June 17, 2021
Your Friendly Letter to Yourself in the Future is due at the end of the day tomorrow (Friday @ 9 pm.)
June 15, 2021
Weekly Overview:
Monday:
- Go over "open book quiz review" and study for chapter 10 test. Ch. 10 booklet due today (extended from Friday).
- Chapter 10 test
- quiet reading
- Friendly Letter intro- Slides, notes, planning, rough draft. Good copy due Friday.
- review expectations for Friendly Letter, work on good copy, edit. Good copy due tomorrow.
- Good copy of letter due
- Email writing mini-lesson
June 8, 2021
Weekly Overview:
Monday:
- India's COVID Nightmare Review and Quiz
Tuesday:
- Chapter 10 overview- National Policy and Western Expansion, focusing on Numbered Treaties, Residential Schools, and Rapid Growth in the West.
- 7-13 homework: Read pages 307-317 and answer questions on the Numbered Treaties and Period of Rapid Growth. Tomorrow we will work on the NWMP questions.
- 7-14 homework: Read pages 307-317 and answer questions on the Numbered Treaties and Period of Rapid Growth. Tomorrow we will work on the NWMP questions.
Wednesday:
- Ch. 10 Questions: Read through pages 318-329 to complete the NWMP questions, National Policy, National Policy: the Building of the Railway, Advertising Immigrants, and Letters Home sections.
Thursday:
- Complete the booklet: Read pages 331-338 and complete the sections on Recruiting Canadiens for the West and Eastern European Immigrants.
- Open-book quiz- once booklet is complete.
Friday:
- Last period to work on chapter 10 questions. Due Monday (extended from Friday)
- review for Ch. 10 test on Tuesday, June 15
June 6, 2021
Google Meet Code posted on Google Classroom- same as before. Monday June 7 is Day C.
June 4, 2021
This week, students had time to finish up their Novel Study work (due June 3), began to look at Ch. 10 of Our Canada- Western Expansion and National Policy, and took a look at global current events. The Covid-19 Crisis in India questions are due Monday. Any incomplete novel study work must be submitted Monday, and will be marked as late unless other arrangements have been made with me previously. Next week we will continue to look at Western Expansion, focusing on the Numbered Treaties, role of the North West Mounted Police, and Sir John A. Macdonald's National Policy.
May 27, 2021
Today, students worked on vocabulary and chapter questions for their novel study, and we looked at Conflict.
7-13: Complete your vocab and questions for chapters 21-22.
7-14: Complete the prompts for Chapters 21-24 for tomorrow, if not done already. Hard copies of assignment were given out today- please don't lose these and bring them to school each day.
May 25, 2021
Today, students had time to work on their diary entry for their novel study. This assignment, along with the FlipGrid video to go with it, is due tomorrow evening.
May 20, 2021
- Read chapter 16 and answer question 4 in your booklet.
- review the possible topic of your Diary entry (ch. 13, ch. 14, ch. 16) and choose the event you will reflect on
- plan out your diary entry (event details from the book, how Stargirl felt etc.)
- begin writing your Diary Entry response
- Homework for the long weekend: Read until the end of chapter 20. Chapter 17 (vocab + question 1), Chapter 18 (vocab + question 3), Chapter 19 (vocab + question 2), Chapter 20 (vocab + question 5). You will have time to finish up your diary entry on Tuesday, and we will continue on with reading Chapter 21 in class next week.
7-14:
- Work on your Diary Entry Assignment.
- - review the two chapters (The Rest of the Second Tale and Destruction)
- - plan out your details
- - begin writing your response
- Homework for the long weekend: Read to the end of the Third Tale. (Yew Trees, Could it Be?, No Tale, I No Longer See You, The Third Tale). You will have time to finish up your diary entry on Tuesday, and we will continue on with reading Punishment in class.
May 18, 2021
7-13: Complete the chapter 1-8 quiz. Then, begin reading chapter 9 (vocab + question 1 & 3), chapter 10 (vocab + question 2), chapter 11 (vocab + last question- metaphor for Stargirl)
7-14: Use the Prediction Chart to make a prediction about “Grandma’s prize clock”.
Use the Prediction Chart to make a prediction about Conor’s dad’s appearance at this point of the book.
Add characters encountered onto the Character Investigation chart. You will have a quiz on chapters 1-14 tomorrow (Wednesday)
May 17, 2021
7-14: Read chapters 8-11, write a 3-5 sentence summary for each.
if you finish, read chapters 12-13 and complete the Prediction Chart and Character Investigation as prompted. Do not worry about the Plot Map for now. Check back in at 11:35. If you do not get through these sections, this is homework. You will have a quiz Wednesday on Chapter 1-14, so read and review these chapters, and ensure your summaries for these chapters are up to date!
7-13: Chapters 6 (question 2 + vocab), Chapter 7 (only question 1 and 5 + vocab), Chapter 8 (question 1 + vocab). Tuesday (tomorrow) we will have a quiz on chapters 1-8, so ensure you have read and reviewed these chapters and completed the related questions.
May 13, 2021
Thursday, May 13 homework:- 7-14: Read "Grandma" and "The Wildness of Stories". Complete the first two rows of the Inference Chart based on the prompts.
- 7-13: Read chapter 4 (complete vocab, question 1-2) and chapter 5 (vocab and questions 1-3). First row of Inference Chart.
May 12, 2021
For homework today:
- Both classes: complete at least 1 row of the "Context Clues" chart.
- 7-14: Read chapters 3-5, complete the summary and respond to questions for each (no summary or questions for chapter 3) and add to your prediction and context clues chart.
- 7-13: Read chapter 2-3, and complete questions: 1-4 (Ch. 2) and 1, 2, 4 and 5 (Ch. 3- skip question 3)
May 11, 2021
Novel study homework:
- 7-13: Please complete Chapter 1 vocabulary, and questions 1,2, 3, and 6 for homework.
Questions 4, 5, and 7 are optional. Use details from the story in your answer, including page numbers of the quote. E.g. "she wore no make up" (p. 5) - 7-14: Complete the summary for Chapter 2: Breakfast for homework, and respond to the questions about Conor's mum's condition. Remember to use quotation marks and add page numbers.
May 10, 2021
Monday
- Finish Censorship podcast discussion and questions
- review Louis Riel Podcast paragraph and submit it on Classroom (due today!)
- quiet read/research Bill C-10 amendments involving online broadcasting
- Begin novel study!
- Predictions
- Vocabulary
- Begin reading
- Elements of Narrative Writing: mini lesson 1
- Continue reading
- Chapter questions/responses
- Elements of Narrative Writing: mini lesson 2
- Continue reading
- Chapter questions/responses
- Current Events: What is Bill C-10? What is the CRTC? Why is the government looking to control what is published online?
May 7, 2021
Today we looked at what censorship is and practiced listening skills while also having class discussion. Next week, we will continue working on listening skills, discussing censorship as it pertains to the current Bill C-10 in Canada, and begin a novel study. Please stop by the school office to pick up your book before Tuesday, May 11th, as we will begin the novel study on Tuesday.
The Louis Riel Podcast Paragraph is due Monday.
Have a great weekend! Get out into the fresh air, even if it's rainy.
May 3, 2021
Monday, May 3-
- Root word: cardi-
- Métis history/Ch. 9 review
- Root word: cred-
- Ch. 9 Test (online- 45-60 mins.)
- Listening Assignment: Podcast Task introduction
- Homework: listen to podcast at least once
Wednesday, May 5-
- Root word: de-
- Review paragraph structure
- Listening Assignment: Work time- re-listen to podcast, work on writing paragraph response
Thursday, May 6-
- Root word: dict-
- Listening Assignment: Work time (use notes to complete paragraph response)
Friday, May 7-
- Current Events - Censorship Introduction
- Listening Assignment Due Monday***
April 27, 2021
Below is a weekly overview for the week. While some of this is subject to change, this is the general outline for the week. Students will write a Chapter 9 test on Métis history and influence on the West next week, whether we are back in person or still online. Students, if this workload is feeling overwhelming, remember to: email your teacher (ranewson@cbe.ab.ca), schedule focused homework time (set a timer, find a quiet spot, no devices/webpages open to distract you), take body breaks to stretch, etc. to help stay in routine.
- Root word: com-,
- review Myanmar "Putting it all together" questions.
- Task: Complete questions 1-11 of the "Violent Military Coup in Myanmar" comprehension questions
- turn it on Google Classroom (due tomorrow). *Use full sentences and details from the article.
- Work on your Metis Ch. 9 booklet. Work on questions 18-20 of Metis Ch. 9 booklet for homework
- Root word: anthrop-
- review Metis booklet up to question 20
- review Manitoba Act
- mini-lesson: Second Metis Uprising
- Work on Ch. 9 questions 21-25
- Root word: anti-
- Mini-lesson: Manitoba Schools Act
- Work on Ch. 9 questions 26-29 (Ch. 9 booklet must be complete by following Monday, May 3)
- Current Events source analysis OR Podcast assignment intro. (TBD)
April 22, 2021
Below is the overview posted for students earlier this week on Classroom. Please note there is no online class on Monday, April 26 as it is a PD day for teachers.
- Monday April 19: Root Word Work- auto, introduction to Métis history/chapter 9
- Tuesday April 20: Root Word Work- fort, discussion on citizenship and identity, short answer response (Slides), vocab for Ch. 9
- Wednesday April 21: Root Word Work- re, Métis vs. HBC Perspectives chart in Slides, Ch. 9 booklet page 1-2
- Thursday April 22: Root Work Work- ism, Métis Ch. 9 Questions, page 3 (complete up to question 13)
- Friday April 23: Current Event (Violent Military Coup in Myanmar- please finish the "putting it together" questions for Tuesday)
Homework to be completed for Tuesday, April 27: page 4 of Ch. 9 booklet (question 14-17)
*Remember: No online school on Monday, April 26 (PD day for teachers)
April 16, 2021
This week, students worked on finishing up the Confederation project that they began last week. We also reviewed how to use inference vs. evidence charts and how to read websites to find useful information while researching. This project is still due Monday, April 19th. If it is completed on paper, I will ask that students show it to me on Google Meet Monday and mark it once they have returned to in-person learning. If it is digital, or if high quality images can be uploaded, it can be submitted on Classroom.
Next week, as we will be online, students have been given hard copies of a "Root Words Bellringer" booklet that has one task for each day, and a booklet of Chapter 9 questions about the Métis. On Monday, I will introduce students to the root word tasks, then overview Métis culture and history before asking students to dive into textbook questions. There will be other tasks pertaining to the Métis assigned later in the week.
All tasks are posted digitally as well, so if a student does not have a hard copy, they can complete it digitally or print it and do it by hand.
The Google Meet code is posted on Google Classroom, and is printed on the timetable given to students today, which is also available on Google Classroom. If you have any questions or concerns, email me! ranewson@cbe.ab.ca
Stay safe and healthy. I will miss seeing you in person!
April 9, 2021
This week, students began to work on their final Confederation project- a 6 part task that will be due at the end of next week. Students should have at least 1/6 tasks completed by Monday, April 12 in order to avoid having excessive homework next week. Ideally, 1/6 will be completed and other portions will be started by Monday as there is overlap in the tasks. The order in which they are completed is not relevant.
April 6, 2021
Welcome back! Today, students had some quiet reading time before reviewing their annotated poems worked on before the break. Students then had the rest of the block to write a paragraph analyzing one of the poems they annotated before the break, looking at poetic devices, figurative language, and theme. Tomorrow, we will be reviewing Confederation notes from earlier in March, and students will work on their final Confederation tasks.
March 26. , 2021
Today, current events presentations and discussion took longer than anticipated. Due to not wanting to start an assignment that would have to be homework over the break, I have chosen to wait until Tuesday, April 6th to assign the paragraph poem analysis. This will be done in class on Day A, Tuesday April 6th. That means there is no homework for humanities during the break, unless you have outstanding assignments. Please enjoy your break and follow COVID-19 protocols in place as mandated by the province. Rest and enjoy!
March 25, 2021
Today, students worked on annotating three poems as a group ("Alone" by Maya Angelou, "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes, and "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost) and identified the theme. Tomorrow, after current events presentations, students will write a paragraph response explaining the theme of one of these poems using evidence from the poem and their annotations as support.
Once students return from Spring Break on Tuesday, April 6 (Day A), we will continue on with Confederation and look at strengthening paragraph writing.
March 24, 2021
This week, students are finishing up the focus on poetry by looking at how to analyze poetry for theme, and practicing annotation. We are also looking at the current events regarding racism in Canada, especially as it relates to pandemic-related racism, and exploring the connections to systemic racism in Canada's past. This connects to Canada's history and foundations of Confederation, which we will continue to explore when students return from spring break. Students should have submitted their Poetry Booklet with their own poems and visuals by this past Monday, March 22, and any late assignments are marked as such on PowerSchool.
March 11, 2021
In humanities this week, students continued learning about how to write various poems and incorporate figurative language into their writing. Next week, we will be working on poetry analysis, poetry writing, and jumping back into lessons surrounding Confederation. Please remember there is no school on Friday, March 12, and that clocks must be set ahead one hour on Sunday!
March 4, 2021
Today, students handed in their Confederation booklet. Please check Powerschool to ensure you have submitted it.
We also reviewed the use of hyperbole and understatement, and practiced writing haikus. Tomorrow, we will spend time listening to current events presentations, then write limericks.
March 3, 2021
In humanities today, students had time to finish up their Confederation booklet, which is due tomorrow. In class tomorrow, we will be finishing up our analysis on figurative language in poetry, and beginning to write poetry, starting with haikus and limericks.
March 2, 2021
Students reviewed the vocabulary for Confederation, and continued working on the Confederation questions using Chapter 7 of Voices and Visions. This booklet is due on Thursday, March 4th. Students will have one period to work on it tomorrow (March 3rd) then we will be working on poetry. Students who are signed up for Current Events this week should be working on their assignment in order to be prepared for Friday.
February 26th, 2021
Today students presented on their current events and reviewed how to look for key information in news articles. On Monday, students will be working on Confederation textbook notes and doing some independent reading- it is important that all students have a book to read on Monday!
February 25th, 2021
Today students reviewed what they had learned about irony, and practiced identifying various types of irony as a group, then independently in the poetry booklet. They were also introduced to allusion, and looked at examples in pop culture and more classical literature. Tomorrow, students are presenting/listening to Current Events presentations from their peers and reviewing what they learned throughout the week.
February 23rd, 2021
For humanities today, students finished recording notes about internal and external factors that contributed to Canada's confederation. We also began identifying figurative language in poetry and defining it in the Poetry Booklet (on Google Classroom). Tomorrow, we will continue with this for 7-13 as the Pink Shirt day activities will alter the schedule for tomorrow morning. Remember to wear your pink shirt and bring a food bank donation item!
February 22nd, 2021
In class today, students watched a video on how to take effective study notes while listening, then had the chance to practice these strategies again while listening to the video. Afterwards, students were introduced to Canadian Confederation through the Prezi- Story of Canada Part 2. Students again practiced taking notes while listening to me teach on this topic before they take time to begin their own note-taking on the subject. Tomorrow, we will finish summarizing External Reasons for Confederation, and then work on identifying figurative language in poetry.
Remember that Wednesday, February 24th is Pink Shirt Day! Get your shirts ready if you have one.
February 18th, 2021
Today, as it was a half-day, only 7-14 had humanities. As such, we reviewed different types of figurative language, brainstormed examples of each as a class, then took some time to look for different examples of figurative language within poetry books- like a scavenger hunt. Students were given the chance to share interesting poems with their classmates, as well as read them aloud to the class.
Next week, we will look at creating our own poems and exploring different types of poetry. We will also be looking at how to take good notes while listening to a lesson, and practice this while listening to a lesson about Confederation. As such, I encourage students to bring lined paper or a notebook to school for Monday, February 22nd. As well, try to bring different coloured pens or pencil crayons to practice colour-coded notes (colours are not necessary, but can be a helpful strategy!)
February 24th is Pink Shirt Day! Get your pink shirts washed and ready for next Wednesday!
February 17th, 2021
Today, students wrote the Chapter 7 quiz. This has been marked and entered into PowerSchool. Students also read/listened to some poetry from various poets. Next week, we will return to a normal cycle of current events and continue reading and writing poetry. As tomorrow I only have one of the classes for Hum (due to the short day) we will look at some current events items and continue poetry reading.
February 9th, 2021
In humanities today, we reviewed the Act of Union of 1841 and proper paragraph structure. Students then had the entire block to write a 2-3 paragraph response to question 6 in the Road to Responsible Government booklet. Tomorrow, students will have 1 period to finish up their paragraphs and then the entire booklet (including paragraphs) will be due.
Following the long weekend, we will have a quiz on Chapter 7 of the Our Canada textbook, covering the Great Migration, the Rebellions of Upper and Lower Canada, the Durham Report, the Act of Union, and the LaFontaine and Baldwin that finally led Canada to having a government responsible to its people rather than a monarch.
February 8th, 2021
Today students had time to do quiet reading for the first part of the class. Please remember to have a book with you. We also reviewed the current events article and discussed what the vaccine will mean for Canadians. Please make sure your article questions have been submitted.
Tomorrow, we will work on the paragraph on the road to responsible government.
February 5th, 2021
Today we looked at the Current Event article on the vaccine rolling out in Canada. Please finish questions 1-9 by Monday, and ensure you have a reading book for Monday next week.
On Monday, we will be reviewing the Current Events article and writing your paragraph to answer question 6 on your Road to Responsible Government booklet.
Please remember that next week, there is no school on Thursday or Friday next week (February 11 & 12).
February 4th, 2021
Today we began looking at Black History in Canada, focusing on Black Settlements from Canada's past. We also looked at some inspirational Black Canadians from the present day!
You had one period to be working on your Road to Rebellion questions. We also reviewed the Durham Report, Act of Union, and LaFontaine and Baldwin alliance. Please finish questions 1-5 of your booklet by Monday, and on Monday we will work on your paragraph responses to question 6. Remember that both textbooks are linked on D2L and Google Classroom.
I will also be giving you time to do some reading on Monday, so please bring a book you can read then.
February 3rd, 2021
Hello!
My name is Ms. Newson, and I am excited to be your Humanities 7 teacher. I have a degree in Social Science focusing on Canadian History, so this social studies curriculums is one of my favourite to teach! I try to make Canadian history exciting as we learn about how this country came to be. I also love reading and writing, so getting to teach English Language Arts within humanities is wonderful too! If you have any questions or concerns, email me at ranewson@cbe.ab.ca
In this first week of Humanities, it has been a week to review what has been taught by Mrs. Laidlaw and get to know everyone! On Monday, we engaged in some get-to-know-me activities to welcome our students returning from the Hub and as an opportunity for me to learn about my students. We also reviewed what had been covered in the social studies content and did some review through a Prezi (linked on Google Classroom) and some readings to ensure everyone is on the same page, which extended into Tuesday's lessons.
Today, Wednesday, you began to demonstrate your understanding of Canada's Road to a Responsible Government by responding to questions about the Rebellions of Upper and Lower Canada, the Durham Report, the alliance between LaFontaine and Baldwin, and the Act of Union. I expect questions 1-2 to be completed by tomorrow, and you will have time to continue working on these questions Thursday. I will review the Baldwin and LaFontaine alliance as there seems to be some uncertainty on this topic. Please ensure you have answered questions 1 and 2, and ideally have done the reading for the chapter pages related to these questions. Textbooks are linked on Google Classroom and D2L.