Today’s update and another link to practice quote embedding

Hi all,

Here is more practice with embedding quotes: Review/examples/practice/answer key

Today, you were working in teams mapping the formatting of the essays we have been reading. (We are doing so to ‘reverse design’ our own essay's structure.) We will revisit and share these next block.

Next, we will share our maps and discuss the literary/rhetorical devices used and their effects.

We are/will begin the pre-writing phase for your own essays. I will go over the rubric as well:Essay Rubric

I will return your Theme statements next class. We will review (once again) the elements/rubric for writing theme statements.

Please review the due dates in the October 23rd post.

Thank you for your diligent team work today.

Ms.S

What is due,what we will do and what I’d do if I were you.

Hi 12s,

Today you submitted your first (hmwk) theme statements. We went over what makes for a more successful one. You will do 2 more before end of term. (See long list of days in earlier post)

I handed out your test weight assignment for this unit. Look it over and come with your questions. (See long list for dates)

You received your quizzes back. Go over them and spend time working on your own revising any poor quotation integration. Here is a great link/video and notes on Integrating quotes.

For homework, read King’s Why We Crave Horror.  Also review the back of the hand out from last class. We will review forms next block.

Thanks. Ms.S

Links from last class: Theme

Hello 12s,

Last block we had some excellent conversation. This exactly the sort of class, when held in seminar style that it is impossible to encapsulate here for those absent. Try not to be absent.

• We reviewed what is theme and how to express it: Watch the first section of this video.
• We reviewed Suitcase Lady and discussed it in light of our own experiences with homeless people. We explored our feelings and habits when faced with panhandling.
• Next, we watched this TED talk: Chimamanda Adichie: The Danger of A Single Story. We discussed its thesis and themes.
• Next, we gave some thought to what thematic throughline we could draw between each of the 3 essays we have read and this TED talk.
• Consider this notion of Othering. This is an idea we will revisit through the year.

Due next block: Write a single sentence Theme statement for the essay Chicken Hips. 

Thanks all,

Ms. S

Longer term planning timeline

Hello 12s,

Well, by the end of the day yesterday, I had completely lost my voice so I have been sitting silently at home typing this up for you:

​For your planning, here is an outline of what is coming up. I reserve the right to add/alter it but will give you notice if/when that occurs. Note that assessments are in bold. 

Oct. 24: 

o Quote integration notes and practice (use all four types)collect (hmwk)

o Read Suitcase Lady for homework

Oct. 26:

o Discuss Suitcase Lady

o Watch The Danger of a Single Story

o Discuss theme of ‘othering’

o Review theme notes linked on blog for homework. And draft a theme statement for ‘Hips’

Oct. 30:

o Review theme statements (Quiz Nov. 13/ test Nov. 19)

o Create Theme statement for ‘Hips’ (hmwk weight due today)

o Read Why We Crave Horror for homework.

o Also for homework, review terminology/device list (see handout)

Nov. 1:

o Formatting

o Team charts

o Jigsaw device search and effect= report out findings

o 2 style/methods Essay test assigned 

o Prep. Nov. 5 and Nov. 7(HMWK check plan)

o Outlines due Nov. 13

o In-class write Nov. 15

o Homework: Test weight theme statement (Due: Nov. 19)

Nov. 5:

o Pre-writing how to/notes

o Connections between creative writing and essay writing notes

o Pre-writing time

Nov. 7:

o Drafting and defining as per assignment

o Homework check on your plan by end of block

This is a long weekend; it is 5 days between this class and next.

• Create your outline (due next block). I’d also try making a practice draft.

• Review theme statements

Nov. 13:

o Outlines due (quiz weight) please keep an extra copy for yourself

o Story activity /Theme statement quiz due in class

Nov. 15:

o In-class 2 style write (submit outline together with your essay test please)

o I’ll assign the Theme topic today, Due next class. Nov. 19.(Test weight take home)

Nov. 19:

o Theme statements due (test) Last assignment on term 1.

 I hope this helps you to plan ahead and to find more ease amid the business of student life.

Warmly, Ms.S

Prepping applications

Hello 12s,

Last class you completed your in class writing assignment. I’ll be a little while marking these as it is mid term report writing for me just now. Thank you for your patience.

This long weekend:

• Please review the quotation integration links available half way down the links I like page. (Linked up on last post)
• Spend some time narrowing down where you might be applying to schools/work in the fall or following year. 
• Ask yourself:
• What are their written requirements? Is it a single letter of intent? Are there multiple smaller (200 word) essays? What are the writing prompts?
• WHO is my reader?
• What is my PURPOSE for writing?
• What DICTION makes sense given the above?
• In light of the above, what FORM/s am I to employ?

We will look at aspects of the following links over the next couple of classes:

• college-essay-examples-that-worked-expert-analysis
• college/personal-statement-examples
• 10-things-to-put-in-your-personal-statement
• https://www.law.uchicago.edu/news/their-own-words-admissions-essays-worked

I hope this helps you define and refine your own planning.

Enjoy the autumnal light!

Ms. S

Due Dates and class notes

Due Now: Values assignment
Due for next day Oct. 17:
- Read ‘ Chicken Hips’ by Catherine Pigott in your duotang
- Consider the essay’s form, purpose, intended audience, and diction
Oct. 17 in-class literary paragraph response to 4 questions about this essay. I will give you the questions in class. You may use your essay but nothing else as reference.

Notes on A Girl’s Story  questions:

STRUCTURE:
o Conclude your paragraphs (link to topic sentence) Answer “So what?”
o Have a topic sentence at the start of the paragraph that embeds the question as it answers it. T.A.G
o If your question includes 3 aspects (ex. 3 traits), include all 3 in your introduction before you expand in the body.
o P.E.E.c: Do the second E! You must tell us how your example proves your topic sentence(or thesis)
o Use literary present tense

Details:
o Headings on all your work
o Number your questions
o Use pen or type
o Square brackets for any changes to your quoted material. See Class notes page for quote help half way down that page.
o Review count and non-count nouns. An overview of count and Non-count nouns

ABOUT INTEGRITY IN LEARNING:

Learning will happen when you/we trust ourselves to wonder, question,think,discuss, think again and THEN PRODUCE OUR OWN responses!

 This is a matter of training the mind. It is not about just getting something down on the page. It is not  about guessing what Tish wants. It is often not about ‘right’ answers.

This is about personal integrity. It is about growing your mind.
I had far too many identical responses! Ex. “Arnason uses stereotypes in Character and plot…”
The last couple of classes, we have spoken about how not all work is research. Going forward, I will be having you do more reading at home and working in class to ensure that I am getting your own ideas and words.

Intellectual and emotional abilities are keys to freedom and to efficacy; I want those for you!
With affection,
Ms.S

EXTENSION UNTIL OCT.11. Review and due dates from Oct. 2 class

Hello 12s,

Today we:

• Signed out books/duotangs
• Read  the ESSAY  A Girl’s Story by Arnason
• We discussed notions like:
• What might Arnason’s purpose/thesis be?
• What is the form and how does it influence the reading?
• What diction/s is/are used? Why? What is the tone?
• Who might the tone/diction  influence the audience’s mood reception of the text?

Due to the fact that I am ill and will, in all likelihood, be away your assignment is now due Oct.11

 A Girls’ Story questions: (Due Tuesday Oct. 9th) 

These ought to be written in TAG and PEE format. You may just TAG 2 but PEE and support with quotes or references to the text for each.

1. Provide 1 example of cliche' or stereotyping 2 of the following: character, setting and plot. (2 examples) (TAG/evidence)

2. Describe the speaker's tone. Provide 3 descriptors/vocabulary words describing the speaker’s tone, and an example/quote for each. (TAG/evidence)

3. Provide 3 traits that describe the speaker and an example of each. (single word traits only please; avoid “he is someone who doesn’t”. . . INSTEAD say “He is reluctant which is demonstrated when he”…(quote/evidence)

4. Is the speaker the author? Discuss. (personal view and evidence)

5. What might you say is the thesis of and/or the purpose for this essay? ( personal view and evidence/rationale)

Thanks,

Ms. S

Sept. 26 review and Due Dates

Hello 12s,

DUE:

•  OCT. 2:      S.M.A.R.T goal (Homework check)
• Sept. 28:      In-class expository essay (quiz) You may use your approved outline.

Below are the links to assist those who’d like some review:

• Expository essay advice with internal links
• Animated video (7.5 mins.) ‘How to’ advice on expository essay
• Expository essay TEMPLATE & EXAMPLE

Help with S.M.A.R.T goals:

• How and Why S.M.A.R.T goals
• Text-based review of what/how/why S.M.A.R.T goals

Please note: The above links are there as support and are supplemental  to what we did in class; they are not required reading/viewing.

Enjoy this autumn light everyone.

Warmly,

Ms. S

Due Dates and links/review: ‘myBp’, essays and ‘Grit’!

Hello 12s,

Homework Due Sept. 26th (Weds.)

• Link to me on myBlueprint ; there are instructions how on last day’s post.
• Complete ‘Who am I’ surveys. (We will use them on Wednesday’s class.)
• Create an outline/brainstorm for the expository write we will do Friday. The prompt is: Discuss your understanding of the concepts of ‘grit’ and ‘growth mindset’

****In-class essay using your outline Friday Sept. 28th (quiz weight)****

Today:

• You handed in your piece about learning.
• We reviewed paragraph/expository essay structure. (TAG/PEE and FRED/Say more/So what? On this video link
• We explored the notions of ‘grit’ and ‘growth mindset’ and viewed this TED talk: Angela Lee Duckworth ‘Grit:The power of passion and perseverance ‘
• You worked together to identify and articulate Duckworth’s Thesis  and the nature of her support. Ex. Data/research findings, broad based research, personal anecdote, appeal to authority.

We will look at your outlines next block as well as work with your ‘Who am I’ findings.

I enjoyed your input today. Thanks.

Ms.S

Class Review and Due Dates.

Hello 12s,

I enjoyed meeting many of your parents last night. Below you will find: what is due, an invitation to get ahead, and a look at ideas from last class.

I hope you are having a terrific weekend.

Ms. S

DUE Monday Sept 24:

• Do a 45 minute timed write of a multi paragraph piece using no electronic or human help.
• Answer, “What fosters (helps, creates the conditions for, encourages) learning?”
• Use the ‘best’ grammar, spelling, punctuation,ideas and vocabulary that you possess.
• Remember, this is a bench mark. It forms the foundation from which we will work. I will keep it on file as a sample of your writing and we will compare it to other writing you do. 
• This is not for a grade.

Due Wednesday Sept 26th: 

• Complete the ‘Who Am I?’ Surveys on MyBlueprint. We will be using this information for class on Sept. 26th.

Below are 'straw notes' from the class content:

When entertaining a written/spoken communication one ought to consider the following and choose accordingly:

Purpose ----------------------Audience

           -                                       -

-                                        -

Form----------------------------Diction

Ask:
 “What is my PURPOSE? What am I trying to make happen in the mind,heart, actions of my reader/viewer/listener?”

Consider:
 “Who is my AUDIENCE?” “What do they know/need to know, care about?”

THEN:
You can make choices about what FORM and DICTION to use.

The choice of diction , form and the context will influence the resulting tone and subsequent mood. 

Tone: The attitude of the ‘speaker’ to the subject and/or to the listener/audience.

Mood: The feeling created in the reader/listener as a result of diction, form, and context.

Context: The circumstances that form the situation within which something (a piece of writing) exists. (Time, place, situation, speaker and listener)

First steps

Hello 12s,

We had several new additions to our classes today; welcome!

Today, we began with an image that you considered, wrote a response to, and discussed in small and large groups.  The analysis you did is reading text.

• You considered the information and you related it to your lived experience. 
• You interpreted multiple possible, and sometimes competing interpretations for what you read.
• You worked at both the literal and inferential level.
• Sometimes you considered the image as a metaphor. 
• We considered ways in which this image/text may relate to our own lives.

I was excited to witness how well you took to the task and the ready way you shared with us all the interesting and well considered thoughts you were having. Nice work all!

You had suggested, last week that you’d like to have help with practical matters such as university applications and/or other elements that are touching your lives at this time. To that end we explored possible routes of exploration/education after high school and some of the rationale for each.

As a way of coming to a sense of confidence and enthusiasm about these next steps we have begun taking action to review our gifts, talents, learning styles and values. We are starting by revisiting or beginning with self reflection. To this end, please do the following:

Homework due next class:

A.

1. Log on to, https://myblueprint.ca/  Our access code is:uhill
2. Set up a profile if you do not already have one.
3. Add me, Ms. Silvers, to your links (located in the drop menu when you click on the top right circle.)
4. Click on “Who am I?” On the menu on the left column. If you did these surveys in tenth grade please hit the refresh button to enable yourself to do them again now that you are in 12th grade.
5. I have not made the surveys homework  at this time; however, if you have the time and inclination, please begin. The information you glean will help form the foundation for your application essays and or resume’s going forward.

B.

1. Consider all the types of written (lettered text) you may encounter in a day. Come with as many examples of writing or types of writing events you can think of. We will share these next class.

I am looking forward to this year learning together.

Ms. S