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....