Fri. Dec. 19, 2014: Catch up

Today, those of you who hadn't finished reading Oryx and Crake (or hadn't finished the questions) worked on that. Others worked on their independent novel study (which is due on Monday, January 5). Others asked for additional reading activities to help with the test on January 5 and on the final. I presented these as requested.
For Monday, January 5, you need to be prepared to do the following:
* answer a summary question about the novel Oryx and Crake.
* Actively read and answer questions (using process of elimination) on a reading provided.
* answer a summary question about the independent novel

* hand in your independent novel study assignment.

Tues. Dec. 9 to Fri, Dec. 19: Oryx and Crake/Questions

On Tuesday, we discussed the novel. You were then presented with a reading calendar (pasted below) that you are expected to follow. You were also given jot questions to answer that will be due on Friday, December 19 (you will have a test on this on Monday, January 5).

Some of you read at slower rates than others. As you can see, this plan only covers the school days (not the weekends), so, if you need the time, plan to read on the weekend.

Tues, Dec. 9: Read through Section 4 (page 111)

Wed. Dec. 10: Read through Section 6 (page 176)

Thurs. Dec. 11: Read through Section 8 (page 264)

Fri. Dec. 12: Read through Section 10 (page 316)

Mon. Dec. 15: Read through Section 12 (page 394)

Tues. Dec. 16: Read through Section 13 (page 421)

Wed. Dec. 17: Read through Section 14 (page 436)

Thurs. Dec. 18: Read through Section 15 (page 443)

Fri. Dec. 19: Review (teacher guided)

I was also planning on giving you an essay for this unit, but am putting that on hold (part of the final). Keep in mind that your independent novel study assignment is due on Monday, January 5.

Mon. Dec. 8, 2014 M.C. Comp. Test and Intro to Oryx and Crake

Today, you wrote a unit comprehension exam in which you had to demonstrate process of elimination and active reading. The test consists of two short poems and a two page short story as well as 23 multiple choice questions. The exam is created to be written in 45 minutes.
Students are then to read Section 1 and 2 of the novel  Oryx and Crake (up to page 40).
I will also hand out jot note questions to be answered during the reading (which should take 45 minutes). This is to be completed for tomorrow's class. These questions cover the whole novel; those who read ahead can get this done as they proceed. Keep in mind that the novel should take 7 to 9 hours to read (based on Grade nine reading abilities), to pace yourself accordingly.
In addition, I will also hand out a sheet on the characters and objects referred to (it will be helpful).
If you are not here, I am assuming you have the novel and can read the pages.

Thurs. Dec. 4, 2014 & Fri. Dec. 5: Writing Class/notes on Attention-getters

Today, you worked on essay writing/revision. I also gave you a handout of my Powerpoint on attention-getters. Read it. If you need help, see me. If you were not here, it is in your portfolio.
Reminder: you will write a reading comprehension exam on Monday (M.C., process of elimination and active reading).

Also, pick up the novel Oryx and Crake from the library and start reading it in preparation for the next unit.

Tues. Dec.2 to Fri. Dec. 5, 2014: Essay Writing Labs

Today, students were given additional information about how to write a multi-genre essay. I then gave them their essay writing choices. If you were not here, the instructions will be in your portfolio. In addition, I gave them a sheet explaining how to effectively use quotations/sources. This will also be in your portfolio if you were absent.
The essay assignment will be due at the end of the day on Friday. It must be revised and follow the formats indicated on the instructions page.

Mon. Dec. 1, 2014: Poetry discussion; essay discussion

Today, we went over the answers to the poem "1956..." I then gave you a sheet entitled "How to Write a Critical Analysis Introduction in Seven Sentences (general layout)." We went over it (it contains a student example with errors not revised) so you have something to refer to when writing. I also explained that the topic sentence is an attention getter and does not refer to your sources of evidence (the texts). You will receive your essay question options tomorrow so be here.

Fri. Nov. 28, 2014: 1958:" reading analysis

Today, we discussed and analyzed the poem "1958: Ambition of the Eldest Son." I then gave you questions to answer regarding this poem. These are to be completed for Monday (or Tuesday, if you were absent).