7A Media Placemat Assignment

Assignment Number One: Media Placemat

DUE DATE: Thursday, September 24, 2015

Students are to create an 8.5 x 11 collage of images that demonstrate how Media represents them. They will be required to present their poster to the class. Students are encouraged to use the Media Mind Map co-created in class. This is in their notes.

Success Criteria for Media Placemat 
   
      I can...

• fill the whole page
• choose accurate images to represent "me" and emphasize their importance
• show a variety of images
• be neat and organized
• be creative

Success Criteria for Presentation

      I can...

• use appropriate volume
• speak clearly and at a good pace
• scan my audience
• practice and prepare (cue cards)
• speak without reading
• use gestures and expressions when appropriate

7A English - Mapping Your Heart

We began our Poetry Unit last week. Using the ideas of Georgia Heard, we are looking at digging deeper, beyond the average "Soccer is my favourite sport" or "My dog" poems. We are looking at identifying the things that matter.

7A - Where Does Poetry Hide?

emotions, feelings, thoughts, books, films, quotes, speeches, opinions, riddles, songs, experiences, memories, religious beliefs, nature, personality, yelling, laughter, happiness, anger, sadness, loss, weakness, secrets, fear

Students then "mapped their heart" to identify people/things/experiences that truly matter to them. This Heart Map is to be kept in each student's binder as a reference during this unit. This is an idea generator.

Guiding Questions: 

What has affected you? What memories, moments, people, animals, objects, books, fears, scars, friends, siblings, parents, grandparents, teachers, other people, journeys, dreams, crushes, relationships, comforts, learning experiences?
What people have been important to you?
What are some experiences or events that you will never forget?
What happy or sad memories do you have?
What secrets have you kept in your heart?
What small things or objects are important to you?
What do you keep outside your heart?

HSP 6/7/8 Welcome Back! September 10, 2015

Welcome back to the 6/7/8 HSP Class!

Our classroom blog is now up and running. Please check this weekly, as there will be information posted about English, Math, Social Studies / History and Geography as well as upcoming events and opportunities for the Students.

English - Firstly, the Students are completing BASELINE assessment for me. I use this to help write their IEP's and begin to program for them. I asses: Spelling, Reading (CASI/Flint-Cooter or DRA/JRA) and basic writing samples.

The students are completing Quilt pages! They are learning Media Literacy along with demonstrating VOICE in their creative writing. 

HOMEWORK: Students will be receiving a blank notebook this week. They are to keep it at home and write weekly. Their writing could take many forms. This year our focus will be on purpose and audience.

Students are also encouraged to visit the school and public library. They should be reading for approximately 30 minutes each day at home for homework.

Math - This week, Students are completing a baseline numeracy assessment. As we begin our program, Students will be working on individualized programs in Math.

HOMEWORK: This week, students are encouraged to memorize Multiplication Facts to 12. This will help reduce some of the reliance on calculators for simple Math. DON'T WORRY...calculators are allowed and encouraged during Math work when students need them :)

Social Studies (Grade 6) - Using the Canadian Reader program, we will be exploring Current Canadian events and issues. This links very well to our Guided Reading program, and we will be learning and strengthening Reading Strategies to help improve understanding and build vocabulary.

The first focus is using Text Features to get a better understanding of what the text is about so Students learn to focus on important information when reading. 

History / Geography (Grades 7 and 8) - Using the  What in the World program, we will be exploring current events and issues around the world. While the content will be similar, the Grade 7's and 8's will focus on different text features and complete similar, but grade and IEP appropriate work. This links very well to our Guided Reading program, and we will be learning and strengthening Reading Strategies to help improve understanding and build vocabulary.

HOMEWORK: Every post for Social Studies / History and Geography Homework will be the same: please sit down and watch the news with your child.

7A English - Welcome Back! September 10, 2015

Welcome to Willowdale!

It is a pleasure to be working with the French Immersion class again this year!

Each week, we will post what we are learning, assignments, timelines and Success Criteria so that Students and Parents are able to access classroom learning.

Next week....CASI... Students will be completing this assessment in class Wednesday and Thursday. 

ONGOING HOMEWORK: Students are encouraged to read for at least 30 minutes each night. Students are encouraged to keep a Writer's Notebook at home where they can jot down ideas, or write what's on their mind.

This week, students were introduced to MEDIA. Each table group mind-mapped the various ways that Media affects them. From there, we discussed all of their ideas. We will compile a master list that will be posted in class. STAY TUNED...this Mind Map will be used to help the students with their first assignment next week!