Truth & Reconciliation Day

Today, albeit a day early, we wear orange shirts for National Truth & Reconciliation Day. We honour the innocent children who never returned home,  the survivors of the many Residential Schools and their families. #everychildmatters

Although not part of our immediate ELA curriculum, I felt it was important to pause our regular programming to study some media texts pertaining to these atrocious events that happened not so long ago.

Grade 6 & 7s read When I was Eight, a short story about a young girl who desperately wanted to learn how to read.

Grade 8s took a deep dive into Gord Downie’s Secret Path. Downie began “Secret Path as ten poems incited by the story of Chanie Wenjack, a twelve year-old boy who died fifty years ago on October 22, 1966, in flight from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School near Kenora, Ontario, walking home to the family he was taken from over 400 miles away.”

Special thanks to Mme Marie Jose, of the Metis people for her support and contributions.

 

Reading Buddies are BACK

Our Grade 6s enjoyed their first Reading Buddy session yesterday. Students were paired with students in Grade 1 to spend 30 minutes reading together. What a great opportunity for the “Littles” to meet the “Bigs” and develop literacy together.

To be SUCCESSFUL…

We need to be organized! This year, there will be a heavy focus across the Middle School on organization. This week, many students received paper agendas, a tool, I personally use to stay organized. Other students chose the more “on trend” approach by going digital. These students received a crash course on Google Calendar, Google Keep and more. Bonus marks will be given to students who show how using their agenda (throughout the year) has attributed to their success.

Welcome Back

Welcome Back, Middle School English Language Arts Students!

I hope you had a wonderful summer and that you are just as excited as I am to start another school year. We have lots to look forward to this school year, the first one being our Middle School Retreat (which starts on Wednesday!). But until then, enjoy the beautiful weather today and do something you love.

Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!

Grade 6 Language Arts

Grade 6 English students are currently preparing their public speaking speeches. Topics are hot, fun, controversial, thought-provoking, and so much more. Students are encouraged to add their flair and finesse this year. We are moving away from the more formal approach and introducing ways to captivate and engage our audiences – gestures, body language, props, appropriate dress, and even a little acting are all welcome.

 

Grade 7 Language Arts

Grade 7 finished reading The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. The students finished debating in class some very controversial topics that stemmed from the novel. are currently preparing their public speaking speeches. Topics are hot, fun, controversial, thought-provoking, and so much more. Students are encouraged to add their flair and finesse this year. We are moving away from the more formal approach and introducing ways to captivate and engage our audiences – gestures, body language, props, appropriate dress, and even a little acting are all welcome.

Grade 8 Language Arts

Grade 8 English students are currently preparing their public speaking speeches. Topics are hot, fun, controversial, thought-provoking, and so much more. Students are encouraged to add their flair and finesse this year. We are moving away from the more formal approach and introducing ways to captivate and engage our audiences – gestures, body language, props, appropriate dress, and even a little acting are all welcome.

They are also working on finishing reading Steinbeck’s To Kill a Mockingbird and are currently in the thick of the trial. Although uncertain where the story was going to go in Part 1, the students have shown keen interest in the courtroom as they closely follow the actions of Atticus. Once the novel is complete (this week), students will be recreating the courtroom scene and will be able to audition for the various roles. Those who are uncomfortable acting will be able to serve as jury members who will determine whether Tom Robinson is guilty.
Towards the end of May, the class will read Romeo and Juliet. This group has never read Shakespeare. An introduction to Shakespeare’s writing is essential before entering High School.