Novel Study - Final Assignment

Last class, we spent time reading our novels and completing character webs.  We talked about how to make an inference about character: by paying close attention to what characters say, think and do, and noting how these things are similar to what we observe in "real" people.  When a character has a red face, and averts his/her eyes, says things, like "OMG... I can't believe I just did that..." we might make the inference that he/she is embarrassed.  The evidence is there... we just need to do the work to draw the conclusion.  A completed character web is due on or before Monday June 10th.

Also, I distributed the final assignment for the novel study.  You are to choose one of the options to complete, or see me if you have an idea not listed.  A copy of this assignment is available to you at the side, here.  This final assignment is also due on or before Monday June 10th. 

Novel First Impressions

Last class, each student selected a novel to start reading.  For some of us, this is not a big deal.  For others, the idea of completing a whole book before the end of the year seems difficult.  I assure you, you can all do this, and I think you will find the experience rewarding.  You have chosen great stories, and I will support you every step of the way.

We spent the first part of last class reviewing the elements of fiction for our short fiction quiz, which will take place on TUESDAY MAY 21st.  Please be ready to read a story and answer some questions related to the elements of fiction next class.

We then spent time diving into our books.  Some people chose to read alone, while others found a peer reading the same book and began quiet conversations.  It will be important for me to keep in touch with you regarding your book.  I want to know what you are thinking about what you are reading, and if you are finding any aspect of it difficult or confusing, I'd like to know.  I had students complete a "First Impressions" page after reading the first little bit, to give me an idea of how it's going so far.  If you haven't done this yet, please make a copy from the link at the side here, complete it, and bring it to class on Tuesday.

Narratives - Final Drafts

Today we went to the computer lab in the library, to do final edits on our narratives.  I have asked students to submit their final copy for assessment by next class.

Our Narratives are Complete!

Today was our final work day for our narratives.  We went to the computer lab, to type out a final copy, and these were submitted at the end of class.  I am looking forward to reading the narratives you have created!

I will return these to you next week, with some feedback about what worked, and what could be improved next time.

Using Imagery in Narratives

We spent the first part of today's class discussing how description, and the creation of images that appeal to the five senses, can enrich our stories.  We read a short excerpt describing the beach, and then we used a planning page to consider how the setting in our story would look/sound/smell/taste/feel.  Try to incorporate some of this imagery into your narrative.

We set a goal of finishing our narratives today, and we have the computer lab booked on Friday to complete good copies of our stories.

And we're back!

Actually, I'm back.  I've done a terrible job recently, keeping this updated.  I'm sorry!  I vow to update every day, until the end of the school year.  I promise.

We began class today with some "Six Word Spring Break Summaries".  Students were asked to summarize the events of their Spring Break in just six words.  Thanks to everyone for participating!  Sounds like you all had eventful (or restful) vacations.

Then, we read a short narrative called, "Holding Harley" by Jocelyn Shipley, about a teenager who becomes pregnant, and then leaves her brother with the responsibility of looking after his newborn nephew.  We discussed the effectiveness of the opening, the authenticity of the characters, and the interest level generated by the main conflict.  We agreed that the story did a reasonable job in all three areas.

We then either continued the narratives we started before the break, or began new narratives, with the goal of achieving the following:

• an effective opening
• authentic, believable characters
• creation of a conflict worth writing about

Students will continue narratives on Thursday and will submit to me at the end of class, for feedback.

Photo Essays

For the past two classes, students have been working to complete their photo essays.  These should be wrapped up and submitted to me by Monday.  You can email your completed photo essay to me at msbarsky@yahoo.ca.

If you still have either a Bowling for Columbine paragraph to submit or a busted ad assignment to complete, please do so.  The end of term two is on March 1st!

Where Children Sleep - Photo Essay Practice

Yesterday, we spent time analyzing a photograph from the online photo essay titled, "Where Children Sleep."  I asked students to study the picture on page 8, and to answer questions about it.  The questions can be found at the link on the side.

We will review the questions on Tuesday in class, and then each student will select a photograph to analyze on his/her own.  The practice with analyzing the features of photographs is intended to prepare each of you for the creation of your own photo essay.  Appreciating what other photographers have done with their pictures in order to achieve an effect or tell a story will help you when it comes time to select your own images for your photo essay.

Just a reminder that I need busted ads and Bowling for Columbine paragraphs from everyone.

Photo Essays

We spent the first half of class yesterday, finishing off our Bowling for Columbine paragraphs.  Most students are ready to submit these.  If you could get it to me by Monday at the latest, I would appreciate it.

We spent the second half of class considering the features of photographs.  We are going to create photo essays (either narrative or thematic), and before we do this, we are going to learn about all of the features present in photos.  We considered objects, symbols, colour, texture, size, lighting and location in our three sample pictures.

Next class we will be in the computer lab, continuing to analyze photos.

Busted Ads/Bowling for Columbine

Today's class was an opportunity for students to catch up on the busted ad assignment and/or begin the "Bowling for Columbine" paragraph.  We went down to the library and used the computers to complete the busted ad assignments, and students began work on their paragraphs.

It is expected that you will submit your busted ad no later than Tuesday, and we will spend time in class on Tuesday completing the paragraph on the film.

Course Selection

Mr. Sidhu visited our class for the first part, to discuss course selection information for next year.  If you were away from class today, you will need to go to the counselling department to pick up the documents that were handed out in class today.

We then watched the conclusion to "Bowling for Columbine" and I asked students to begin thinking about the message(s) Michael Moore is trying to get across to the viewer.  We will write a paragraph on these messages next class.  You could prepare for this paragraph by preparing a detailed set of notes, indicating what Michael Moore wants us to think and feel about the different groups/issues presented in the film.