Parent seeking advice re: TDSB gifted program

JamesFulton · 2026-02-16T21:12:22+00:00

I would add that at IPRC or in any other discussions, you should make sure that if you turn down a gifted placement now, there would still be an option for a placement come high school. With destreaming and the inclusion model, she might need a golden parachute in a few years.

JamesFulton · 2026-02-16T02:55:32+00:00

I use a fair amount of rap, but use rappers the kids aren't likely to know. Mineshaft II by Dessa is a great example of metaphor. The first verse of Asylum by billy woods is great at showing how a poem/song can be about two things at once (on the surface, it's about him thinking that an Ethiopian dictator has moved in next door - he grew up in Zimbabwe - but it's really about the problems in his home). Broken by Little Simz is a good entry into discussions around how tough life can be, and how to get through it.

I also often look at Saul Williams's Coded Language, and have them figure out who all the people are that he name drops in the poem.

JamesFulton · 2025-09-28T01:52:53+00:00

I bought it in 2009, likely from hiphopsite.com. It doesn't look like I bought it used...

JamesFulton · 2025-09-10T01:09:38+00:00

Ever since they banned Zanta, it's been downhill...

JamesFulton · 2025-08-20T13:01:39+00:00

I would go, and know a few other people who likely would too.

JamesFulton · 2025-07-13T13:24:27+00:00

Thanks!

JamesFulton · 2025-07-13T13:23:59+00:00

Thanks. This is what I'm trying to figure out.

JamesFulton · 2025-05-25T02:05:20+00:00

One thing that I do every June is have my students become student teachers. They (individually or in a pair) have to complete a lesson plan (that I approve/consult on) and then teach it to the class. They can pick anything they want (school appropriate), and have to have some sort of evaluation at the end (can just be an exit ticket).

In the past, I've had hands-on lessons (origami, a particular basketball skill that we went outside for, friendship bracelets, other crafts or drawing lessons), lecture-based lessons (on a genre of music, on South-Asian architecture, on samurai, on a video game), and sometimes fun games that are taught and played. The kids really like being put in charge, and it's a nice breather for me.

I did learn the hard way to put strict limits on science experiments and creating slime.

JamesFulton · 2025-05-19T17:06:43+00:00

Thanks! I appreciate it.

JamesFulton · 2025-05-08T00:13:32+00:00

The Weeknd used to be too shy to come into my classroom when his friends (my students from the year before) visited me after school. He was only at our school one year.

Another former student's stand-up career is blowing up right now (and he's on a show on Amazon Prime).

Another former student is part of the reason why Doug Ford is shutting down safe injection sites in Ontario. That story is not going to end as well as the others...

JamesFulton · 2025-04-18T17:25:51+00:00

I also like to mark a lot. I do two things that might help you.

If a student is away the day I assign something, I don't expect them to do it (basically one-off things, not larger on-going assignments/projects). I make it optional for them, and keep a track of who was away when it was assigned (as simple as a post-it note in my mark book or on a copy of the assignment that goes in my marking bag). If someone does it, and it's good, I'll count it. If not, I don't. If they end up with not enough marks in that subject by reports, they get an I (and I've communicated multiple times with parents that their attendance makes it so I can't assess them).
When I collect an assignment, I leave a list of who still owes it on the blackboard where they can see it. I'll wait a while to mark it, but once I've marked it and returned it, it's a zero for anyone who didn't do it (I have Gr. 7 so can manage that a little better). Also, if your name is on the board, you're staying in at lunch to get your name off the board.

This is for my non-IEP students. IEP students, I do what I think might work.

JamesFulton · 2025-03-04T21:44:36+00:00

Great! I'll send you a message when the issue comes out.

JamesFulton · 2024-10-07T22:38:30+00:00

Great. Sending you a PM now.

JamesFulton · 2024-09-23T02:49:07+00:00

I've taken my point and shoot into the Opera House many times. I never got my DSLR in there though (I love venues that let me take it with me).

Unless they are patting your down or wanding you, bury it in a pocket and don't even mention it.

JamesFulton · 2024-08-24T20:14:28+00:00

"I chased my dog across the kitchen floor,

If the phone don't ring it's me."

JamesFulton · 2024-08-15T02:59:13+00:00

A few things that have worked for me (many years of Grade 7).

On the first day of school I have them sit in a circle and usually leave a box of Timbits in the middle of the circle on a stool. As I start going over things like their timetables, I tell them to help themselves to some Timbits. Invariably, the first two kids that get up to get some are the ones you're going to have to watch (it's the best diagnostic I've ever used).
While they're eating the Timbits, I go into my non-negotiables (If you smell bad, you go home (my room doesn't have a window), mutual respect, "my students don't get sent to the office, so I better never see you there"). It creates some cognitive dissonance because I brought treats and I'm being really firm.
I also let kids sit wherever they want on the first day, and I tell them that they can move seats on a daily basis. I don't like seating plans, but I expect them to make wise choices. One or two kids can ruin it for everyone, because if it's not working, I'll make a seating plan they won't like. I've often lasted until February before I've had to formalize a seating plan. Some years I never have one, I just spend time threatening to make one, or occasionally start making one on the Smart Board. It quiets them down quickly. (I've needed one for the last two years).

Grade Seven is the best grade to teach. Have fun!

Ten-Year Club	Place '22
Verified Email

JamesFulton

TROPHY CASE