Thursday, April 29, 2010

**Final Week - Reminder**

Socials 9 *and* English 11

This week brings my time as your teacher to an end. Thank you all very much for being fun and enthusiastic students. You have all made my time at McRoberts memorable and awesome.

You will see me around the school until the end of next week, HOWEVER, late work or missed quizzes, tests, in-class essays, etc. MUST be made up immediately. Once I have left the school, there are no more opportunities for you to turn in anything assigned by me. In some cases, these missing assignments will have a very negative effect on your next report card marks!

I am happy to mark any assignments you hand in to me by the end of this week. I am almost always in Portable 5 (Miss Keng's class) or Portable 6 (Mr Morrison's class) before school, at lunch and after school!

Wednesday, April 28th

English 11

Today you wrote your in-class essay for the full period. If you were not in class you need to see me ASAP to make time to write the essay.

Please return your copies of Macbeth to me next class if you have not done so already. Remember to hand in any late assignments before the end of the week.


Socials 9

Today you had you time in class to work on your final project. Your final project is due Monday, May 3rd for Day 1 (Tuesday, May 4th for Day 2). By this point you should have divided the work between your partners and made time to meet up and finalize your project BEFORE class on Monday.

Your Unit Test will be on Friday which is NEXT CLASS.

The written questions for the test will be:


1. Compare and contrast two Native cultures. Describe at least two similarities and two differences. Make reference to how the groups met their physical, emotional and group needs.

2. First Nations people in BC should be allowed to hunt whales. Challenge or defend this statement. Give three reasons that support your argument. Give one reason that opposes your argument.

3. The People of the Plains relied heavily on the buffalo as a resource. In the 1870s the buffalo of the plains went extinct. Describe three negative impacts this had on the culture of the Plains people. Describe one positive impact this had on their culture.

4. "Why the Salmon Came to Squamish Waters" is a Squamish myth (found in Ch.7 of your textbook) about how the salmon came to live in the waters off the coast of British Columbia. What can we learn about the culture of the Squamish people from this story? Describe and explain four points.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Tuesday, April 27th

English 11


Today you wrote your in-class essay for the full period. If you were not in class you need to see me ASAP to make time to write the essay.

Please return your copies of Macbeth to me next class if you have not done so already. Remember to hand in any late assignments before the end of the week.


Socials 9


Today you had you time in class to work on your final project. Your final project is due Monday, May 3rd for Day 1 (Tuesday, May 4th for Day 2). By this point you should have divided the work between your partners and made time to meet up and finalize your project BEFORE class on Monday.

Your Unit Test will be on Thursday which is NEXT CLASS.

The written questions for the test will be:


1. Compare and contrast two Native cultures. Describe at least two similarities and two differences. Make reference to how the groups met their physical, emotional and group needs.

2. First Nations people in BC should be allowed to hunt whales. Challenge or defend this statement. Give three reasons that support your argument. Give one reason that opposes your argument.

3. The People of the Plains relied heavily on the buffalo as a resource. In the 1870s the buffalo of the plains went extinct. Describe three negative impacts this had on the culture of the Plains people. Describe one positive impact this had on their culture.

4. "Why the Salmon Came to Squamish Waters" is a Squamish myth (found in Ch.7 of your textbook) about how the salmon came to live in the waters off the coast of British Columbia. What can we learn about the culture of the Squamish people from this story? Describe and explain four points.

Monday, April 26, 2010

English 11 Essay Questions

Hi Grade 11s,

For those of you that were not in class, next day you will be writing your in-class essay. You are permitted to bring one page of notes/outline to class with you. This notes sheet should include the three direct quotations that you will be using in your essay.

The questions are as follows:

1. “Fair is foul and foul is fair” is one of the first lines spoken in the play. This line foreshadows that things in the play are not always as they appear. In a unified and fully-developed essay, describe three examples of things not being as they appear, and explain their significance to the overall plot and meaning of the play. Give clear examples and evidence from the text.


2. In the film version of Macbeth, you saw a modern day adaptation of Shakespeare’s play. In a unified and fully-developed essay, compare and contrast the film with the print version of the play. What is the significance of the similarities and differences to the overall understanding of the story of Macbeth? Give clear examples and evidence from the text and the film.


3. Is the action in Macbeth driven by fate or free will? In a unified and fully-developed essay, explain your answer with clear examples and evidence from the play.

You are to choose one of the above questions, and answer in a fully-developed five paragraph essay. (Introduction, 3 Body Paragraphs, Conclusion)

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Social Studies 9 Project - Online Sources

The following links are acceptable sources to use when doing research for your project.

Canada's First Peoples:
http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/

Natural Resources:

Canadian Wildlife Federation
www.cwf-fcf.org/ -- Click on 'search' from the home page and type the name of the animal

Natural Resources Canada
http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca -- Click 'search' and type in the name of the natural resource

Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada
http://www.wcscanada.org/

You should also visit:

National Atlas of Canada
Canadian Geographic

Current Events:
www.cbc.ca
www.globeandmail.com
www.vancouversun.com

You may use Wikipedia but you must also use at least one other source.

If you choose to use Google type "the name of your natural resource + Canada" and ensure you are using a site from a legitimate organization.

Social Studies 9 Project - Map of Canada

Use this map to indicate the geographic region of Canada that your Native culture and natural resource originate



OR

Visit to find a greater variety of maps of Canada

Social Studies 9 Project - Bibliography Info

Here are some helpful hints for creating your BIBLIOGRAPHY

Use the following format:

(Book)
Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of
Publication.

(Website)
Name of Site. Name of institution/organization that created the site. Date you
visited the website. [URL]

OR

Go to www.noodletools.com to create a bibliography

Wednesday, April 21st

English 11

Today in class we watched another portion of the movie.

For homework you are to read Act V, and complete the take home 'quiz' on Acts 4 and 5

Next day we will watch the remainder of the film, and go over the questions for the in class essay, which will be taking place next week.


Socials 9

Today we worked on the Whale Hunt Controversy assignment. You wrote a paragraph on an assigned perspective, arguing either FOR or AGAINST the whale hunt. You then traded paragraphs with a partner, and argued against his/her specific arguments. For homework you are to complete your paragraphs and answer the following questions:

1. Which side of the whaling controversy do you agree with personally? Why?

2. How should natural and environmental resources, such as whales, be managed in your opinion? How could native and non-native perspectives be addressed?

3. What are some possible solutions to the whaling controversy? How would these solutions include both native and non-native perspectives?

Remember, your First Nations unit test will be at the end of next week. You will be given the written questions in advance. Next day you will get class time to begin working on your final assignment for the unit.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Tuesday, April 20th

English 11


Today in class we finished reading the play (with the exception of the final scene - Act 1, Scene 9). We also watched another portion of the movie.

For homework you are to finish reading the play, and complete the take home 'quiz' on Acts 4 and 5.

Next day we will watch the remainder of the film, and go over the questions for the in class essay, which will be taking place next week.


Socials 9


Today we worked on the Whale Hunt Controversy assignment. You wrote a paragraph on an assigned perspective, arguing either FOR or AGAINST the whale hunt. You then traded paragraphs with a partner, and argued against his/her specific arguments. For homework you are to complete your paragraphs and answer the following questions:

1. Which side of the whaling controversy do you agree with personally? Why?

2. How should natural and environmental resources, such as whales, be managed in your opinion? How could native and non-native perspectives be addressed?

3. What are some possible solutions to the whaling controversy? How would these solutions include both native and non-native perspectives?

Remember, your First Nations unit test will be at the end of next week. You will be given the written questions in advance. Next day you will get class time to begin working on your final assignment for the unit.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Thursday, April 15th

English 11

Today in class you wrote the Act II Quiz. We then finished reading Act III, and you were given your assignment to analyze significant quotes from the play so far. The assignment is due next day, and your Act III Quiz will be next day as well. Your quote analysis assignment is due next day.


Socials 9

Today we went over the questions about the Buffalo and the Plains culture. We then examined the First Nations peoples of BC including the peoples of the Plateau and the Northwest Coast. Specifically we examined totem poles of the BC Coast Salish.

For homework you are to complete your cultural comparison chart. I will be collecting the charts and marking them so please ensure they are complete!


English 8

Today in class you worked on your final creative writing assignment, in which you were shown eight photographs and then tied three of them together in a story/newspaper format.

Next day Ms. Keng will be teaching your class, but I will be there to collect your assignments.

Grade 8s, it has been fun being your teacher, I hope to see all of you around McRoberts over the next few weeks :)

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Wednesday, April 14th

English 11

Today in class we finished reading Act III, and you were given your assignment to analyze significant quotes from the play so far. The assignment is due next day, and your Act III Quiz will be next day as well.


Socials 9

Today we went over the questions about the Buffalo and the Plains culture. We then examined the First Nations peoples of BC including the peoples of the Plateau and the Northwest Coast. Specifically we examined totem poles of the BC Coast Salish.

For homework you are to complete your cultural comparison chart. I will be collecting the charts and marking them so please ensure they are complete!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

English 11

Today in class we finished reading Act II. Then we watched the first half of a film adaptation of Macbeth.

Your homework is to read Act III, Scenes i-iii and answer the questions that were handed out in class. Next day will be your Act II quiz.


Socials 9

Today in class you answered some questions based on the Plains Buffalo mind map. We also watched a short video on the First Nations of BC's coast. Next day we will continue discussing the First Nations of BC.

Your homework is to complete the Plateau on your cultural comparison chart, and to finish the questions on the buffalo that you worked on in class today.

Remember to begin preparing for your Current Events presentations!! If you have any questions or concerns about this assignment, please come see me as soon as possible!


English 8

Today in class you had time to write your Travel Stories. You had most of class to work on this assignment, which is due next day.

Please remember to hand in any late work as soon as possible as my time at McRoberts is coming to and end over the next few weeks :(

Monday, April 12, 2010

Monday, April 12th

English 11

Today in class you wrote the Act II Quiz. Then we watched the first half of a film adaptation of Macbeth.

Your homework is to read Act III, Scenes i-iii and answer the questions that were handed out in class.


Socials 9

Today in class you answered some questions based on the Plains Buffalo mind map. We also watched a short video on the First Nations of BC's coast. Next day we will continue discussing the First Nations of BC.

Your homework is to complete the Plateau on your cultural comparison chart, and to finish the questions on the buffalo that you worked on in class today.

Remember to begin preparing for your Current Events presentations!! If you have any questions or concerns about this assignment, please come see me as soon as possible!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Socials 9

Today in class we went over the answers to the homework questions about the Inuit, Squamish and Iroquois mythology.

We then examined the culture of the Peoples of the Plains, particularly the Buffalo Hunt. We looked specifically at the culture of the Blackfoot Tribes. You had class time to finish the Plains section of the chart, plus to complete a Mind Map about the influence of the Buffalo on Plains culture.

Your homework is to complete the Plains on your chart and to finish the Buffalo Mind Map.




English 11

Today you wrote the Act I Quiz and they were marked in class. We then read all of Act II. You had the end of class to begin working on your next assignment that involves a character sketch of either Lady Macbeth or Macbeth in the form of a fake, on paper Facebook profile page.


English 8

Today in class we were examining the genre of Travel Writing, or writing about journeys, trips and vacations away from home. This type of writing combines the narrative writing skills you have been building with descriptive writing (writing that describes something using adjectives that appeal to the senses).

Your homework is to finish reading the travel writing article that was handed out in class, and answer the Travel Writing Analysis questions, as well as to underline desriptive passages in the text.

Next day we will be writing our own travel writing pieces based on a trip that you have been on.

Grade 8s - next week is the last week that I will be your teacher. It is important that you continue handing assignments in on time!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Thursday, April 9th

English 11

Today you wrote the Act I Quiz and they were marked in class. We then read all of Act II. You had the end of class to begin working on your next assignment that involves a character sketch of either Lady Macbeth or Macbeth in the form of a fake, on paper Facebook profile page.

Next day you will write the Act II Quiz. Remember to use No Fear Shakespeare to translate the language of the quiz!



Socials 9

Today in class we went over the answers to the homework questions about the Inuit, Squamish and Iroquois mythology.

We then examined the culture of the Peoples of the Plains, particularly the Buffalo Hunt. We looked specifically at the culture of the Blackfoot Tribes. You had class time to finish the Plains section of the chart, plus to complete a Mind Map about the influence of the Buffalo on Plains culture.

Your homework is to complete the Plains on your chart and to finish the Buffalo Mind Map.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Tuesday, April 6th

English 11


Today in class we finished Reading Act I, and then in small groups you answered questions about the Act. For homework you are to complete the "Lady Macbeth's Equivocation" worksheet. Next day will be your Act I Quiz.


Socials 9


Today in class we discussed the Iroquois and Inuit cultures. We examined how Myths and Legends can teach us about cultures, and we did an activity examining myths and legends from Iroquois, Inuit and Squamish cultures.

For homework you are to answer the following questions:

1. Compare and contrast the Squamish and Inuit stories. What is similar? What is different?

2. How did the resources available to the people influence the stories that their cultures tell and believe?

3. Compare and contrast the Inuit and Iroquois stories. What do the similarities and differences teach us about these cultures?

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Thursday, April 1st

Socials 9


Today in class we discussed the meaning of the word "Culture", and examined the Inuit culture.

Your homework is to complete the Inuit and Iroquois section of your Cultures charts.

In class today everyone signed up for a time slot to do the Current Events presentation. If you have not yet signed up you need to speak to me as soon as possible. If you do not yet have a group, please let me know or join a group and sign up on the sheet.



English 11


Today in English we began reading Act I Scenes i - iii of Macbeth. We watched the witches scenes on video, and you began thinking about your assignment, which is to re-write Act I Scene iii of the play in a contemporary style.


You may use this link to help you decipher the language in the play for your assignment.
http://nfs.sparknotes.com/macbeth



English 8


Today in class we looked at the stories that are told by photographs. You were given time to share your photos with the class, and you then wrote a narrative style story describing the events leading up to and after the photograph.


Have a great long weekend!!