Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Happy Tuesday, Everyone! This week we are going to dive into the exciting world of Renaissance Art! This art revolutionized artistic expression as we know it and many of the techniques practiced during the Renaissance influenced artists in the generations that followed. There are many artists today that use Renaissance art techniques in a modern way.
Here are your tasks this week:
1. Reading: Pathways, p. 225 - 228.
2. Complete 3 assignments from the Renaissance Art Choice Board. Some of the choices are related to a virtual tour of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. You can access the virtual tour here: https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/uffizi-gallery?hl=en
For the TED Talk, you will also need the response sheet.
3. Extension: Complete a 4th assignment from this week's Choice Board.
All assignments are due by Monday, May 25th at 9:00 am.
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Good morning! This week we are going to examine some important geography and people that shaped the European Renaissance. First off, I wanted to let you know that the Parkgate Library is open again for lending books and other materials!! YAY!!!! If you are SOOOOOO bored, get something to entertain you. Right now, it’s only “takeout service” but you can still get books to read: https://nvdpl.ca/article/library-takeout-nvdpl
Here are your assignments for this week:
1. Reading: Pathways, Chapter 7, p. 208 – 217 (PDF available in files on class Team)
2. CSI: Florence! You are going to investigate a crime scene in Italy in 1478 C.E. To start, watch the intro video: https://youtu.be/nxcRXsAzgAE
Then you will need to investigate 8 exhibits (pieces of evidence used in court) that were from the crime scene. You will take notes in your “Murder Investigation Journal” as you go. Once you have finished your investigation, you will make a judgement about who committed the crime and what crime they should be charged with.
Exhibit A is a video interview with a historian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xl4mNSsaXg&feature=youtu.be
Exhibits B through G are objects that were found at the crime scene. They can be viewed in the PDF attached to the assignment (see "assignments" tab). Exhibit B is a newspaper article and it’s SUPPOSED TO BE cut off on the side! You only found a piece of the paper, not the whole thing!
Exhibit H is a video interview with the Duke of Urbino: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiXhAQR7YMw&feature=youtu.be
You can go through the exhibits on any order, but if something doesn’t make sense, it may be tied to another piece of evidence, so examine something else first and come back to it again later.
I hope you enjoy this! When we do it in the classroom, it’s a pretty fun couple of days. You may work on this with a partner if you choose. If you decide to work with a partner, you can create one investigation journal and one indictment together, but you will each need to submit a copy of it in Teams.
Due date (Completed Investigation Journal and Indictment): Tuesday, May 19 at 9:00 am
3. Extension: Complete “Using Art as a Primary Source” from Pathways, page 215. Answer in full sentences.
Due date: Tuesday, May 19 at 9:00 am
Today we have a class meeting scheduled at 1:00 pm. Please review the assignment and if you have any questions, we can go over everything then. I have also created a Renaissance Kahoot and I look forward to trying it this afternoon. Have a great week, everyone!
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Good morning, everyone! This week we are going to start learning about the Renaissance.The Renaissance period started in Italy and spread throughout the Western European countries. It was a time of renewal and change and shaped much of the Western worldview that dominates today (although that has also changed over time). School as you know it now started in the Renaissance era!
First of all, I just want to remind you that your final Poetry Anthology project is due on Monday May 11, 2020 by 2:00 pm. Term 3 interim grades are due on MAY 13, 2020, so PLEASE don't be late. It will affect your interim! Please contact me asap if there is a problem.
Also, I have scheduled meeting times for us this afternoon. Please check your calendar for details.
Here are your tasks for this week:
1. We'll start with our good, old friend, John Green, and the "Renaissance" Crash Course video. Remember to turn on the Closed Captioning to help you catch all the different names and terminology. There are two videos to choose from! First, is the regular style where he talks super fast:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vufba_ZcoR0
He's also done an updated version where he talks more slowly and covers slightly different content:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tecocKSclwc
You choose which one you'd like to watch - or watch both!
2. Reading: Read the introductory story in the Pathways text book on pages 202-207.
3. Writing: Complete the Chapter 7 Walk-Through questions (posted in "Assignments"). They are due on Friday,May 8 at 2:00 pm (but if you need time over the weekend to work on it that's fine. Just send me a message in chat and let me know).
4. Extension (optional): Map Scale Review! Read "How to Use Map Scales" on p. 212 and complete questions 1, 2, and 3.
Remember, I have tutorial times during our scheduled class times on Tuesday and Fridays. Have a super week!
Update: Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Hi everyone! Regarding the Poetry Anthology, I am creating classes in Teams for us and the Anthology will be posted under "Assignments". Please submit your final projects there instead of emailing them to me. That will also solve the size issue with emailing PowerPoint, so you don't need to save it as a PDF.
You still need to email me your reflection by Monday, May 4th. That is the assigned task for this week. Thanks, everyone!
Monday, April 27, 2020
Happy Last Week of April! This week we are going to review the Poetic Devices we’ve learned this year and then bring it all together in the Poetry Anthology. Reminder: I have office hours on Monday and Thursday from 1-3pm.
Here are your tasks this week:
1. Let’s start with our weekly attendance check-in: I have a poetic devices review for you to do. Give it a try and email me your answers. I will send you back your score. You are required to check-in with me AT LEAST once per week. Please email me asap. Thank you!
2. Watch this lesson (please make sure your sound is on so you can hear me - you can also pause and rewind as you need to) of me going over the project outline for the Poetry Anthology Project and discussing how to create your final project: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10qdwMEi7izmZhsJgzIwwTWB6j2XemcHQ/view
If you have any questions, please let me know!
3. Writing: Write your reflection for the anthology - due on Monday, May 4, 2020.
4. Create your Anthology! You can do this in two ways, as described in the lesson above:
Your anthology should have a title page and each poem must have a title.
Include your Reflection at the end or send it to me as a separate attachment. Once you have created your Anthology in PowerPoint, please SAVE IT AS A PDF and send it to me that way. If you don’t do this, the photos make the attachment too big and it will not send.
Your Reflection is due next week, on Monday, May 4, 2020.
The final completed anthology project is due in two weeks, on Monday, May 11, 2020. You should work on it this week and use next week for any last-minute proof-reading or enhancements you’d like to do.
There will be another post on Monday May 4, 2020 with some Social Studies work as well.
Again, please contact me if you have any questions. Have a great week, everyone!
Monday, April 20, 2020
Good morning! This week we are going to learn about “personification” and you are going to create a personified image for your Poetry Anthology. Here we go!
6. Extension: Read “Dream Jobs” by Vancouver poet Suzanne Buffam, found here: https://www.poetryinvoice.com/poems/dream-jobs#dive-in. Complete the "Dive-In" questions (in FULL SENTENCES) and send them to by Monday, April 27, 2020. You are encouraged to be creative with this, and reflect on your current situation as well as what life was like before Spring Break.
Note: The link to "The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon" does not work on the "Dive-In" page. You can access a PDF of the story here. Perhaps it will inspire you for your poem of dream jobs and hell jobs!
Due Dates: The personified image and the "Dream Jobs" Dive-In questions are both due in one week, on Monday, April 27, 2020.
Enjoy the week and see you in Office Hours! It was so great to chat with many of you last week and I am loving seeing all your creative work. Our next post will be Monday, April 27, 2020.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Good morning! First of all, I am sorry that I have been slow to respond to some of you. My computer is 7 years old and last week the touchpad died and I had to go get it fixed. Everything is working again and I will have my regularly scheduled office hours this week (Mon/Thur 1-3). I will also be available tomorrow, so please contact me if you need help with anything.
Today are are going to learn about and create Found Poetry. Your tasks for this week are:
1. Watch the lesson provided here (it's audio and video, so please make sure you have your sound on so you can hear me!). You can also cut and paste the link provided here:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=18gVGuA4e5QJLRH8WpTZtbg-ZCN6rG64y
2. READ! Read anything and everything for at least 30 minutes. If we were at school, we'd be in the library reading books, magazines and the North Shore News for an entire class, with the goal of having chosen the text you want to use for your found poem by the end of the class.
3. Use the 7-step writing technique at the end of the lesson to create your own Found Poem. This will go into your Poetry Anthology project (more on that next week!). You may use any original text you'd like... a print item such as a newspaper article or photocopy of a page from any book, or a digital page that use edit using Markup.
To be successful with your poem it should:
- have a consistent theme throughout (it should make sense!). If someone reads it, they should be able to give you 3 adjectives that describe the mood as you intended when you wrote the poem.
- use at least one poetic device (alliteration is popular with found poetry, although try to practice using imagery as well)
- have a design or illustration that reinforces the theme, mood or overall meaning of the poem
4. Extension (optional): Read the full poem "Plenty" by Kevin Connolly, accessed here. You may do the "Dive In" activity (questions - IN FULL SENTENCES and some video links) and submit them on Friday for 20 marks. You can also use the poem you create in Question #6 as your "bonus" poem in your anthology if you wish.
Due Dates: The Found Poem and the "Plenty" questions are due by Friday, April 17 at 3:00 p.m. Your final good copy Found Poem will go into your Poetry Anthology, but please send me a photo of it, even if you aren't finished, so I can see how you are doing.
And finally, a word about emailing me work! Many of you are sharing files with me through Google drive. I would prefer if you could please download it and send it to me as an attachment on the email. That way I have a copy that isn't going anywhere and hasn't been changed from when you submitted it.
Have a wonderful week and see you in Office Hours! Our next assignment post will be on Monday, April 20, 2020.
Monday, April 6, 2020
HELLO STUDENTS! We're back! Last Friday I sent out a post-Spring Break check-in letter to your parents. If you didn't get it, you can read the letter here.
Teachers are getting things sorted out and prepared this week to support you remotely. I bet you are all feeling a bit bored! We will start our Humanities work up again next week. Moving forward, I will post a check-in, lessons and assignments for the week each Monday morning, I will have tutorial times on Monday and Thursday afternoons from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, where I will be responding to students emails. You can contact me any time with questions, but I will for sure be online during the tutorial times.
On Tuesday, April 14 (Monday is the Easter holiday), I will make our first official weekly post. We are so close to finishing our poetry work, so we will start back up with that. If you are looking for something to do this week, please review the "Shape Poetry" PPT below and write your own shape poem. Next week will be learning our last poetic devices and I have some fun activities for you to do to practice them. I will also post a review of all the poetic devices and types of poems we have learned so far (you can also scroll down here to refresh your memory).
This week, you should make sure you can access your school email on the portal. If you don't know how to do that, please read this guide. Your email address is your student number with a lower case "s" at the end of it @sd44.ca (for example: [email protected]). Once you get that set up, I have a small assignment for you to work on this week:
Create a short story, poem, powerpoint, video, drawing, photo, etc., that demonstrates for me what a day in your life looks like while we are in social isolation. Get creative with it!!
Once you are finished, please email it to me at [email protected] from your school email address.
I miss you all and I really wish I was able to ride my bike down to Seycove and see you all each day. Have a great week and I look foward to reconnecting as a class next Tuesday.
Wed. March 11, 2020
Today we finished discussing Shape Poetry and looked at lots of examples. In Social Studies we completed the notes we started last class and answered the following questions from "Pathways" p.65 in FULL SENTENCES: 1a (use the atlases in classroom to complete), 1b, 2 a and b, 3, 4 a and b. The notes and questions were handed in at the end of the class (out of 20 marks).
Homework: None today.
Mon. March 9, 2020
Today we started discussing the Crusades. We watched the Crash Course video then read pages 62-65 in Pathways. We took notes on each of the 4 sections in the text. In English we finished our riddle poems and started shape poetry. We read "Poetry in Focus" pages 140-144.
Homework: The Law or Order paragraph is due next class. Please bring pencil crayons, a ruler and a fineliner to class on Wednesday to complete the Crusades map in class.
Thur. March 5, 2020
Today we finished the rough draft of the riddle poem. In Socials we reviewed how to cite sources in MLA format using the Purdue OWL online formatting guide. We edited the rough draft of the Law and Order paragraph and created the Works Cited list in class.
Homework: Please complete the rough draft of your riddle poem and bring it to class on Monday for the Riddle Round Robin. Also, the Law and Order paragraph is due on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. We will not have any more class time to work on this!
Tue. March 3, 2020
Today was all day Socials. We read about the Magna Carta in the Pathways text book on pages 65-67. Then we watched two videos from the British Library. We read excerpts from the original 1215 Magna Carta and selected 3-5 clauses as evidence for the question: Is the Magna Carta still important today?
We also worked on the Law and Order paragraph assignment. The due date for this is Wednesday, March 11, 2020.
Homework: Please complete the rough draft of your paragraph and bring it to class on Thursday along with 3 sources to cite in MLA format.
Fri. Feb. 28, 2020
Today was all day English. We finished and handed in "The Raven" analysis, then started our next poem: riddles. We analysed some famous riddles, then started writing our own using a backwards design template and following these rules for proper form.
On Tuesday we will be working on Social Studies all day. The due date for the Law and Order paragraph is tentatively set for Monday, March 9.
Homework: None today.
Wed. Feb. 26, 2020
Today we read "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe on page 78 in "Poetry in Focus" and listened to an audiobook reading of it as well. Students completed a written analysis in class. In Socials we conducted research and wrote the rough draft for the Law and Order Expository Paragraph.
Homework: None today.
Mon. Feb. 24, 2020
Today we learned about expository writing. We read the "Pathways" text book p. 56-58 on Law and Order in the Middle Ages. Then we used the activity on page 59 to create and complete a Comparison Organizer for the 3 different types of courts in the Middle Ages, in preparation for our next paragraph assignment.
Homework: Finish your illustrated sonnet analysis and complete the comparison organizer on Law and Order in the Middle Ages.
Thur. Feb. 20, 2020
Today was all about Shakespearean Sonnets! We started off with a crash course video, then read 4 of Shakespeare's sonnets. Then students chose one to analyse further. We separated the sonnet out into 3 quatrains and 1 rhyming couplet, then circled the imagery words in each section. Students used the imagery words to create an illustration for each section (4 in total).
Homework: None this weekend. Enjoy the end of Term 2 break!
Tue. Feb. 18, 2020
Today we learned about Rhythm, Rhyme and Rhyme Scheme in poetic form. We read pages 87-91 in the "Poetry in Focus" text book and wrote some more poems for the anthology. In Social Studies we learned about religion during the Feudal Era and read pages 54-56 in the "Pathways" text book.
Homework: Finish two poems of your choice from the following list: haiku, tanka, cinquian, quatrain and diamante. Finish the questions in the Pathways text in p. 56, #1, 2 a, b, and 4.
Fri. Feb. 14, 2020
Happy Valentine's Day! Today in English we examined the theme of love in poetry. In groups we read and did a TPCASTT analysis of some famous love poems, then we did a guided writing activity to generate ideas about the heart.
Homework: Complete your TPCASTT analysis and write a poem about the heart or the body that communicates the theme of love (or hate).
Wed. Feb. 12, 2020
Today in English we learned about the poetic devices alliteration, assonance and onomatopoeia. We wrote our first poem: a minimum 10 line poem using as many onomatopoeia words as possible. In Social Studies we completed a web quest about castles in the middle ages.
Homework: Finish your onomatopoeia poem and web quest if not completed in class.
Reminder: Feudal Contracts are due next class.
Mon. Feb. 10, 2020
In English we wrote the Short Fiction Unit Test. Well done! In Social Studies we read Pathways, pages 47-53, then watched a video and took some notes on the documentary "National Geographic Mega Structures: Castles and Dungeons".
Thur. Feb. 6, 2020
We started poetry today. All students signed out a text book called "Poetry in Focus". In Socials we worked on the good copy of the Feudal Contract. It is due on Friday, February 14th.
Reminder: The short fiction unit test is on Monday.
Tues. Feb. 4, 2020
Today we had a great big short fiction review in preparation for the test on February 10. I handed out a study guide as well. In Social Studies we analysed a primary document and practiced writing a Feudal Contract.
Homework: Please complete the rough draft of your Feudal Contract and bring it to class on Thursday, as well as any supplies you need to complete the good copy.
Reminder: The Hockey Sweater comprehension questions are due next class (out of 40 marks).
Fri. Jan. 31, 2020
Today we watched the film "The Sweater" and then worked on some comprehension questions to complete our analysis of the story. The questions are due Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020.
In Socials we read Pathways p. 44-47 and completed some questions on page 47: #1, 2a, 3a+b, 4a. The questions are due next class.
Wed. Jan. 29, 2020
Today we practiced writing "Snappy Starters" as paragraph hooks, then we created a snappy starter for the sequencing paragraph. We added it to the rough draft and then peer-edited for C.O.P.S.
Reminder: The sequencing paragraph for "Lion Taming for Beginners" is due next class.
Mon. Jan. 27, 2020
We set the date for the Short Fiction Unit Test! It will be on Thurs. Feb. 6, 2020.
Today we started our last story for short fiction called "The Hockey Sweater" by Roch Carrier. We listened to the audiobook and read the story. We completed the vocabulary based on context meaning and filled in the study guide as a practice for the unit test. In Social Studies we started Feudalism. We read about the Bayeux Tapestry in the Pathways textbook, on pg. 38-42, then worked on sorting key events for each time period.
Homework: Complete the study guide for "The Hockey Sweater" and bring it to class on Wednesday and finish sorting the Feudal and Roman facts.
Thur. Jan. 23, 2020
Today we reviewed theme in literature. We started out by watching a "how-to" video on theme topic and theme statements. This is a great 4-step process for you to use in class! Then we practised the technique with Pixar short films. We analysed "Lifted" and "For the Birds". We also had our last work block for the Viking Raid project and the sequencing paragraph.
Reminder: The Viking project is due next class.
Homework: Finish the theme handout for "Lifted". It is due to be handed in next class.
Tues. Jan. 21, 2020
Today we had the vocabulary quiz for "Lion Taming for Beginners" and worked on our next paragraph assignment for that story, using the sequencing and transition language we learned last week. In Socials we worked on the Viking Raid Project. Our last work period for this assignment will be on Thursday. Please bring whatever materials you need for that project to class.
We also set some due dates today. They are:
Viking Raid Project: due Monday, January 27, 2020
Lion Taming Sequencing Paragraph: due Friday, January 31, 2020
The Short Fiction Unit Test will be sometime in the first week of February (exact date will be set soon).
Mon. Jan. 13, 2020
Today was an all-English day! We went over the study guide for "Lion Taming for Beginners". Then we went over the vocabulary words and played Pictionary to practice describing the meaning. We also worked in groups to practice transition words and sequencing, in preparation for our next paragraph assignment.
Reminder: You will have time on Wednesday in class to work on the Viking Raid project, so please bring whatever supplies you need for the project.
Homework: None today!
Thurs. Jan. 9, 2020
Today we analysed "Lion Taming for Beginners" and defined the vocabulary words using context meaning. In Social Studies we worked on the maps for our Viking Raid projects.
Homework: Please complete the Study Guide for "Lion Taming for Beginners" and the vocabulary parts of speech and definitions. We will go over both items on Monday in class.
Tues. Jan. 7, 2020
Welcome back! Today we reviewed the Elements of Fiction with a Kahoot, then started our 3rd short story: "Lion Taming for Beginners" by A. Campbell Ballantine. In Socials we worked on our Viking Raid Project. By now, you should have completed your rune letter and your raid goals, and you should have started creating the Western Europe map. Please remember to use the Elements of Mapping for your good copy.
Reminder: Your persuasive paragraph is due next class, on Thursday, January 9, 2020.
Reminder: Please bring supplies (e.g. fineliner, pencil crayons, ruler) for working on the Viking Project in class on Thursday.
Wed. Dec. 18, 2019
We wrapped up "All Summer in a Day" with the movie today! Then we worked on editing the persuasive paragraph. The good copy is due on Thursday, January 9. We will not have any more class time to work on this. In Social Studies we worked on the Viking Raid Plan. You should be finished your rune letter and response before the winter break.
Homework: Complete your rune letter and give to your partner to decode and respond, then decode their response (if not completed already).
Mon. Dec. 16, 2019
Great work on the "All Summer" test today. Afterwards we worked on the rough draft of the persuasive paragraph. In Socials we practiced writing in the Viking Rune alphabet and wrote a letter to a viking in runes as part 1 of our raid plan.
Homework: Please complete your rune letter for your partner and complete the rough draft of your persuasive paragraph. Please bring both items to class on Wednesday for work in class!
Thurs. Dec. 12, 2019
Today we had an English intensive day. We discussed similes and metaphors in fiction and watched 2 video clips to help us identify these devices in practice.
Reminder: "All Summer" vocabulary and comprehension test is on Monday!
Tues. Dec. 10, 2019
Today was all about persuasive writing! We took some notes, then found evidence in "All Summer in a Day" to argue both sides of the question "Were the children justified in locking Margot in the closet?".
Homework: Complete your "Seeing Both Sides" handout and bring it to class on Thursday.
Reminder: Comprehension Questions for "All Summer in a Day" are due next on Thursday.
Fri. Dec. 6, 2019
In English we discussed and completed the study guide for "All Summer in a Day". We also started working on the comprehension questions at the end of the story. In Socials we watched a video called "Vikings: The Founders of Europe" and took notes. Save the notes! They will be helpful for your next project.
Reminder: Comprehension Questions are due on Thursday, Dec. 12. Responses should be completed in full sentences. "All Summer" vocabulary quiz will be on Monday, December 16th.
Homework: None today! Enjoy the weekend.
Wed. Dec. 4, 2019
Today we started our next short story, "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury. We read the story and listened to the audiobook and worked on the vocabulary. In Socials we looked at the Germanic Tribes and read a background text on the movement of peoples after the fall of Rome.
Reminder: The World Religions brochure project is due next class. You must hand in: the brochure, your mind map and your Works Cited.
Mon. Dec. 2, 2019
What a full day! Today we discussed how to properly cite your work using the MLA format. Remember, you can access the full MLA Style guide from the Purdue OWL. In English we discussed "Theme" in fiction and practiced identifying and writing theme statements. Make sure you try writing a theme statement for "The Stolen Party".
Homework: Complete your Works Cited list for the 4 sources for your religion brochure project. You must include at least 1 book and 1 digital source.
Thur. Nov. 28, 2019
Today we took notes on "Conflict" in fiction and watch a short video. Then in groups we learned about "Irony", "Symbolism" and "Foreshadowing". In Social Studies we had our last work block for the World Religions Project. We recorded the citation information for each source.
Homework: Character Sketch Paragraph is due on Monday.
Tue. Nov. 26, 2019
Today we worked on the Rosaura Character Sketch paragraph. We picked out top 3 traits, then worked them into full sentences for the paragraph. We also learned how to create in-text citations by embedding quotes. In Social Studies we worked on the World Religions Brochure Project. Your mind map should be almost finished and you should be recording your sources for your Works Cited list.
Homework: None today, but a reminder that the Character Sketch Paragraph is due on Dec. 2, 2019. We will not have any more class time to work on it.
Fri. Nov. 22, 2019
Great job on the presentations today! In English we worked on finding evidence in text in preparation for Character Sketch writing next week. We set some due dates for work:
The Character Sketch on Rosaura is due on Monday, December 2.
The World Religions brochure project is due on Friday, December 6.
Homework: Complete the Character Trait Organizer if not completed in class today.
Wed. Nov. 20, 2019
Today we learned about proper paragraph structure and practiced writing topic sentences. In Social Studies we worked on our group presentations for Friday and started our final World Religions project.
Homework: Finish the paragraph handout (only if not finished in class).
Reminder: Eastern Religion Group Presentations are next class. Term 1 cutoff is Friday, Nov. 22 - Next class!
Mon. Nov. 18, 2019
Today we practiced writing stories with 5 different points of view. Then in Social Studies we worked on our Eastern Religions Group Projects in the library.
Homework: Complete your Point of View stories if not completed in class.
Thur. Nov. 14, 2019
Today we took notes and discussed Point of View in fiction. We practiced identifying point of view using excerpts from Roald Dahl stories. In Social Studies we wrapped up the monotheistic religions by watching the film, "Jerusalem".
Homework: Finish the Roald Dahl sheet if not completed in class. The Easter Religion presentations will be held on Friday, Nov. 22.
Wed. Nov. 6, 2019
Today we reviewed for the "Stolen Party" vocabulary quiz next class. In Socials we discussed Judaism.
Homework: Study for the quiz next class and complete the Judaism graphic organizer we started in class.
Mon. Nov. 4, 2019
Today we discussed Christianity. We read "Pathways" p. 13-17, we watched Crash Course: Christianity and then identified the key vocabulary and traits for the religion. In English we went over the vocabulary for "The Stolen Party" and practiced working with it. We also set the date for the vocab quiz, for Friday, Nov. 8, 2019.
Homework: Complete the Christianity organizer we started in class.
Thur. Oct. 31, 2019
Today we had the geography test. Then we practiced writing and communicating giving instructions with a Monster Write and then watched Toy Story of Terror for elements of conflict and suspense in plot.
No homework this weekend!
Tues. Oct. 29, 2019
Today was the Great Big Geography Review! We did a notes review graffiti and a practice test Kahoot in preparation for the geography test next class. We also had a work block to work on the Mapping Project that is due next class.
Wed., Oct. 23, 2019
Seycove Closed Today.
The geography test will be postponed to Thursday, Oct. 31. On Tuesday we will have the review class that was supposed to happen today, and we will have a work block for the mapping assignment. Please bring pencil crayons, a ruler and a fineliner to class on Tuesday. The map is still due as planned on Thursday, October 31.
Have a great weekend!
Monday, Oct. 21, 2019
Today you were assigned a social studies text book for the rest of the year. We spent some time getting familiar with the topics we are going to study. In English we read our first short story, "The Stolen Party" and learned about using context meaning to define vocabulary. We also listened to the audiobook of the story and completed a vocab scavenger hunt.
Reminder: Please bring a ruler, pencil crayons and a fineliner to class on Wednesday to work on the mapping project in class.
Homework: None today! Enjoy the break after finishing your huge novel study project!
Thurs, Oct. 17, 2019
Phew! Today was a full day. In English we started Short Fiction, and read and analyzed a short story. In Social Studies generated a Study Guide for the Geography test and set the date for Tuesday, Oct. 29. The things that will be covered on the test are:
1. The 5 Themes of Geography: Movement, Region, Human-Environment Interaction, Location and Place
2. The Map Elements: Direction, Labels, Scale, Legend and Symbols, Grid and Grid Index, Latitude and Longitude, World Continents and Oceans
We also set the date for the "Island of Me" mapping assignment. It is due on Thursday, Oct. 31.
Homework: Your Novel Study Project is due next class. Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019
We had our last work block for the Novel Study Project today. I also gave an extension for the project. It is due on Monday, October 21, 2019.
In Social Studies we worked on the rough draft of the mapping assignment.
Homework: Complete the rough draft of the "Island of Me" mapping assignment. Please bring pencil crayons, a ruler with centimetres and a fineliner to class on Thursday to do the good copy of the map in class.
Friday, Oct. 11, 2019
Today we practiced complete sentences and sentence fragments, and had a Writer's Workshop to improve our Reading Responses for the Novel Study Project. In Social Studies we completed Geolab 10, identifying and using symbols on maps.
Homework: Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019
Today we worked on Reading Response #3 for the final chapters of your novel. In Social Studies we took notes of map symbols.
Homework: Please bring a paper copy of any written work for your novel project that needs revision to class on Friday. We will be doing a writer's workshop to edit our work!
Monday, Oct. 7, 2019
Today we learned about Grid, Grid Index and Scale. We used the atlases to practice calculating distance between cities. In English we had our grammar quiz and worked on the Vocabulary section of the novel study project.
Homework: By now you should have completed your reading log, the vocabulary and reading response #1 and #2 for the project.
Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019
Today we finished our latitude and longitude practice (great job, everyone!), and worked on our Written Responses for the Independent Novel Study Project.
Homework: Finish the rough draft of Written Response #2 and bring a printed or paper copy to class on Monday for peer-editing. Also, if you haven't finished reading your novel, you should try to complete it this weekend.
Reminder: The Parts of Speech Quiz is on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. If you need to review any of the Parts of Speech, you can watch the Schoolhouse Rock videos here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1yty6F-2neYfwE8xc1A72Q or check this website: http://partofspeech.org/
Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019
Reminder: The Parts of Speech Quiz will be on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019
Homework: Please finish (and print) the rough draft of Written Response #1 for your Independent Novel Study Project. You should be almost finished reading your book if you haven't already. If you still have a lot to read, you should do some extra reading at home.
Friday, September 27, 2019
We finally finished our group Parts of Speech stories. Great job! In Socials we finished our Latitude and Longitude notes.
Homework: None, although if you didn't finish your notes in class, then it should be completed at home. Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
In Socials we did an introduction to Latitude and Longitude and watched a short video overview. In English we practiced our Parts of Speech and wrote sentences for our group story write!
Homework: Finish your 10x6 sentences (minimum of 10 sentences, each with at least one word from each of your group's 6 parts of speech cards) and bring them to class on Friday for group story writing.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Homework this weekend: Please read your novel every day for at least 15 minutes, and complete a reading log entry for each day. Geolab 1 is due on Wednesday. Please colour your map, fineline the legend, and include a title and compass.
Bonus! I'd like to buy 2 Seycove cards! I'll take the first two students that come to me on Wednesday. Have a great weekend.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
In Socials we started Geolab 1. In English we continued working with the Parts of Speech.
For homework, please complete your 6x6 sentences (6 sentences, each with 6 different parts of speech used - if you need the prompts, they can be found in the notes linked below), and bring them to class on Thursday for group sharing. Also, please bring a ruler, calculator and pencil crayons to class on Thursday.
Friday, September 13
Today was a full day! We took some notes on the Parts of Speech and practiced identifying the types of words in a paragraph. Then in Social Studies we took some notes on the Five Themes of Geography and watched two YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eKjwr8qo4I and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i95OOkTudI8.
Your Canada Maps are due on Tuesday. You do not need to colour them, but you do need to label some important things:
1. All of the provinces and territories
2. The capital cities (with a symbol to indicate)
3. Major cities (with a symbol to indicate)
4. Our 3 oceans
5. One major river in each province
6. The major bodies of water: Hudson's Bay and the Great Lakes
7. Major BC mountains
You also need to include the important Map Elements: a title, a directional compass and a legend. Remember that all labels are horizontal.
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, September 11
Writing Sample Day! We started with a tour of the library and selected a novel for our Independent Novel Study project. We also started a reading log for the project.
Reminder: Bring your novel to class every day! We will be reading for at least 15 minutes in class. Also, the Grade 8 parent night is tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. See you there!
Homework: Read your novel for at least 15 minutes and fill in your reading log.
Monday, September 9
Today we worked on listening and speaking in class by introducing our desk partners. We started our geography unit by drawing a map of Canada from memory with a partner and then used the atlases to add the "Elements of Mapping" to a map of Canada.
Homework: None today, but please remember to bring a novel to class for our novel study starting on Wednesday (you may also sign something out from the school library on Wednesday).
Thursday, September 6
Today we went over the course outline and did some activities to get to know each other better.
Homework: Review the course outline with your parents and sign the bottom. Bring your class materials next day (see course outline).
Tuesday, September 4
Welcome to Seycove!
Happy Tuesday, Everyone! This week we are going to dive into the exciting world of Renaissance Art! This art revolutionized artistic expression as we know it and many of the techniques practiced during the Renaissance influenced artists in the generations that followed. There are many artists today that use Renaissance art techniques in a modern way.
Here are your tasks this week:
1. Reading: Pathways, p. 225 - 228.
2. Complete 3 assignments from the Renaissance Art Choice Board. Some of the choices are related to a virtual tour of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. You can access the virtual tour here: https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/uffizi-gallery?hl=en
For the TED Talk, you will also need the response sheet.
3. Extension: Complete a 4th assignment from this week's Choice Board.
All assignments are due by Monday, May 25th at 9:00 am.
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Good morning! This week we are going to examine some important geography and people that shaped the European Renaissance. First off, I wanted to let you know that the Parkgate Library is open again for lending books and other materials!! YAY!!!! If you are SOOOOOO bored, get something to entertain you. Right now, it’s only “takeout service” but you can still get books to read: https://nvdpl.ca/article/library-takeout-nvdpl
Here are your assignments for this week:
1. Reading: Pathways, Chapter 7, p. 208 – 217 (PDF available in files on class Team)
2. CSI: Florence! You are going to investigate a crime scene in Italy in 1478 C.E. To start, watch the intro video: https://youtu.be/nxcRXsAzgAE
Then you will need to investigate 8 exhibits (pieces of evidence used in court) that were from the crime scene. You will take notes in your “Murder Investigation Journal” as you go. Once you have finished your investigation, you will make a judgement about who committed the crime and what crime they should be charged with.
Exhibit A is a video interview with a historian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xl4mNSsaXg&feature=youtu.be
Exhibits B through G are objects that were found at the crime scene. They can be viewed in the PDF attached to the assignment (see "assignments" tab). Exhibit B is a newspaper article and it’s SUPPOSED TO BE cut off on the side! You only found a piece of the paper, not the whole thing!
Exhibit H is a video interview with the Duke of Urbino: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiXhAQR7YMw&feature=youtu.be
You can go through the exhibits on any order, but if something doesn’t make sense, it may be tied to another piece of evidence, so examine something else first and come back to it again later.
I hope you enjoy this! When we do it in the classroom, it’s a pretty fun couple of days. You may work on this with a partner if you choose. If you decide to work with a partner, you can create one investigation journal and one indictment together, but you will each need to submit a copy of it in Teams.
Due date (Completed Investigation Journal and Indictment): Tuesday, May 19 at 9:00 am
3. Extension: Complete “Using Art as a Primary Source” from Pathways, page 215. Answer in full sentences.
Due date: Tuesday, May 19 at 9:00 am
Today we have a class meeting scheduled at 1:00 pm. Please review the assignment and if you have any questions, we can go over everything then. I have also created a Renaissance Kahoot and I look forward to trying it this afternoon. Have a great week, everyone!
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Good morning, everyone! This week we are going to start learning about the Renaissance.The Renaissance period started in Italy and spread throughout the Western European countries. It was a time of renewal and change and shaped much of the Western worldview that dominates today (although that has also changed over time). School as you know it now started in the Renaissance era!
First of all, I just want to remind you that your final Poetry Anthology project is due on Monday May 11, 2020 by 2:00 pm. Term 3 interim grades are due on MAY 13, 2020, so PLEASE don't be late. It will affect your interim! Please contact me asap if there is a problem.
Also, I have scheduled meeting times for us this afternoon. Please check your calendar for details.
Here are your tasks for this week:
1. We'll start with our good, old friend, John Green, and the "Renaissance" Crash Course video. Remember to turn on the Closed Captioning to help you catch all the different names and terminology. There are two videos to choose from! First, is the regular style where he talks super fast:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vufba_ZcoR0
He's also done an updated version where he talks more slowly and covers slightly different content:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tecocKSclwc
You choose which one you'd like to watch - or watch both!
2. Reading: Read the introductory story in the Pathways text book on pages 202-207.
3. Writing: Complete the Chapter 7 Walk-Through questions (posted in "Assignments"). They are due on Friday,May 8 at 2:00 pm (but if you need time over the weekend to work on it that's fine. Just send me a message in chat and let me know).
4. Extension (optional): Map Scale Review! Read "How to Use Map Scales" on p. 212 and complete questions 1, 2, and 3.
Remember, I have tutorial times during our scheduled class times on Tuesday and Fridays. Have a super week!
Update: Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Hi everyone! Regarding the Poetry Anthology, I am creating classes in Teams for us and the Anthology will be posted under "Assignments". Please submit your final projects there instead of emailing them to me. That will also solve the size issue with emailing PowerPoint, so you don't need to save it as a PDF.
You still need to email me your reflection by Monday, May 4th. That is the assigned task for this week. Thanks, everyone!
Monday, April 27, 2020
Happy Last Week of April! This week we are going to review the Poetic Devices we’ve learned this year and then bring it all together in the Poetry Anthology. Reminder: I have office hours on Monday and Thursday from 1-3pm.
Here are your tasks this week:
1. Let’s start with our weekly attendance check-in: I have a poetic devices review for you to do. Give it a try and email me your answers. I will send you back your score. You are required to check-in with me AT LEAST once per week. Please email me asap. Thank you!
2. Watch this lesson (please make sure your sound is on so you can hear me - you can also pause and rewind as you need to) of me going over the project outline for the Poetry Anthology Project and discussing how to create your final project: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10qdwMEi7izmZhsJgzIwwTWB6j2XemcHQ/view
If you have any questions, please let me know!
3. Writing: Write your reflection for the anthology - due on Monday, May 4, 2020.
4. Create your Anthology! You can do this in two ways, as described in the lesson above:
- Use PowerPoint to create a digital anthology. Each poem should be on a different slide. You can either type up the poem on each slide or you can take photos of the work you created (for example, just take a photo of your shape poem. There is no need to recreate digitally) and add them as images to your slides. When finished, print your slides to PDF and submit the PDF.
- You can create/draw/write your anthology by hand (for example, each poem hand-written on a piece of paper, illustrated with felts, pencil crayons, etc.) and then take photos of each page so I can see the whole thing. You can put the photo for each page on a new slide in PowerPoint and send it to me that way (please print to PDF and send me the PDF).
Your anthology should have a title page and each poem must have a title.
Include your Reflection at the end or send it to me as a separate attachment. Once you have created your Anthology in PowerPoint, please SAVE IT AS A PDF and send it to me that way. If you don’t do this, the photos make the attachment too big and it will not send.
Your Reflection is due next week, on Monday, May 4, 2020.
The final completed anthology project is due in two weeks, on Monday, May 11, 2020. You should work on it this week and use next week for any last-minute proof-reading or enhancements you’d like to do.
There will be another post on Monday May 4, 2020 with some Social Studies work as well.
Again, please contact me if you have any questions. Have a great week, everyone!
Monday, April 20, 2020
Good morning! This week we are going to learn about “personification” and you are going to create a personified image for your Poetry Anthology. Here we go!
- Let’s start with our attendance check-in: Send me a quick email (today or asap!) with an emoji that tells me how you are feeling this week.
- We’ve talked about this before, but “personification” is when you give human characteristics or human-like attributes to non-human things. For example, you could say “The car groaned as it slowly climbed Mount Seymour” or “The sunlight danced on the ocean”. This video will give you many more examples: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqBZMR83wCg
- This week you are going to take a photo of an object and make it human. I have created a lesson here to walk you through it (this is audio and video, so please make sure your sound is on so you can hear me): https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dS-MjtVS-2Ciq8SUiceHclC5F3WPYFSh
- Please email me your personified image by Monday, April 27.
- Finally, you should make sure you have all your ROUGH DRAFTS completed for the poems for the anthology, then PROOF-READ AND EDIT them for quality, accuracy and use of poetic devices. If you are missing any, this week is your time to catch-up! Now that you know all about poetic devices, what can you change to your poems to make them better? Poems should be descriptive, use poetic devices, have feeling and have a clear theme. This is what you will need to create your anthology (the final project will be assigned next week):
- A minimum 10 line onomatopoeia poem
- TWO different poems from the following list: haiku, tanka, quatrain, cinquain, diamante
- A heart poem
- A sonnet
- A riddle poem
- A shape poem
- A found poem
- A poem that uses at least 5 poetic devices of your choice: alliteration, onomatopoeia, simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, repetition, rhyme, stanza, couplet, imagery.
- One more original poem of your choice that YOU have written
- Your personified image
6. Extension: Read “Dream Jobs” by Vancouver poet Suzanne Buffam, found here: https://www.poetryinvoice.com/poems/dream-jobs#dive-in. Complete the "Dive-In" questions (in FULL SENTENCES) and send them to by Monday, April 27, 2020. You are encouraged to be creative with this, and reflect on your current situation as well as what life was like before Spring Break.
Note: The link to "The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon" does not work on the "Dive-In" page. You can access a PDF of the story here. Perhaps it will inspire you for your poem of dream jobs and hell jobs!
Due Dates: The personified image and the "Dream Jobs" Dive-In questions are both due in one week, on Monday, April 27, 2020.
Enjoy the week and see you in Office Hours! It was so great to chat with many of you last week and I am loving seeing all your creative work. Our next post will be Monday, April 27, 2020.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Good morning! First of all, I am sorry that I have been slow to respond to some of you. My computer is 7 years old and last week the touchpad died and I had to go get it fixed. Everything is working again and I will have my regularly scheduled office hours this week (Mon/Thur 1-3). I will also be available tomorrow, so please contact me if you need help with anything.
Today are are going to learn about and create Found Poetry. Your tasks for this week are:
1. Watch the lesson provided here (it's audio and video, so please make sure you have your sound on so you can hear me!). You can also cut and paste the link provided here:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=18gVGuA4e5QJLRH8WpTZtbg-ZCN6rG64y
2. READ! Read anything and everything for at least 30 minutes. If we were at school, we'd be in the library reading books, magazines and the North Shore News for an entire class, with the goal of having chosen the text you want to use for your found poem by the end of the class.
3. Use the 7-step writing technique at the end of the lesson to create your own Found Poem. This will go into your Poetry Anthology project (more on that next week!). You may use any original text you'd like... a print item such as a newspaper article or photocopy of a page from any book, or a digital page that use edit using Markup.
To be successful with your poem it should:
- have a consistent theme throughout (it should make sense!). If someone reads it, they should be able to give you 3 adjectives that describe the mood as you intended when you wrote the poem.
- use at least one poetic device (alliteration is popular with found poetry, although try to practice using imagery as well)
- have a design or illustration that reinforces the theme, mood or overall meaning of the poem
4. Extension (optional): Read the full poem "Plenty" by Kevin Connolly, accessed here. You may do the "Dive In" activity (questions - IN FULL SENTENCES and some video links) and submit them on Friday for 20 marks. You can also use the poem you create in Question #6 as your "bonus" poem in your anthology if you wish.
Due Dates: The Found Poem and the "Plenty" questions are due by Friday, April 17 at 3:00 p.m. Your final good copy Found Poem will go into your Poetry Anthology, but please send me a photo of it, even if you aren't finished, so I can see how you are doing.
And finally, a word about emailing me work! Many of you are sharing files with me through Google drive. I would prefer if you could please download it and send it to me as an attachment on the email. That way I have a copy that isn't going anywhere and hasn't been changed from when you submitted it.
Have a wonderful week and see you in Office Hours! Our next assignment post will be on Monday, April 20, 2020.
Monday, April 6, 2020
HELLO STUDENTS! We're back! Last Friday I sent out a post-Spring Break check-in letter to your parents. If you didn't get it, you can read the letter here.
Teachers are getting things sorted out and prepared this week to support you remotely. I bet you are all feeling a bit bored! We will start our Humanities work up again next week. Moving forward, I will post a check-in, lessons and assignments for the week each Monday morning, I will have tutorial times on Monday and Thursday afternoons from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, where I will be responding to students emails. You can contact me any time with questions, but I will for sure be online during the tutorial times.
On Tuesday, April 14 (Monday is the Easter holiday), I will make our first official weekly post. We are so close to finishing our poetry work, so we will start back up with that. If you are looking for something to do this week, please review the "Shape Poetry" PPT below and write your own shape poem. Next week will be learning our last poetic devices and I have some fun activities for you to do to practice them. I will also post a review of all the poetic devices and types of poems we have learned so far (you can also scroll down here to refresh your memory).
This week, you should make sure you can access your school email on the portal. If you don't know how to do that, please read this guide. Your email address is your student number with a lower case "s" at the end of it @sd44.ca (for example: [email protected]). Once you get that set up, I have a small assignment for you to work on this week:
Create a short story, poem, powerpoint, video, drawing, photo, etc., that demonstrates for me what a day in your life looks like while we are in social isolation. Get creative with it!!
Once you are finished, please email it to me at [email protected] from your school email address.
I miss you all and I really wish I was able to ride my bike down to Seycove and see you all each day. Have a great week and I look foward to reconnecting as a class next Tuesday.
Wed. March 11, 2020
Today we finished discussing Shape Poetry and looked at lots of examples. In Social Studies we completed the notes we started last class and answered the following questions from "Pathways" p.65 in FULL SENTENCES: 1a (use the atlases in classroom to complete), 1b, 2 a and b, 3, 4 a and b. The notes and questions were handed in at the end of the class (out of 20 marks).
Homework: None today.
Mon. March 9, 2020
Today we started discussing the Crusades. We watched the Crash Course video then read pages 62-65 in Pathways. We took notes on each of the 4 sections in the text. In English we finished our riddle poems and started shape poetry. We read "Poetry in Focus" pages 140-144.
Homework: The Law or Order paragraph is due next class. Please bring pencil crayons, a ruler and a fineliner to class on Wednesday to complete the Crusades map in class.
Thur. March 5, 2020
Today we finished the rough draft of the riddle poem. In Socials we reviewed how to cite sources in MLA format using the Purdue OWL online formatting guide. We edited the rough draft of the Law and Order paragraph and created the Works Cited list in class.
Homework: Please complete the rough draft of your riddle poem and bring it to class on Monday for the Riddle Round Robin. Also, the Law and Order paragraph is due on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. We will not have any more class time to work on this!
Tue. March 3, 2020
Today was all day Socials. We read about the Magna Carta in the Pathways text book on pages 65-67. Then we watched two videos from the British Library. We read excerpts from the original 1215 Magna Carta and selected 3-5 clauses as evidence for the question: Is the Magna Carta still important today?
We also worked on the Law and Order paragraph assignment. The due date for this is Wednesday, March 11, 2020.
Homework: Please complete the rough draft of your paragraph and bring it to class on Thursday along with 3 sources to cite in MLA format.
Fri. Feb. 28, 2020
Today was all day English. We finished and handed in "The Raven" analysis, then started our next poem: riddles. We analysed some famous riddles, then started writing our own using a backwards design template and following these rules for proper form.
On Tuesday we will be working on Social Studies all day. The due date for the Law and Order paragraph is tentatively set for Monday, March 9.
Homework: None today.
Wed. Feb. 26, 2020
Today we read "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe on page 78 in "Poetry in Focus" and listened to an audiobook reading of it as well. Students completed a written analysis in class. In Socials we conducted research and wrote the rough draft for the Law and Order Expository Paragraph.
Homework: None today.
Mon. Feb. 24, 2020
Today we learned about expository writing. We read the "Pathways" text book p. 56-58 on Law and Order in the Middle Ages. Then we used the activity on page 59 to create and complete a Comparison Organizer for the 3 different types of courts in the Middle Ages, in preparation for our next paragraph assignment.
Homework: Finish your illustrated sonnet analysis and complete the comparison organizer on Law and Order in the Middle Ages.
Thur. Feb. 20, 2020
Today was all about Shakespearean Sonnets! We started off with a crash course video, then read 4 of Shakespeare's sonnets. Then students chose one to analyse further. We separated the sonnet out into 3 quatrains and 1 rhyming couplet, then circled the imagery words in each section. Students used the imagery words to create an illustration for each section (4 in total).
Homework: None this weekend. Enjoy the end of Term 2 break!
Tue. Feb. 18, 2020
Today we learned about Rhythm, Rhyme and Rhyme Scheme in poetic form. We read pages 87-91 in the "Poetry in Focus" text book and wrote some more poems for the anthology. In Social Studies we learned about religion during the Feudal Era and read pages 54-56 in the "Pathways" text book.
Homework: Finish two poems of your choice from the following list: haiku, tanka, cinquian, quatrain and diamante. Finish the questions in the Pathways text in p. 56, #1, 2 a, b, and 4.
Fri. Feb. 14, 2020
Happy Valentine's Day! Today in English we examined the theme of love in poetry. In groups we read and did a TPCASTT analysis of some famous love poems, then we did a guided writing activity to generate ideas about the heart.
Homework: Complete your TPCASTT analysis and write a poem about the heart or the body that communicates the theme of love (or hate).
Wed. Feb. 12, 2020
Today in English we learned about the poetic devices alliteration, assonance and onomatopoeia. We wrote our first poem: a minimum 10 line poem using as many onomatopoeia words as possible. In Social Studies we completed a web quest about castles in the middle ages.
Homework: Finish your onomatopoeia poem and web quest if not completed in class.
Reminder: Feudal Contracts are due next class.
Mon. Feb. 10, 2020
In English we wrote the Short Fiction Unit Test. Well done! In Social Studies we read Pathways, pages 47-53, then watched a video and took some notes on the documentary "National Geographic Mega Structures: Castles and Dungeons".
Thur. Feb. 6, 2020
We started poetry today. All students signed out a text book called "Poetry in Focus". In Socials we worked on the good copy of the Feudal Contract. It is due on Friday, February 14th.
Reminder: The short fiction unit test is on Monday.
Tues. Feb. 4, 2020
Today we had a great big short fiction review in preparation for the test on February 10. I handed out a study guide as well. In Social Studies we analysed a primary document and practiced writing a Feudal Contract.
Homework: Please complete the rough draft of your Feudal Contract and bring it to class on Thursday, as well as any supplies you need to complete the good copy.
Reminder: The Hockey Sweater comprehension questions are due next class (out of 40 marks).
Fri. Jan. 31, 2020
Today we watched the film "The Sweater" and then worked on some comprehension questions to complete our analysis of the story. The questions are due Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020.
In Socials we read Pathways p. 44-47 and completed some questions on page 47: #1, 2a, 3a+b, 4a. The questions are due next class.
Wed. Jan. 29, 2020
Today we practiced writing "Snappy Starters" as paragraph hooks, then we created a snappy starter for the sequencing paragraph. We added it to the rough draft and then peer-edited for C.O.P.S.
Reminder: The sequencing paragraph for "Lion Taming for Beginners" is due next class.
Mon. Jan. 27, 2020
We set the date for the Short Fiction Unit Test! It will be on Thurs. Feb. 6, 2020.
Today we started our last story for short fiction called "The Hockey Sweater" by Roch Carrier. We listened to the audiobook and read the story. We completed the vocabulary based on context meaning and filled in the study guide as a practice for the unit test. In Social Studies we started Feudalism. We read about the Bayeux Tapestry in the Pathways textbook, on pg. 38-42, then worked on sorting key events for each time period.
Homework: Complete the study guide for "The Hockey Sweater" and bring it to class on Wednesday and finish sorting the Feudal and Roman facts.
Thur. Jan. 23, 2020
Today we reviewed theme in literature. We started out by watching a "how-to" video on theme topic and theme statements. This is a great 4-step process for you to use in class! Then we practised the technique with Pixar short films. We analysed "Lifted" and "For the Birds". We also had our last work block for the Viking Raid project and the sequencing paragraph.
Reminder: The Viking project is due next class.
Homework: Finish the theme handout for "Lifted". It is due to be handed in next class.
Tues. Jan. 21, 2020
Today we had the vocabulary quiz for "Lion Taming for Beginners" and worked on our next paragraph assignment for that story, using the sequencing and transition language we learned last week. In Socials we worked on the Viking Raid Project. Our last work period for this assignment will be on Thursday. Please bring whatever materials you need for that project to class.
We also set some due dates today. They are:
Viking Raid Project: due Monday, January 27, 2020
Lion Taming Sequencing Paragraph: due Friday, January 31, 2020
The Short Fiction Unit Test will be sometime in the first week of February (exact date will be set soon).
Mon. Jan. 13, 2020
Today was an all-English day! We went over the study guide for "Lion Taming for Beginners". Then we went over the vocabulary words and played Pictionary to practice describing the meaning. We also worked in groups to practice transition words and sequencing, in preparation for our next paragraph assignment.
Reminder: You will have time on Wednesday in class to work on the Viking Raid project, so please bring whatever supplies you need for the project.
Homework: None today!
Thurs. Jan. 9, 2020
Today we analysed "Lion Taming for Beginners" and defined the vocabulary words using context meaning. In Social Studies we worked on the maps for our Viking Raid projects.
Homework: Please complete the Study Guide for "Lion Taming for Beginners" and the vocabulary parts of speech and definitions. We will go over both items on Monday in class.
Tues. Jan. 7, 2020
Welcome back! Today we reviewed the Elements of Fiction with a Kahoot, then started our 3rd short story: "Lion Taming for Beginners" by A. Campbell Ballantine. In Socials we worked on our Viking Raid Project. By now, you should have completed your rune letter and your raid goals, and you should have started creating the Western Europe map. Please remember to use the Elements of Mapping for your good copy.
Reminder: Your persuasive paragraph is due next class, on Thursday, January 9, 2020.
Reminder: Please bring supplies (e.g. fineliner, pencil crayons, ruler) for working on the Viking Project in class on Thursday.
Wed. Dec. 18, 2019
We wrapped up "All Summer in a Day" with the movie today! Then we worked on editing the persuasive paragraph. The good copy is due on Thursday, January 9. We will not have any more class time to work on this. In Social Studies we worked on the Viking Raid Plan. You should be finished your rune letter and response before the winter break.
Homework: Complete your rune letter and give to your partner to decode and respond, then decode their response (if not completed already).
Mon. Dec. 16, 2019
Great work on the "All Summer" test today. Afterwards we worked on the rough draft of the persuasive paragraph. In Socials we practiced writing in the Viking Rune alphabet and wrote a letter to a viking in runes as part 1 of our raid plan.
Homework: Please complete your rune letter for your partner and complete the rough draft of your persuasive paragraph. Please bring both items to class on Wednesday for work in class!
Thurs. Dec. 12, 2019
Today we had an English intensive day. We discussed similes and metaphors in fiction and watched 2 video clips to help us identify these devices in practice.
Reminder: "All Summer" vocabulary and comprehension test is on Monday!
Tues. Dec. 10, 2019
Today was all about persuasive writing! We took some notes, then found evidence in "All Summer in a Day" to argue both sides of the question "Were the children justified in locking Margot in the closet?".
Homework: Complete your "Seeing Both Sides" handout and bring it to class on Thursday.
Reminder: Comprehension Questions for "All Summer in a Day" are due next on Thursday.
Fri. Dec. 6, 2019
In English we discussed and completed the study guide for "All Summer in a Day". We also started working on the comprehension questions at the end of the story. In Socials we watched a video called "Vikings: The Founders of Europe" and took notes. Save the notes! They will be helpful for your next project.
Reminder: Comprehension Questions are due on Thursday, Dec. 12. Responses should be completed in full sentences. "All Summer" vocabulary quiz will be on Monday, December 16th.
Homework: None today! Enjoy the weekend.
Wed. Dec. 4, 2019
Today we started our next short story, "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury. We read the story and listened to the audiobook and worked on the vocabulary. In Socials we looked at the Germanic Tribes and read a background text on the movement of peoples after the fall of Rome.
Reminder: The World Religions brochure project is due next class. You must hand in: the brochure, your mind map and your Works Cited.
Mon. Dec. 2, 2019
What a full day! Today we discussed how to properly cite your work using the MLA format. Remember, you can access the full MLA Style guide from the Purdue OWL. In English we discussed "Theme" in fiction and practiced identifying and writing theme statements. Make sure you try writing a theme statement for "The Stolen Party".
Homework: Complete your Works Cited list for the 4 sources for your religion brochure project. You must include at least 1 book and 1 digital source.
Thur. Nov. 28, 2019
Today we took notes on "Conflict" in fiction and watch a short video. Then in groups we learned about "Irony", "Symbolism" and "Foreshadowing". In Social Studies we had our last work block for the World Religions Project. We recorded the citation information for each source.
Homework: Character Sketch Paragraph is due on Monday.
Tue. Nov. 26, 2019
Today we worked on the Rosaura Character Sketch paragraph. We picked out top 3 traits, then worked them into full sentences for the paragraph. We also learned how to create in-text citations by embedding quotes. In Social Studies we worked on the World Religions Brochure Project. Your mind map should be almost finished and you should be recording your sources for your Works Cited list.
Homework: None today, but a reminder that the Character Sketch Paragraph is due on Dec. 2, 2019. We will not have any more class time to work on it.
Fri. Nov. 22, 2019
Great job on the presentations today! In English we worked on finding evidence in text in preparation for Character Sketch writing next week. We set some due dates for work:
The Character Sketch on Rosaura is due on Monday, December 2.
The World Religions brochure project is due on Friday, December 6.
Homework: Complete the Character Trait Organizer if not completed in class today.
Wed. Nov. 20, 2019
Today we learned about proper paragraph structure and practiced writing topic sentences. In Social Studies we worked on our group presentations for Friday and started our final World Religions project.
Homework: Finish the paragraph handout (only if not finished in class).
Reminder: Eastern Religion Group Presentations are next class. Term 1 cutoff is Friday, Nov. 22 - Next class!
Mon. Nov. 18, 2019
Today we practiced writing stories with 5 different points of view. Then in Social Studies we worked on our Eastern Religions Group Projects in the library.
Homework: Complete your Point of View stories if not completed in class.
Thur. Nov. 14, 2019
Today we took notes and discussed Point of View in fiction. We practiced identifying point of view using excerpts from Roald Dahl stories. In Social Studies we wrapped up the monotheistic religions by watching the film, "Jerusalem".
Homework: Finish the Roald Dahl sheet if not completed in class. The Easter Religion presentations will be held on Friday, Nov. 22.
Wed. Nov. 6, 2019
Today we reviewed for the "Stolen Party" vocabulary quiz next class. In Socials we discussed Judaism.
Homework: Study for the quiz next class and complete the Judaism graphic organizer we started in class.
Mon. Nov. 4, 2019
Today we discussed Christianity. We read "Pathways" p. 13-17, we watched Crash Course: Christianity and then identified the key vocabulary and traits for the religion. In English we went over the vocabulary for "The Stolen Party" and practiced working with it. We also set the date for the vocab quiz, for Friday, Nov. 8, 2019.
Homework: Complete the Christianity organizer we started in class.
Thur. Oct. 31, 2019
Today we had the geography test. Then we practiced writing and communicating giving instructions with a Monster Write and then watched Toy Story of Terror for elements of conflict and suspense in plot.
No homework this weekend!
Tues. Oct. 29, 2019
Today was the Great Big Geography Review! We did a notes review graffiti and a practice test Kahoot in preparation for the geography test next class. We also had a work block to work on the Mapping Project that is due next class.
Wed., Oct. 23, 2019
Seycove Closed Today.
The geography test will be postponed to Thursday, Oct. 31. On Tuesday we will have the review class that was supposed to happen today, and we will have a work block for the mapping assignment. Please bring pencil crayons, a ruler and a fineliner to class on Tuesday. The map is still due as planned on Thursday, October 31.
Have a great weekend!
Monday, Oct. 21, 2019
Today you were assigned a social studies text book for the rest of the year. We spent some time getting familiar with the topics we are going to study. In English we read our first short story, "The Stolen Party" and learned about using context meaning to define vocabulary. We also listened to the audiobook of the story and completed a vocab scavenger hunt.
Reminder: Please bring a ruler, pencil crayons and a fineliner to class on Wednesday to work on the mapping project in class.
Homework: None today! Enjoy the break after finishing your huge novel study project!
Thurs, Oct. 17, 2019
Phew! Today was a full day. In English we started Short Fiction, and read and analyzed a short story. In Social Studies generated a Study Guide for the Geography test and set the date for Tuesday, Oct. 29. The things that will be covered on the test are:
1. The 5 Themes of Geography: Movement, Region, Human-Environment Interaction, Location and Place
2. The Map Elements: Direction, Labels, Scale, Legend and Symbols, Grid and Grid Index, Latitude and Longitude, World Continents and Oceans
We also set the date for the "Island of Me" mapping assignment. It is due on Thursday, Oct. 31.
Homework: Your Novel Study Project is due next class. Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019
We had our last work block for the Novel Study Project today. I also gave an extension for the project. It is due on Monday, October 21, 2019.
In Social Studies we worked on the rough draft of the mapping assignment.
Homework: Complete the rough draft of the "Island of Me" mapping assignment. Please bring pencil crayons, a ruler with centimetres and a fineliner to class on Thursday to do the good copy of the map in class.
Friday, Oct. 11, 2019
Today we practiced complete sentences and sentence fragments, and had a Writer's Workshop to improve our Reading Responses for the Novel Study Project. In Social Studies we completed Geolab 10, identifying and using symbols on maps.
Homework: Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019
Today we worked on Reading Response #3 for the final chapters of your novel. In Social Studies we took notes of map symbols.
Homework: Please bring a paper copy of any written work for your novel project that needs revision to class on Friday. We will be doing a writer's workshop to edit our work!
Monday, Oct. 7, 2019
Today we learned about Grid, Grid Index and Scale. We used the atlases to practice calculating distance between cities. In English we had our grammar quiz and worked on the Vocabulary section of the novel study project.
Homework: By now you should have completed your reading log, the vocabulary and reading response #1 and #2 for the project.
Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019
Today we finished our latitude and longitude practice (great job, everyone!), and worked on our Written Responses for the Independent Novel Study Project.
Homework: Finish the rough draft of Written Response #2 and bring a printed or paper copy to class on Monday for peer-editing. Also, if you haven't finished reading your novel, you should try to complete it this weekend.
Reminder: The Parts of Speech Quiz is on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. If you need to review any of the Parts of Speech, you can watch the Schoolhouse Rock videos here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1yty6F-2neYfwE8xc1A72Q or check this website: http://partofspeech.org/
Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019
Reminder: The Parts of Speech Quiz will be on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019
Homework: Please finish (and print) the rough draft of Written Response #1 for your Independent Novel Study Project. You should be almost finished reading your book if you haven't already. If you still have a lot to read, you should do some extra reading at home.
Friday, September 27, 2019
We finally finished our group Parts of Speech stories. Great job! In Socials we finished our Latitude and Longitude notes.
Homework: None, although if you didn't finish your notes in class, then it should be completed at home. Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
In Socials we did an introduction to Latitude and Longitude and watched a short video overview. In English we practiced our Parts of Speech and wrote sentences for our group story write!
Homework: Finish your 10x6 sentences (minimum of 10 sentences, each with at least one word from each of your group's 6 parts of speech cards) and bring them to class on Friday for group story writing.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Homework this weekend: Please read your novel every day for at least 15 minutes, and complete a reading log entry for each day. Geolab 1 is due on Wednesday. Please colour your map, fineline the legend, and include a title and compass.
Bonus! I'd like to buy 2 Seycove cards! I'll take the first two students that come to me on Wednesday. Have a great weekend.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
In Socials we started Geolab 1. In English we continued working with the Parts of Speech.
For homework, please complete your 6x6 sentences (6 sentences, each with 6 different parts of speech used - if you need the prompts, they can be found in the notes linked below), and bring them to class on Thursday for group sharing. Also, please bring a ruler, calculator and pencil crayons to class on Thursday.
Friday, September 13
Today was a full day! We took some notes on the Parts of Speech and practiced identifying the types of words in a paragraph. Then in Social Studies we took some notes on the Five Themes of Geography and watched two YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eKjwr8qo4I and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i95OOkTudI8.
Your Canada Maps are due on Tuesday. You do not need to colour them, but you do need to label some important things:
1. All of the provinces and territories
2. The capital cities (with a symbol to indicate)
3. Major cities (with a symbol to indicate)
4. Our 3 oceans
5. One major river in each province
6. The major bodies of water: Hudson's Bay and the Great Lakes
7. Major BC mountains
You also need to include the important Map Elements: a title, a directional compass and a legend. Remember that all labels are horizontal.
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, September 11
Writing Sample Day! We started with a tour of the library and selected a novel for our Independent Novel Study project. We also started a reading log for the project.
Reminder: Bring your novel to class every day! We will be reading for at least 15 minutes in class. Also, the Grade 8 parent night is tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. See you there!
Homework: Read your novel for at least 15 minutes and fill in your reading log.
Monday, September 9
Today we worked on listening and speaking in class by introducing our desk partners. We started our geography unit by drawing a map of Canada from memory with a partner and then used the atlases to add the "Elements of Mapping" to a map of Canada.
Homework: None today, but please remember to bring a novel to class for our novel study starting on Wednesday (you may also sign something out from the school library on Wednesday).
Thursday, September 6
Today we went over the course outline and did some activities to get to know each other better.
Homework: Review the course outline with your parents and sign the bottom. Bring your class materials next day (see course outline).
Tuesday, September 4
Welcome to Seycove!