Persuasive Writing

As you know we've been working on our persuasive writing skills in class. I think that you've all done great work with your entries regarding school uniforms, now it is time to put those skills to the test. I've been thinking.. 15 minutes for DPA each day is really not enough.

Each day ALL DAY at school we will be doing Phys.Ed.

Class majority vote will win. To make your voice heard you must: - pick a stance (all day Phys. Ed or usual schedule)
- come up with 3 arguments
- have minimum 2 proofs and explanations for each argument
- post them on this blog


Parents, you are encouraged to participate as well! This is a great way for students to develop their ideas, use a distinctive voice in their writing, and make their opinion available to the public. All crucial aspects of the language curriculum for grade 8!


Here are two videos to get you thinking about the issue!


                    PHYS. ED BENEFITS

Thanks to MWCBC for posting this video   

   

               TOO MUCH PHYS. ED?

                         

        Thanks fo VOALearningEnglish for posting this video                                                                                            

                                                                                                                         

Bored on a Sunday Afternoon?

It is Sunday. Your favourite teacher Miss Graham did not give you any homework over the weekend! You had a blast but now you're bored, aren't you? Fear not, grade eights! Miss Graham to the rescue!
As we discussed in class, February is Black History Month! We have discussed slavery and what attracted slaves to Canada. Many of you struggled with the choices some people had to make at the time of slavery. Here is an online virtual simulation "game" that can teach you more about the flight to freedom, and may help you gain some perspective.


Like we do for peer evaluations, give the simulation two stars and a wish. Post them below!
See you tomorrow boys and girls!

Flight to Freedom

*click the link to play*

False Advertising

Good afternoon, class!
Ever find yourself drooling after watching a commercial for a fast food restuarant?

http://www.mcmaryland.com/4213/18740/default-page/
Why do they always look like this in the ad...

bestofmotherearth.com

BUT when you take it out of the to-go bag it looks more like this?

Have you ever seen a misleading ad? Post a picture or video below. Tell me who the target audience is, what about it is false, and why it appeals to you in particular. Has the false advertising worked and made them popular, or do they have a bad name now? Use your media literacy skills to analyze advertisements in the hopes of never being fooled again!!

Parents, this activity helps students interpret and analyze media messages. By practicing with every day media messages like food advertisements, students will begin to develop the skills that can help them be media literate on a larger scale! I encourage you to participate in this activity as well!

What is the Story With Bottled Water?

Hey Grade Eights!
You all know I am a advocate for healthy living, and encourage all of you to drink plenty of water! I am always pleased to see you being responsible for your health! You know how I am always pestering you to bring a reusable water bottle rather than a plastic one? Well.. I found a website that agrees with me! It is important for us to think about how our actions affect the environment! Check this video out! (directly from http://www.storyofstuff.org/)


 How do you feel about bottled water now? Has your perspective changed? Tap or bottled? Why should we care about where it comes from? Voice your opinion!

Parents, by participating in this activity, students are developing ideas about a challenging and relevant topic in our world. They are making connections to their real lives, voicing their point of view after listening to another person's opinion, and thinking about their own thoughts and values. This activity is extremely valuable in relation to the Ontario curriculum.  

Welcome to Our Online Classroom!

Dear students and parents, 
     Welcome to our online learning forum! At first it may seem a little intimidating, but really it is a unique way to share our thoughts and opinions both inside and outside of the classroom! 
     Why is it important for us to explore this online classroom? All of us can participate to one conversation, your parents can learn and contribute with us, and technology is EVERYWHERE! I am excited to share this venue with you! 
     Check out this video that gives us an idea of just how much technology has advanced and how reliant we are on it. It is here to stay - let's embrace it! 
     Please share your comments below! I look forward to hearing from all of you!

 
Thank you to abyrd2000 for posting this video on YouTube!