The End of September in #ALC1O #ENG2D #AVI3O

It’s already (almost) the end of September. There are about 18 weeks in a semester and we’re wrapping up the fourth week. Time continues to move incredibly fast. My job is to ensure that despite this rapid pacing, students have opportunities to be successful. I’ve been actively conferencing, reminding, opening up doors for, and working with students to help them get to where they should be — but students need to be accountable for their work, too. As we approach the first Progress Report I’m already seeing some work habits that need attention. In the next two weeks I will be endeavouring to touch base with parents and guardians to help me help the students.

In the meantime, here’s an update of where we are and where we are going in each class:

ALC1O – Grade 9 Visual Art: This class has been absolutely amazing. We completed the introductory designs, (which turned out really, really well!) and then moved on to plaster mask-making. I’ll let these pictures speak for the work being done:

A variety of painting styles makes each mask unique
Some students, like Aysia N., went above-and-beyond with their masks, producing creative sculptures
I can’t wait to share images of more masks from this group of creative artists. The masks will soon be displayed in GCHS.

Next, we’ll be working with some colour theory and then we move on to watercolour painting!

ENG2D – Grade 10 Academic English: Students have been taking time really working to develop critical writing skills with argumentative essays. We have all spent time conferencing and discussing various parts of essays and how to explain/support/connect points. In some cases this process has been pretty stressful, (where I imagined many students to be is not where many of them are, so the planning and tempo had to change) but the rough copy is due tomorrow and this will allow me to produce very descriptive and specific feedback for students.

We are transitioning into the To Kill a Mockingbird unit. To begin, we began discussing a critical question related to the novel:

We connected the idea of influence with current events, including the current debate of athletes not standing for the national anthem. We talked about respect, unity, pressure to do what others do, injustices, and the world around us — ultimately linked back to how the novel approaches similar themes. Tomorrow we will have some discussions about themes in the novel by using Anticipation Guide statements. I will be evaluating the participation of each student, but also their ability to make and support points.

Finally, AVI3O – Grade 11 Visual Art: Students are currently working on three drawing styles: gesture, contour, and blind contour. Each style involves practicing in sketchbooks and collaborating with others, (we needed body and face models. The students delivered.) Students will receive an assignment today that focuses on demonstrated knowledge and understanding of both the three drawing types and the artist’s ability to reflect on the steps involved in producing art, (called the Creative Process.) There are some skilled artists in the room. Here’s a sample portrait, drawn using the blind contour style:

Again, with the first progress report rapidly approaching, it will be my job to continuously connect with students to try and keep them on track. If you’re a parent/guardian, it would be helpful to have a conversation about what’s happening in class with your child. Otherwise, look for a progress report soon.

Thanks again and enjoy the rest of this SHORT! week.

 

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