Friday, February 28, 2025

Lesson 51

 

Today we read through to the bottom of page 112, and then group 5 did their fishbowl.

Students are encouraged to continue making notes as we read - to think about how the author is using symbol, dialogue, imagery, characterization etc. to build the story.

No new homework. 

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Lesson 50

 

We read through to page 97, and yet another group presented their thoughts on the chapters to the class.

We will continue this process over the next several classes. 

For intrigue:

Monday, February 24, 2025

Lesson 49

 Today,  we read from page 62 to the middle of 75, which takes those listening to the audio book to 17:20 in Chapter 4.

 On Wednesday, we will have the next fishbowl, and students will continue to work with the text. 

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Lesson 48

 

We finished reading to the end of page 61.

Group 2 did their Fishbowl.

Group 3 has the text they'll be working with - they will present on Monday.

Students should have thorough answers to comprehension questions (including quotes and pg #'s) ready for our next discussion. Everyone should be tracking new characters, key quotations, theme, and literary devices etc. as we go - it/s a good idea to do the latter 3 chapter by chapter :)

Have a great weekend.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Lesson 47

Today's classes had a quick session with  Mr. Craik about course programming, before we began our work in earnest. He offered this link to help folks find admission requirements for specific schools.

Students received the rubric for their Fishbowl work.

The first group presented their discussion, and set a clear standard for what a thorough and genuine engagement with text can be.

The second group received the next section of text - they will be preparing to discuss it for the class on Thursday, and will have additional time at the beginning of our next block, while we catch up (catch up with the reading we missed due to today's presentation).

Homework: 

  • Many students will find having their own copy of the text beneficial - this will enable note-taking and re-reading outside of class and tutorial times...Maybe a trip to the library is in order?
  • Students can continue taking notes on character, setting, and comprehension questions - page numbers should be added as and when possible.
  • The second group has been given their section of text to work with, and will be investigating the term pathetic fallacy. We will finish reading the chapter together at the start of next class, while the group works ahead to prepare for the subsequent fishbowl discussion

Well done, everyone!

Monday, February 10, 2025

Lesson 46

 Please note: Block 5 did a condensed version of Lessons 45&46, due to an upcoming assembly. Block 6 has yet to do lesson 46

We opened class with a follow up to Colbert's monologue from last class - we examined the following regarding the control of language in order to control the people:

We did a quick sheet on the use of quotation marks, before reading pages 33-44 of the text.

Students continued their character tracking/notes, and set about answering more of the comprehension questions (please note typos and correct character names on the second side of the sheet).

One group received a copy of the chapter which they will work with over the next few days, before doing a Fishbowl activity with it. 

If you missed today's class, come to tutorial to make it up.

Lesson 45

 

 We started today's class with a clip from  The Late Show monologue - we discussed freedom of information, the collection and dissemination of data, and the ways in which the control of knowledge can impact democracy.

Students got a quick review  of colons and semi colons (and a sheet for each).

In small groups, students (each on their very own sheet) listed the themes that have come up thus far in the text - and we wrote them on the board.

Students selected groups for upcoming "fishbowl" work with sections of the text, but did not go further than group selection.


Thursday, February 6, 2025

Lesson 44

 

 Students read their personal novels (and are taking them home/returning them for a stretch).

Students had a bit of time to work through their comprehension questions (front side only) in groups, and to take notes on character, and setting.

We briefly looked at the history of systemic racism in North America, in order to contextualize the novel.

In groups, students worked on creating a list of themes that have come up on the novel so far - they do not have to create a theme statement, or write anything other than the big ideas. 

No homework other than to polish your answers and theme lists - Have fun in the snow!

Lesson 57

   We wrapped up our conversation on Brother - specifically, we talked about the techniques used by Chariandy in his narrative work that ma...