Essay Prep for Friday Test - GRADE 8

Using ONE of the three stories, you will clearly connect these three themes....
1.TIME  
2.IMPORTANT PEOPLE
3.BEING THANKFUL

You will choose ONE of the short stories and at home, prepare a "PRE-WRITE" for one of the questions listed below. You will bring this to school tomorrow and use it to help you write your essay question answer.

Questions to choose from:

OPTION ONE: The relationship between unlikely people.
The "concept of time" is important in helping to shape both the relationship Miss Lucy had with Chester and for what she is truly thankful. While we see Chester as being important to Miss Lucy, she is also an important person to Chester? How?

OPTION TWO: Role of Time within relationships.
How could the various forms of time (of day, of year, time of life) play a part in Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones being an important person to Roger? Time even played a part in teaching the reader to be thankful. How? 

Option THREE: The important role each friend has within a relationship.
Imagine if the two men had met up after a time of only FIVE years instead of twenty years. Who would have been more "important" at that meeting? during that "imaginary" meeting, if one of the men had tried to "help" the other do you think a sincere thankful spirit would have been shown by the other friend?

BRING the PRE-WRITE....DO NOT bring anything else (rough draft, full essay etc.) with you. Your pre-write must be hand-written in either blue or black ink. You will hand in the pre-write with your completed test.

Three paragraph essay pre-write template....

Thank You Most Important Twenty Years... test prep GR8

Here you go... a little video I made to share with you what to focus on with the upcoming test on "Thank You Ma'm", "A Most Important Person", and "After Twenty Years".....

The 12 Olympians Introduction

The 12 Olympians Introduction

How the 12 Olympians became 13 Olympians, and then became 12 again although, really, they could have been 14....confusing? Not if you click on the link above...

Grade 7 has their own QUIZLET section... YAY!!!!

Here you go... the link below takes you to the  two sets in your Quizlet site... just for grade 7 English....

Way to go everyone... you are becoming great collaborative learners!


http://quizlet.com/class/373745/

The untold story.... Plot diagram explained.... English

I am trying out yet another IPad app.... here is a video I made using "ShowMe"... by the time I find and figure out how to use the hundreds of tech-helps out there you will have a VERY thorough knowledge of the elements of the short story.... hmm....I see a potential story conflict within the information I just wrote  - can you guess what it is?

MIDDLE EARTH GUIDEBOOK - Grade 9 English

I know you are all working to help the rest of the population survive, should they find themselves suddenly in the middle of Middle Earth... your information about the characters they encounter could mean the difference between life and... finding themselves tangled in a spider's web while hanging upside down in a tree... 

You will present all of the background information on each type of character either by creating a paper book or through a powerpoint presentation. Remember to include specific examples as you explain the many elements of each character.... knowing the specifics about Gollum's environment would be most helpful, especially should one be inclined to go splunking... providing a quote showing that Gollum lives deep within a complex cave system reminds the splunker to bring their invisibility shield along with their night-vision goggles....

The information you create and present could serve to be of great help to many who navigate the world of Tolkien...

Paper books will be passed in to Mrs. Palmer, while powerpoint presentations will be emailed to my school's email address...  if possible, it is wise to save your presentation in a 1997-2003 compatible format rather than 2010 although I think I can open all formats.

 Keep on the trek...do not stop at Rivendell...keeping moving forward.... it is due Wednesday, November 21st... no extensions will be given...

Plot Diagram GRADE 8 English

We are a story...

Each day, wherever we go we meet people and as we go through our day we do things which are on and at with until suddenly, something new or different happens, the problem gets fixed and everyone moves on to the next day.

If we  placed each item on the plot map/diagram, we would have the basic outline for a short story! 

Plot

ASSIGNMENT: Take these elements and find a way to place them on the plot diagram. You aren't writing a story but you will need to take the elements and expand upon them in order to get them on the diagram...

FAMILY   VACATION    RESORT     MONEY

Example:

Resort could be part of setting and/or part of the conflict...

Money could be part of the conflict, the inciting moment or the rising action...

You get to decide...  

Grade 8 Paragraph NOVEMBER ... due Monday, November 5th

Here is the pre-write template....

You need to write a paragraph about November...

That is much too broad - think about one main idea to write about.... what would make a good topic sentence? Use your idea generating bubble to get those ideas down...you can number them in the best order after you get your ideas. Ask yourself if each idea stays within your main idea and topic sentence. Make sure your closing sentence ties together those great ideas and double check your sentence structure...

You are ready to write!

Here

Grade 8 Ben Hur Formal Assessment

  

You read the novella, dug deep through our discussions in class, applied knowledge through a media report and now....the finish line is near....

Which, in non-teacher talk means.. we are almost finished Ben Hur and Tuesday, October 30th, you will answer some questions during class.

Take some time to think about these characters and the role each played within the story and you will do very well.

Ben Hur - things to remind yourself and to think about...

 He wanted to train to be a soldier where and more importantly....why?
He was framed and sent to the galleys...this kind of punishment helped him later...
His reputation on the Astroea was...
More than winning sesterii, he wanted...?
What did he see on Messala's face at the start of the race?

Messala

Messala

Messala has a major character flaw....
Two gods mean more to him than friendship....which gods?
What does he want from the race in addition to winning sesterii?
How were the tables turned on Messala....?


Name that Procurator of Judea 

         One changed the lives of one person, a family and all associated....
         One was in charge during a KEY historical event...

Section VI Lives are changed forever....

What does "forever" mean to Widow Hur?
What do many of Jesus' followers think He is there to do?
How does Ben Hur finally understand not just with his head but with his heart, what it means to lead a kingdom... 

And lastly...   Arrius and Simonides  - what role did each play in Judah/Ben Hur's life...

Once friends....now bitter enemies....the race will tell all

Go through the story and think about the questions and comments made in this entry and you will earn a crown of laurels when you write the assessment on Tuesday...

In non-teacher talk, that just means, review and be ready to answer some short answer-style questions based on the story...

DON'T FORGET...LEAVE A COMMENT;   this is where you let me know you have seen the post as well as ask questions or add to what I have shared... where it says "Comment as" be sure to choose anonymous from the list and sign it with your first and last initial only.

SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE:  I have been receiving comments from students looking at this post....good for you..I love to see students showing initiative! I am keeping track of all who make a comment. If you have a question or need something clarified make sure to put that in your comment. These will show up at the bottom in the comment section. I will then do my best to answer you - think about it...homework help without having to leave your house! Yay!! Sources:
http://www.silentfilm.org/assets/images/BenHur_720x500.jpg, classic--movies.blogspot.com, web professional software

"The Friend Inside" Getting Ready for a Quiz

Monday, October 15th, you will write a quiz which will be based on "The Friend Inside".

So....how do you prepare? Here are a few suggestions as well as some things to think about.

1. Re-read the story.2. Note who the main characters are and their main characteristics (Jim and President Lincoln are the most important characters in the story)3. Look at your storyboard to see if you have summarized the story in six drawings. NOTE: drawing is another way our brain can remember and understand information.

Here is my storyboard. I drew it in pencil so it may be a bit difficult to see everything clearly but it will help you to see if your storyboard covers the main ideas within the story.

Things to think about:  

• What does it mean to keep "the friend inside"? 
• Is it hard for us to do that? Why or why not...
• Why was Jim was being tested? Think about the characteristics Lincoln was looking for.
• Abraham Lincoln is known for being honest. Was Lincoln being dishonest when Jim was being tested? 
• Our unit deals with the theme of COURAGE. Was Jim courageous? Why or why not?

I will see you on Monday!!!

ENGLISH 7 - Travelling to Distant Lands and far-off places

Grade 7 English

Here is your question. Please answer in the "Daily Work" section.

Background
In many stories, main characters searching for an answer or wanting to gain more understanding to a "deep" problem are sent or travel to far-off distant lands.

Example:
"How can I find the real meaning of life/truth/wisdom?"

Question
Why do you think this happens in stories?

Write a paragraph giving your reason/opinion. I am looking for your opinion. You do not need to any outside research to answer this.

This is due Wednesday, October 10th during class.

The Olympics aren't over yet...

When I was in high school there was this group of guys who were hooked on skiing. They talked, breathed and lived for the slopes. Considering we live in a part of the country where the mountains aren't really that mountainous and it rains more than it snows, it was no surprise that after graduation, a few of them, including Paul Tingley headed out west, to live out their dreams of feeling the wind in their face as they skied the best mountains in the country.  

During a ski run in 1994, Paul Tingley was in a serious accident which caused him to change his plans. As he had to learn how to do many things over again, now from a wheelchair, his physiotherapist suggested that Paul try sailing.  Flash forward to Australia, Summer Olympics of 2000. Paul won his first Olympic bronze medal in the Paralympics in a two-man Sonar. In 2008 he won again, this time bringing home gold in a one-person keelboat.

Paul still feels the wind against his face as well as the splash of the waves and as the Paralympics begin in London in just under two weeks I wish him the best. Paul is just one of 145 Canadian Paralympians who will compete in over 20 sports. The media coverage will be almost nil and the crowds will be much smaller but that should not take away from the incredible skill and dedication these athletes will take with them. Hopefully, one day soon, as much coverage will take place for these deserving athletes...of course they don't do it for the hype, they do it for the love of the sport. Paul, I wish you all the best; you have shown the Halifax West High class of '88 that nothing should stand in the way of your dreams...Go Paul go!! 

Read more: Paralympics — Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/spot/summer-olympics-paralympics.html#ixzz23eWs7NQ4

Godmother Cathy

Andrew's Christening Day

The most wonderful thing a child can have in addition to their blood-relatives are those special people who gently get  inserted into your life and who, over time, become as important and wonderful as any in your immediate family. Andrew's God-mother is a friend from years back who has stayed by my side through the good and the bad. One of my best life decisions was to ask her to be Andrew's God-mother. While this title has remained, she has gained a dual role into into a very special aunt as well. As a make-up artist she has created some incredibly authentic looks for Halloween and she has included my son into her family until he has gotten a status of his own, a "cousin" to her precious nephews and neice. They seem to look forward to spending time with "big" Andrew as much as he does with them.  Andrew has visited her extended family so often that  Cathy's mother has his room ready for him when he visits each summer. This past week God-mother Cathy did one of her favourite traditions which involves a shopping trip with Andrew for his birthday. She added on a special treat with a trip to Upper Clements Park for Andrew and her nephews. They had a day of roller coasters and log rides and waterslides....so much fun for all. Hallelujah for God-mothers and for all they do.

His make-up looked so authentic
 that folks thought he was
 really wounded.

Fun at Upper Clements

Week One....

This is what I came out to find one summer day in 2005
when Andrew was playing with a friend...the
look on their faces says it all...

Week one of camp is finished in approximately 3 hours. It will be interesting to see just how muddy the clothes are that come home to be washed as the weather here in the Halifax area this past week was not exactly pristine and of course, my son did not take anything remotely water-proof to wear. I have learned  that to a kid, playing in the mud makes life more fun. The more dirt the bigger the smile. At Bayside Camp, they even have a mud pit the kids love to use. I am ever so thankful for the huge lake that is less than 100 metres away.  For one week, reality is suspended; being surrounded by both old and new friends, swimming, canoeing, playing games, staying up late by camp-fires all make for magical memories. Being picked up at the end of the week must feel like the world is ending. I am expecting a quiet drive home tonight. I am happy that this is not the end of camp for the summer - two more weeks of fun and mud are still to come!

My tangled hand...

During the end of the school year I asked my grade 7 art class to trace their hand and then express what comes out of their hands without using symbols. In general, the students struggled with this exercise as they wanted to draw hearts, flowers and other symbols rather than abstract lines and designs. I told the class that I would do the assignment to help me understand the challenges they had. Well....this opened up a whole new world of expression - as I filled my page with design I realized how visually limited I was when it came to showing what came out of my hands. I began researching design and came across an amazing art form called ZENTANGLE. It involves mindful drawing of design that looks very complicated, yet, when broken down can be done by anyone. It took me hours and hours to finish my hand drawing but it was worth it - I have now embarked on a new and exciting journey, one which will stretch my mind yet hopefully help to focus it. Here is my finished hand; I can see tons of room for improvement but part of the process of ZENTANGLE means appreciating what I have done rather than judging it.

Summer time.....

It is the Canada Day weekend; the sun has decided to come out, the temperature is warm and we are doing nothing.....hurray! That means school has finished, most of my work is done and our schedule is free and clear for two months. Well, not quite; beginning tomorrow Andrew starts a new adventure at Bayside Camp. He has been accepted to the CORE leadership training program. I am so excited for him as he gets to experience one week of leadership training, a week of being a junior leader and then a third week volunteering in the maintenance department. What a fantastic opportunity for a teen. Even when working hard enough at camp that you may fall asleep on the deck while waiting for supper, it is still camp - the best place ever for a kid in the summer! If you want to learn more about Bayside and give your kid one of the best summers ever then look them up at baysidecamp.org