Hello, everyone! Here’s your weekly WilsonTeacher.ca update on what’s happening in class:

ENG1D students will be finishing up their introductory writing unit and transitioning to a unit on short stories. This unit offers a mix of creative writing and studies of short story form. Students are reminded to keep up with work as a few people in class are starting to fall behind. Phone calls home will be made this week!

ENG4C students will be getting into their first novel study this week, which is on Mary Lawson’s Crow Lake. The novel focuses on the theme of overcoming tragedy. The unit will probably take 3-4 weeks to complete and will involve some reading, writing, and thinking.

NBV3E students will continue focusing on aspects of Aboriginal Identity this week. We will expand beyond the borders of Greenstone and look at other nations, including the Mètis and Inuit peoples. Students will have some group work to complete. Next week, I’m hoping we can head to the Foods Room for a Bannock Bake-Off.

Here’s wishing everyone a wonderful short week. I will be out of the school on Thursday and Friday. Students (or parents/guardians) needing to reach me may do so by emailing me or tweeting me. Thanks!

What a great first week. I’m pretty psyched for this semester! I think most students are getting settled into their new classes and good things are going to happen. All we need now are some warmer temperatures. Don’t hold your breath…

Anyway, this week, here’s what’s going on:

Grade 9 ENG1D students began developing personal websites using WordPress, which will be used for writing assignments that can be filled with multimedia and made shareable. Students will do some writing this week that will incorporate their new websites.

Grade 12 ENG4C students are also using WordPress and will be working on review essays this week using the websites and YouTube. This will allow students a chance to hone their writing skills and learn some stuff about digital citizenship.

Grade 11 NBV3E students are exploring introductory concepts related to Aboriginal identity in Canada. Students have been participating in some great discussions in the first few days. This week, exploring personal identities will be on the menu.

Thanks to all students for a great first week, (even if I was gone for most of it!). Glad to have you all in Room 28. If you have any questions or comments, I’m always available by email at swilson@sgdsb.on.ca or via twitter.

Today, the ENG1D grade 9 class had a discussion about what makes a good written paragraph. Here’s what we decided: