Independent/Group novels...What is expected?

All grade 9 students are reading novels set in Elizabethan times or about characters in William Shakespeare's plays. They are to read every evening and they have tasks to complete to help foster reading comprehension. They will meet several times a week with different groups and the class to discuss what they are reading in a "book club" environment. They will also complete chapter questions of their choice and one enrichment activity that will incorporate research and a short oral presentation about what they learn. This work will be done for more than one novel, as when they finish one they will move on to read another, thus enabling them to make comparisons. Please see www.edmodo.com for the on-lone version of the chapter questions.

Book Talks

The classes are doing a lot of talking about their independent novels. In the grade 10 class, we even had a bit of a masquerade!

Book Talks

Your book talks will begin on November 13th. You all must be ready. Volunteers will go first, then you will be randomly chosen to speak. The book talks will centre on analysis. I will be giving notes in class and showing rubrics which I will post. These are book "talks" and therefore only cue cards will be allowed with only a few reminders on each, if you need them at all. You should be familiar enough by now with your books, as we've had a practice book talk and a written book report to date. Please bring me any questions you have.

Short Story Tests coming up this week.

All my students will write their short story tests this week. Please make sure you are reviewing the stories during silent reading time and that you are reviewing your notes. Please know the definitions for protagonist, antagonist, inciting incident, rising action, conflicts (and the different types), climax, falling action, conclusion/denouement, symbol, and foreshadowing. Be able to know how each of these applies to our stories. Know the titles of the stories. Review strategies for reading comprehension pieces and answering multiple choice questions.Finally review how to write a good paragraph (topic sentence, supporting sentences, conclusion). If you have questions, ask : )

Tests next week

This is a notice that all of my students will have an important test on their short story unit next week. More details will follow. They all have notes they should be reviewing every evening to prepare. Also, book reports are due October 31st. This is a large piece of independent writing that should be started well in advance. If you have questions, let me know : ) leblanat@nbed.nb.ca