Thursday, May 28th

Bl. C - Humanities 8:  We began Kingdom of Heaven.  Students have a focus sheet for this movie, and we are stopping frequently to discuss issues that come up, such as the code of chivalry and the medieval approach to religion - both Christianity and Islam. Students should be nearly finished their booklets, and they will be collected next week for evaluation. 

Bl. B - FN 12:  We did a chapter 6/7/8 review and students began researching the various landmark Acts and court cases that have affected First Nations people over the last 45 years (chapter 9).  The UBC site "Indigenous Foundations" is a great place to find a wealth of information on these events.  Students have a  handout to place the details of these cases

Bl. A - English 10:  We continued V for Vendetta after a discussion of the characters and how this movie fits strongly into the hero's journey pattern.  Begin thinking about how you will respond to this movie in your upcoming writing piece.

** All students should check their updated marks on a regular basis to find out what they may be missing.  Students should take ownership of their courses and monitor their progress regularly.

Wednesday, May 27th

Bl. B - FN 12:  Students have been getting a lot of work in, and are doing a chapter 6/7/8 quiz at present.  We will mark this as a class and then move on to Chapter 9  - Acts, Charters, Court cases, etc.  Attendance is somewhat improved, so let's keep that going.

Bl. A- English 10:  Students know that they will be writing a well developed paragraph on their novel, about the "setting", next week.  Today, we changed things up a bit, and students are going to use their hero's jouney template (from before with ATDPTI) to view V For Vendetta.  We will review what we saw today - the first 45 minutes - and discuss The call to adventure, refusal of the call, etc.  Because this is a complex film, much focus is needed.  Also, many great ideas are introduced which will be discussed further. For example, "Artists use lies to tell the truth" and "I've been wearing a mask so long, I have forgotten who I was beneath it".  There is a writing assignment for this on the board.  Be sure to copy it down or snap a pic.  We will return to our poetry after this.

Bl. C - Humanities 8:  After a nice reading period, students got to work on their booklets.  Clayton's mom brought in a medieval replica Broadsword and dagger.  Students got to hold them and feel the weight.  (all supervised of course  :) ) They were asked to imagine how strong and trained a Knight at Arms would have to be to wear 100 lbs of armour and wield a sword that weighed over two and a half kilograms. Thank you Mrs. Rogers.

Tuesday, May 26th

Bl C - Humanities 8:  After a good reading session, students finished their Black Death posters today.  We will be continuing with the high middle ages tomorrow, working through the booklet.

Bl. A - English 10:  After reading, we worked on two poems as a class - "Central Park Tourney" and "Constantly Risking Absurdity". These poems are based on similies.  Tomorrow we will work on metaphorical poems.  Be sure to hand in each poem as you finish it. Pick up the Setting handout. We will go over it tomorrow, and you will be writing an in class paragraph on the setting of your novel on Monday, May 1st.

Bl. B - FN 12:  Today, the students went over their marks printout and worked on all late material.  We will be continuing on to chapter nine tomorrow.  Remember, students must attend on a regular basis to be successful in this course.  Those who have not been can still make up ground, so come on down to 402!  :)


**All students - Check your term 4 marks on the wall.  All late work must be handed in as soon as possible.   

May 15

Humanities 8

Today we started off with silent reading and then Mr. Freeman came in to talk to the class about behaviour.

Next we learned about the Bubonic plague using a powerpoint and coping some notes.  

English 10

Today we talked about the purposes of poetry and watched the Vanier video for Shane Koyczan's "Instructions for a Bad Day."  Next we looked at glossing a poem using "Sadie and Maude" as an example.  Students then glossed the poem "Hockey" and handed it in.  

First Nations 12

Today we talked about early forms of resistance by the First Nations people of BC.  We also completed some questions as a group.  

Early Resistance (p 95- 98)                                                                 Name: _______________________

1. In general, how would you describe FN people’s resistance to the colonial powers?

2. Describe how FN organized protests.

3. How were missionaries involved in FN protests?

4. What happened in 1874 in New Westminster?  Why did it happen?

5. Why did the Federal government not act on what happened in quest 4?

6. What 2 nations were the most active in trying to achieve title to land?

7. How did they argue their point of views?  (What were their tactics, arguments etc.)

Treaty 8 ( p103 -105)

1.      What kind of things were happening in the Peace River region in the 1880s to 90s that caused unrest with FN people?

2.      What happened in May of 1898?

3.      Why did the government agree to a treaty in the Peace River region in 1899, when it refused to recognize aboriginal title to any land in BC?

1911 Victoria Conference ( p. 105-107)

1. What was the goal of the Committee of Friends of the Indians?

2. What was the intent of the Victoria Conference?

3. Why was Peter Kelly an important figure at this conference?

4. What was the outcome of the conference?’

                                                        

5. Why was the selling of reserve lands (Nass and Kitsilano)  in the early 1900s questionable?

May 14

Humanities 8

Today was my first day back.   We did a brief check -in and created a plan for continuing with the reading of our literature circle novels.

Students will now be asked to start class with silent reading and then respond in their journals when asked.  For example, today students wrote an assessment of their reading so far and discussed their likes and dislikes. In addition, they will be asked to create a novel project in their groups when they have finished their novels. A deadline is not decided upon yet, but a few students are behind their group members and will need to do some reading at home!!

Next we continued to work on the Middle Ages Booklet created by Mr.  Allen.  Specifically, students were directed to finish off their first study guide in the booklet and to work on the medieval weapon labelling.

First Nations 12

Today we started off the class with a story about forced sterilization that occurred in Alberta to some residential schools.  We also brainstormed some key points about residential schools and then we learned about the Sixties Scoop.  Here is the assignment with the web address for the video clip we watched.

   The Sixties Scoop

Resources: http://www.cbc.ca/8thfire/2012/01/hidden-colonial-legacy-the-60s-scoop.html

Learning Outcome(s):  Understand what the Sixties Scoop is, compare to the residential school situation and decide if this was an example of cultural genocide.

C4. Analyse post-Confederation government policies and jurisdictional arrangements that affected and continue to affect BC First Nations.

C5. Analyse the varied and evolving responses of First Nations peoples to contact and colonialism.

A1. Apply critical thinking including questioning, comparing, summarizing, drawing conclusions, hypothesizing and defending a position – to make reasoned judgments about a range of issues, situations and topics

Cultural genocide is the systematic destruction of traditions, values, language, and other elements which make one group of people distinct from other groups.

1.      What was the Sixties scoop?

2.      Why was it implemented?

3.      When was it banned? 

4.      How was the situation similar to residential schools?

5.      What are some of the impacts of this policy?

6.      What changes have been made to Child Welfare policies since this in regards to aboriginal children?

7.      Do you think that this is an example of cultural genocide?  Why or why not?

English 10

Today we did a check in with regards to the novel projects that were due yesterday!!!  Students need to finish off these projects ASAP!

Next we discussed what poetry was and we looked at some quotes related to poetry.  Students were asked to rewrite their quote in the duotangs and write about why they picked it, what it meant and why it was important?

We also looked at the following poem and discussed the literal meaning as well as the deeper symbolic meaning.  

This is Just to Say

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

William Carlos Williams (1938)

Tues. May 12th

Bl. C - Humanities:  Today, students read their novels and then began working on their feudalism/high middle ages booklet.  We discussed the Battle of Hastings and how feudalism was imported to /England.  We watched A young person's guide to the Battle of Hastings, and discussed the Bayeux Tapestry as a Norman account of that battle.  Students worked on some questions on the feudal contract.

Bl. A - English 10:  Continued working on the ATDPTI project. A couple are completed and many more are coming nicely.  Remember to hand in your journals with the responses to Smoke Signals, if you have not already.

Bl. B - FN 12:  We finished We Were Children and discussed it a bit. Some strong responses to this movie. Students are in the process of watching Angela White and her less dramatic but powerful discussion of the residential school system.  There are some focus questions to respond to tomorrow.

Monday, May 11th

Bl. A - English 10:  Students are developing their projects for the novel ATDPTI.  Some very good work to date.  Students are expected to be done and handed in by the end of the day, Wednesday, May 13th.

Bl. B - First Nations 12:  We began our study of the Residential School System by viewing the first part of We Were Children.  This film is expertly done and hard hitting, while keeping true to history.  We will finish it tomorrow and have a class discussion about it.  We will follow this by listening to a three part presentation from Angela White, from the Reservation schools survivors society. This is powerful and informative.  Students will follow this and fill in a graphic organizer as well as write a summary of the majorlegislation related to residential Schools.

Bl C - Humanities 8:  Students read their novels and were graded on their focus.  Afterward, Students drew along with a you tube presenter on the basics of the feudal system under Charlemange, and answered some questions in their booklet using their textbooks.  We also read part of the general prologue to Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, just to get a feel for what middle English actually sounds like.

Friday, May 8th

Bl. A - English 10:  Students are working on the creative project for ATDPTI.  We have discussed several different options.  Some great ideas out there and some good brainstorming.  For those who are doing nothing - you know who you are - Wednesday, May 13th is the deadline.

Bl. B - FN 12:  We wrote the paper on The Indian Act of 1876 and its consequences.  Some of you have mailed it to Ms. McCall.  Others can be put on the desk.  Many students, through lack of proper attendance have not done or even heard of this assignment which we spent the week working on.  I have a poster on my wall by Nike that says: "You either ran today or you didn't"  The same goes for coming to class.  The consequence of not being here and not doing the work is.......!!

Bl. C - Humanities 8:  We are moving on to the High Middle Ages.  Students have picked up a package that we are working through.  Today, to set the context, we watched "Worst jobs in the world - Medieval"  So much for Knights in shining armour!  We'll begin discussing the Feudal System on Monday.

Thursday, May 7th and a fine day it is!!

Bl. C - Humanities:  We are writing the Early Middle Ages quiz today.  It is marked out of 48 with a two point bonus for marking as a class.  The  Early middle ages info sheet and the Mind Maps should be stapled together and handed in today - last day.  We are moving on to the High Middle Ages.  Students, please pick up the booklet. A very interesting part of history, so enjoy!!

Bl. B - FN 12:  We will be in the library writing off the essay on "The effect on native peoples over time of the "The Indian Act" of 1876.  We will move on to the residential school system and the "pushback" against Colonial power.

Bl A - English 10:  Today, we will finish listening to Sherman alexie reading his novel.  Students can plan out their project and sign up with the teacher, describing their choices for this project.  Journals can be brought up to date with questions on the white board to the left, and handed in for completion mark.    Remember, you have lots of options for your project.  Make sure you have the criteria sheet and begin your planning.  We have the library for the next three days. (Thurs/Fri/Mon)

Wed. May 6th

Bl. B - FN 12:  In the library, preparing the outline for Thursday's in class (library - front) essay on The effects over time on first nations as a result of The Indian Act of 1876. Students will bring this outline with them tomorrow and produce a flowing essay based on ideas they have researched.

Bl A - English 10:  We read through into the last chapter of ATDPTI in class today.  We discussed a few ideas for the final project, and will continue that tomorrow.

Bl C - Humanities 8:  The class finished off the mind map and early middle ages fact sheet.  It is to be handed in tomorrow at the beginning of class.  Students know that they will be writing the Early Middle Ages quiz /50 , and if they put effort into the mind map and research, they should be well prepared.  :)

Tuesday, May 5th

Bl C - Humanities 8:  We continuedbuilding the mind maps.  Students will have this finished tomorrow and use it and their early middle ages sheet to study for the upcoming quiz /50 on Thursday.

Bl. A - English 10:  Students did the questions and paragraph on Smoke Signals and comparing it with ATDPTI.  Students were given a handout on the five stages of grief and asked to use it to analyze "The Valentine Heart"  Students handed their green journals in for a quick check. Late hand-ins will receive a lesser mark for this. (unless the student was legitimately away).

Bl B - FN 12:  We worked in the library, and students began generatin an outline for a Thursday in class essay on the question "How did the Indian Act of 1876 change the lives of First Nations people over time. Although this is expository in nature, the student is asked to take a position from which to write.  To be continued tomorrow.

Monday, May 4th

Bl A - English 10:  Today we finished of the movie Smoke signals and discussed in some depth.  Students have a list of questions to respond to:  We have a list in class - and are going to , in a well written paragraph, compare the movie (directed by Sherman alexie and based on his novel "The Lone Ranger and Tonto fistfight in heaven") and the novel ATDPTI.  Students will compare how the book and the movie deal with issues like poverty and problems on the "rez", conflict with both self and the outside world, and comparisons between Junior/Rowdy and Thomas/Victor.

Bl B - FN 12:  We watched a youtube clip called Nazis, Aparteid, and the Indian Act, to show some uncomfortably close comparisons.  The Students then took some detailed notes from a powerpoint of The Indian Act.  We will be developing an essay on this subject, and will be developing it in class tomorrow.

Bl C - Humanities 8:  After discussing our Lit circles as a class, the students continued to work on their Fact sheets on the early middle ages, and began to develop a detailed and artistic minp map.  This will serve as a good study guide for the upcoming test.

May 1

Today Mr. Pearson was in for me.

Humanities 8

Students started off silent reading and then completed the PMI chart on Charlemagne. Then students worked on completing their table on the People of the Middle Ages. 

First Nations 12

Today students watched the 8th Fire Video "Who's Land is it Anyway" and wrote a response on why land issues are so important to aboriginal people.  Mr.  Pearson also discussed and related domestic problems in the UK that are related to the situation here in Canada.   

April 30

Humanities 8

Today we started off with silent reading and discussing when our literature circle meeting would be.  The decision was for the meeting to be on Monday.  Students were reminded to check on where they were reading to and what role they were responsible for.  Next the mind-map assignment was introduced and students were shown an example.  Finally, we started reading about Charlemagne and we started a Plus Minus Interesting (PMI) chart on him.

First Nations 12

Today we worked on some definitions related to the Indian Act from a powerpoint.  Students were instructed to try and include these terms in their India Act essays.    We also had some discussion around how to deal with the inequities created by the Indian Act.  Is getting rid of status, reserves etc the answer?  We also started to watch a video on status and talked about some of the rules like the A list and how inter-marriage affects status.

English 10

Today we looked at a few examples of possible novel projects.  We also did a worksheet identifying literary devices in the quotes presented.  See below. We then reviewed yesterday's reading and then we read the chapter Wake. Ways of coping with grief and the character of Ted was discussed. The quote:"Oh God, he, was a collector.  Those guys made Indians feel lie insects pinned to a display board,"( p163) was also discussed.  We finished off the class by reading the chapter Valentine Heart. 

Literary Devices in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Identify what figure of speech the following are.  Explain what the purpose of the literary device is. 

1.       “And whenever I get lonely, I grow a big zit on the end of my nose.” P 83

2.       “Indian families stick together like Gorilla Glue, the strongest adhesive in the world.” P.89

3.       “I couldn’t ask Gordy because then he’d know I was an illiterate Indian idiot.” P. 92

4.       ARGGHHHHHHHSSSSSPPPPP……  It sounds like somebody vomiting. “ P.105

5.       “God, this kid was an eighty-year-old literature professor trapped in the body of a fifteen-year-old farm boy.” P. 93

6.       “If you’re good at it, and you love it, and it helps you navigate the river of the world, then it can’t be wrong.” P.95

7.       “If you are romantic, you might think it was destiny.  So destiny and me lean against the wall and wait.”P. 106

8.       “Yep, Earl was a real winner.” P. 110

9.       “I just wanted to watch the sweaty Penelope sweat her perfect sweat on that perfectly sweaty day.” P 115

10.   “Of course, you can’t lie forever. Lies have short shelf lives.  Lies go bad.  Lies rot and stink up the joint.” P119