Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Wednesday, September 8th -- Day One

Once around the six day cycle, a few more to go....

Sorry about no post yesterday; I was away at a High School Golf Tournament in Esterhazy.

Period One: History 20
After a short Current Events discussion, we discussed yesterday's visitor. From what I was told it was informative and eye - opening.
Students were given a handout which was discussed as a class. It dealt with the establishment of the Dual Alliance between Germany and Austria - Hungary. We also talked about the Russians shocking most of Europe at the time and looking to Germany for friendship.
Two assignments were given. The first one requires the students to put themselves in the shoes of Otto von Bismarck circa 1880. Why is the thought of having to fight both France and Russia at the same time so concerning? Explain yourself.
The second assignment is a timeline of steps and measures taken by Otto von Bismarck. Not only do they need to accurately create this timeline but each event needs an explanation as to why that step was taken and how it benefitted Germany. The first assignment is due tomorrow but not the timeline.

Period Two: ELA 9
After some silent reading, Lessons 4, 5 & 6 of Language Power were corrected. From this point, we discussed more about the elements of an effective paragraph, namely the body and concluding sentences. What are they? What purpose do they serve? Etc.

Period Three: History 30
After a Current Events discussion, we quickly reviewed last class and First Nations beliefs/values in relation to the land around us. We then discussed how these ideas were somewhat different from those beliefs we hold. We then looked at European ideals/beliefs about the land and the manner in how the two differed. Students were then asked to think about and be able to respond to some questions about trade between First Nations and Europeans for tomorrow.

Period Five: Math 7
Assignments from last week were returned; well done by all!!!
We then started to look at divisibility. To start students were each given a random number of manipulatives (Fancy name for blocks). They were to count how many they had. Using these blocks before them, they were asked to determine whether or not the number they had was divisibly by two, five and ten. After the process was gone through, we were able to generalize and establish some rules for divisibility as it comes to factors of two, five and ten. A short assignment pertaining to this was then assigned and is due for Friday.

Period Six: ELA 10
After some silent reading, a quick check was done to monitor the progress of students as it comes to the completion of two assignments. The good copy of the "Bucket List" is due tomorrow. If done they are to work towards completing "The Legend of...." assignment which is due on Friday.

Period Seven: ELA 9
After some silent reading, we introduced the idea of purposes for writing. What is a purpose for writing? Why do we have purposes for writing? The first of four to be discussed in class, that being Informative writing. Students were then asked to create an informative paragraph that sees them go through steps 1 & 2 of the Writing Process.

OTHER NEWS

Congrats to Jorden Cherewyk for representing Norquay School so well at yesterday's Esterhazy High School Golf Tournament.

We are still looking for a Newspaper Reporter; interested parties should see Mr. Henderson

The Cross Country is off to their first meet on Friday when they will attend the Run for Peace at Cherrydale Golf Course just outside of Yorkton. Good luck to all runners.

Intramural football will be starting soon.

SRC Executive Meeting next Tuesday at lunch.

Have a great night,

Mr. Morin

Friday, September 3, 2010

Friday, September 3rd -- Day Five

Period One: ELA 9
After some silent reading, students work was checked to ensure assigned work was done. From this point on, we shared some of our topic sentences to see that they were effective and catchy. We then looked at the remaining four steps in The Writing Process and explained what was done at each step.

Period Two/Three: ELA 20
The first period was given to work on our writing assignment. In the second period, homework assignment based on Fulghum's poem "Credo" were collected and discussed. a good class discussion ensued as to the merit/credit of Fulghum's beliefs

Period Four: History 30
After a Current Events discussion, we reviewed the similarities and differences between First Nations and European decision making processes through a Venn Diagram. Assigned work based on which system each individual would prefer to live in and why was collected. We then looked at relationships with the land and the way(s) the land effects us on a day to day basis. We looked more closely at the First Nations view of the land and the belief that no part of nature is better than another.

Period Five: Math 7
Assignments that were given yesterday were collected and a second, more challenging assignment was given.

Period Six: ELA 10
After a few minutes of reading, students started their work on "The Legend of..." assignment. This is not due on Tuesday as time will be given to complete it.

Period Seven: Math 7
Time was given to complete the assignment given earlier in the day. If completed early, students were to hand it in and enjoy the remainder of the class as free time.

Other News:

Congratulations to all who ran in the SRC Elections. Your Executive for the upcoming school year is as follows:

President: Allyson Grywacheski
Vice - President: Jamie Newberg
Social Director: Andria Grywacheski
Secretary: Sydney Sanders

We still need a newspaper reporter..... interested parties are to see Mr. Henderson.

Good luck to Jorden Cherewyk who will be attending the Esterhazy Senior Golf Tournament on Tuesday.

Have a great long weekend...and GO GREEN!!!!

Mr. Morin

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Thursday, September 2nd -- Day Four

Period One: History 30
We started with a brief Current Events discussion. Following that we reviewed material from last time; in particular the reasons why Europeans began arriving in North America. From this point on, we started to look at the differing worldviews between First Nations and Europeans. In particular we looked at the Iroquois Confederacy and "The Great Law". Students were then asked to chart the similarities and differences between the two decision - making processed through use of a Venn Diagram. Once the diagram was complete they were asked to think of which system they would rather live in, and provide an explanation of why they feel this way.

Period Two: ELA 9
Following ten minutes of reading, a quick homework check was done to ensure the concept webs that were due today were completed. We then started to look at the elements required for an effective paragraph starting with the first and probably most important, the topic sentence. After a discussion and some notes thae define what the topic sentence is and what it should accomplish, potential strategies for effective topic sentences were shared with the group. Students were then asked to use the strategies they were given in order to create five effective topic sentences on a topic from the concept webs that were due today. These topic sentences need to be completed for tomorrow.

Periods Three/Four: ELA 20
The first period was given for students to work towards completing the drafts of their paragraphs. If they finished early, they were to start revising their work looking for errors and mistakes that are in need of correcting.
Period Four saw us turn to the first of two themes being studied in ELA; Recollection: A Journey Back. At this point I had the students think back to their days in Kindergarten. What stands out as memories? Did they think this was an important year in their life? Why or why not? Of most importance however was the question asking them what lessons they learned during their Kindergarten experience. This connected to Robert Fulghum's poem "Credo" which essentially is the poets ideas and beliefs. After reading the poem, we were able to establish that Fulghum believes everything you learn in Kindergarten is more important than the acquisition of wisdom, and that if we all thought back to, and acted the way we did in Kindergarten, the world would be a much better place. Students were then asked to respond to the poem, in particular is there any merit to this train of thought? Why? These responses should be done for tomorrow.

Period Five: Math 7
We started the class by going over the six questions given out yesterday. The class did very well, with several students getting them all right. This led to another assignment of twenty questions that are due for tomorrow.

Period Six: ELA 20
This was used as a catch - up period. The emphasis was on making sure each student is caught up in History and English. However, homework in other classes was also done.

Period Seven: ELA 10
We reviewed the activities relating to Pauline Johnson's poem "The Legend of the Qu'Appelle Valley". Initially many students were a little confused as to what took place in the poem. However after taking the time to review as a class and share some individual ideas and interpretations, all students have a clear understanding of the poem and the story behind the naming of the valley. As an extension activity students are to think of a place in Saskatchewan, not necessarily a town or city, and create their own legend as to how that place got its name. These legends will be read orally to the class in the days to come.

Other News:

Nominatons for SRC Executive have now closed. The election will take place tomorrow, and the winners will be announced by AM recess.

Anyone interested in Intramural football needs to sign the sheet outside of the gym.

Other than that, have a great evening,

Mr. Morin

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Wednesday, September 1st -- Day Three

Period One: ELA 9
After a few minutes of silent reading, to start the class. From that point, the paragraphs that were due today were collected. The paragraphs were an introduction to a paragraph writing unit which we then started by looking at the steps in the Writing Process. We took a close look at step #1 -- Pre - Writing. At this step you think of potential topics, and use a concept web to think of potential ideas that you could write about on that particular topic. For tomorrow they were asked to come up with concept webs, or pre - writing for three potential topics.

Period Three: ELA 20
A homework check was done to ensure the homework (Pre - Writing) was done as was assigned. From this point, students were asked to reduce their list from eight or more to four, and being to draft four paragraphs explaining who and why they would like to have dinner with. The drafts are not due for tomorrow but some progress is expected.

Period Four: ELA 10
After some silent reading, students were given the period to work on the draft of their "Bucket List". These need to be done tomorrow.

Period Five: History 20
After a brief Current Events discussion, the questions from yesterday were marked as a class. We then discussed individually what we would do if we were the Russian leader following the Congress of Berlin in 1878. A lot of good answers came up and ones that were very logical and demonstrated use of knowledge gained in previous classes. Well done!!! We then continued on with our study of events leading up to World War I by looking at Germany and Austria - Hungary's Dual Alliance -- the terms and reasons behind the agreement.

Period Six: ELA 10
We shifted gears from writing and started to look at the first theme of study for the year, "The Unknown". Afer a discussion on what is meant by the term "unknown" we brainstormed some potential topics that might arise in a study of this theme. We also tried our best to define what be felt a legend was. A lot of good ideas came up in this discussion. That led into the introduction of Pauline Johnson's poem "The Legend of the Qu'Appelle Valley". Students are to read this poem and complete three questions for tomorrow.

Period Seven: Math 7
We began by collecting the multiplacation charts that were to be completed for today. We then took a look at the problems that were assigned last day. For the most part, these were very well done, not only to come up with the correct answer but also their ability to explain the steps they took to reach that answer.
We then reviewed long division by doing a couple of examples together. For homework, a short long division assignment was given. This should be done for tomorrow.

Other News:

Boy's Volleyball meeting (Jr. and Sr.) tomorrow at recess in Mr. Rostotski's room

Anyone interested in joining S.A.D.D.???? There will be a meeting on Tuesday, September 7th in Mrs. Dyck's room.

Anyone interested in writing the school report that appears in the Kamsack Times is to see Mr. Henderson.

Nomination forms for Executive Positions on the SRC are due by tomorrow at 3:30

Other than that...have a great night!!

Mr. Morin

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Tuesday, August 31st -- Day Two

Period One: ELA 10
After some time to read a novel of their choice, work resumed on the 'Bucket List' paragraphs. They were to have completed the creation of pre - writing that includes a minimum of eight potential activities that the students might consider putting on their list. Students were asked to then choose four or five of the activities from their list, and begin to draft them into paragraph form. They are not necessarily due for tomorrow but some work should be completed or else you may start falling behind in this assignment.

Period Two: History 20
After going over the course outline, we jumped right into the action. We began by today looking at the birth of Germany as a nation, and the steps taken by their leader of the time, Otto von Bismarck to ensure that his nation was as strong and safe as possible. Students were then assigned a series of four questions as well as an extension activity. The questions and activity are due for tomorrow.

Period Three/Four: ELA 9
The first period was devoted to silent reading as the majority of Day Two, Period Three's will be used for. At the start of period four, the Language Power lessons from yesterday were corrected. Students were then asked to write a paragraph on a topic of their choice which is due tomorrow. The reasoning behind this 'random' assignment will make more sense tomorrow.

Period Five: ELA 20
As this was the first class of the year, the class outline was distributed and discussed. From this point, students were asked to think back to their knowledge of effective writing over the past few years in order to start a writing assignment. They were asked the following question: If you could have dinner with any four people, dead or alive, who would they be? Why? For tomorrow they are to come up with a concept web for at least eight individuals.

Period Six: History 30
We started with a Current Events discussion. After that the assignments from yesterday were collected and discussed. To ensure everyone understands the concept of worldviews, we looked again at some of the criteria used to establish your worldview, and looked at how these factors and criterita are different within different societies around the world. I believe most caught on and have a better understanding of this concept. From there we looked at some of of the reasons that help to explain why Europeans A) sought to expand into other areas of the world, and B) why they began to arrive in what would become Canada. For homework, they are to assume the role of either a member of a colonizing nation, or a member of the indigenous populaiton of a land being colonized, and be able to discuss their feelings and attitudes about this process.

Period Seven: ELA 20
Students were allowed the period to continue with their pre - writing activities from Period Five. If completed they were able to use the remaining time to work on their History homework.

Other News

Sign up sheets for Volleyball, both Senior and Junior are on the board outside the gym. Sign up soon.

Anyone interested in Cross Country Running is to see Mrs. Rubletz. The first practice is tomorrow at noon and the first meet is next Friday in Yorkton.

Nomination are still open for SRC Executive. Nomination forms will be accepted until Thursday with the election, if necessary, being held on Friday.

Have a good night,

Mr. Morin

Monday, August 30, 2010

Monday, August 30th -- Day One

Welcome back to the start of another exciting school year.
A number of forms and information was handed out to your children today. Some of these need to be signed and returned to the school. The sooner these can be returned, the better. Also, you will notice that there is no Publication Authorization form coming home. Last years form remains on file; the only reason this form would need to be filled out is if there are changes being made to the conditions within this agreement.
Now on to the good stuff:

Period One/Two: This time was spent in homeroom going over forms, handouts, rules and expectations and so on. A short assembly was then held in the gym to introduce the two new teachers to our staff...Welcome to Mr. Rostotski (Grade Three) and Mr. Chapman (Senior Science).

Period Three: History 30
A class outline was handed out and discussed. This should go home and get signed by parents/guardians for a free five marks.
A short quiz was given to determine how much students know about this history of Canada; results were varied but will improve over the course of the year.
We started the year by looking at some of the criteria that helps to determine one's worldview. Students were asked to write about their own worldview as it relates to this criteria. Also, they were asked to think why an understanding of worldviews and its many variations is necessary in the study of Canadian history. This short assignment needs to be done for tomorrow.

Period Five: Math 7
Students started the season with a short assignment that is to be done for next class which is Wednesday. They are to complete a mulitplication chart going up to ten, as well as solve a series of problems. Not only are they to solve the problems; they were also asked to try and explain the manner in which they reached that answer.

Period Six: ELA 10
A class outline was handed out and discussed. Following that a short review was done to determine how much knowledge was remembered from last year in regards to purposes for writing, elements of an effective paragraph, the writing process, RAFTS and strategies for effective topic sentences.
Once this was done and discussed, students started a writing assignment. Using the information gained from last year, they are to create and write paragraphs related to their "Bucket List". For tomorrow they are to brainstorm at least eight potential ideas.

Period Seven: ELA 9
The class started by a discussion on my rules and expectations for the students. Secondly, Language Power handbooks were distributed to each student. Lesson's 1, 2, 3 dealing with synonyms, homophones and homographs were assigned. They are to be completed for tomorrow.

Also: Look for information about school clothing coming home soon. We will be dealing with a new company this year, and as such need to come up with some design ideas. One thing the new company is offering is a website through which you can buy Norquay School clothing year round.
And lastly, nominations for SRC Executive positions are new open. Nomination forms are available from myself and needed to be handed in ASAP as it is the hope that we can hold the election on Friday.

Again, welcome back and have a great night...Mr. Morin

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Thursday, August 26th -- Welcome Back!

It is that exciting time of year again when school is just around the corner. While the students are not to arrive until Monday, the staff is in the building today and tomorrow eagerly preparing for the arrival of our students in just a few short days.
I have endeavored to maintain this blog for the past two school years and struggled a bit. It is my hope that with wireless internet throughout our school, and computer access in good ol' Room 203, the task of keeping you, the students and parents updated with greater ease. Feel free to view this regularly. It will be used as a quick briefing of what was done in the classes I taught each day (great for parents wondering about homework, or for those ill or absent who don't want to fall behing), as well as updating you on the going's on in and around Norquay School.
Look forward to a great year,
Mr. H. Morin