Farewell

I can't believe our time together in English 10 is at an end. I have loved and learned every minute working with you all. Your humour, creativity, insight and kindness has made each day a joy, truly. And I sincerely hope I have the opportunity to work with you again. Thank you for all of your hard work in class and in our community. You made Matheson proud.

I wish each and every one of you fulfillment and wild peculiar joy as you set out on your next journey, your next bright, bright horizon.

p.s. remember back to your own Kindergarten years; see how far you've come!

Week 16: What to Expect

Monday Jan. 14th:
* Opening reading comprehension activity
* Literature Circles
* Complete Lit Circle Assessment Record
* Homework: Ensure you COMPLETED your novel by Wednesday

Tuesday, Jan. 15th:
* Reading & Role sheet day
* Complete your novel and record 3 thoughtful questions for tomorrow's Literature Circle
* Class Pizza Party at Lunch! Way to Go Class of the Month!
* Provincial Exam Layout Reviewed
* Class Practice of Compare/Contrast Reading Task

Wednesday, Jan. 16th:
* Opening reading comprehension activity
* Last Literature Circle
* Finish Lit Circle Assessment Record and Hand-In
* Read through Independent Book Review Task: Due next Wednesday
* Check out sample book review and how to write a book review for more support

Thursday, Jan. 17th:
* Quote Integration Review
* Multiple Choice and 'Making Connections" practice for provincial exam

Friday, Jan. 18th:
* Class-created response for "Making Connections"
* Portfolio work
* Time on Book Review
* Homework: Complete at least one practice provincial. Go to the following site for practices and answers: Question Bank

Final Exam Coming. Get Ready!

Your Final Exams are coming up and they are your responsibility.

Your Provincial Exam (worth 20%) is Tuesday. Jan. 29th at 8:30 am in the small gym

It is required that you complete practice reads, writes, and use ALL the resources available to you to be expertly prepared for these important final evaluations.

1.) Complete at least one practice exam (including written) each week

2.) Use the answer keys and samples of excellence and failure

3.) Study your literary and poetic devices. Not just memorize the terms, but be able to identify and  analyze them

4.) Switch practice written pieces with friends and edit, revise. Compare your writing pieces to the samples and answer keys provided

5.) Go back through all of your work, all of the feedback, remedy your personal areas for improvement and bring those improved skills into your final evaluations.

Use the following links for practice and preparation:

* The Ultimate Exam Preparation Site: https://www.surreyschools.ca/StudentServices/ExamHelp/Pages/default.aspx

* Provincial Exam Writing Samples Minimal to Excellence: https://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/exemplars/english12.htm

* English 10 Provincial Exam Site: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/search/

* Rasul Group: Great Multiple Choice and Written Practice and Help: http://rasullearning.ca/category/blog/exam-preparation/

* Question Bank: The Biggest Practice Provincial Bank of Questions and Written:

http://www.questionbank.ca/

* Poetic and Literary Devices Glossary: http://www.gale.cengage.com/free_resources/glossary/

* Provincial Exam Flash Cards: http://quizlet.com/5165830/leamy-english-10-provincial-exam-terms-flash-cards/

Week 15: What to Expect

Mon. January 7th:
* Welcome Back! I hope your winter break was full of rest and rejuvenation!
* The next two weeks are all about rediscovering our love of reading
* Circulate through each Literature Circles novel station and choose a book that YOU truly want to explore and enjoy
* Student-selected Literature Circles meet as a group and collaboratively decide reading schedule and various roles

Tue. January 8th:
* bell-activity: grammar support
* READ. Relax, sink into your new book and read with the upcoming discussion in mind. What connections are you making? What confuses you? What shocked you?
* First Literature Circle
* Document in Lit Circle Assessment Record

Wed. January 9th:
* bell-activity: communication activity
* Reading and role sheet day
* Complete your role sheet for tomorrow's 2nd Lit Circle

Thurs. January 10th:
*  Reading comprehension bell-activity (from previous English 10 provincial)
* Groups discuss, debate and engage in 2nd Lit Circle
* Add to your Lit Circle Assessment Record

Fri. January 11th:
* bell-activity: grammar support
* Reading and role sheet day
* Complete your role sheet for Monday's Lit Circle
* Make sure you are caught up in your group's decided reading schedule
Homework: Read if you are behind in completing your novel

Week 14: What to Expect

Mon. Dec. 3rd:
* Mid-Year Reflection and Action Plan: Explore all that you've done, what you want by the end of English 10, and how you're going to get there

Tues. Dec. 4th:
* Romeo & Juliet Act 1, scene 2 quiz
* Words of the week
* Class dramatic read of Act 1, scene 3: Different visions of love. Which one do you agree with? Why?
* Audio-recording of Act 1, scene 4: "I Dreamt a Dream"
* Romeo & Juliet Translation/Response assigned and chosen

Wed. Dec. 5th:
* Reflective Journal: What are your thoughts on love at first sight? What about soul mates?
* Readers' Theatre Act 1, scene 5
* Class watch Act 1, classic Zepherelli version
* Quiz on Act 1 tomorrow: Study

Thurs. Dec. 6th:
* Act 1 quiz: Show what you know
* Class read Act 2, scene 1 & 2, the infamous balcony scene
* Modern Balcony scene explained and assigned: Due Monday

Fri. Dec. 7th:
* Class watch balcony scene
* Create your own modern version of the infamous balcony scene: Due Monday
* Week 10 vocab checked

Week 13: What to Expect

Mon. Nov. 26th:
* Poetry Practice: Poetic Device Terms Test Wednesday
* Class draw and dissect Shakespeare's infamous sonnet: "My Mistress' Eyes are Nothing Like the Sun" Is he insulting his lady love?

Tues. Nov. 27th:

* Poetry Practice: Study for Terms Test Tomorrow! Use the following flashcards to help.

* Outline a compare/contrast of your choice: In class-write on Thursday

Wed. Nov. 28th:

* Terms Test: Show what you know!

* Complete your plan/outline for tomorrow's in-class poem compare/contrast write

Thurs. Nov. 29th:

* In-class Compare/Contrast Write

Fri. Nov. 30th:

* Day 1 of Romeo and Juliet! Check out Shakespeare Online, I so wish they had this when I was in high school.

* "star-crossed lovers": Do you believe in soul-mates? Why or why not?

* Class read and dissect Prologue and dramatically read act 1, scene 1

* Homework: Read Act 1, scene 2

Week 12: What to Expect

Mon. Nov. 19th:
* Words of the Week
* "Valentine": Pass the onion, smell the love.
* Create own "Valentine" love metaphor poem: Due Wednesday

Tues. Nov. 20th:
* Poetry Skills Practice
* "Invictus" read and response
* Complete your "Valentine": Due tomorrow

Wed. Nov. 21st:
* Share your impressive "Valentines"
* "Simply the Best" Poetic Choice Analysis introduced and begun: Due Friday

Thurs. Nov. 22nd:
* Complete "Simply the Best"

Fri. Nov. 23rd:
* Poetics Practice
* Complete "Simply the Best." DUE 

Clothing Drive

Our English 10 class is organizing a clothing drive for our local Surrey Urban Mission.

This community organization offers support to neighbourhood kids, single moms, elderly and disabled residents, people who are homeless or vulnerably housed, and those battling addiction and mental illness.

Please send your spare clothing: shoes, socks, sweaters, pants, blankets, jackets, toques, gloves and scarves. House hold and children's items are also welcome. You can send all items to Ms. Bertrand's class as we gather all we can to help those struggling in our community. Thank you for your support.

Week 10: What to Expect

Mon. Nov. 5th:
* Complete your Creative Character Study (prezi? mobile? scrapbook? etc.) DUE TOMORROW

Tues. Nov. 6th:
* Critical pieces of an essay: What makes an exemplary introduction?
* How to write a commanding thesis.
* Braveheart practice activity

* Theories of Relativity topics distributed: Partner brainstorm
* Independently complete your essay outline: Open book in-class write Tuesday Nov. 13th

Wed. Nov. 7th & Thurs. Nov. 8th:
Class wide film analysis of Basketball Diaries. A true story similar to our novel Theories of Relativity

Fri. Nov. 9th: 
Professional Development Day: School not in session

Week 9: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 29th:
* Words of the Week
* Class continue Theories of Relativity. How will it all turn out for Dylan? For Amber? For Jenna, and Twitch?
* Does Dylan have any control of his situation? Prove your perspective: P. E. E.

Tues. Oct. 30th:
* How is Dylan a dynamic character? Is he now "one of them," like Swear Lady and Grabage Man?
* Class read Ch 22 & 23
* Ticket Out: What is Garbage Man's, Swear Lady's and Amber's real name? What comment is the author making with these dual identities?
* Song analysis "What It's Like"

* Dive back into our novel. It's almost over :(

Wed. Oct 31st and Thurs. Nov. 1st:
* Complete your creative character study

Fri. Nov. 2nd:
* Week 6 & 7 Vocabulary Quiz
* Class explore the conclusion of Theories of Relativity: Why does Glen refuse to give Dylan money? Do you agree with this "cruel" decision?
* What is Dylan's final theory?
Creative Character Study Due Tuesday

Have a Great Weekend!

Is Change Possible?

Now that we've been exploring Dylan's journey on the streets through Theories of Relativity, consider the day-to-day reality and hope(?) possible for those on the streets.

1.) How do people change their situation?
2.) What do they need? What organizations? What types of support?
3.) Do you think that change is possible for those that are on the street? Why or why not? Explain your ideas.

Remember, when commenting, respond in complete sentences to all 3 questions. Please edit. This is a public forum, what you say, and how you say it matter!

Week 8: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 22nd:
* Partner exploration of "The Homeless" and "One Check Away." Two poems written about homelessness, one written by a community working with street youth, one written by a homeless man
* Read Chapter 9 & 10 of Theories of Relativity
* Questions to consider: 
1.) How has Jenna changed?
2.) Why is Dylan so enamored with the Church?
3.) What forms of belonging have we seen in the novel thus far?

Tues. Oct. 23rd:
* Journal write/sketch of your own positive childhood memory
* Class read and dissect Chapter 11 of novel. Contrast Dylan's childhood memories and present to your own experiences.
* Words of the Week
* Independently complete Chapter 12 of Theories of Relatively

Wed. Oct. 24th:
* Dylan is going to visit home, any predictions?
* Class read Chapter 13: Document 5 changes to the house/home life as shown by the chapter
* Read Chapter 14
* Ticket Out: Why doesn't Dylan do the humane thing and cover Twitch with the blanket? Explain your observation with full P.E.E. format

Thurs. Oct. 25th:
Early Dismissal Day: Parent-Teacher Conferences 2:15-5pm. See you there!
* Class explore Chapter 15 of Theories of Relativity
* Independent read of Chapter 16 and response
*** Complete response to reflection questions on Class Blog***

Fri. Oct. 26th:
* Week 6 Vocabulary Completion Checked
* "Homeless Night Before Christmas" poem analysis
* Read chapters 17-19 and complete activity on changes in Dylan
* Creative Character Study introduced: Select your character and mode of choice

Have a Great Weekend!

Homelessness: What are Our Assumptions? What are Our Reactions?

As we explore our class novel Theories of Relativity consider your own thoughts and feelings regarding homelessness:

1.) What comes to mind when you see a homeless person on the street?

2.) What do you do when you encounter a homeless person? (eye contact? speak to them?donate? cross the street? smile?) Why do you react this way?

3.) What assumptions do we make about those that are on the street? Why do we think these things?

Remember, when commenting, respond in complete sentences to all 3 questions. Please edit. This is a public forum, what you say, and how you say it matter!

Week 7: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 15th:
* Gallery Walk of Homelessness Images
* Class novel: Theories of Relativity introduced
* Homework: Post your comments regarding street youth and homelessness. We will re-address this topic and posting after we've completed our exploration of the novel and its issues.

Tues. Oct. 16th:
* Words of the Week
* Street Youth Info Quiz
* Class read Chapter 2: Predictions for our characters?
* Complete Chapter 3 independent read
* Portfolio work

Wed. Oct. 17th:
* What would you do to survive in a desperate situation?
* Class explore Ch 4 & 5 of Theories of Relativity: What have our characters been willing to do, or not do?
* Complete Chapter 4 & 5 Questions: Due Tomorrow

Thurs. Oct. 18th:
* "Run Away Train" song analysis

* Independent read of Chapters 6-8: Complete Reading Response Journal to passage of your choice. Due Monday

Fri. Oct. 19th:
* Non-Instructional Day
* Teachers at Professional Learning Association Workshops. No school for students

What Writing Is

As you are bleeding, sweating, and wrestling with your mind for the right words, just remember that many have fought this hard-won battle and emerged triumphant. Here is what they had to say about the writing process. Who do you think is the most correct? Who said it best?

Week 6: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 8th: School Closed

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Enjoy the time with family and food!

Tues. Oct. 9th:
* Week 3 & 4 Vocab quiz
* Group exploration of Samples of Excellence
* Group dissection. What does your Narrative need to be exemplary?
* Narrative Essentials outlined
* Plot your Narrative: Outline due tomorrow

Wed. Oct. 10th:
*  Dialogue Rules. This is key to believable characters and engaging your audience. See the Excellent Dialogue Tricks and Tips sheet
* Begin crafting your brilliant narrative
* See How to Write Better: 7 Instant Fixes

Thurs. Oct. 11th:
* Simile and metaphor practice. The lifeblood of great writing!
* See How to Show (Not Tell)
* Finish writing your Narrative draft

Fri. Oct. 12th:
* "Show Don't Tell" This is what all must do in their writing. I challenge you, can you incorporate olfactory imagery? What about taste?
* Peer exchange, edit and revise Narrative.
* Good Copy DUE MONDAY

Week 5: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 1st:
* Corrections Community share
* Literature Circles share and class debate
* Week 3 Vocab checked
*Begin studying your literary terms for quiz on Thursday

Tues. Oct. 2nd:
* Understanding Irony
* "Harrison Bergeron" read and enjoy. This gem will stay with you! See the great link Harrison Bergeron enotes

Here's a glimpse into the mind of our enigmatic author:

Wed. Oct. 3rd: 
* Class watch and contrast 2081, a film adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's infamous "Harrison Bergeron"

*Don't forget your literary terms quiz is tomorrow

Thurs. Oct. 4th:
* Literary Terms Quiz
* Practice Compare/Contrast Response and class share in preparation for tomorrow's in-class response

Fri. Oct. 5th:
* In-Class Open Book Short Story Read/Write Test
* Week 3 & 4 vocab quiz will be on Tuesday.
* Have a spectacular long weekend!

Tell-Tale Heart Video

Gurajit was absolutely right. Now that we've read through Edgar Allan Poe's "Tell-Tale Heart" you can see "the beating of the terrible heart" yourself. This is an interesting animation adaptation. What do you think?

Corrections Community

This came across my path and reminded me of you all on the hunt. Seek. Find. Fix.:

Week 4: What to Expect

Mon. Sept. 24th: Professional Development Day. School is not in session.

Tues. Sept. 25th:
* Point of View Quiz. 4 questions. Just like the practice. Walk in prepared.
* Story in film analysis: Almost Famous.
* Check out the trailer below

Wed. Sept. 26th:
* Complete Almost Famous film analysis. This includes plot diagram, character analysis, theme exploration and opinion response. Hand in at conclusion of class

Thurs. Sept. 27th:
* Words of the Week
* 1st Corrections Community share: Lead the class. Show us what you found and we'll fix the errors together.
* Literature Circles introduced: various story options, various role options (such as illustrator and investigator).
* Select your lit circle story and begin reading.

Fri. Sept. 28th:
* Read your chosen lit circle story closely
* Discuss understanding of story events and issues as a group
* Complete chosen Lit Circles Role Sheet. Lit Circles and class debates monday.
* Week 3 vocab checked