Thursday, January 29, 2009

Thursday, January 29th -- Day Five

First day of 2nd Semester

Period One -- ELA 9
We returned Unit Two Exams on "Turning Points". For the most part, they were pretty well done. Congrats to Zach Newell....91%!!!!
After that the first paragraph of the short story "On the Sidewalk Bleeding" was read aloud and students were to record what information they were given, and what was left out that they think is important to the understanding of the story.
At that point, the students were asked to complete the reading of the story and answer four questions. This is due tomorrow and a second activity related to this story will be assigned tomorrow.

Period Two -- ELA 10
A handout on reading and its purposes was given. It is due tomorrow.

Period Three -- ELA 10
After ten minutes to work on the reading handout, the theme of inequality was introduced as the first of three themes in ELA B10. Students were asked to bring up examples of inequality that have taken place over time.
Images were then shown on overheads that were in one way or another related to the concept of inequality. Discussions were had on how the seven images depicted inequality and the manner in which they have played out over time.

Period Four -- Social Studies 10
Seeing as nearly half the class was missing..absent or preparing Taco's in a Bag with SADD this was a work period.

Period Five -- Social 30
Review of the concepts of biological and cultural determinism took place. The theory in interactionism was introduced. From that point a handout was given in which the students have to look at various aspects of humanity and determine whether or not they think those are a result of our biology, our culture or a combination of both. This assignment needs to be done for Monday.

Period Six -- Social 20
A number of assignments were returned to the students. Apolgies for the lateness.
A review of the material on the test was given. Reminder that the Unit Two Exam on Population is next Friday.
At that point we introduced the third unit on the Environment. A concept web was created as a class on what types of things we believe are a part of the environment.
We then discussed and defined the two types of environments; those being the physical and the human.
Students were then asked to make a list of the ways that the environment helps us to meet our needs in a variety of areas such as personal, social, security, esteem and actualization. This is due for tomorrow.

Period Seven -- Creative Writing 20
Notes were given on six different points of view, or methods in which a story can be written.
Students were then given the storyline that someone, a biker, pedestrian, skateboarder, etc. gets struck by a vehicle. Students are to add the details, and write three different narratives, each using a different point of view to re - tell the story.

Thanks to SADD for the Taco's in a Bag -- delicious!!!!! Also Good Luck to the Junior Curlers heading to Yorkton tomorrow!!! And Good Luck to the Senior Basketball teams in Kamsack today after school.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Monday, January 26th -- Day Three

Not much to 'blog' about today. For the most part today was filled with exams and exam preparation.

Social Studies 30 saw no homework assigned, but a general congratulations goes out to the Grade 12's for a relative strong performance on the Unit Two Exam. A special congratulations is extended to Tyler Griffith....94%....WOW!

Have a good night....

Mr. Morin

Friday, January 23, 2009

Friday, January 23rd -- Day Two

ALL classes were given to students to study for exams which are commence on Monday. ELA A10 is Monday at 1:00, ELA 20 is Tuesday at 1:00.

In terms of ELA 9, make sure that the Grammar Assignment is done for Monday. Also, Unit Two exam on "Turning Points" is Monday as well.


Have a good weekend, remember to study and stay warm!

Mr. Morin

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Thursday, January 22nd -- Day One

Period One -- Social Studies 20
Barack Obama continues to be the topic of conversation during Current Events.
We looked back at some of the problems that arise with growing populations and potential policies that could be undertaken to help eliminate this problem. We then took a look at some actual policies that have been put in place to help control growing populations in the nations of China and India.
At the same time some countries, mainly in Europe are seeing dwindling populations. We discussed some of the issues in this regard, as well as took a closer look at some the actual problems that arise in these types of scenarios.
Lastly we investigated some scholarly writing as to measures that can be taken in the future to help minimize population growth.
That concludes our unit of study on Population. The unit exam is tentatively scheduled for next Friday, January 30th.

Period Two -- Social Studies 30
We completed our unit exam on Economic Development. At this moment I have corrected three and hope to have them back on Monday.

Period Three -- Social Studies 10
We concluded our farming simulation activity as we determined how prosperous our five years of farming were. We then looked back and reflected on our activities, namely those areas which we did and did not have control of.

Period Four -- ELA 20
We were given one last period to work on our short story.

Period Five -- ELA 20
In preparation for the Final Exam which is Tuesday, we played a Jeopardy! style game which reviewed the content for the exam. Congrats to team Duran for a great comeback victory.

Period Six -- ELA 10
A couple of assignments were returned (The Cage and The Law of....poetry) The remainder of the period was used to work on our short stories for "Young Writers of Saskatchewan" writing contest.

Period Seven -- ELA 9
We reviewed for our unit exam on "Turning Points". It is scheduled for Monday, January 25th. You will need to know all stories we have read in the Crossroads Anthology since the last exam, as well as figures of speech and the elements of plot. The friendship poster is due for tomorrow.

NOTE: Grade Ten and Eleven English recommends will be given tomorrow. If not recommended, I will tell you exactly where you stand going into next week's finals.

Have a good night...Mr. M.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Tuesday, January 20th -- Day Five

Period One -- ELA 9
We made a list of characteristics and attributes that you would look for in the perfect friend.
After that the short story "Golden Girl" was distributed. Since the story is a little longer than originally thought, all that needs to be done for tomorrow is ensuring that the story is read in its entirety.

Period Two -- ELA 10
Discussion on Halloween activities enjoyed by the students was had. Following this students were asked to read the short story "Halloween Horrors" by Max Braithwaite. Once done, students were to complete three questions and an extension activity related to the story.

Period Three -- ELA 10
Continuation of Period Two

Period Four -- Social 9
Farming Simulation activity continued. For tomorrow, years three four and five must be planned out including the total of income and expenses excluding adjustments.

Period Five -- Social 30
Unit two exam on Economic Development. Time will be given next class to complete.

Period Six -- Social 20
Assignments were collected on Migration and Growth Paradigm. The concept of change was looked at which included the definition of six types of change. We then looked at some major events in the history of the world in terms of the type of chane each event was as well as discussed the effects of these events on population.

Period Seven -- ELA 20
Worked on short stories for "Young Writers of Saskatchewan"

Remember where you were today...a historic day as the United States swears in Barack Obama as the first black President in their history....

Have a good night....Mr. M.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Monday, January 19th -- Day Four

Period One -- ELA A10
After we collected the poetry that was due ("The Law of.....") we went over the study chart that had been worked on last week. I consider this chart to be an invaluable resource as far as studying for next weeks final goes.

Period Two -- Social Studies 30
After a Current Events discussion, the period was given to study for tomorrow's Unit Two eam on Economic Development. As long as you take the time to read over your material and you paid attention in class, you will do fine.

Period Five -- Social Studies 10
We started a farming simulation game working around the concept of making good decisions along with the development of a mixed economy. For tomorrow, you are to have charted out your plans for Year Two, along with determining the income and expenses you will accumulate without any looking at the adjustments.

Period Six -- ELA 9
We corrected the grammar assignment from Friday. We were then given a few minutes of free time to work on our friendship posters.

Period Seven -- ELA 20
We started working on our own literature to enter in the "Young Writers of Saskatchewan" contest. The only requirement is that your writing in one way or another has to relate to the province of Saskatchewan.

Sorry about no blog on Friday, I was off at 3:30 to the 25th Annual Teachers Hockey Tournament in Saskatoon. Thanks to Mark Laing, Bob Metzler and the fellas's from the Yorkton Professional A's for the invite. Also thanks to Deano for driving to and from Saskatoon which couldn't have been fun listening to me and Jordan on the way home yesterday.

Have a good night.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Thursday, January 15th -- Day Two

BRRRRR!!!! Colder than yesterday.

Again, here is a run down of what you can be thinking of in terms of homework/exams in the not to distant future.

ELA 9 -- We were scheduled to have an exam today. Clearly that is not going to happen. Also because I have been unable to give you an outline for the exam, tomorrow (weather permitting) you will get an outline and we will collaborate and re - schedule the exam for the best possible day.

ELA 10 -- Nothing better to do on a cold day than sit down and write some poetry. "The Law of Saskatchewan" poems can be worked on; due date will be sent tomorrow.

ELA 20 -- You can expect those essays based on "Far from Shore" to be collected tomorrow (weather permitting) or the next day that the buses run.

Social 10 -- The Business assignment can be worked on; due date will be set tomorrow.

Social 20 -- Handouts on Population demographics, migration and population theories will be collected tomorrow.

Social 30 -- Exam has been postponed; outline and new date to be discussed tomorrow.

Stay Warm....

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Wednesday, January 14th -- Day One

A little bit chilly out there today...no buses running. Here is what students can be working on in their respective classes:

ELA 10 -- Poetry assignment...."The Law of Saskatchewan"
Study chart....this will be reviewed in class soon. Remember that completion of this assignment will result in marks for you...good way to boost the mark heading into exams.

ELA 20 -- Study chart...same as above
"Far from Shore" essay was due today. They WILL be collected tomorrow...no excuses.

Social 10 -- Assignment pertaining to the creation and establishment of your own business will be due shortly.

Social 20 -- In tomorrow's class, you will be handing in the chart dealing with "Population demographics, Migration and Population Theories

Social 30 -- Platform for dealing with economic problems both now and into the future will be due soon. The exam scheduled for Friday has been pushed back due to the fact that I was unable to provide you with an outline which was supposed to take place today.


See you tomorrow....hopefully mother nature will cooperate

Monday, January 12, 2009

Monday January 12th -- Day Five

Period One -- ELA 9
We started a new unit on "Love, Loyalty & Friendships". Students were given a questionnaire which they are to complete for tomorrow.

Period Two & Three -- ELA 10
We started preparations for the final exam which is set for Monday, January 27th. Back to reality tomorrow with everybody's favorite.....poetry.

Period Four -- Social 10
One last class to work on our business proposals. Essentially you are to make a list of all the resources (natural, human and capital) along with the supporting infrastructure needed to get your business off the ground. You are also to talk about the way(s) your business will be a boost to the local economy. While these weren't supposed to be due until Thursday, lack of work and abundance of conversation means these are due tomorrow.

Period Five -- Social 30
We were in our groups working on our platforms for the manner and policies we would utilize to help alleviate economic problems in Canada both now and into the future. Reminder that the Unit Two Exam is scheduled for Friday. Review and outline to be given on Wednesday.

Period Six -- Social 20
Population Pyramid assignments were collected. From that point, the period was given to complete the population demographics assignment. Those who were done started a handout with questions and acitivities relating to the migration of people.

Period Seven -- ELA 20
Seeing as over a quarter of the class was gone to Basketball, this was used as a work period to catch up in any work necessary.


Have a good night!

Monday January 12th -- Day Five

Friday, January 9, 2009

Friday, January 9th -- Day Four

Period One -- ELA 10
Collected and discussed the questions and activities related to the Robert Service poems read in class. For Monday, students are to think of people, places and events from Canada's past which have helped in one way or another to shape our country.

Period Two -- Social 30
Assignments on "Canada as a Geographic Entity" were collected. After this, the class was split into three groups, or political parties. Each group is responsible for coming up with a name, creating a logo and establishing a platform as to how they would ensure economic prosperity for all Canadians both presently and into the future.

Period Five -- Social 10
We talked about the resources needed to ensure farming is a successful operation. We also discussed the concept of sales and consumer choices. Students were then to create their own business in which they outline their plan and the resources needed to make it viable.

Period Six -- ELA 9
Corrected a large grammar assignment that was assigned earlier in the week.

Period Seven -- ELA 20
Class time was given to complete the assignment related to the "Purposes for Reading"

Have a safe weekend and see you all Monday!

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Wednesday, January 8th -- Day Three

Period One -- ELA 10
Used the period to work on the Robert Service poetry assignment; questions and activities related to "The Cremation of Sam McGee" and "The Shooting of Dan McGrew".

Period Two -- ELA 20
Period given to work on "Far from Shore" essay. It is due Wednesday, January 14th.

Period Three -- ELA 10
A period to hand in "Resolutions for 2009" assignment, and ensure the poetry is done. The poetry assignment is due tomorrow, Friday, January 9th. Also: REMEMBER to e-mail me your power point presentations or else I won't have any way to mark you.

Period Four -- Social 30
Collected assignments (questions/paragraphs) on Orderly Marketing. Assigned a reading and questions on "Canada as a Geographic Entity". They are due tomorrow, Friday, January 9th.

Period Five -- ELA 20
Assignment given dealing with Purposes for Reading. This does not have to be done for tomorrow.

Period Six -- ELA 9
Time was given to complete the lengthy grammar assignment that was given yesterday. It is due tomorrow, Friday, January 9th.