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