Thursday, May 28, 2015

Did you remember to ...

Finish Your Genius Hour posting?

Share the video of our North Surrey Hip hop Dance teacher?


Plan for Friday May 29 - Note Blocks 4 and 1 are doing different things

Block 4:  Introduction to Poetry and our upcoming Poetry Slam!
We have been talking a lot about our first ever grade 8 Poetry Slam on the last 2 days of school and here are some things to watch and discuss to get a better understanding of the difference between giving a literary reading and other forms of public speaking.

True Slam Poetry must be original creations and the poems are written in a way that is meant to be performed.  For our event - you may find and choose a poem to recite or you may challenge yourself to write your own to share!  Below are videos and references to start you off.  Time to get excited!  Celebrate the end of your gr 8 year!

Start by watching some samples from the National Poetry in Voice Competition for gr 9-12 students - some of you may wish to enter this next year.  Emphasis is on the expressive readings of poetry to evoke emotion and convey the feelings/meaning behind the poems that are chosen.  You do not need to overact - it is about using your voice, face, body to express to the audience.  

These poems were on a list for the Poetry in Voice Competition, but you may choose your own poems.  We want to avoid repetition and your poem choice will need approval by Ms Lees next week - Wed/Thur double block.


"Constantly Risking Absurdity" (#15) by Lawrence Ferlinghetti

"It Couldn't Be Done" by Edgar Guest

You may also want to write and share your own poem! Maybe this Ted video can help you "Become a Slam Poet in 5 Easy Steps" 

This teacher's site has some varied examples and tips for writing too!  Raki's Rad Resources

Have a great day and work to finish your Renaissance web over the weekend! 

Block 1:  Work time- Renaissance Graphic Organizer Assignment

Have a great day and work to finish your Renaissance web over the weekend! 

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Help our fellow Surrey School Teacher from North Surrey

Check this out!  If they get 1 million views, she (or they - I am not sure) will get invited to Ellen

Either way - help share and pass around your Social Media.  It is an inspiring fun performance!


Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Genius Hour Posts - note the change!

Most of you are not yet finished your Genius Hour Process - despite most presentations finishing over a week ago!  Remember - we want to finish strong in Humanities 8 - complete the following survey (instead of emailing me).  Now I have added one more step - share your project process with your parents.  You should be proud of your projects!  Time to show off a little at the end of the year!

Remember... May is our Fraser Heights Blogging Challenge - sharing our learning! 
We are participating!



Complete this form (it is hyperlinked in case you cannot see it below)







Friday, May 22, 2015

Renaissance Assignments

See the attached reminder about your Renaissance Web assignment including criteria and expectations for assessment.  Samples will be posted in class for reference due to copyright issues.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

May 19-22

I hope you are all enjoying your long weekend!

So, we are getting down to crunch time.  Unlike first semester, there is no extra time at the end of semester to make up missed work. It will be up to you to come to flex when absent or if still behind - as some of you are.  There will also be other interruptions and missed blocks for things like assemblies. We only have 4 weeks and 2 days until regular classes end for the year!  Oh my!

Tuesday:  You will have Ms Saltel as your TOC again.  I will be at a District Department Head meeting for Humanities teachers all day.  Be awesome again for her - she was impressed last time!

The 2 blocks are not in time with each other, so please read carefully.

Block 4:  You still have some Renaissance DVD s to finish.  You will be watching and creating your 3 column notes.

  • finish watching Renaissance Science and Invention DVD 
  • watch Renaissance Art, Literature and Music DVD
*This will likely take the full time.  If there is still class time remaining, silent read and make your novel notes.

Block 1:  You will have time to finish the Pathways questions you were assigned last time you saw Ms Saltel.  Additionally, use the time to silent read and make your novel notes.

Ryan and Riya (and anyone else who might be able to help) - please ask if one of you can go down to the library to borrow Laptop 9 to see if you can finish putting together the Western Outsiders movie. 

Both Blocks:  Genius Hour Presentations will resume and finish on the double block days!  Any not finished first period, will need to be done at flex time, so be prepared please (no forgotten items, tech that does not work - it should have been tested last week).

Flex Time this week:  Thursday only or email me if you want to come in early (7:30 or later) for Wednesday - Friday.  





Monday, May 11, 2015

May 11-15

Flex this week: Wednesday for sure, maybe Friday (Other commitments on the other days)

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Computer woes...

My personal computer will be going in for servicing so I will not be as available via email for the next little while.  I will update you when I get it back.

Monday, May 4, 2015

Change of plans Tuesday - sorry

Hi everyone,

Sorry I will be home sick again on Tuesday.  Your TOC said you were all so awesome today - worked well and were very welcoming and respectful.  That was great to hear as I am home sick. Thank you!  Keep it up for Tuesday.

This means - the TOC may open for flex but might not.  You can stop buy in the morning to ask them.

It also means that Genius Hour presentations will be delayed a day.  You will be getting an introduction to the Renaissance instead.

Remember thought that the DVD covers and the films need to be finished by Wednesday/Thursday.

Hope to be back by Wednesday, but keep up the good work!

Ms Lees

PS  Someone emailed me under star streak?  I don't open emails unless I know who they are so can you email me your name please.