The Sound of Thunder

We will be reading another short story - The Sound of Thunder and writing a descriptive paragraph.   
Practice the vocabulary on this website:

https://quizlet.com/61635420/a-sound-of-thunder-ray-bradbury-flash-cards/

Here is the comic book version of the story:  

Comic version of A Sound of Thunder Click here...https://marswillsendnomore.wordpress.com/2011/01/24/all-ive-got-to-worry-about-is-shooting-my-dinosaur/sound-of-thunder-ec-comics-1/

The employees at EC Comics loved Sound of Thunder so much they adapted it for comics. But, they didn’t credit Bradbury at all. Legend has it that Ray saw the story and sent them a nice note about what a great adaptation it was – a diplomatic way to get credit, for sure!   His name is at the bottom of this one...

Here is an old video that could help!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxgbZAwIhVw

Give Peace a Chance

After Veterans Week we have had some great discussions about Peace.   Now we will read stories about Peace and put our ideas together into a poem!  


Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes:
Listen to the story:
Chapters 1 - 3
Chapters 4-6
Chapters 7-9

Read the story:
Read the story
How to make a Crane

Period 2 -  Try writing an Acrostic poem about Peace.
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/acrostic/

Period 3 and 4 - Try writing a Diamante poem about Peace.  Your first word is Peace - follow the directions from there.
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/diamante/

The Saint Mother Teresa High School Peace Prize!
Who will YOU nominate?   Design a poster or google slides to tell us more about your person:

Read about those who have won the Nobel Peace Prize for Peace initiatives:
https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace

We will be practicing the Prayer for the 21st Century and reading short stories about Peace.   

Learning new Literary Terms!

Period 3 and 4:

Wow!  I am so enjoying reading your Two Truths and a Lie Narrative Writing!  What incredible stories.  We are now beginning a short story unit! 
I have given you a list of Literary Terms we will be using this semester.   Knowing these terms well,  will help you with the assignments that are coming up.

For fun, you can use Quizlet to learn the new terms, play a couple of games and then try the test.   (Without looking at your paper!) 😀
Show me your score.
https://quizlet.com/21416467/literary-terms-scholastic-scope-flash-cards/

Period 2:  Try this Quizlet to learn some new words:

https://quizlet.com/331166685/esl-literary-terms-flash-cards/

Learning about Terry Fox and Get Ready for the Titan Trek!

This looks like a busy week!

Monday:  Remember to wear orange to remember those who suffered under the Residential System.  

The Titan Trek is also coming up!  Followed by Thanksgiving Weekend- no school on Friday or next Monday!  

Around Ottawa last weekend and this week, you may have heard or seen the Terry Fox Run.   It was 35 years ago that he captured the hearts of all Canadians.   We watched a short video about Terry Fox and are looking at character traits.

Here are a couple little videos that give you more information about Terry.

ESPN Terry Fox Video

Celebrating Canada 150 - Remembering Terry Fox

If you have time this chilly Sunday, here is a link for the Terry Fox movie.  It is older, but gives you more details about his character and why he is such an important hero for Canada.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPcXMg3E9KQ

Who are the important heroes in your country?

Homework:

Period 2:  IXL, and research about Terry Fox in your language

Period 3 and 4:   IXL, and Show, Don't Tell sheet.   This week we will be working on narrative writing.

Growth Mindset!

Hi Everyone - hope you had a good start to the week.

Period 3 and 4 - remember to work on your Growth Mindset song lyric questions in your google Drive - due Thursday. I have already seen some incredible answers! Keep up the great work!

Watch this video and fill out the TED Talk Listening sheet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN34FNbOKXc

How do these videos demonstrate elements of a Growth Mindset?  Work with a partner and brainstorm a list of qualities/examples that you saw in the videos?

https://youtu.be/inNMktqIkh0

https://youtu.be/C-COvO9tDaM

https://youtu.be/AWtRadR4zYM

Welcome Back!

I hope everyone had a great first week and a relaxing weekend!  We have an amazing group of students who are settling in to their new school extremely well.   Also, I hope all of our former ESL students had a good week - let us know how your new adventures in college, work, new schools, or university are going... I wish you well!

Homework - organize your binders - get dividers and divide up your subjects.

Period 2 - work on your Meet —�— in the past, present and future assignment and have your classroom expectation sheet signed

Period 3- read over the article I gave you on Friday. There will be a shit reading assessment about this. Circle words you don’t understand and look them up. Also have your sheet signed by your parents.

Also, Meet the Teacher Night, is this Wednesday night at 6:30.  I would encourage parents and guardians to come and meet your child's teachers and see their new classes. 

Students - to make it easier for your parents - Give them the room number for each class so they know where to go. I look forward to meeting them!

Our school policies and expectations are outlined in the student handbook.   View the complete 2018-2019 Student Handbook.

Enjoy this sunny weather!

Learning about Canada through Picture Books!

Canadians Love Hockey!

This week we are also talking about winter sports in Canada.  The Period 2 group will be reading The Hockey Sweater.  

This famous song pretty well sums up Canadian's feelings about hockey.  It is often played at hockey games.   Listen to the words and fill in the worksheet. 

The Good Old Hockey Game 

Here is the video of the story that was made by the National Film Board of Canada.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgydkfnUEi8

 

The Hockey Sweater by Roch Carrier 

This is one of my favourite short stories!  It not only tells us a lot about how hockey was such an important part of small town life but also a lot about Canada many years ago.  

 An extract from Roch Carrier’s “The Hockey Sweater” on the Canadian $5 bill.

 Maurice Richard was a well-loved hockey player in Canada.  Here are a couple little videos about him. 

Maurice Richard 

Who is your hero?  Why?

 

Summer Activities sponsored by OCISO

Summer is quickly approaching and it will be more fun and enjoyable if you can keep busy.  Here are a couple of posters for summer activities by OCISO.  Check them out - they look interesting! 

A World of Tulips! Join us for Open House next week!

This is a busy time of year!  We were chosen to paint giant tulips which will be displayed at the Ottawa Tulip Festival which runs from May 11th to the 21st.   Visit the Aberdeen Paviollion at Lansdowne Park and you will be able to see our finished creations!

We have a lot happening.  We have been enjoying incredible documentaries at the Hot Doc festival - many touching on the importance of preserving your culture, following your dreams and never giving up. 

Upcoming events:

May 8th - ESL Parent Engagement Evening  - Understanding the School Community and Our Neighbours!   Parents are invited to join us in the Learning Commons from 6:00pm to 8:00pm - to meet other ESL families in our community and learn more about Child and School Safety.

May 10th -  Foods from around the World - Bake sale at lunch - bring food from your country to add to our sale.   All proceeds will go towards our field trips!

May 10th - 4-8pm - Open House - join us for a barbeque, displays and special events.  We will also have a bake sale at that time - with food from your countries.  Shopping, baking or selling?  You can receive volunteer hours for your assistance!  Get involved and have fun!  It is always an exciting evening!

May 14th - field trip to the Tulip Festival - bring in your forms and $5
raindate on the 17th.  Come and see the finished tulips, go for a hike and take pictures of the beautiful gardens!

May 16th - Field trip to Carleton University Sports Camp - bring in your forms and money

Thank you for everyone's support and co-operation at this very, very busy time!  You are a remarkable group!!

Speak Up!

So proud of your efforts on the Literacy Test!  You worked so hard...

We have a busy spring! So excited about the Tulips we will be decorating for the Tulip Festival.  We also have a few more fun activities to coming up to look forward to!

Period 3 and 4 - Keep reading and working on your Independent Novel Visual Essay. Conferences are next week.

The Emperor's New Clothes - you will love this hilarious play based on the short story by Hans Christian Andersen. An informational text about finding the courage to speak up follows the play.

Discussion Questions for the Week: Please answer below!

Essential Questions: 

Why is it important to speak your mind?

What can make it difficult to speak up?

How can vanity be harmful?

IXL-I hadn't given homework for awhile, but so proud that you are self-assessing and working on areas that you feel you need to improve. 

You may have already done some of these, so try the ones you haven't done yet.  Finished?  Try a couple more areas you want to work on! 

Period 2: 

Antonyms and Synonyms:

Level B:  O.1, O.2, O.3, O.4, O.5

Level C:  L.1, L.2, L.3, L.4, L.5, L.6, L.7, L.8

Level D:  L. 1 to L.7

Period 3 and 4:

Level F:  N. 1 to N.9

Level G:  M.1 to M. 9

Level I:   J. 1 to J. 6

YOUR opinion does matter!

In the next couple of weeks, in preparation for the Literacy test, we will be writing a News Report, as well as a series of paragraphs expressing our opinions.

To get us thinking - here are some samples of the opinion essay topics from previous years.  Can you pick a topic and think of at least 3 arguments for or against?
 -Should zoos exist?

· Are today’s famous people good role models for young people?

· Is it a good idea for high school students to have a part-time job?

· Are cellphones necessary in school?

· Is participation in extracurricular activities an important part of secondary school life?

· Do teenagers place too much importance on what they wear?

· Should every student be required to take a Physical Education class every year of high school?

· Should Ontario high schools allow students to eat junk food and sell junk food in their cafeterias?

· Should the sale of junk foods be banned from Ontario secondary schools?

· Should Canada join the United States?

-Is it important for teenagers to pay attention to world news?

Watch these little videos about writing an opinion piece and make notes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaT1T9ObyLY

Here are some tips for writing your opinion essay.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5NrNcaWfiA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv1KACtQyLA

Transition words are CRUCIAL for the opinion essay.  Watch this little video about the use of transition words:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aksqJCgAMA 

Try these IXL exercises to practice:
Level H:  E.11
Level J:  L.1
Level K:  L.1 
 
Now- you are ready to write!! 

 

International Women's Day!

March 8th is International Women's Day.  We will learn about the history of this day and the school will be having special activities to raise awareness.

Discussion Questions for the Week:  Choose one or more and write a detailed response:
1.  Should we have International Women's Day?  Should we be doing special activities in the school?  Why or why not?  Why do you think we chose those activities? 
2.  Do women face inequalities in your country?  Explain?
3.  Who is a famous woman in your country?  Tell us about her.
4.  What should this year's focus be for women?  In Canada?  Internationally?
5.  Do males and females have equal educational opportunities in your country?   Explain
or....
It is Celebrate your NAME week!
6.  How did you get your name?  Why is it important?  What does it mean?

We will be learning more about Malala!   Watch this little video and try the quiz! 
https://www.eslvideo.com/quiz.php?id=26000

IXL for the Week:
Period 2:
Rhyming - Listen to the words:
Level B- E.1, E.2, E.3, E.4
Level C-  Statements, questions, commands A.1, A.2, A.3, A.4, A.5
Level D- A.1, A.7
-Also download Duolingo, pick your language and try some of the exercises.

Period 3 and 4:  Practice the OSSLT exercises on Workspace!
Level Capitals and Commas:
Level F:  J.1, J.2, J.3, J.4, J.12
Level H:  Using dashes - I.6,
Level J:  F.10 using ellipsis

We will have an exercise/dance class for girls on Friday afternoon - remember to bring your running shoes and t-shirt.  
Also, remember to bring in your Sugarbush forms and money. 

Watch this Inspiring Video!

Another Inspiring Video - Her Voice is My Voice!

Hidden Figures!

Based on a true story, Hidden Figures tells the story of three brilliant African-American women at NASA.  Hidden away from their colleageauges at NASA and the public, they serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history - the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit - an amazing achievement that amazed the world.

Even though Hidden Figures tells a story that took place many years ago, it is still timely and relevant - in light of ongoing struggles and conversations about race and gender. 

Here is an article about Katherine Johnson:  https://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/news/researchernews/rn_kjohnson.html  

and a little video about her life:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aR8WhKCC8w

Here are some discussion questions for you to consider:
Discussion Questions #4:  Pick one or more to comment on below:
1.  Hidden Figures: Think about the world around you.  Who are the Hidden Figures in it?  How can we help bring them to light?
2.  Examples of the "Impossible" - Look around you and think about people in your communities.  Do you see any "impossible miracles" there?  If so, who are they and how do they inspire you?
3.  Twice Oppressed, Twice Triumphant - Consider the members of your community or where you lived?    Where have you seen oppression and where have you seen people overcome it? How does this inspire you?

4.  Shared Dreams/Shared work: Where in your communities do you now see a need for change?  What small actions could set that change in motion?  How can you be a "first" in your community?
5.  It's all about Education:  Think about your educational experiences.  Where has education shaped or changed your life?  Where have encounters with others shaped your life?

Happy Valentine's Day! The History of Valentines. Video Listening Activity!

Today is Valentine's Day!   A day to tell the people close to us that we love them.  This week is also Kindness Week - we will be focusing on this theme all week.

Great Similes!  Which one do you like best?

Listen to the History of Valentine's and try the quiz.  Let Mrs. B. know how you do!
https://www.esolcourses.com/content/topics/valentinesday/listening/history-of-valentines-day.html

http://www.henry4school.fr/Celebrations/valentine/val-videos.htm

Brighten someone's day - send an animal ecard! We will also be writing a letter telling someone special how much you appreciate them.  That means a lot!

http://online.nwf.org/site/PageNavigator/ecards?id=52

Figurative Language:  We talked about Similes comparing love to an object at home.  Can't wait to see what you come up with!   Can you find a song that compares love to another object?

Feb. 5-9th - The Olympics! Valentines, Shrove Tuesday, Chinese New Year

This is going to be a busy week!  We have a lot going!
On Friday we will have a little Chinese New Year Celebration!   If students from Asia want to share this this special time with the class, if you help with shopping or cooking, you will receive volunteer hours.

Shrove Tuesday:
Slideshow about Shrove Tuesday

Here is a video about Shrove Tuesday:  This is British, but gives some great information!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6MH75lyvkM

The Olympics:  Try to watch some of the events and tell us about them! 
You can go on this site to watch highlights!   https://olympics.cbc.ca/

1. Learn more about Team Canada and the events our athletes will participate in on the Canadian Olympic Team Official
Website at https://olympic.ca/
2. Read “2018 Olympics: What you Need to Know” at
http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/29/sport/2018-winter-olympics-what-to-know/index. html
3. Watch a CBC feature from The National on how (and why) North and South Korea are planning to cool military tensions during the Olympics at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS1AKglyvUw
4. Watch a CBC News feature on the IOC’s decision to ban Russia from the Olympics as a national team at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gojq62ScaR0
5. Watch “The Ancient Origins of the Olympics” from TED-Ed at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdHHus8IgYA J

Discussion Questions:  Please reply and share your answers below:
1. The estimated cost of these Games is $13 billion (US) – far less than the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, which were the most expensive ever at over $50 billion (US). Still, $13 billion is a huge amount of money! As you see it, are the Olympic Games worth the cost? Give reasons to support your response.
2. Consider the following statement: No matter how hard the IOC tries to prevent doping, people still cheat and get away with it at the Olympics. The IOC should stop testing for performance-enhancing drugs and let people do what they want with their bodies. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons to support your response.
3. Do you plan to watch the Olympics and Paralympics? Why or why not?
4.  What has been your favourite winter sport to watch?  Why are you enjoying it?  

February is Black History Month! Period 3 and 4

 

Background Information:  Learn about the Underground Railway:

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/bhistory/underground_railroad/index.htm

Begin the Journey and follow the route.  You can press Listen if you want to hear the information at each stop.

Action Magazine:  Escape from Slavery play  
If you can't get in - Password is MTHSESL

Wednesday:  Escape from Slavery video
Another video to learn more!  Escape from Slavery:
Video:
Time Machine:  What was life like in the 1840's?
https://action.scholastic.com/issues/2016-17/090116/escape-from-slavery.html

Thursday:  Learning new Vocabulary.  
1. On the sheet provided in class, write down the words, their meaning in your language and a sentence.

2.  Review vocabulary Read over this vocabulary to prepare for the quiz!  Download the pdf, write the answers and then save in your file. CLICK HERE
3.  Read the play together in class
Homework:  Finish the vocabulary and Video Discussion sheet

Friday:  How to write a summary
-video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGWO1ldEhtQ
-sample
Homework: polished summary in your ESL file - due Monday
-Kahoot game to review vocabulary

Monday:  Quiz on Vocabulary
-Inferring Activity- Character Traits

https://action.scholastic.com/content/dam/classroom-magazines/action/issues/2016-2017/090116/escape-from-slavery/21-ACTION-090116-Play-CharacterTraits-HL.pdf
Character Traits - Download this sheet - type in the answers and then put it in your file!
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Extra videos/fun activities to do if you are done:

http://www.ducksters.com/history/civil_war/underground_railroad.php

Then take this quiz:
http://www.ducksters.com/history/civil_war/underground_railroad_questions.php

Learn more about Harriet Tubman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amGRYf2ComY

Watch this Heritage Minute about the Underground Railroad:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RLEE0ENHoI

Learn more about William Hall:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44bDMiZiyTk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaLgZV9VnKM

The very first Woman on Canadian Money! To be featured on the 2018 $10 bill-  Learn more about Viola Desmond:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GZn1QdhafM

Heritage Moment about Viola:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie0xWYRSX7Y
 Another great video about Viola:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bb_nkZNh8M 

Summary Writing:  Read the news article about Viola Desmond
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/viola-desmond-money-bill-dollar-civil-rights-community-reaction-new-glasgow-family-1.3867262

Learn about the origins of Black History Month in the United States:

http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month

Discussion Questions for the Week:  Reply below.   Feel free to comment on other people's comments as well.  Try to show that you have done some research or use evidence to support your answers.   Answer 1 or more of the following:

1.  Why is it important to learn about our history?

2.  Why is it important to learn about slavery?   What examples of slavery are you aware of in the past or present?  What questions do you have about slavery in the United States?

3.  How do people fight oppression?   Give examples from the past or present.

or 4.  Why do people take great risks to be free?  Give past or present examples

Thank you HBC! Surviving the Ottawa Winter!

Recently, our new students to Canada created amazing guides to Surviving the Winter in Ottawa.  It has been a long, cold winter!   I am so thrilled to announce that the Hudson's Bay Company - Canada's Iconic Department Store - has donated CANADA Red Mittens for my ESL students!   Perfect timing with the Olympics just around the corner!   Thank you SO much for your generosity - they will keep our hands warm, and we will wear them with PRIDE!

Founded in 1670, HBC is the oldest company in North America.   In class, we discussed how the fur trade was so important hundreds of years ago in our country, and how the HBC began.  HBC’s stores today include luxury to premium department stores to off price fashion shopping destinations, with more than 480 stores and over 66,000 employees around the world.    The company now owns other stores like Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Home Outfitters and Saks OFF 5TH.

The Red Mittens also support our athletes through the Canadian Olympic Foundation.  Show your support for our Canadian athletes!

The Red Mittens unite us as a country and demonstrate the pride and passion we have for our country.  The Red Mittens represent many things....... pride, generosity and excellence – values that define what it means to be Canadian.

When you wear your mittens and see those big letters - CANADA - what does this mean to you?  What does Canada mean for you?  What are your hopes and dreams for CANADA?  Your future in CANADA?  I can't wait to see your reply below....