Lesson 119

Students were reminded that, by the end of the weekend, they should have completed the first two packages (most should be done already).

We read Chapter 5 up to the end of page 77 - "Nothing Gold Can Stay"

We did some metaphor/simile work on their latest package for Chapter 5/6 - Students should have the first two pages done (to the end of personal simile/metaphor writing) and ensure that they are appropriate for school. 

The remainder of the block was given over to group work. 

Groups should consider connecting in some form over the weekend to ensure they are ready to refine and practice on Tuesday. 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

 

Lesson 118

 Students had some time to work on their package questions, including the notes on page 12 (related to yesterday's conversation). 

We read the remainder of Chapter 4, after which students had a bit more time to work on their questions. 

Students had the remainder of the block to work on their "Breaking News" segments. 

 

Lesson 117

 We opened today's class with some partner work on the question: "Is violence a viable solution to some problems?" Students took notes  with a partner, in whatever form they wished, and then we talked as a larger group (tomorrow, we will transfer these ideas to the coursework package for Chapters 2/3).

After the discussion, we read up to the top of page 58 in the text - WE DID NOT FINISH THE CHAPTER.

Students received a new, creative assignment - "Breaking News..." - They moved into small groups, and will be working on this assignment over the next several classes.

 

Lesson 116

 We started the block with a check in. 

We followed up the check in with a quick discussion of statement #4 in the first package: "Beating someone up is okay if it is for a good reason."

Students handed in their first chapter package for a quick check - It will be marked in its entirety when handed in with a few more chapters as a bundle.  

Students read "Chapter 3" and took note of key quotations on  a post-it.  They then set about working on the next package of questions -either "Words of Wisdom" or one of the conflicts for this section.

No new homework, but a number of folks do need to polish the first package (think full sentences, thorough answers, checking for capitalization and punctuation etc.) 

 

Lesson 115

 Students came in and got right to work!

We finished reading Chapter 2.

Students had the remainder of the block to work on their packages - Page 3 doesn't need to be finished, but all of the other pages should be complete before our next class together. 

Student reflections from yesterday's lesson were collected at the end of the block. 

 

Lesson 114

 In today's class, Ms. Lloyd was gracious enough to walk us through 'The Personhood Project." This is a lesson, designed (and previously taught in Ms. Lloyd's classes) by former Handsworth students. It is centred around ideas of consent and boundaries, and deconstructs some of the deplorable behaviours presented early on in The Outsiders.

Students had the opportunity to actively contribute to the lesson  - they did an excellent job of maintaining the classroom environment  needed for this level of conversation.

At the end of the block, students began work on a reflection. While some may  have finished the work, others will need to complete the writing at home for handing in tomorrow. 

A reminder that Learner Profiles were sent home on the same day as the learning updates were published - take a look at points for improvement, but also take the time to celebrate the many areas in which success is apparent.

  

Lesson 113

 We opened the block with a review of Learner Profiles before jumping into the relationships in the text.

Students had some time to catch up on character notes, and then we talked about the complex nature of the relationship between Ponyboy and Darry.

We read in the text up to the break on page 31, when Pony and Cherry are off to get popcorn (Block A should read to that point).

Tomorrow, we will have a separate lesson on core themes and issues in the text, and we will complete Chapter 2 on Friday.