IRVING-WINTER 2024 ENGLISH 8
April 8-12: Silent read, finish 'Day of Butterfly' sheet. Do an 'Elements of a Short Story' discussion and sheet for 'Day of the Butterfly. Work on some grammar sheets, on 'End Marks'
April 1-5: Watch video version of 'The Veldt' and discuss. Read 'Day of the Butterfly' and do questions on Thursday, Friday.
March 25-29: Read 'See Saw' tog. aloud, p. 74 of Sightlines. Do Question 1, Character sketch. Read 'The Veldt' p 248 Sightlines. Read, discuss and do questions for it.
March 4-8- Read 'Catch' by Sarah Ellis from our Sightlines Book. Do analysis of 'Elements of a Short Story' for Catch.
Watch https://vimeo.com/701468266 Tell Tale Heart #1 video and discussion on differences between story and video
Thurs and Friday we will watch some other versions of Tell-Tale Heart and discuss differences between story and videos
On Friday March 8th we will do Silent reading report #4.
Feb 29-March 1: Read 'Tell-Tale Heart' and do written questions about the story. Write a police report retelling story from police person's perspective.
Feb 26-28: Finish Money's Paw Hollywood movie. Do a discussion about differences between movie and play and then write 1 to 2 paragraphs about the differences. We did a brain storm on the board and went over how to write an effective paragraph with topic sentences and ideas that contributed to the main idea of the paragraph.
Feb 19-22: Silent reading daily. Read "Thank You Ma'am' and do 2 paragraphs about the short story about Roger. This is on an assignment sheet. We will also watch a few versions on Youtube of the story told through video and discuss comparisons.
Feb 14-15: Finish off your written short stories about first wisher. Then you will do peer sharing where you read somebody's else's story and fill out a sheet about what you liked and any improvements that could be made.
Feb. 13: Silent reading, do Silent reading min book report #2. Time to work on Monkey's Paw story.
Feb. 12: Read Monkey's Paw p. 32-41 and do questions and write a short story about how the first owner wished for death. Short story is to be 1-2 pages, and assignment is given out in class.
Feb. 5-9: Silent reading, Cannibis presentation in library, and watch 'The Duplex' to draw conclusions of living in a rental with some bad renters, as Marc Girondin does in 'Street that Got Mislaid.'
Jan.31-Feb 2nd: Read story in class, 'The Street That Got Mislaid.' p 4 Sightlines. Upon finishing the reading, you will answer the following questions: (handout given in class)
The Street that Got Mislaid by Patrick Waddintion. Pg. 4 Sightlines 8
Find these vocabulary words in the story and give a definition of them as the word is used in the story.
Mislay (verb)
Incantation (noun)
Diminutive (adjective)
Infallible (adjective)
Cobblestone (noun)
Make sure you answer all questions in complete sentences in order to get full marks.
1.What is Marc Girondin’s job? In what department does he work?
2. What was the importance of “his files”?
3. What happened one day to shock Marc?
4. What does he decide to do about it?
5. How does Marc find Green Bottle Street?
6. What does Marc learn about the little community that lives on Green Bottle Street?
7. What decision(s) does Marc make at the end of the story?
8. What would you do in Marc’s place? Why?
9. Do you think if Marc turned in the residents of Green Bottle Street they would charged for not paying their taxes? Explain.
10. Creative response: Write a journal entry, pretending that you are Marc Girondin. You have moved to Green Bottle Street and you will write about how your life is different living with Miss Trusdale and the others. How will you keep your secret of living there? ½ a page to a page
Get silent reading books from library. These will be read each class for 15-20 minutes and you will write a quick report on what you're reading once a week. This week we will also work on writing paragraphs. Paragraphs will have at least 5-8 sentences with a topic statement, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence (kind of a mini essay, but only a paragraph).
Jan. 26: Silent read for 20 minutes. After your reading time, you will write me a quick 5 sentence paragraph telling me what your book is about (I will put some prompters on the board). After you do your silent reading report, you will have time to get
Silent reading mini report:
In a paragraph (5-8 sentences) tell me about the book you’re reading. Include the following:
Your name
-title of the assignment which is: Silent Reading Mini Report
-title, author
-protagonist (main character) and supporting characters
-antagonist (person, force, thing causing conflict for the protagonist)
-Setting-where it takes place (location, era, 50’, 60’s, etc)
-Conflict in the story
-What you like or find interesting so far
Use descriptive writing and add details from the story. I don’t want a whole big recount of the story; I just want a simple summary of what you’ve read so far. I don’t want more than 8 sentences, as it is only a summary.
January 22-26: Worked on an intro letter to teacher. The letter is a formal business letter, typed up and with lots of detail and description. Ms. Irving will edit your rough draft and conference with you so you can make changes. The good copy will have all grammar and spelling errors fixed up and all parts of the business letter done. Select silent reading novels and start silent reading at beginning of each class.
Irving-English 8 August 2023. Semester 1
October 3-6:
Read 'The Reluctant Blackhawk' and discuss the story of Freddy Sasakamoose and the NHL. Discuss residential school, living in cities compared to the reserve, family and influence of wealthy and famous. Do questions 1 abcde, and question 4. Question 4 is to write about a Canadian athlete who has made an impact. You will do Silent reading report #4 this week.
Sept 25-29:
Read 'Scenes from a Long Marriage' and discuss residential school, living in the Yukon bush, and do questions and creative writing (journal) of what an ideal wedding celebration would look like. You will do Silent reading report #3 this week.
Sept 18-22:
Day 4 and 5: Silent read. You will do Silent reading report #2 this week. Finish writing piece with differences of videos to the story of the 'Tell Tale Heart.' Watch a final video version of Tell Tale Heart.
Day 3: :Silent read. Finish up questions for Tell Tale Heart. Watch 2 videos depicting the 'Tell Tale Heart.' Write a comparison piece on the 2 versions compared to the story we read. One version is animated and other is not.
Day 2: Silent read. Tell Tale Heart-. Work on questions.
Day 1: Silent read. Tell Tale Heart--read aloud and discuss story. Start questions.
Sept 14: Silent reading for 20 minutes. Watch the video of 'The Hockey Sweater.' Review discussion from yesterday. Discuss song 'Parents Just don't Understand', by Will Smith. Discuss conformity, relationships with parents and contrast to the 'Hockey Sweater. Start reading 'The Monkey's Paw.'
Sept 13: Do silent reading for 20 minutes. Read story, 'The Hockey Sweater.' Discuss the meaning of 'conforming,' Quebec culture, hockey culture, northern communities, and parental relationships
Sept. 13-15: Work on Terry Fox sponsorship letters to local businesses. Watch Terry Fox documentary and discuss.
Sept 12: Video comparisons from 'Thank You Ma'am' are due
Sept 5th-8th: Do silent reading for 20 minutes. You will write 'Silent reading report #1' this week. Read the story in class, 'Thank-You Ma'am.' p 14 Sightlines 8. After reading the story, we will do some video versions of the story and discuss them. After watching the video version, students will do a written assignment. We will analyse and compare videos from: Video 1: Authentic one Video 2: Modern one Video 3: Animated cheesy one
After reading, do the following assignment:
Thank You Ma’am p. 14 Sightlines 8
1) Write a paragraph (5-8) sentences, telling me if you think Ms. Luella Jones did the right thing.
2) Pretend that you are Roger (in a few years, so future). You will write a short journal about your experience with Ms. Jones and trying to steal her purse. Write about your reflections of whether the experience changes you and your criminal behavior, or not. Give solid reasons to back up your viewpoint in your writing. (also 5-8 sentences or ½ a page)
August 28-Sept.1st: Read story in class, 'The Street That Got Mislaid.' p 4 Sightlines. Upon finishing the reading, you will answer the following questions: (handout given in class)
The Street that Got Mislaid by Patrick Waddintion. Pg. 4 Sightlines 8
Find these vocabulary words in the story and give a definition of them as the word is used in the story.
Mislay (verb)
Incantation (noun)
Diminutive (adjective)
Infallible (adjective)
Cobblestone (noun)
Make sure you answer all questions in complete sentences in order to get full marks.
1.What is Marc Girondin’s job? In what department does he work?
2. What was the importance of “his files”?
3. What happened one day to shock Marc?
4. What does he decide to do about it?
5. How does Marc find Green Bottle Street?
6. What does Marc learn about the little community that lives on Green Bottle Street?
7. What decision(s) does Marc make at the end of the story?
8. What would you do in Marc’s place? Why?
9. Do you think if Marc turned in the residents of Green Bottle Street they would charged for not paying their taxes? Explain.
10. Creative response: Write a journal entry, pretending that you are Marc Girondin. You have moved to Green Bottle Street and you will write about how your life is different living with Miss Trusdale and the others. How will you keep your secret of living there? ½ a page to a page
August 28-Sept 1st: Get silent reading books from library. These will be read each class for 15-20 minutes and you will write a quick report on what you're reading once a week. This week we will also work on writing paragraphs. Paragraphs will have at least 5-8 sentences with a topic statement, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence (kind of a mini essay, but only a paragraph).
Sept. 5th: Silent read for 20 minutes. After your reading time, you will write me a quick 5 sentence paragraph telling me what your book is about (I will put some prompters on the board). After you do your silent reading report, you will have time to get
Silent reading mini report:
In a paragraph (5-8 sentences) tell me about the book you’re reading. Include the following:
Your name
-title of the assignment which is: Silent Reading Mini Report
-title, author
-protagonist (main character) and supporting characters
-antagonist (person, force, thing causing conflict for the protagonist)
-Setting-where it takes place (location, era, 50’, 60’s, etc)
-Conflict in the story
-What you like or find interesting so far
Use descriptive writing and add details from the story. I don’t want a whole big recount of the story; I just want a simple summary of what you’ve read so far. I don’t want more than 8 sentences, as it is only a summary.
August 22-26: Worked on an intro letter to teacher. The letter is a formal business letter, typed up and with lots of detail and description. Ms. Irving will edit your rough draft and conference with you so you can make changes. The good copy will have all grammar and spelling errors fixed up and all parts of the business letter done. Select silent reading novels and start silent reading at beginning of each class.
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Irving-English 8 8:40-10:00 am Semester 2
Week 11: April 11-14
Week 10: April 3-7
Week 9: March 27-31
Week 8: March 6-March 10
Week 7: Feb 27- March 3
Week 6: Feb 20-24
Silent reading each day
Silent reading #3 due this week
'Scenes From a Long Marriage'--questions and wedding journal due
Week 5: Feb 13-17:
Mon Feb 13: Course selections with Ms. Seymour, silent reading
Tues Feb 14: Silent reading, silent reading # 2 mini book report,
do 'Dreams' assignment. 2 paragraphs as there are two questions to answer
Tue tomorrow
Wed. Feb 15: Listen to podcast on CBC: www.npr.org/2022/02/09/107.....
Title: How to Turn A Break-Up Into a New Beginning.
-Notes on the board
-discuss
Thurs Feb 16:
Go to play, 'Blindside.' Prior to going to play work on any overdue assignments.
Fri Feb 17 Read 'Scenes from a Long Marriage.' Read aloud, discuss and and do assignment for the article. You will have time for this today and Monday. It is due on Tues Feb 22.
Week 4: Feb 6-10
Silent reading report #2 is due this week
Silent reading beginning of each class
'Veldt' assignment work on in class, due this week
Read 'Catch' p 51 Sightlines 8 and do elements of short story sheet
Read 'Northern Life' p 243 in Sightlines 8 and discuss dreams
Read 'Dreams' p 265 in Sightlines 8 and discuss east coast, jobs, family dynamics and dreams
All work is due today. If you are behind, get caught up on weekend.
Week 3: Jan 30-Feb 3
Thank You Ma'am assignments given and due--video comparisons of 2 videos of we watched
Questions of Thank you Ma'am due
Read and discuss 'The Veldt' and give out assignment for it.
Watch the 20 min movie of 'The Veldt'
Week 2: (Jan 23-27)
-Rough drafts of Intro. business letters are due.
Friday Jan 27--time to type edits from the rough draft and finish the good copy
Thurs Jan 26: read Thank You Ma'am and discuss as we're reading it-- themes, characters, inferences.
Silent reading: Daily for 20 minutes, start of class, novel of your choice
Wed Jan 25: Do Silent Reading mini report #1. Assignment given out in class. 1/2 a page or 5-8 sentences on the content asked about in the assignment.
Week 1: Jan 17-20
-Introductions, go over rules in class:
No phones, no ear buds or head phones, hoods down in class, bathroom break rules, silent reading each day, and most important--I want each student to succeed, so having plans for success
-Write very detailed, descriptive 'Intro Letter' assignment to me. I gave out this assignment in class. This letter will be your rough draft, and it must be typed. I will give time and computers to use in class. Once finished, you will print it and I will edit it with you and go over grammar details.
Read in class, 'The Street That Got Mislaid.' Discuss taxes, filing clerks, landlords, rentals, and the themes/ideas from the story in class. Work on written assignment -- questions, definitions, and a journal entry from Marc Girondin. This is due on Monday Jan 23rd.
Silent reading--20 minutes at start of class each day.
Irving-English 8 Sept 2022
Nov.
Nov 14-18: Read Sooshewan, Child of the Beothuk. Discuss. Answer questions 1 a,b,c and for d do a 1 page response on rites of passage. (this is on the assignment sheet).
Read Chapter 1 of Outsiders novel and do questions, crosswords and journals in complete sentences. Journals should be a paragraph.
Read Chapter 2 of Outsiders and do questions, crosswords and journals in complete sentences. Journals should be a paragraph.
Nov. 10: Watch presentation and discuss on 'Indigeonous contributions in the WW wars'
Nov. 9: Silent reading and read "Raoul' story in our Sightlines book and discuss WW1 and WW2.
Nov. 8: Silent reading. Read 'Ambush' in Sightlines 8 (story about a soldier killing another person) and discuss it and how it relates to Remembrance Day.
Nov 7: Work period to get any work not handed in done. Students all caught up will work on previous assignments about Ouija boards and their history (which ties in with Richard Van Camp story)
Nov. 1-4
Nov 4: Student health survey for whole class. This involves reading and responding and will take the entire class. Whole school is doing this.
Nov. 3: Work period to get any work not handed in done. Students all caught up will work on previous assignments about Ouija boards and their history (which ties in with Richard Van Camp story)
Nov. 2: Work period to get any work not handed in done. Students all caught up will work on previous assignments about Ouija boards and their history (which ties in with Richard Van Camp story)
Nov. 1: Silent reading and do a response to the radio program 'Scary Stories about Indigenous Country'. We will brainstorm ideas about what we listened to and you will do a response for each story, the Van Camp one and Murdoch stories.
Oct. 31: Halloween! Listen to CBC radio program, 'Unreserved.' Host is Suzanna Deerchild and we will focus on two stories; one is told by Richard Van Camp (about the camp and the demons). and other is by Isaac Murdoch about Wendigo. We will listen to these stories, discuss them and then write a quick response to them tomorrow.
Oct 24-28:
Oct 17-21:
Oct 21: Silent read for 20 min. Worked on 'Short Story Elements' sheet, identifying short story elements for the short story 'Catch.'
Oct. 20: Silent read 20 min. Read and discuss short story "Catch' by Sarah Ellis p 51 Sightlines 8. We got to page 58 and will finish the story tomorrow and do an assignment.
Oct. 19: Silent read; mini book report #4 assigned for silent reading. Read and discuss It's called "Life Sentence" by Nicole Axworthy. We discussed eating disorders, gender views of bodies, and how/why/what eating disorders are. Since we did the work solely as a discussion, if student is absent, could write a half page on what they think about eating disorders, and the above topics we discussed.
p98 Sightlines 8 book, but probably on internet.
Oct 18: Silent reading and work period as work on any overdue work from students.
Oct 17: Silent reading and work period to get caught up on work.
Week of Oct. 11-14:
Oct. 14:
Oct 13: Work on worksheets for L.A.P.P.^; discuss what we saw, heard and learned at Long Ago People's Place
Oct 12: Long Ago People's Place. Spend the day and learn cultural customs and history of Yukon First Nations from Harold and Meta
Oct. 11: Silent reading for 20 min. Then read silently 'On The Sidewalk Bleeding.' You will be given an assignment sheet to do on this. Due on Friday.
Week of Oct. 3-7:
Oct 7:Silent read. Finish writing piece with differences of videos to the story of the 'Tell Tale Heart.' Watch a final video version of Tell Tale Heart.
Oct.6:Silent read. Finish up questions for Tell Tale Heart. Watch 2 videos depicting the 'Tell Tale Heart.' Write a comparison piece on the 2 versions compared to the story we read. One version is animated and other is not.
Oct. 5:Silent read. Tell Tale Heart-. Work on questions.
Oct. 4: Silent read. Tell Tale Heart--read aloud and discuss story. Start questions.
Oct. 3: Silent read. Work on Medicine Bag assignment
Week of Sept 26-29: (Sept 28-29 are PD days and holiday)
Sept 26: Silent read. Read together in class 'Medicine Bag' and discuss.
Sept. 27: Silent read. Do silent reading mini report. Work on 'Medicine Bag' questions/writing.
Week of Sept. 20-23:
Sept 23: Terry Fox Run and House Color activity during English 8.
Sept 22: Silent reading. Work on Monkey's Paw assignments and any overdue work.
Sept. 21: Silent reading. Work on Monkey's Paw assignments.
Sept 20: Silent reading. Go over two video versions of this short story. After this is finished, students will do a short story assignment where they write about the first wisher and the first wisher's 3 wishes, with the last resulting in death.
Sept. 16: Silent reading. Finish up questions for Monkey's Paw. Watch video version of Monkey's Paw (to be finished on Monday)
Sept 15: Finish reading 'The Monkey's Paw.' Get students to do this assignment. Read aloud as a class 'The Monkey's Paw' play in Sightelines 8. Assignment sheet handed out with questions on comprehension.
Monkey’s Paw p. 32-41 Sightlines 8
Sept 14: Silent reading for 20 minutes. Watch the video of 'The Hockey Sweater.' Review discussion from yesterday. Discuss song 'Parents Just don't Understand', by Will Smith. Discuss conformity, relationships with parents and contrast to the 'Hockey Sweater. Start reading 'The Monkey's Paw.'
Sept 13: Do silent reading for 20 minutes. Read story, 'The Hockey Sweater.' Discuss the meaning of 'conforming,' Quebec culture, hockey culture, northern communities, and parental relationships
Sept 12th: Do silent reading for 20 minutes. Write up a silent reading report. Read the story in class, 'Thank-You Ma'am.' p 14 Sightlines 8. After reading the story, we will do some video versions of the story and discuss them. After watching the video version, students will do a written assignment.
After reading, do the following assignment:
Thank You Ma’am p. 14 Sightlines 8
1) Write a paragraph (5-8) sentences, telling me if you think Ms. Luella Jones did the right thing.
2) Pretend that you are Roger (in a few years, so future). You will write a short journal about your experience with Ms. Jones and trying to steal her purse. Write about your reflections of whether the experience changes you and your criminal behavior, or not. Give solid reasons to back up your viewpoint in your writing. (also 5-8 sentences or ½ a page)
Sept 6-9:
Sept 6-8: Read the short story, 'The Veldt.' This will be read aloud and there is a written assignment given with it. There is also a literary analysis sheet to give info on what the story is about. You will be given time in class to do this assignment and hand it in.
Sept. 9: One class is a grade 8 meeting with administration to go over rules of the school. Each day students will silent read for 15-20 minutes. They will write a silent reading report--this is mini book report #1.
Sept. 2nd: Read story in class, 'The Street That Got Mislaid.' p 4 Sightlines. Upon finishing the reading, you will answer the following questions: (handout given in class)
The Street that Got Mislaid by Patrick Waddintion. Pg. 4 Sightlines 8
Find these vocabulary words in the story and give a definition of them as the word is used in the story.
Mislay (verb)
Incantation (noun)
Diminutive (adjective)
Infallible (adjective)
Cobblestone (noun)
Make sure you answer all questions in complete sentences in order to get full marks.
1.What is Marc Girondin’s job? In what department does he work?
2. What was the importance of “his files”?
3. What happened one day to shock Marc?
4. What does he decide to do about it?
5. How does Marc find Green Bottle Street?
6. What does Marc learn about the little community that lives on Green Bottle Street?
7. What decision(s) does Marc make at the end of the story?
8. What would you do in Marc’s place? Why?
9. Do you think if Marc turned in the residents of Green Bottle Street they would charged for not paying their taxes? Explain.
10. Creative response: Write a journal entry, pretending that you are Marc Girondin. You have moved to Green Bottle Street and you will write about how your life is different living with Miss Trusdale and the others. How will you keep your secret of living there? ½ a page to a page
August 27-Sept 2: Get silent reading books from library. These will be read each class for 15-20 minutes and you will write a quick report on what you're reading once a week. This week we will also work on writing paragraphs. Paragraphs will have at least 5-8 sentences with a topic statement, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence (kind of a mini essay, but only a paragraph).
Sept. 3rd: Silent read for 20 minutes. After your reading time, you will write me a quick 5 sentence paragraph telling me what your book is about (I will put some prompters on the board). After you do your silent reading report, you will have time to get
Silent reading mini report:
In a paragraph (5-8 sentences) tell me about the book you’re reading. Include the following:
Your name
-title of the assignment which is: Silent Reading Mini Report
-title, author
-protagonist (main character) and supporting characters
-antagonist (person, force, thing causing conflict for the protagonist)
-Setting-where it takes place (location, era, 50’, 60’s, etc)
-Conflict in the story
-What you like or find interesting so far
Use descriptive writing and add details from the story. I don’t want a whole big recount of the story; I just want a simple summary of what you’ve read so far. I don’t want more than 8 sentences, as it is only a summary.
August 22-26: Worked on an intro letter to teacher. The letter is a formal business letter, typed up and with lots of detail and description. Ms. Irving will edit your rough draft and conference with you so you can make changes. The good copy will have all grammar and spelling errors fixed up and all parts of the business letter done. Select silent reading novels and start silent reading at beginning of each class.
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Irving's English Class Jan 2022
June 13: Final exam for English 8. Starts at 1:00 pm. In room 206 and room 207. 2 hour exam and bring any books that need to be handed in please.
May 29-June 8: Go over Poetic devices and fill in examples of poetic devices. Go over the following song lyrics and analyse: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (alliteration), Goodbye Blue Sky (symbolism, death), El Paso (ballad), Ironic (irony)
Read over: Road Not Taken, Swift Things are Beautiful, Out Out, Snow, Mushrooms, Wind Tapped Like a Tired Old Man, Shooting Baskets. Write a poem to mirror 'Swift Things Are Beautiful.' Go over grammar sheets and semi colons, capitals, commas and clauses.
April 23-May 27: Outsiders novel. We will read and do questions, journals and vocabulary assignments for chapters 1-10. Then we will have a test on the whole novel. We will finish by watching the movie
April 19-22: Start reading our novel study, 'The Outsiders.' Read Ch. 1 on Wednesday and work on questions on Thurs. Silent reading at beginning of class for 15-20 minutes. Friday read 'Chapter 2' and silent reading at beginning of class.
April 4-13: Continue reading aloud in class/discussing the following First Nations short stories: Sara's Gift, Hockey Game, and Charlie. Do a 8-10 sentences summarizing the story; what the story was about, plot, setting, meaning, protagonist/antagonist, conflict and resolution. For discusssion/verbal marks, read and discuss: My Father, We Missed the Bus, Blue Hand Shield. These stories are for discussion marks only, no written assignment.
Read: 'Reluctant Black Hawk' and do question at the end 1 abcde and a short paragraph on a Canadian athlete who has made a difference or who you want to write about.
Read Jack London's 'To Build A Fire.' Discuss the story with the teacher and then do a 'Short Story Elements' sheet identifying the parts of the story.
March 28-April 1st: Read 'Sooshewan, Child of the Beothuk'. Assignment is to write an essay on 'Rites of Passage', and questions at the end of the story. Start First Nations short story unit--Read 'Mountain Legend' and do a 8-10 sentences summarizing the story; what the story was about, plot, setting, meaning, protagonist/antagonist, conflict and resolution
March 21-25: Do silent reading each day for 15 minutes in class. Read (or finish reading) 'Catch' and go over short story elements verbally in class, with marks for verbal discussion participation. Read 'Out on the Ice', about Brian Burke being an advocate for the gay community but coming from the NHL and an unlikely advocate. Do assignment for 'Out on the Ice'.
Feb 28- March 4: Do Mini book report #3. Silent reading every class for 15 minutes with a novel of your choice.
Read and discuss: p. 98 Life Sentence (about eating disorders), p. 103 Making Hockey History (about women's hockey) and p. 52 'Catch'
Feb. 21-24: Read 'Hockey Sweater' on page. 44 and talk about stereotypes, French Canada, and the elements of the short story.
Watch the video version of 'The Hockey Sweater.' Read 'Truth', short story about First Nations and hockey. Do questions and hand in for 'Truth'. Watch Pingue Hockey Game cartoon to compare to Hockey Sweater, as the two represent 'Truth' and Hockey Sweater stories.
Feb. 14-18: Silent reading each day for 15 minutes. Read 'Day of the Butterfly' p 111 by Alice Munroe and discuss and questions for the story. Read 'Dreams' on page 265. Do assignment (an essay response) for 'Dreams' after discussion and hand in.
Feb. 7-11:
Silent reading each day for 20 minutes. You have one silent reading report for this week and this is #2 as we did one already 2 weeks ago. We worked on getting the Tell-Tale Heart questions and Elements of a Short Story sheet done for T.Tale Heart. We read 'The Monkey's Paw', in Sightlines p. 32 aloud and for verbal marks. Wednesday we will work on questions for the Monkey's Paw and the short story telling about the wishes. We will watch 2 versions of 'The Monkey's Paw' (2011 version 29 minutes) and (2016 version 9 minutes) and do a comparison of the play to the video interpretations. Finally, on Friday we will start the horror film from 2013 titled 'The Monkey's Paw.'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugjegclLNhM longer version 29 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4La-ZY88coI&t=479s shorter version 9 minutes
Feb 2-4: Silent read each day for 20 min.(x3 days) Read 'Tell-Tale Heart.' by Edgar Allen Poe. Talk about setting, characterization, point of view, motivation, and other short story elements. Go over questions and answers and then students write out responses in their own words. Work on question sheet with questions about the story, and then re-write the last scene of the story from the perspective of one of the police persons. Watch versions of the Tell Tale Heart: Animated (Annette Jung), Ryan Shovey 2009 version, and Professor Regina Buccola of Roosevelt University analysis of the short story elements and history of Edgar Allan Poe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDLLHTdVSgU animated
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5wAqADsMMU human version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkH0YO7FSFE&t=222s professor analysis
Feb. 1: Silent read for 20 min. Finish off 'Identifying Short Story Elements' sheet for 'Thank You Ma'am.' (finish other half the sheet done in class. Sheet should be completed now and hand in to your folder for mark. Go to theatre to watch another version of 'Thank You Ma'am.' We will go over comparisons of versions tomorrow in class.
Jan 31: Silent read for 20 min. Go over what short story elements are for 'Thank You Ma'am '. Go through the 'Identifying Short Story Elements' sheet for 'Thank You Ma'am.' (got half the sheet done in class, so fill out sheet if you haven't). Go to theatre to watch another version of 'Thank You Ma'am.' We will go over comparisons of versions tomorrow in class and finish the short story elements sheet for 'Thank You Ma'am.'
Jan. 24-28:
Silent reading each class for 15-20 minutes. You will write your book paragraph to let me know what you're reading with the details included below and aim for 5-8 sentences. Work on your grammar, usage, and spelling, as well as writing in complete sentences.
Tues/Wed Jan 25/26: Read 'The Street that Got Mislaid', pg 4-11 in Sightlines 8. I have an assignment with questions, vocabulary and short journal entry.
p. 176 Read together and discuss p. 176 'Why Canada Has to Beat Its Literacy Problem.' Talk about illiteracy, what it means, how it affects people, and how language ties in to everything we do in daily living.
Thur Jan 27: Silent read and finish up assignment for 'Street That Got Mislaid' (10-15 minutes max). If everybody is done, we'll mark it in class and hand it in. If everybody not done, then we'll read short story, 'Thank You, Ma'am' p. 14 and give out assignment for this story. Watch a few video versions of 'Thank You Ma'am'.
Fri Jan 28: Work on all assignments for the week and hand in if not done so: 'Street..Mislaid,' 'Thank You, Ma'am', 'Canada Has to Beat Literacy Problem.' Also one mini book report paragraph handed in.
Jan. 17-21: Go over class expectations and rules. Talk about how marks are given, writing, participation in discussions, bathroom and cell phone rules, and homework. First assignment is an intro letter. Students will write out or type out a rough copy. I will help them edit the rough copy. Then the good copy will be edited and handed in. Irving will edit your rough draft and conference with you so you can make changes. The good copy will have all grammar and spelling errors fixed up and all parts of the business letter done.
Get silent reading books from library. These will be read each class for 15-20 minutes and you will write a quick report on what you're reading once a week. This week we will also work on writing paragraphs. These paragraphs will have at least 5-8 sentences with a topic statement, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence (kind of a mini essay, but only a paragraph). Mini book report paragraphs will include:
author, title of book, what it's about, why you chose it. I will add in other details to include over the semester.
Ms. Irving's English 8 assignment page:
DEC 15TH: Novel project is due--hand in a writing project and an artistic project.
Dec. 16,17,18: Start poetry unit
Dec 16: Do a novel-movie comparison essay of the Outsiders. Assignment sheet has been given out in class, so if you are not here you need to get it.
Dec. 14/15: Watch 'Outsiders' movie in class
Dec 11: Read out 'Outsiders' play in class.
Dec. 10: Time to work on novel project.
Dec. 8/9: Test on 'The Outsiders.' Test must be done in class (if you are absent, you will be required to do it at lunch time)
Dec. 7: Give out Outsiders novel project. Students will have time to work on it this class. Tomorrow (Tues) we will have a test on the novel, in class.
Dec 4: Work on chapter 10 questions for 1/2 hour, and read 11/12 to finish the novel.
Dec. 3: Silent read, check homework for ch 9, and read ch 10.
Dec. 2: Silent read, time to work on ch 9
Dec. 1: Silent read, read ch 9 in class
Nov. 30: Silent read, work on ch 8 and if you're missing anything else
Nov 27: School off
Nov 26: Silent reading and work on ch 8 (homework over the weekend)
Nov 25 Silent reading and read and discuss ch 8
Nov. 24 Silent read, work on ch 6/7 assignment
Nov. 23: Read and discuss chapter 6 and 7.
Nov. 20: PD day
Nov. 19: Silent reading; finish reading chapter 5, and time to work on chapter 5 assignment. Ch 5 is due on Tuesday for marking but will homework checked on Mon Nov 23
Nov. 18: Silent read. Correct chapter 3 assignment and hand in. Time to finish off Chapter 4 assignment, and read chapter 5 in class.
Nov. 17: Silent reading. Chapter 3 questions due, but will be marked tomorrow (Wed). Time to work on Chapter 4 assignment.
Nov. 16: Finish up letters to pen pals in Nova Scotia
Nov. 13: Silent reading. Finish up reading chapter 4.
Nov 12: Silent reading. Write a letter to a student in Nova Scotia, through a pen pal program. You will work on this over this class.
Nov 10: Remembrance Day ceremony and lecture in class.
Nov. 9: Silent reading, go over pen pal letters with Nova Scotia class, Share the Spirt-bring $5 to sponsor s child for Christmas, and time to work on Chapter 3 assignment.
Nov. 6: Silent reading, mini book report #9, chapter 3 finish reading and start chapter 4
Nov. 5: Silent reading, chapter 3 start reading
Nov. 4: Silent reading, chapter 2 finish questions
Nov 3: Silent reading, Chapter 1 of Outsiders due, read and work on Chapter 2 of Outsiders
Nov 2: Crazy snow day--not many students, so did not do anything for homework or marks today
Oct 30: Silent reading, read 'Beowulf' and 'Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde' plays in class today.
Oct 29: Silent reading and read Chapter 2 of Outsiders in class together.
Oct 27/28: Silent reading--time to work on Outsiders chapter questions, journal and crossword. Correct chapter 1 questions in class, hand in all chapter one work by Friday.
Oct 26: Silent reading, and finish chapter one of Outsiders in class together.
Oct 23: Silent reading. Start the Outsiders novel. Read chapter 1 in class together.
Oct 22: Silent reading. Correct the tests, talk about the errors and hand in. Go over mistakes.
Oct 21: Grammar test. Write out the two paragraphs and correct all mistakes. Then do a 5 question multiple choice test.
Oct 20: Silent reading. All grammar sheets should be completed and then handed in, including the two paragraphs.
Oct 16/19: Silent reading Finish up grammar sheets. Do not do last application on p. 29, as that will be done on a separate sheet. Do all other exercises.
Oct 15: Silent reading. Work on writing out the paragraph correctly on p 22 under 'Application.' Put your name, date, and title: Application Sentence Fragments p 22
Oct 14: Silent reading. Work on grammar sheets and verbally go over: p 19-22 Practice 1, practice 2, 3, 4, 5 and fill out on the sheet together
Oct 13: silent reading. Work on grammar sheets, and do Practice Exercises 4,5,6. On pg 18, under the Application exercise, re-write the 3 paragraphs fixing the sentence fragments. We will mark in class and then hand it in.
Oct 9: Silent reading and silent reading mini report #6; Grammar work; Sentence fragments--work together on Practice Exercise 1, 2, 3. (adding in commas, linking sentence fragments to make complete sentences)
Oct 7/8: Day of the Butterfly p. 111 Sightlines 8 and question assignment
Oct 6: Silent read and time to work on questions for 'Out on the Ice'
Oct. 1, 2, 5: Silent read. Finish off article and discussion for 'Out on the Ice' and then do the written assignment for it. Mon. Oct 5th is a mark update and day to catch up on any overdue assignments.
Sept 30: Silent read. Do #5 silent reading mini book report. Start reading 'Out on the Ice,' by Brian Burke and discuss homophobia in hockey.
Sept 29: Silent read. Read WP Kinsella's short story, 'Truth'. Talk about stereotypes, politically correct language, pre conceived ideas of First Nations and French Canadians. Answer questions together in class.
Sept 28: Silent reading, finish off the play in Sightlines, See Saw, pg 82 and discuss characterization. Then read 'The Hockey Sweater', and discuss irony, moral, theme, protagonist, antagonist, symbolism, setting, dialect, and cultural significance to the story. Watch the NFB's version of the story, animated, on Youtube and read the presentation analysis of the story on this website: https://prezi.com/jxvx2gt7piyd/the-hockey-sweater/
Sept 25: Silent reading, mini silent reading report #4, and read p 73 See Saw. Got to page 82
Sept 24: Fire drill (period 1) silent reading, finish 'The Cool Crowd' reading and discussion
Sept 23: Finish up discussing short story elements and read short story, 'Ambush' on pg 60 and discuss what it means to kill somebody in a war situation. Start reading 'The Cool Crowd' on pg. 68 and discuss cliques in school, negatives and positives of belonging to a social group
Sept 22: Silent read and go over elements of a short story for CATCH (sheet given out)
Elements of a Short Story Short story title and author: _________________________
Identify each of the elements for short story being studied.
1 Antagonist: The antagonist is the major character or force that opposes the protagonist
2 atmosphere: is the mood of the story
3 characterization: is a method for presenting qualities or features of a character in a story
Pick 3 characters to give descriptions for:
4 Climax: Is the highest point of emotional intensity or the main crisis
5 Conflict: struggle between two opposing characters or forces. There are 3 main types:
A Conflict between a character and the environment, nature or society (external)
B Conflict between 2 characters (external)
C Conflict within a character (internal); a conflict with their thoughts/emotions
Which type of conflict is this story? How do you know?
6 Crisis: a moment of intense conflict leading up to the main crisis, which is the climax
7 denouement: the resolution of the conflict; matters are explained or resolved
8 dialect: is a form of speech characteristic of a region, social class, or people
9 dilemma: situation in which a character must make a difficult choice between two undesirable choices or alternatives
10 foreshadowing: gives a hint of what is to happen later in the story
11 irony: is a device which reveals contradictory meanings (like Alanis Morsette’s song: ‘It’s Like Rain on Your Wedding Day.’
12 Moral: Implied lesson in the story
13 motivation: what causes a character to do what they do
14 plot: organization of incidents within a story is the plot
15 Point of view: is the perspective from which the story is told. There are 3 types:
A First person narrative: protagonist telling their own story directly to the reader (uses ‘I)
B Limited Omniscient narrative or third person: refers to main character as ‘he’, ‘she’ or ‘them’ and shows us only what the one character thinks/feels- from the perspective of somebody outside of the story
C Omniscient narrative: reveals the minds of several or all characters
Which type is this story?
16 Protagonist: is the main character of the story or who the story centers around
17 rising action: is the event(s) that lead up to the climax or to the most imp. part of the story
18 setting: is the time and place of the story
19 stereotype: a widely held but fixed or oversimplified image or idea of a person or thing
20 symbolism: is something that stands for something else
21 theme: central or main idea of the story
Sept 21: Silent read and then read 'Catch' p 51 from Sightlines and discuss elements of a short story
Sept 18 Terry Fox Run
Sept 17: Work on Tell Tale Heart assignment --this was handed out in class.
Sept 16: Silent reading. Watch second film about Tell Tale Heart and then work on questions
Sept 15: Read 'Tell Tale Heart' and watch film about the story
Tell Tale Heart Questions by Edgar Allen Poe
1 Why does the narrator lead the policemen to the old man’s room? Why does he say the police ‘knew’ that the body was hidden there? Do you agree with his perception? Comment.
2 What is the narrator’s motivation for murder? Is it valid? Why or why not?
3 What is the narrator’s nervous disease? Have you ever known or heard about somebody developing a nervous reaction after doing something they felt guilty about? What kind of nervous disorder did the person develop? What happened?
4 What are some of the conflicts in the story? What effect does telling the story from the narrator’s point of view have on the development of conflict?
5 What are the two main symbols in the story? What does each one represent? What is one other symbol Poe might have chosen?
6 Rewrite the final scene of the story from the perspective of one of the constables (policepersons) You might wish to write the official report filed by them.
Spelling: schizophrenia
Sept. 14: Silent read and mini book report 2 due. Finish up Terry Fox business letters, if not done
Sept. 11: Time to work on your Monkey's Paw assignment. Do questions and write your short story. We will watch a short film of the Monkey's Paw.
Sept. 10: Read aloud as a class 'The Monkey's Paw' play in Sightelines 8. Assignment sheet:
Monkey’s Paw p. 32-41 Sightlines 8
Questions: Answer in complete sentences incorporating the question into the answer.
1. Suspense: How does the author create suspense in the story? (think of hints of what’s about to come, or foreshadowing)
2. Coincidence: What does coincidence mean? (you can look up a definition or explain it in your own words). How does coincidence play a role in the play?
3. Write a short story about how the first owner of the paw ended up wishing for death. In your short story, include the following:
-a title for your story
-your character’s name, and a description of that person (elderly or young, man or woman, etc.)
-where your story takes place (setting—time and place, with description)
-what the three wishes are, in detail, and make sure it’s clear how they are linked
-use paragraphs and complete sentences to write your story
-a beginning, middle and an end
Length: A minimum of one page, maximum of two pages.
Sept. 9: Silent read 20 minutes. Finish Terry Fox donation letters, edit with teacher, and print and sign.
Sept. 8: Silent read 20 minutes. Work on Terry Fox donation request letters. Use the class to write a rough copy and type it up.
Sept 4: Silent read for 20 minutes. Give assignment update sheet--students will go through their folders and have a work period to get any work not handed in done. Anything not done from Aug. 20-Sept 4th is due on Tuesday, Sept. 8th.
Sept. 3rd: Silent read for 20 minutes. After your reading time, you will write me a quick 5 sentence paragraph telling me what your book is about (I will put some prompters on the board). After you do your silent reading report, you will have time to get 'The Street That Got Mislaid' assignment done, or any other assignments done that are not yet handed in.
Silent reading mini report:
In a paragraph (5-8 sentences) tell me about the book you’re reading. Include the following:
Your name
-title of the assignment which is: Silent Reading Mini Report
-title, author
-protagonist (main character) and supporting characters
-antagonist (person, force, thing causing conflict for the protagonist)
-Setting-where it takes place (location, era, 50’, 60’s, etc)
-Conflict in the story
-What you like or find interesting so far
Use descriptive writing and add details from the story. I don’t want a whole big recount of the story; I just want a simple summary of what you’ve read so far. I don’t want more than 8 sentences, as it is only a summary.
Sept. 2nd: Read story in class, 'The Street That Got Mislaid.' p 4 Sightlines. Upon finishing the reading, you will answer the following questions: (handout given in class)
The Street that Got Mislaid by Patrick Waddintion. Pg. 4 Sightlines 8
Find these vocabulary words in the story and give a definition of them as the word is used in the story.
Mislay (verb)
Incantation (noun)
Diminutive (adjective)
Infallible (adjective)
Cobblestone (noun)
Make sure you answer all questions in complete sentences in order to get full marks.
1.What is Marc Girondin’s job? In what department does he work?
2. What was the importance of “his files”?
3. What happened one day to shock Marc?
4. What does he decide to do about it?
5. How does Marc find Green Bottle Street?
6. What does Marc learn about the little community that lives on Green Bottle Street?
7. What decision(s) does Marc make at the end of the story?
8. What would you do in Marc’s place? Why?
9. Do you think if Marc turned in the residents of Green Bottle Street they would charged for not paying their taxes? Explain.
10. Creative response: Write a journal entry, pretending that you are Marc Girondin. You have moved to Green Bottle Street and you will write about how your life is different living with Miss Trusdale and the others. How will you keep your secret of living there? ½ a page to a page
Sept. 1st: Read the story in class, 'Thank-You Ma'am.' p 14 Sightlines 8 After reading, do the following assignment:
Thank You Ma’am p. 14 Sightlines 8
1) Write a paragraph (5-8) sentences, telling me if you think Ms. Luella Jones did the right thing.
2) Pretend that you are Roger (in a few years, so future). You will write a short journal about your experience with Ms. Jones and trying to steal her purse. Write about your reflections of whether the experience changes you and your criminal behavior, or not. Give solid reasons to back up your viewpoint in your writing. (also 5-8 sentences or ½ a page)
Aug 28-Sept 1st (due on Sept. 1st): Read in 'Sightlines 8' on page 265 'Dreams'. You will respond to the story dreams with the following writing assignment:
Dreams p. 265 Sightlines 8
Write a respons to the story, ‘Dreams.’ Contrast some activities or jobs associated with living in the Yukon to activities/jobs that are more associated with living in a big city, like Toronto or Vancouver. Towards the end of your writing, tell me where you see yourself living and working as an adult. Length: ½ a page to a page or (8-10 sentences).
If you aren’t sure how to start it, you can borrow my intro: (you will write the rest of it; this is just to get you started if you’re stuck)
In our English 8 class, we read about a man and his dream for his career. He ended up not following his dream and working in Toronto. I’m going to contrast jobs/activities associated with the city to jobs/activities associated with the Yukon.
August 25-27: Get silent reading books from library. These will be read each class for 15-20 minutes and you will write a quick report on what you're reading once a week. This week we will also work on writing paragraphs. These paragraphs will have at least 5-8 sentences with a topic statement, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence (kind of a mini essay, but only a paragraph). Students should aim to do 3 paragraphs but one or two (minimum)
August 20-25: Worked on an intro letter to teacher. The letter is a formal business letter, typed up and with lots of detail and description. Ms. Irving will edit your rough draft and conference with you so you can make changes. The good copy will have all grammar and spelling errors fixed up and all parts of the business letter done.
April 8-12: Silent read, finish 'Day of Butterfly' sheet. Do an 'Elements of a Short Story' discussion and sheet for 'Day of the Butterfly. Work on some grammar sheets, on 'End Marks'
April 1-5: Watch video version of 'The Veldt' and discuss. Read 'Day of the Butterfly' and do questions on Thursday, Friday.
March 25-29: Read 'See Saw' tog. aloud, p. 74 of Sightlines. Do Question 1, Character sketch. Read 'The Veldt' p 248 Sightlines. Read, discuss and do questions for it.
March 4-8- Read 'Catch' by Sarah Ellis from our Sightlines Book. Do analysis of 'Elements of a Short Story' for Catch.
Watch https://vimeo.com/701468266 Tell Tale Heart #1 video and discussion on differences between story and video
Thurs and Friday we will watch some other versions of Tell-Tale Heart and discuss differences between story and videos
On Friday March 8th we will do Silent reading report #4.
Feb 29-March 1: Read 'Tell-Tale Heart' and do written questions about the story. Write a police report retelling story from police person's perspective.
Feb 26-28: Finish Money's Paw Hollywood movie. Do a discussion about differences between movie and play and then write 1 to 2 paragraphs about the differences. We did a brain storm on the board and went over how to write an effective paragraph with topic sentences and ideas that contributed to the main idea of the paragraph.
Feb 19-22: Silent reading daily. Read "Thank You Ma'am' and do 2 paragraphs about the short story about Roger. This is on an assignment sheet. We will also watch a few versions on Youtube of the story told through video and discuss comparisons.
Feb 14-15: Finish off your written short stories about first wisher. Then you will do peer sharing where you read somebody's else's story and fill out a sheet about what you liked and any improvements that could be made.
Feb. 13: Silent reading, do Silent reading min book report #2. Time to work on Monkey's Paw story.
Feb. 12: Read Monkey's Paw p. 32-41 and do questions and write a short story about how the first owner wished for death. Short story is to be 1-2 pages, and assignment is given out in class.
Feb. 5-9: Silent reading, Cannibis presentation in library, and watch 'The Duplex' to draw conclusions of living in a rental with some bad renters, as Marc Girondin does in 'Street that Got Mislaid.'
Jan.31-Feb 2nd: Read story in class, 'The Street That Got Mislaid.' p 4 Sightlines. Upon finishing the reading, you will answer the following questions: (handout given in class)
The Street that Got Mislaid by Patrick Waddintion. Pg. 4 Sightlines 8
Find these vocabulary words in the story and give a definition of them as the word is used in the story.
Mislay (verb)
Incantation (noun)
Diminutive (adjective)
Infallible (adjective)
Cobblestone (noun)
Make sure you answer all questions in complete sentences in order to get full marks.
1.What is Marc Girondin’s job? In what department does he work?
2. What was the importance of “his files”?
3. What happened one day to shock Marc?
4. What does he decide to do about it?
5. How does Marc find Green Bottle Street?
6. What does Marc learn about the little community that lives on Green Bottle Street?
7. What decision(s) does Marc make at the end of the story?
8. What would you do in Marc’s place? Why?
9. Do you think if Marc turned in the residents of Green Bottle Street they would charged for not paying their taxes? Explain.
10. Creative response: Write a journal entry, pretending that you are Marc Girondin. You have moved to Green Bottle Street and you will write about how your life is different living with Miss Trusdale and the others. How will you keep your secret of living there? ½ a page to a page
Get silent reading books from library. These will be read each class for 15-20 minutes and you will write a quick report on what you're reading once a week. This week we will also work on writing paragraphs. Paragraphs will have at least 5-8 sentences with a topic statement, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence (kind of a mini essay, but only a paragraph).
Jan. 26: Silent read for 20 minutes. After your reading time, you will write me a quick 5 sentence paragraph telling me what your book is about (I will put some prompters on the board). After you do your silent reading report, you will have time to get
Silent reading mini report:
In a paragraph (5-8 sentences) tell me about the book you’re reading. Include the following:
Your name
-title of the assignment which is: Silent Reading Mini Report
-title, author
-protagonist (main character) and supporting characters
-antagonist (person, force, thing causing conflict for the protagonist)
-Setting-where it takes place (location, era, 50’, 60’s, etc)
-Conflict in the story
-What you like or find interesting so far
Use descriptive writing and add details from the story. I don’t want a whole big recount of the story; I just want a simple summary of what you’ve read so far. I don’t want more than 8 sentences, as it is only a summary.
January 22-26: Worked on an intro letter to teacher. The letter is a formal business letter, typed up and with lots of detail and description. Ms. Irving will edit your rough draft and conference with you so you can make changes. The good copy will have all grammar and spelling errors fixed up and all parts of the business letter done. Select silent reading novels and start silent reading at beginning of each class.
Irving-English 8 August 2023. Semester 1
October 3-6:
Read 'The Reluctant Blackhawk' and discuss the story of Freddy Sasakamoose and the NHL. Discuss residential school, living in cities compared to the reserve, family and influence of wealthy and famous. Do questions 1 abcde, and question 4. Question 4 is to write about a Canadian athlete who has made an impact. You will do Silent reading report #4 this week.
Sept 25-29:
Read 'Scenes from a Long Marriage' and discuss residential school, living in the Yukon bush, and do questions and creative writing (journal) of what an ideal wedding celebration would look like. You will do Silent reading report #3 this week.
Sept 18-22:
Day 4 and 5: Silent read. You will do Silent reading report #2 this week. Finish writing piece with differences of videos to the story of the 'Tell Tale Heart.' Watch a final video version of Tell Tale Heart.
Day 3: :Silent read. Finish up questions for Tell Tale Heart. Watch 2 videos depicting the 'Tell Tale Heart.' Write a comparison piece on the 2 versions compared to the story we read. One version is animated and other is not.
Day 2: Silent read. Tell Tale Heart-. Work on questions.
Day 1: Silent read. Tell Tale Heart--read aloud and discuss story. Start questions.
Sept 14: Silent reading for 20 minutes. Watch the video of 'The Hockey Sweater.' Review discussion from yesterday. Discuss song 'Parents Just don't Understand', by Will Smith. Discuss conformity, relationships with parents and contrast to the 'Hockey Sweater. Start reading 'The Monkey's Paw.'
Sept 13: Do silent reading for 20 minutes. Read story, 'The Hockey Sweater.' Discuss the meaning of 'conforming,' Quebec culture, hockey culture, northern communities, and parental relationships
Sept. 13-15: Work on Terry Fox sponsorship letters to local businesses. Watch Terry Fox documentary and discuss.
Sept 12: Video comparisons from 'Thank You Ma'am' are due
Sept 5th-8th: Do silent reading for 20 minutes. You will write 'Silent reading report #1' this week. Read the story in class, 'Thank-You Ma'am.' p 14 Sightlines 8. After reading the story, we will do some video versions of the story and discuss them. After watching the video version, students will do a written assignment. We will analyse and compare videos from: Video 1: Authentic one Video 2: Modern one Video 3: Animated cheesy one
After reading, do the following assignment:
Thank You Ma’am p. 14 Sightlines 8
1) Write a paragraph (5-8) sentences, telling me if you think Ms. Luella Jones did the right thing.
2) Pretend that you are Roger (in a few years, so future). You will write a short journal about your experience with Ms. Jones and trying to steal her purse. Write about your reflections of whether the experience changes you and your criminal behavior, or not. Give solid reasons to back up your viewpoint in your writing. (also 5-8 sentences or ½ a page)
August 28-Sept.1st: Read story in class, 'The Street That Got Mislaid.' p 4 Sightlines. Upon finishing the reading, you will answer the following questions: (handout given in class)
The Street that Got Mislaid by Patrick Waddintion. Pg. 4 Sightlines 8
Find these vocabulary words in the story and give a definition of them as the word is used in the story.
Mislay (verb)
Incantation (noun)
Diminutive (adjective)
Infallible (adjective)
Cobblestone (noun)
Make sure you answer all questions in complete sentences in order to get full marks.
1.What is Marc Girondin’s job? In what department does he work?
2. What was the importance of “his files”?
3. What happened one day to shock Marc?
4. What does he decide to do about it?
5. How does Marc find Green Bottle Street?
6. What does Marc learn about the little community that lives on Green Bottle Street?
7. What decision(s) does Marc make at the end of the story?
8. What would you do in Marc’s place? Why?
9. Do you think if Marc turned in the residents of Green Bottle Street they would charged for not paying their taxes? Explain.
10. Creative response: Write a journal entry, pretending that you are Marc Girondin. You have moved to Green Bottle Street and you will write about how your life is different living with Miss Trusdale and the others. How will you keep your secret of living there? ½ a page to a page
August 28-Sept 1st: Get silent reading books from library. These will be read each class for 15-20 minutes and you will write a quick report on what you're reading once a week. This week we will also work on writing paragraphs. Paragraphs will have at least 5-8 sentences with a topic statement, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence (kind of a mini essay, but only a paragraph).
Sept. 5th: Silent read for 20 minutes. After your reading time, you will write me a quick 5 sentence paragraph telling me what your book is about (I will put some prompters on the board). After you do your silent reading report, you will have time to get
Silent reading mini report:
In a paragraph (5-8 sentences) tell me about the book you’re reading. Include the following:
Your name
-title of the assignment which is: Silent Reading Mini Report
-title, author
-protagonist (main character) and supporting characters
-antagonist (person, force, thing causing conflict for the protagonist)
-Setting-where it takes place (location, era, 50’, 60’s, etc)
-Conflict in the story
-What you like or find interesting so far
Use descriptive writing and add details from the story. I don’t want a whole big recount of the story; I just want a simple summary of what you’ve read so far. I don’t want more than 8 sentences, as it is only a summary.
August 22-26: Worked on an intro letter to teacher. The letter is a formal business letter, typed up and with lots of detail and description. Ms. Irving will edit your rough draft and conference with you so you can make changes. The good copy will have all grammar and spelling errors fixed up and all parts of the business letter done. Select silent reading novels and start silent reading at beginning of each class.
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Irving-English 8 8:40-10:00 am Semester 2
Week 11: April 11-14
Week 10: April 3-7
Week 9: March 27-31
Week 8: March 6-March 10
Week 7: Feb 27- March 3
Week 6: Feb 20-24
Silent reading each day
Silent reading #3 due this week
'Scenes From a Long Marriage'--questions and wedding journal due
Week 5: Feb 13-17:
Mon Feb 13: Course selections with Ms. Seymour, silent reading
Tues Feb 14: Silent reading, silent reading # 2 mini book report,
do 'Dreams' assignment. 2 paragraphs as there are two questions to answer
Tue tomorrow
Wed. Feb 15: Listen to podcast on CBC: www.npr.org/2022/02/09/107.....
Title: How to Turn A Break-Up Into a New Beginning.
-Notes on the board
-discuss
Thurs Feb 16:
Go to play, 'Blindside.' Prior to going to play work on any overdue assignments.
Fri Feb 17 Read 'Scenes from a Long Marriage.' Read aloud, discuss and and do assignment for the article. You will have time for this today and Monday. It is due on Tues Feb 22.
Week 4: Feb 6-10
Silent reading report #2 is due this week
Silent reading beginning of each class
'Veldt' assignment work on in class, due this week
Read 'Catch' p 51 Sightlines 8 and do elements of short story sheet
Read 'Northern Life' p 243 in Sightlines 8 and discuss dreams
Read 'Dreams' p 265 in Sightlines 8 and discuss east coast, jobs, family dynamics and dreams
All work is due today. If you are behind, get caught up on weekend.
Week 3: Jan 30-Feb 3
Thank You Ma'am assignments given and due--video comparisons of 2 videos of we watched
Questions of Thank you Ma'am due
Read and discuss 'The Veldt' and give out assignment for it.
Watch the 20 min movie of 'The Veldt'
Week 2: (Jan 23-27)
-Rough drafts of Intro. business letters are due.
Friday Jan 27--time to type edits from the rough draft and finish the good copy
Thurs Jan 26: read Thank You Ma'am and discuss as we're reading it-- themes, characters, inferences.
Silent reading: Daily for 20 minutes, start of class, novel of your choice
Wed Jan 25: Do Silent Reading mini report #1. Assignment given out in class. 1/2 a page or 5-8 sentences on the content asked about in the assignment.
Week 1: Jan 17-20
-Introductions, go over rules in class:
No phones, no ear buds or head phones, hoods down in class, bathroom break rules, silent reading each day, and most important--I want each student to succeed, so having plans for success
-Write very detailed, descriptive 'Intro Letter' assignment to me. I gave out this assignment in class. This letter will be your rough draft, and it must be typed. I will give time and computers to use in class. Once finished, you will print it and I will edit it with you and go over grammar details.
Read in class, 'The Street That Got Mislaid.' Discuss taxes, filing clerks, landlords, rentals, and the themes/ideas from the story in class. Work on written assignment -- questions, definitions, and a journal entry from Marc Girondin. This is due on Monday Jan 23rd.
Silent reading--20 minutes at start of class each day.
Irving-English 8 Sept 2022
Nov.
Nov 14-18: Read Sooshewan, Child of the Beothuk. Discuss. Answer questions 1 a,b,c and for d do a 1 page response on rites of passage. (this is on the assignment sheet).
Read Chapter 1 of Outsiders novel and do questions, crosswords and journals in complete sentences. Journals should be a paragraph.
Read Chapter 2 of Outsiders and do questions, crosswords and journals in complete sentences. Journals should be a paragraph.
Nov. 10: Watch presentation and discuss on 'Indigeonous contributions in the WW wars'
Nov. 9: Silent reading and read "Raoul' story in our Sightlines book and discuss WW1 and WW2.
Nov. 8: Silent reading. Read 'Ambush' in Sightlines 8 (story about a soldier killing another person) and discuss it and how it relates to Remembrance Day.
Nov 7: Work period to get any work not handed in done. Students all caught up will work on previous assignments about Ouija boards and their history (which ties in with Richard Van Camp story)
Nov. 1-4
Nov 4: Student health survey for whole class. This involves reading and responding and will take the entire class. Whole school is doing this.
Nov. 3: Work period to get any work not handed in done. Students all caught up will work on previous assignments about Ouija boards and their history (which ties in with Richard Van Camp story)
Nov. 2: Work period to get any work not handed in done. Students all caught up will work on previous assignments about Ouija boards and their history (which ties in with Richard Van Camp story)
Nov. 1: Silent reading and do a response to the radio program 'Scary Stories about Indigenous Country'. We will brainstorm ideas about what we listened to and you will do a response for each story, the Van Camp one and Murdoch stories.
Oct. 31: Halloween! Listen to CBC radio program, 'Unreserved.' Host is Suzanna Deerchild and we will focus on two stories; one is told by Richard Van Camp (about the camp and the demons). and other is by Isaac Murdoch about Wendigo. We will listen to these stories, discuss them and then write a quick response to them tomorrow.
Oct 24-28:
Oct 17-21:
Oct 21: Silent read for 20 min. Worked on 'Short Story Elements' sheet, identifying short story elements for the short story 'Catch.'
Oct. 20: Silent read 20 min. Read and discuss short story "Catch' by Sarah Ellis p 51 Sightlines 8. We got to page 58 and will finish the story tomorrow and do an assignment.
Oct. 19: Silent read; mini book report #4 assigned for silent reading. Read and discuss It's called "Life Sentence" by Nicole Axworthy. We discussed eating disorders, gender views of bodies, and how/why/what eating disorders are. Since we did the work solely as a discussion, if student is absent, could write a half page on what they think about eating disorders, and the above topics we discussed.
p98 Sightlines 8 book, but probably on internet.
Oct 18: Silent reading and work period as work on any overdue work from students.
Oct 17: Silent reading and work period to get caught up on work.
Week of Oct. 11-14:
Oct. 14:
Oct 13: Work on worksheets for L.A.P.P.^; discuss what we saw, heard and learned at Long Ago People's Place
Oct 12: Long Ago People's Place. Spend the day and learn cultural customs and history of Yukon First Nations from Harold and Meta
Oct. 11: Silent reading for 20 min. Then read silently 'On The Sidewalk Bleeding.' You will be given an assignment sheet to do on this. Due on Friday.
Week of Oct. 3-7:
Oct 7:Silent read. Finish writing piece with differences of videos to the story of the 'Tell Tale Heart.' Watch a final video version of Tell Tale Heart.
Oct.6:Silent read. Finish up questions for Tell Tale Heart. Watch 2 videos depicting the 'Tell Tale Heart.' Write a comparison piece on the 2 versions compared to the story we read. One version is animated and other is not.
Oct. 5:Silent read. Tell Tale Heart-. Work on questions.
Oct. 4: Silent read. Tell Tale Heart--read aloud and discuss story. Start questions.
Oct. 3: Silent read. Work on Medicine Bag assignment
Week of Sept 26-29: (Sept 28-29 are PD days and holiday)
Sept 26: Silent read. Read together in class 'Medicine Bag' and discuss.
Sept. 27: Silent read. Do silent reading mini report. Work on 'Medicine Bag' questions/writing.
Week of Sept. 20-23:
Sept 23: Terry Fox Run and House Color activity during English 8.
Sept 22: Silent reading. Work on Monkey's Paw assignments and any overdue work.
Sept. 21: Silent reading. Work on Monkey's Paw assignments.
Sept 20: Silent reading. Go over two video versions of this short story. After this is finished, students will do a short story assignment where they write about the first wisher and the first wisher's 3 wishes, with the last resulting in death.
Sept. 16: Silent reading. Finish up questions for Monkey's Paw. Watch video version of Monkey's Paw (to be finished on Monday)
Sept 15: Finish reading 'The Monkey's Paw.' Get students to do this assignment. Read aloud as a class 'The Monkey's Paw' play in Sightelines 8. Assignment sheet handed out with questions on comprehension.
Monkey’s Paw p. 32-41 Sightlines 8
Sept 14: Silent reading for 20 minutes. Watch the video of 'The Hockey Sweater.' Review discussion from yesterday. Discuss song 'Parents Just don't Understand', by Will Smith. Discuss conformity, relationships with parents and contrast to the 'Hockey Sweater. Start reading 'The Monkey's Paw.'
Sept 13: Do silent reading for 20 minutes. Read story, 'The Hockey Sweater.' Discuss the meaning of 'conforming,' Quebec culture, hockey culture, northern communities, and parental relationships
Sept 12th: Do silent reading for 20 minutes. Write up a silent reading report. Read the story in class, 'Thank-You Ma'am.' p 14 Sightlines 8. After reading the story, we will do some video versions of the story and discuss them. After watching the video version, students will do a written assignment.
After reading, do the following assignment:
Thank You Ma’am p. 14 Sightlines 8
1) Write a paragraph (5-8) sentences, telling me if you think Ms. Luella Jones did the right thing.
2) Pretend that you are Roger (in a few years, so future). You will write a short journal about your experience with Ms. Jones and trying to steal her purse. Write about your reflections of whether the experience changes you and your criminal behavior, or not. Give solid reasons to back up your viewpoint in your writing. (also 5-8 sentences or ½ a page)
Sept 6-9:
Sept 6-8: Read the short story, 'The Veldt.' This will be read aloud and there is a written assignment given with it. There is also a literary analysis sheet to give info on what the story is about. You will be given time in class to do this assignment and hand it in.
Sept. 9: One class is a grade 8 meeting with administration to go over rules of the school. Each day students will silent read for 15-20 minutes. They will write a silent reading report--this is mini book report #1.
Sept. 2nd: Read story in class, 'The Street That Got Mislaid.' p 4 Sightlines. Upon finishing the reading, you will answer the following questions: (handout given in class)
The Street that Got Mislaid by Patrick Waddintion. Pg. 4 Sightlines 8
Find these vocabulary words in the story and give a definition of them as the word is used in the story.
Mislay (verb)
Incantation (noun)
Diminutive (adjective)
Infallible (adjective)
Cobblestone (noun)
Make sure you answer all questions in complete sentences in order to get full marks.
1.What is Marc Girondin’s job? In what department does he work?
2. What was the importance of “his files”?
3. What happened one day to shock Marc?
4. What does he decide to do about it?
5. How does Marc find Green Bottle Street?
6. What does Marc learn about the little community that lives on Green Bottle Street?
7. What decision(s) does Marc make at the end of the story?
8. What would you do in Marc’s place? Why?
9. Do you think if Marc turned in the residents of Green Bottle Street they would charged for not paying their taxes? Explain.
10. Creative response: Write a journal entry, pretending that you are Marc Girondin. You have moved to Green Bottle Street and you will write about how your life is different living with Miss Trusdale and the others. How will you keep your secret of living there? ½ a page to a page
August 27-Sept 2: Get silent reading books from library. These will be read each class for 15-20 minutes and you will write a quick report on what you're reading once a week. This week we will also work on writing paragraphs. Paragraphs will have at least 5-8 sentences with a topic statement, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence (kind of a mini essay, but only a paragraph).
Sept. 3rd: Silent read for 20 minutes. After your reading time, you will write me a quick 5 sentence paragraph telling me what your book is about (I will put some prompters on the board). After you do your silent reading report, you will have time to get
Silent reading mini report:
In a paragraph (5-8 sentences) tell me about the book you’re reading. Include the following:
Your name
-title of the assignment which is: Silent Reading Mini Report
-title, author
-protagonist (main character) and supporting characters
-antagonist (person, force, thing causing conflict for the protagonist)
-Setting-where it takes place (location, era, 50’, 60’s, etc)
-Conflict in the story
-What you like or find interesting so far
Use descriptive writing and add details from the story. I don’t want a whole big recount of the story; I just want a simple summary of what you’ve read so far. I don’t want more than 8 sentences, as it is only a summary.
August 22-26: Worked on an intro letter to teacher. The letter is a formal business letter, typed up and with lots of detail and description. Ms. Irving will edit your rough draft and conference with you so you can make changes. The good copy will have all grammar and spelling errors fixed up and all parts of the business letter done. Select silent reading novels and start silent reading at beginning of each class.
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Irving's English Class Jan 2022
June 13: Final exam for English 8. Starts at 1:00 pm. In room 206 and room 207. 2 hour exam and bring any books that need to be handed in please.
May 29-June 8: Go over Poetic devices and fill in examples of poetic devices. Go over the following song lyrics and analyse: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (alliteration), Goodbye Blue Sky (symbolism, death), El Paso (ballad), Ironic (irony)
Read over: Road Not Taken, Swift Things are Beautiful, Out Out, Snow, Mushrooms, Wind Tapped Like a Tired Old Man, Shooting Baskets. Write a poem to mirror 'Swift Things Are Beautiful.' Go over grammar sheets and semi colons, capitals, commas and clauses.
April 23-May 27: Outsiders novel. We will read and do questions, journals and vocabulary assignments for chapters 1-10. Then we will have a test on the whole novel. We will finish by watching the movie
April 19-22: Start reading our novel study, 'The Outsiders.' Read Ch. 1 on Wednesday and work on questions on Thurs. Silent reading at beginning of class for 15-20 minutes. Friday read 'Chapter 2' and silent reading at beginning of class.
April 4-13: Continue reading aloud in class/discussing the following First Nations short stories: Sara's Gift, Hockey Game, and Charlie. Do a 8-10 sentences summarizing the story; what the story was about, plot, setting, meaning, protagonist/antagonist, conflict and resolution. For discusssion/verbal marks, read and discuss: My Father, We Missed the Bus, Blue Hand Shield. These stories are for discussion marks only, no written assignment.
Read: 'Reluctant Black Hawk' and do question at the end 1 abcde and a short paragraph on a Canadian athlete who has made a difference or who you want to write about.
Read Jack London's 'To Build A Fire.' Discuss the story with the teacher and then do a 'Short Story Elements' sheet identifying the parts of the story.
March 28-April 1st: Read 'Sooshewan, Child of the Beothuk'. Assignment is to write an essay on 'Rites of Passage', and questions at the end of the story. Start First Nations short story unit--Read 'Mountain Legend' and do a 8-10 sentences summarizing the story; what the story was about, plot, setting, meaning, protagonist/antagonist, conflict and resolution
March 21-25: Do silent reading each day for 15 minutes in class. Read (or finish reading) 'Catch' and go over short story elements verbally in class, with marks for verbal discussion participation. Read 'Out on the Ice', about Brian Burke being an advocate for the gay community but coming from the NHL and an unlikely advocate. Do assignment for 'Out on the Ice'.
Feb 28- March 4: Do Mini book report #3. Silent reading every class for 15 minutes with a novel of your choice.
Read and discuss: p. 98 Life Sentence (about eating disorders), p. 103 Making Hockey History (about women's hockey) and p. 52 'Catch'
Feb. 21-24: Read 'Hockey Sweater' on page. 44 and talk about stereotypes, French Canada, and the elements of the short story.
Watch the video version of 'The Hockey Sweater.' Read 'Truth', short story about First Nations and hockey. Do questions and hand in for 'Truth'. Watch Pingue Hockey Game cartoon to compare to Hockey Sweater, as the two represent 'Truth' and Hockey Sweater stories.
Feb. 14-18: Silent reading each day for 15 minutes. Read 'Day of the Butterfly' p 111 by Alice Munroe and discuss and questions for the story. Read 'Dreams' on page 265. Do assignment (an essay response) for 'Dreams' after discussion and hand in.
Feb. 7-11:
Silent reading each day for 20 minutes. You have one silent reading report for this week and this is #2 as we did one already 2 weeks ago. We worked on getting the Tell-Tale Heart questions and Elements of a Short Story sheet done for T.Tale Heart. We read 'The Monkey's Paw', in Sightlines p. 32 aloud and for verbal marks. Wednesday we will work on questions for the Monkey's Paw and the short story telling about the wishes. We will watch 2 versions of 'The Monkey's Paw' (2011 version 29 minutes) and (2016 version 9 minutes) and do a comparison of the play to the video interpretations. Finally, on Friday we will start the horror film from 2013 titled 'The Monkey's Paw.'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugjegclLNhM longer version 29 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4La-ZY88coI&t=479s shorter version 9 minutes
Feb 2-4: Silent read each day for 20 min.(x3 days) Read 'Tell-Tale Heart.' by Edgar Allen Poe. Talk about setting, characterization, point of view, motivation, and other short story elements. Go over questions and answers and then students write out responses in their own words. Work on question sheet with questions about the story, and then re-write the last scene of the story from the perspective of one of the police persons. Watch versions of the Tell Tale Heart: Animated (Annette Jung), Ryan Shovey 2009 version, and Professor Regina Buccola of Roosevelt University analysis of the short story elements and history of Edgar Allan Poe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDLLHTdVSgU animated
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5wAqADsMMU human version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkH0YO7FSFE&t=222s professor analysis
Feb. 1: Silent read for 20 min. Finish off 'Identifying Short Story Elements' sheet for 'Thank You Ma'am.' (finish other half the sheet done in class. Sheet should be completed now and hand in to your folder for mark. Go to theatre to watch another version of 'Thank You Ma'am.' We will go over comparisons of versions tomorrow in class.
Jan 31: Silent read for 20 min. Go over what short story elements are for 'Thank You Ma'am '. Go through the 'Identifying Short Story Elements' sheet for 'Thank You Ma'am.' (got half the sheet done in class, so fill out sheet if you haven't). Go to theatre to watch another version of 'Thank You Ma'am.' We will go over comparisons of versions tomorrow in class and finish the short story elements sheet for 'Thank You Ma'am.'
Jan. 24-28:
Silent reading each class for 15-20 minutes. You will write your book paragraph to let me know what you're reading with the details included below and aim for 5-8 sentences. Work on your grammar, usage, and spelling, as well as writing in complete sentences.
Tues/Wed Jan 25/26: Read 'The Street that Got Mislaid', pg 4-11 in Sightlines 8. I have an assignment with questions, vocabulary and short journal entry.
p. 176 Read together and discuss p. 176 'Why Canada Has to Beat Its Literacy Problem.' Talk about illiteracy, what it means, how it affects people, and how language ties in to everything we do in daily living.
Thur Jan 27: Silent read and finish up assignment for 'Street That Got Mislaid' (10-15 minutes max). If everybody is done, we'll mark it in class and hand it in. If everybody not done, then we'll read short story, 'Thank You, Ma'am' p. 14 and give out assignment for this story. Watch a few video versions of 'Thank You Ma'am'.
Fri Jan 28: Work on all assignments for the week and hand in if not done so: 'Street..Mislaid,' 'Thank You, Ma'am', 'Canada Has to Beat Literacy Problem.' Also one mini book report paragraph handed in.
Jan. 17-21: Go over class expectations and rules. Talk about how marks are given, writing, participation in discussions, bathroom and cell phone rules, and homework. First assignment is an intro letter. Students will write out or type out a rough copy. I will help them edit the rough copy. Then the good copy will be edited and handed in. Irving will edit your rough draft and conference with you so you can make changes. The good copy will have all grammar and spelling errors fixed up and all parts of the business letter done.
Get silent reading books from library. These will be read each class for 15-20 minutes and you will write a quick report on what you're reading once a week. This week we will also work on writing paragraphs. These paragraphs will have at least 5-8 sentences with a topic statement, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence (kind of a mini essay, but only a paragraph). Mini book report paragraphs will include:
author, title of book, what it's about, why you chose it. I will add in other details to include over the semester.
Ms. Irving's English 8 assignment page:
DEC 15TH: Novel project is due--hand in a writing project and an artistic project.
Dec. 16,17,18: Start poetry unit
Dec 16: Do a novel-movie comparison essay of the Outsiders. Assignment sheet has been given out in class, so if you are not here you need to get it.
Dec. 14/15: Watch 'Outsiders' movie in class
Dec 11: Read out 'Outsiders' play in class.
Dec. 10: Time to work on novel project.
Dec. 8/9: Test on 'The Outsiders.' Test must be done in class (if you are absent, you will be required to do it at lunch time)
Dec. 7: Give out Outsiders novel project. Students will have time to work on it this class. Tomorrow (Tues) we will have a test on the novel, in class.
Dec 4: Work on chapter 10 questions for 1/2 hour, and read 11/12 to finish the novel.
Dec. 3: Silent read, check homework for ch 9, and read ch 10.
Dec. 2: Silent read, time to work on ch 9
Dec. 1: Silent read, read ch 9 in class
Nov. 30: Silent read, work on ch 8 and if you're missing anything else
Nov 27: School off
Nov 26: Silent reading and work on ch 8 (homework over the weekend)
Nov 25 Silent reading and read and discuss ch 8
Nov. 24 Silent read, work on ch 6/7 assignment
Nov. 23: Read and discuss chapter 6 and 7.
Nov. 20: PD day
Nov. 19: Silent reading; finish reading chapter 5, and time to work on chapter 5 assignment. Ch 5 is due on Tuesday for marking but will homework checked on Mon Nov 23
Nov. 18: Silent read. Correct chapter 3 assignment and hand in. Time to finish off Chapter 4 assignment, and read chapter 5 in class.
Nov. 17: Silent reading. Chapter 3 questions due, but will be marked tomorrow (Wed). Time to work on Chapter 4 assignment.
Nov. 16: Finish up letters to pen pals in Nova Scotia
Nov. 13: Silent reading. Finish up reading chapter 4.
Nov 12: Silent reading. Write a letter to a student in Nova Scotia, through a pen pal program. You will work on this over this class.
Nov 10: Remembrance Day ceremony and lecture in class.
Nov. 9: Silent reading, go over pen pal letters with Nova Scotia class, Share the Spirt-bring $5 to sponsor s child for Christmas, and time to work on Chapter 3 assignment.
Nov. 6: Silent reading, mini book report #9, chapter 3 finish reading and start chapter 4
Nov. 5: Silent reading, chapter 3 start reading
Nov. 4: Silent reading, chapter 2 finish questions
Nov 3: Silent reading, Chapter 1 of Outsiders due, read and work on Chapter 2 of Outsiders
Nov 2: Crazy snow day--not many students, so did not do anything for homework or marks today
Oct 30: Silent reading, read 'Beowulf' and 'Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde' plays in class today.
Oct 29: Silent reading and read Chapter 2 of Outsiders in class together.
Oct 27/28: Silent reading--time to work on Outsiders chapter questions, journal and crossword. Correct chapter 1 questions in class, hand in all chapter one work by Friday.
Oct 26: Silent reading, and finish chapter one of Outsiders in class together.
Oct 23: Silent reading. Start the Outsiders novel. Read chapter 1 in class together.
Oct 22: Silent reading. Correct the tests, talk about the errors and hand in. Go over mistakes.
Oct 21: Grammar test. Write out the two paragraphs and correct all mistakes. Then do a 5 question multiple choice test.
Oct 20: Silent reading. All grammar sheets should be completed and then handed in, including the two paragraphs.
Oct 16/19: Silent reading Finish up grammar sheets. Do not do last application on p. 29, as that will be done on a separate sheet. Do all other exercises.
Oct 15: Silent reading. Work on writing out the paragraph correctly on p 22 under 'Application.' Put your name, date, and title: Application Sentence Fragments p 22
Oct 14: Silent reading. Work on grammar sheets and verbally go over: p 19-22 Practice 1, practice 2, 3, 4, 5 and fill out on the sheet together
Oct 13: silent reading. Work on grammar sheets, and do Practice Exercises 4,5,6. On pg 18, under the Application exercise, re-write the 3 paragraphs fixing the sentence fragments. We will mark in class and then hand it in.
Oct 9: Silent reading and silent reading mini report #6; Grammar work; Sentence fragments--work together on Practice Exercise 1, 2, 3. (adding in commas, linking sentence fragments to make complete sentences)
Oct 7/8: Day of the Butterfly p. 111 Sightlines 8 and question assignment
Oct 6: Silent read and time to work on questions for 'Out on the Ice'
Oct. 1, 2, 5: Silent read. Finish off article and discussion for 'Out on the Ice' and then do the written assignment for it. Mon. Oct 5th is a mark update and day to catch up on any overdue assignments.
Sept 30: Silent read. Do #5 silent reading mini book report. Start reading 'Out on the Ice,' by Brian Burke and discuss homophobia in hockey.
Sept 29: Silent read. Read WP Kinsella's short story, 'Truth'. Talk about stereotypes, politically correct language, pre conceived ideas of First Nations and French Canadians. Answer questions together in class.
Sept 28: Silent reading, finish off the play in Sightlines, See Saw, pg 82 and discuss characterization. Then read 'The Hockey Sweater', and discuss irony, moral, theme, protagonist, antagonist, symbolism, setting, dialect, and cultural significance to the story. Watch the NFB's version of the story, animated, on Youtube and read the presentation analysis of the story on this website: https://prezi.com/jxvx2gt7piyd/the-hockey-sweater/
Sept 25: Silent reading, mini silent reading report #4, and read p 73 See Saw. Got to page 82
Sept 24: Fire drill (period 1) silent reading, finish 'The Cool Crowd' reading and discussion
Sept 23: Finish up discussing short story elements and read short story, 'Ambush' on pg 60 and discuss what it means to kill somebody in a war situation. Start reading 'The Cool Crowd' on pg. 68 and discuss cliques in school, negatives and positives of belonging to a social group
Sept 22: Silent read and go over elements of a short story for CATCH (sheet given out)
Elements of a Short Story Short story title and author: _________________________
Identify each of the elements for short story being studied.
1 Antagonist: The antagonist is the major character or force that opposes the protagonist
2 atmosphere: is the mood of the story
3 characterization: is a method for presenting qualities or features of a character in a story
Pick 3 characters to give descriptions for:
4 Climax: Is the highest point of emotional intensity or the main crisis
5 Conflict: struggle between two opposing characters or forces. There are 3 main types:
A Conflict between a character and the environment, nature or society (external)
B Conflict between 2 characters (external)
C Conflict within a character (internal); a conflict with their thoughts/emotions
Which type of conflict is this story? How do you know?
6 Crisis: a moment of intense conflict leading up to the main crisis, which is the climax
7 denouement: the resolution of the conflict; matters are explained or resolved
8 dialect: is a form of speech characteristic of a region, social class, or people
9 dilemma: situation in which a character must make a difficult choice between two undesirable choices or alternatives
10 foreshadowing: gives a hint of what is to happen later in the story
11 irony: is a device which reveals contradictory meanings (like Alanis Morsette’s song: ‘It’s Like Rain on Your Wedding Day.’
12 Moral: Implied lesson in the story
13 motivation: what causes a character to do what they do
14 plot: organization of incidents within a story is the plot
15 Point of view: is the perspective from which the story is told. There are 3 types:
A First person narrative: protagonist telling their own story directly to the reader (uses ‘I)
B Limited Omniscient narrative or third person: refers to main character as ‘he’, ‘she’ or ‘them’ and shows us only what the one character thinks/feels- from the perspective of somebody outside of the story
C Omniscient narrative: reveals the minds of several or all characters
Which type is this story?
16 Protagonist: is the main character of the story or who the story centers around
17 rising action: is the event(s) that lead up to the climax or to the most imp. part of the story
18 setting: is the time and place of the story
19 stereotype: a widely held but fixed or oversimplified image or idea of a person or thing
20 symbolism: is something that stands for something else
21 theme: central or main idea of the story
Sept 21: Silent read and then read 'Catch' p 51 from Sightlines and discuss elements of a short story
Sept 18 Terry Fox Run
Sept 17: Work on Tell Tale Heart assignment --this was handed out in class.
Sept 16: Silent reading. Watch second film about Tell Tale Heart and then work on questions
Sept 15: Read 'Tell Tale Heart' and watch film about the story
Tell Tale Heart Questions by Edgar Allen Poe
1 Why does the narrator lead the policemen to the old man’s room? Why does he say the police ‘knew’ that the body was hidden there? Do you agree with his perception? Comment.
2 What is the narrator’s motivation for murder? Is it valid? Why or why not?
3 What is the narrator’s nervous disease? Have you ever known or heard about somebody developing a nervous reaction after doing something they felt guilty about? What kind of nervous disorder did the person develop? What happened?
4 What are some of the conflicts in the story? What effect does telling the story from the narrator’s point of view have on the development of conflict?
5 What are the two main symbols in the story? What does each one represent? What is one other symbol Poe might have chosen?
6 Rewrite the final scene of the story from the perspective of one of the constables (policepersons) You might wish to write the official report filed by them.
Spelling: schizophrenia
Sept. 14: Silent read and mini book report 2 due. Finish up Terry Fox business letters, if not done
Sept. 11: Time to work on your Monkey's Paw assignment. Do questions and write your short story. We will watch a short film of the Monkey's Paw.
Sept. 10: Read aloud as a class 'The Monkey's Paw' play in Sightelines 8. Assignment sheet:
Monkey’s Paw p. 32-41 Sightlines 8
Questions: Answer in complete sentences incorporating the question into the answer.
1. Suspense: How does the author create suspense in the story? (think of hints of what’s about to come, or foreshadowing)
2. Coincidence: What does coincidence mean? (you can look up a definition or explain it in your own words). How does coincidence play a role in the play?
3. Write a short story about how the first owner of the paw ended up wishing for death. In your short story, include the following:
-a title for your story
-your character’s name, and a description of that person (elderly or young, man or woman, etc.)
-where your story takes place (setting—time and place, with description)
-what the three wishes are, in detail, and make sure it’s clear how they are linked
-use paragraphs and complete sentences to write your story
-a beginning, middle and an end
Length: A minimum of one page, maximum of two pages.
Sept. 9: Silent read 20 minutes. Finish Terry Fox donation letters, edit with teacher, and print and sign.
Sept. 8: Silent read 20 minutes. Work on Terry Fox donation request letters. Use the class to write a rough copy and type it up.
Sept 4: Silent read for 20 minutes. Give assignment update sheet--students will go through their folders and have a work period to get any work not handed in done. Anything not done from Aug. 20-Sept 4th is due on Tuesday, Sept. 8th.
Sept. 3rd: Silent read for 20 minutes. After your reading time, you will write me a quick 5 sentence paragraph telling me what your book is about (I will put some prompters on the board). After you do your silent reading report, you will have time to get 'The Street That Got Mislaid' assignment done, or any other assignments done that are not yet handed in.
Silent reading mini report:
In a paragraph (5-8 sentences) tell me about the book you’re reading. Include the following:
Your name
-title of the assignment which is: Silent Reading Mini Report
-title, author
-protagonist (main character) and supporting characters
-antagonist (person, force, thing causing conflict for the protagonist)
-Setting-where it takes place (location, era, 50’, 60’s, etc)
-Conflict in the story
-What you like or find interesting so far
Use descriptive writing and add details from the story. I don’t want a whole big recount of the story; I just want a simple summary of what you’ve read so far. I don’t want more than 8 sentences, as it is only a summary.
Sept. 2nd: Read story in class, 'The Street That Got Mislaid.' p 4 Sightlines. Upon finishing the reading, you will answer the following questions: (handout given in class)
The Street that Got Mislaid by Patrick Waddintion. Pg. 4 Sightlines 8
Find these vocabulary words in the story and give a definition of them as the word is used in the story.
Mislay (verb)
Incantation (noun)
Diminutive (adjective)
Infallible (adjective)
Cobblestone (noun)
Make sure you answer all questions in complete sentences in order to get full marks.
1.What is Marc Girondin’s job? In what department does he work?
2. What was the importance of “his files”?
3. What happened one day to shock Marc?
4. What does he decide to do about it?
5. How does Marc find Green Bottle Street?
6. What does Marc learn about the little community that lives on Green Bottle Street?
7. What decision(s) does Marc make at the end of the story?
8. What would you do in Marc’s place? Why?
9. Do you think if Marc turned in the residents of Green Bottle Street they would charged for not paying their taxes? Explain.
10. Creative response: Write a journal entry, pretending that you are Marc Girondin. You have moved to Green Bottle Street and you will write about how your life is different living with Miss Trusdale and the others. How will you keep your secret of living there? ½ a page to a page
Sept. 1st: Read the story in class, 'Thank-You Ma'am.' p 14 Sightlines 8 After reading, do the following assignment:
Thank You Ma’am p. 14 Sightlines 8
1) Write a paragraph (5-8) sentences, telling me if you think Ms. Luella Jones did the right thing.
2) Pretend that you are Roger (in a few years, so future). You will write a short journal about your experience with Ms. Jones and trying to steal her purse. Write about your reflections of whether the experience changes you and your criminal behavior, or not. Give solid reasons to back up your viewpoint in your writing. (also 5-8 sentences or ½ a page)
Aug 28-Sept 1st (due on Sept. 1st): Read in 'Sightlines 8' on page 265 'Dreams'. You will respond to the story dreams with the following writing assignment:
Dreams p. 265 Sightlines 8
Write a respons to the story, ‘Dreams.’ Contrast some activities or jobs associated with living in the Yukon to activities/jobs that are more associated with living in a big city, like Toronto or Vancouver. Towards the end of your writing, tell me where you see yourself living and working as an adult. Length: ½ a page to a page or (8-10 sentences).
If you aren’t sure how to start it, you can borrow my intro: (you will write the rest of it; this is just to get you started if you’re stuck)
In our English 8 class, we read about a man and his dream for his career. He ended up not following his dream and working in Toronto. I’m going to contrast jobs/activities associated with the city to jobs/activities associated with the Yukon.
August 25-27: Get silent reading books from library. These will be read each class for 15-20 minutes and you will write a quick report on what you're reading once a week. This week we will also work on writing paragraphs. These paragraphs will have at least 5-8 sentences with a topic statement, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence (kind of a mini essay, but only a paragraph). Students should aim to do 3 paragraphs but one or two (minimum)
August 20-25: Worked on an intro letter to teacher. The letter is a formal business letter, typed up and with lots of detail and description. Ms. Irving will edit your rough draft and conference with you so you can make changes. The good copy will have all grammar and spelling errors fixed up and all parts of the business letter done.