Dates to remember:
October 13th theme assignment due;
They should have a novel finished by the end of October (31st)
Book report sheets will be given out next week.
Expect a short story test in approx 2 weeks (28th oct)
Students will be writing a narrative in class which will be due around October 21.

Please note:


I have moved the due date of the theme assignment question until OCt 13th next Tuesday. If you are going away this weekend and would like to hand it in Wed that is also acceptable.

I provided students a copy of the proper title page format and explained how a good copy can be typed or handwritten (printing is accepted). It should also be in blue or black ink unless otherwise instructed.

I have spent the week showing students how to properly answer a question. They have worked together, we have composed a group answer on the board and now I want them to try it on their own using the group answer we created as a guide.

One of the students questioned why a handout was not provided. There isn't much to handout as this point. They are learning how to construct and answer and develop comfort with their approach to finding and recording an answer. They need to be able to do this independently and this comes with practice. As well, many of my handouts end up blowing in the wind and writing them in an exercise book keeps them in one place. Finally, past experience has "taught" me that most students internalize more when they write it themselves. (kinetic learning) For those that find that difficult I always provide copies.

Specific typed unit reviews are always provided at test time.

Even in 2009 notetaking is part of High School life, especially in a dynamic learning environment when student generated answers are always changing. That said, I'd love a smart board for my classroom which would allow me to type their answers as they create them. Hopefully, that will be possible soon.