone can write.
12. Yes because its show that anyone can do what they want if they try and different ethnic groups can be friends with each other
13. I did start it Thursday afternoon , but then i ran outta time , so just a few minutes ago i just finished it.
14. I hope i have a better english experience using the computers.
15. The movie i enjoy most is The Hang Over it was histarical.
You must include both the original and the fixed version of the sentence.
Fix these sentences:
1. she claims she was playing Frisbee with her Friends at the park when the flying dog of doom assaulted her out of no were the police and paramedics believe the dog was attracted to the blue of her jacket and was enraged by it.
2. Today i finished my News Report , that i did on Thursday ; but now im workin on this .
3. It didnt change my mind but i think of high school better.
4. I did not watch the hole movie.
5. i do not like to writ books or paragraph.
6. actually i found the movie very entertaining cause i understanded all of it.
7. I think theyre targeting people who would thing what it is like to be hang over and people who loves comedy.
8. pilot ejected him from a Southwest Airlines flight from Oakland to Burbank, California, saying he didn't fit properly in a single seat.
9. I write good enough that you can read it with perfectly grammer.
10. I dont write that much but im prety confident about my ability.
11. The reason why I think Mrs. Martin and Mr. Pierce chose this film because it show us that anyone can write.
12. Yes because its show that anyone can do what they want if they try and different ethnic groups can be friends with each other
13. I did start it Thursday afternoon , but then i ran outta time , so just a few minutes ago i just finished it.
14. I hope i have a better english experience using the computers.
15. The movie i enjoy most is The Hang Over it was histarical.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Write a News Report
Now that you are getting used news reports, it`s time to start writing some of your own.
1) Call today`s activity: My First News Report
2) Search the web to find an interesting picture and upload it to your blog post. (Use the add image button)
3) Invent the facts of the story: who, what, where, when, why and how.
4) Write your own news report to accompany the photograph. (Be sure to include all the 5 w`s +H in your lead--the first sentence or two. Continue to add more facts and details until you have reached a news report that is a minimum of 10 to 15 sentences in length)
5) Publish your work when finished.
1) Call today`s activity: My First News Report
2) Search the web to find an interesting picture and upload it to your blog post. (Use the add image button)
3) Invent the facts of the story: who, what, where, when, why and how.
4) Write your own news report to accompany the photograph. (Be sure to include all the 5 w`s +H in your lead--the first sentence or two. Continue to add more facts and details until you have reached a news report that is a minimum of 10 to 15 sentences in length)
5) Publish your work when finished.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Daily Log
You should be posting to your blog each and every day that you are on the computers. This is in addition to whatever other activity may be scheduled. Take about the last 10 minutes of class to answer the following questions. As always, you may cut and paste them into your blog.
Daily Log
1) What activity did you work on today?
2) How much of the activity were you able to complete?
3) What was the most challenging part of today's activity?
4) How many minutes (out of a possible 75) did you spend working on school work? How was the rest of the time spent?
5) What question(s) would you like answered about today's activity?
Feel free to include any other comments you would like to make.
Daily Log
1) What activity did you work on today?
2) How much of the activity were you able to complete?
3) What was the most challenging part of today's activity?
4) How many minutes (out of a possible 75) did you spend working on school work? How was the rest of the time spent?
5) What question(s) would you like answered about today's activity?
Feel free to include any other comments you would like to make.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The News Report
Thanks again for your best effort yesterday. The information we got will really help us.
One of the issues that became obvious while you were writing was that times are changing. Once upon a time most households got a newspaper delivered every day. Without computers, even young people would pick up a paper in order to read some of the top stories in the front page. It is much easier to write a good news report when you have read a bunch.
Guess what we are going to focus on for the next little while?
A few things about news reports:
-key information comes at the beginning
-the most important information comes in the first sentence or two (the lead)
-the information is presented most to least relevant
-the reporter is not part of the story (the reporter writes using 'he,' 'she' or 'they' NOT 'I' or 'me').
-the reporter gives as many facts and details as possible.
-reporters try to include either direct or indirect quotations
Today's Activity:
Start a new blog post for today called "Introduction to News Reports"
Pick a News Report that interests you.
Create a hyperlink to it for your blog reader
Cut and paste the details of news reports from above (in red) into your blog post.
Cut and paste examples from your news story into your blog post in order to demonstrate each of the details.
** BONUS ** Create a new post and just write about whatever is on your mind.
One of the issues that became obvious while you were writing was that times are changing. Once upon a time most households got a newspaper delivered every day. Without computers, even young people would pick up a paper in order to read some of the top stories in the front page. It is much easier to write a good news report when you have read a bunch.
Guess what we are going to focus on for the next little while?
A few things about news reports:
-key information comes at the beginning
-the most important information comes in the first sentence or two (the lead)
-the information is presented most to least relevant
-the reporter is not part of the story (the reporter writes using 'he,' 'she' or 'they' NOT 'I' or 'me').
-the reporter gives as many facts and details as possible.
-reporters try to include either direct or indirect quotations
Today's Activity:
Start a new blog post for today called "Introduction to News Reports"
Pick a News Report that interests you.
Create a hyperlink to it for your blog reader
Cut and paste the details of news reports from above (in red) into your blog post.
Cut and paste examples from your news story into your blog post in order to demonstrate each of the details.
** BONUS ** Create a new post and just write about whatever is on your mind.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Diagnostic Exercise
Wednesday and Thursday you will be completing a diagnostic activity. The purpose of this activity will be for Mrs. Martin and Mr. Pierce to figure out which specific reading and writing skills we will help you with before the test.
We will mark the tests and count them toward your final grade so it is important to give us your best effort.
In order to be ready for tomorrow and Thursday, have a look at the Getting Ready Guide.
Respond on your Blog to the following questions. Call your post "The Diagnostic Exercise"
Answer all questions in full sentences.
1) Read over the tips for reading. What is one tip that you already use well?
2) Read over the tips for reading. What is one tip that would help you to read more carefully?
3) Read over the tips for writing. What is one tip that you already use well?
4) Read over the tips for writing. What is one tip that would help you to write more effectively?
5) Look at the strategies for writing a news report and the strategies for writing a "series of paragraphs expressing an opinion." How are they different? (hint: think purpose)
6) What are some things that are allowed on the "series of paragraphs expressing an opinion" but not on the news report?
7) What question(s) would you like answered before you complete the diagnostic exercise?
* Be sure to check your work (looking for proper capitalization and punctuation). Use the spell check feature before you publish.
We will mark the tests and count them toward your final grade so it is important to give us your best effort.
In order to be ready for tomorrow and Thursday, have a look at the Getting Ready Guide.
Respond on your Blog to the following questions. Call your post "The Diagnostic Exercise"
Answer all questions in full sentences.
1) Read over the tips for reading. What is one tip that you already use well?
2) Read over the tips for reading. What is one tip that would help you to read more carefully?
3) Read over the tips for writing. What is one tip that you already use well?
4) Read over the tips for writing. What is one tip that would help you to write more effectively?
5) Look at the strategies for writing a news report and the strategies for writing a "series of paragraphs expressing an opinion." How are they different? (hint: think purpose)
6) What are some things that are allowed on the "series of paragraphs expressing an opinion" but not on the news report?
7) What question(s) would you like answered before you complete the diagnostic exercise?
* Be sure to check your work (looking for proper capitalization and punctuation). Use the spell check feature before you publish.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Freedom Writers
1. Why do you think Mrs. Martin and Mr. Pierce chose this film for this class?
2. Did watching this film change the way you think about high school or teachers or education?Explain.
3. Was any part of the movie confusing? If so, what question(s) about the movie would you like answered?
4. At what point did the students start learning from their teacher? What changed?
5. Does seeing this film make you feel any differently about your own opportunities in high school or this class.
6. Is Freedom Writers a good movie? What did (or didn't) you like about it?
2. Did watching this film change the way you think about high school or teachers or education?Explain.
3. Was any part of the movie confusing? If so, what question(s) about the movie would you like answered?
4. At what point did the students start learning from their teacher? What changed?
5. Does seeing this film make you feel any differently about your own opportunities in high school or this class.
6. Is Freedom Writers a good movie? What did (or didn't) you like about it?
Sunday, February 7, 2010
A Look at the Literacy Test
A previous version of the literacy test is available for study. Over the next few weeks, we will be trying each part of the test and learning skills to help you make your best showing.
On the actual test day you will be asked to write one booklet, given a 15 minute break and then asked to write the other booklet. Of course, the test you write in April will have different reading selections and questions, but the types of reading and writing tasks you are asked to do will be the same.
Sample Test Booklet One
Sample Test Booklet Two
Cut and Paste the following questions into a new blog post for today called "A Look at the Literacy Test." Open both booklets in separate tabs and take some time to go through them in enough detail to be able to answer the questions. Refer back to them as necessary.
As always, answer each question using full sentences. Use the spellcheck button and reread your work before you publish.
a) List the different types of reading selections included in the two booklets.
b) List the different types of writing tasks included in the two booklets.
c) What are some of the different types of questions included in the two booklets?
d) Which activities do you think you would be best at? (Explain why too)
e) Which activities do you think would be the most difficult for you? (Explain why too)
f) After reviewing the booklets, do you have any questions that you would like answered? If so, ask them here.
On the actual test day you will be asked to write one booklet, given a 15 minute break and then asked to write the other booklet. Of course, the test you write in April will have different reading selections and questions, but the types of reading and writing tasks you are asked to do will be the same.
Sample Test Booklet One
Sample Test Booklet Two
Cut and Paste the following questions into a new blog post for today called "A Look at the Literacy Test." Open both booklets in separate tabs and take some time to go through them in enough detail to be able to answer the questions. Refer back to them as necessary.
As always, answer each question using full sentences. Use the spellcheck button and reread your work before you publish.
a) List the different types of reading selections included in the two booklets.
b) List the different types of writing tasks included in the two booklets.
c) What are some of the different types of questions included in the two booklets?
d) Which activities do you think you would be best at? (Explain why too)
e) Which activities do you think would be the most difficult for you? (Explain why too)
f) After reviewing the booklets, do you have any questions that you would like answered? If so, ask them here.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The OSSLT and Reading
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test requires students to read a variety of texts. In order to perform well, it is important to be able to recognise different types of texts and know how to approach them. Over the next few weeks, you will be finding and reporting back on a variety of different types of reading.
In order to do this, you need to know how to make a hyperlink.
Today's focus is informational texts. Open two tabs like you did yesterday. In one tab start a new blog post. In your other tab, find a piece of writing that contains factual information. The piece should take you about 10 minutes to read. Read it carefully.
You might find something worth reading at:
The Toronto Star Sports
St. Catharines Standard: Life
Discovery News
1. Call today's post "Reading an Informational Text."
2. Find a piece of writing that contains factual information. The piece should take you about 10 minutes to read. Read it carefully.
3. Begin your post by making a hyperlink to your article. e.g. My Article
4. Cut and paste the following questions into your blog. Answer them carefully, using full sentences and appropriate capitalization and punctuation.
a) In 2-3 sentences, explain the main idea of the article. Try not to be too specific or too general.
b) What did you learn from this article?
c) How trustworthy do you feel the source of the information is?
d) Explain how the way the information is presented makes you more or less likely to trust it.
e) Would you be interested in reading more or less information on this topic? Why or why not?
In order to do this, you need to know how to make a hyperlink.
Today's focus is informational texts. Open two tabs like you did yesterday. In one tab start a new blog post. In your other tab, find a piece of writing that contains factual information. The piece should take you about 10 minutes to read. Read it carefully.
You might find something worth reading at:
The Toronto Star Sports
St. Catharines Standard: Life
Discovery News
1. Call today's post "Reading an Informational Text."
2. Find a piece of writing that contains factual information. The piece should take you about 10 minutes to read. Read it carefully.
3. Begin your post by making a hyperlink to your article. e.g. My Article
4. Cut and paste the following questions into your blog. Answer them carefully, using full sentences and appropriate capitalization and punctuation.
a) In 2-3 sentences, explain the main idea of the article. Try not to be too specific or too general.
b) What did you learn from this article?
c) How trustworthy do you feel the source of the information is?
d) Explain how the way the information is presented makes you more or less likely to trust it.
e) Would you be interested in reading more or less information on this topic? Why or why not?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
First Blog Activity
This first activity will guide you through the steps of creating your own blog just for this class. It will also help me to get to know you as a writer. It will also be a way for you to compare your growth as a writer later in the course.
Step One: Go to Blogger.com and create an account if you don't already have one.
Step Two: Select "Create a Blog." Even if you already have one, start a new one for this class.
Step Three: Use your first and last name as the title of the blog (This way I can keep track of which blog belongs to whom).
Step Four: Fill in whatever you like for the address (Blogger will suggest one if you have trouble).
Step Five: Click on "Start Blogging."
Step Six: Click on the Settings Tab and then Permissions. Invite ewcwriter@live.ca to be an author. Now I'll be able to post and add comments, as well as see when you update your blog.
Step Seven: Click "New Post" and enter "Me As A Writer" as your title.
Step Eight: Cut and Paste the questions below into your post
Step nine: Answer all questions as carefully as you can, using full sentences and proper punctuation.
Questions:
1. Describe yourself as a writer. How confident are you about your ability?
2. What is your favorite type of writing to do? (e.g. stories, song lyrics, poems or emails) What is it that you like about that type of writing?
3. What is your least favourite type of writing to do? What is it that bothers you most about that type of writing?
4. Tell about a piece of writing that you have really enjoyed. This could be a story read to you by a teacher or a movie you think is really funny (remember, a good movie comes from a good screenplay--which is writing).
5. Give your thoughts and opinions about the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. What do you know about it? What would you like to know about it?
Step One: Go to Blogger.com and create an account if you don't already have one.
Step Two: Select "Create a Blog." Even if you already have one, start a new one for this class.
Step Three: Use your first and last name as the title of the blog (This way I can keep track of which blog belongs to whom).
Step Four: Fill in whatever you like for the address (Blogger will suggest one if you have trouble).
Step Five: Click on "Start Blogging."
Step Six: Click on the Settings Tab and then Permissions. Invite ewcwriter@live.ca to be an author. Now I'll be able to post and add comments, as well as see when you update your blog.
Step Seven: Click "New Post" and enter "Me As A Writer" as your title.
Step Eight: Cut and Paste the questions below into your post
Step nine: Answer all questions as carefully as you can, using full sentences and proper punctuation.
Questions:
1. Describe yourself as a writer. How confident are you about your ability?
2. What is your favorite type of writing to do? (e.g. stories, song lyrics, poems or emails) What is it that you like about that type of writing?
3. What is your least favourite type of writing to do? What is it that bothers you most about that type of writing?
4. Tell about a piece of writing that you have really enjoyed. This could be a story read to you by a teacher or a movie you think is really funny (remember, a good movie comes from a good screenplay--which is writing).
5. Give your thoughts and opinions about the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. What do you know about it? What would you like to know about it?
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