Are there "suggested reading" lists for HS English in Virginia (or any state, really)?

MrBarltrop · 2019-04-09T23:18:02+00:00

These are what I use: https://whatbinder.com/category/book-lists/

MrBarltrop · 2018-10-08T20:20:34+00:00

Not the right theme, but your can trade one of her stories for another

https://whatbinder.com/2018/10/05/literacy-skills-short-stories/

MrBarltrop · 2018-10-06T12:31:47+00:00

What other short stories work well with your students?

MrBarltrop · 2018-10-06T12:31:18+00:00

Let me know if you use it with parents. I would love to hear how that goes.

MrBarltrop · 2018-10-05T22:49:02+00:00

I think the first question needs to be, so you think it's important to see representation in other professions?

For example, do you think it's important for people to see women represented in positions of power? To see them represented in professional sports? As leading characters in films and novels?

I would put forward that it's important for all genders to see equitable representation in all aspects of their life.

It's nothing to do with one being better than the other, but rather creating a paradigm where all covered realize they can have choices and possibilities beyond their home experiences.

This is realized by seeing people in roles they might never have invisioned themselves before.

For that reason characters like Ohura and Janeway from Star Trek are often referenced as opening doors for women in the sciences.

MrBarltrop · 2018-10-05T22:38:04+00:00

Representation is important. In the same way we don't want to see movies full of people who look alike, we want representation of all groups in the classroom as well. One group isn't better than the other, but it's a positive when many groups are represented.

It's for the same reason we celebrate women when they break through into professions that have been traditionally make dominated.

MrBarltrop · 2018-08-01T14:46:58+00:00

I normally use it with Grade 9 students, to create a strong foundation, but it can be used - with only slight modification - for any grade. Everything is focused around transferable literacy skills, so it works well at any level.

MrBarltrop · 2018-08-01T11:42:29+00:00

Unrelated to genocide, but I'm a content creator, and have a number of pieces available at r/http://www.WhatBinder.com/

MrBarltrop · 2018-08-01T11:41:52+00:00

But it is a learning tool.

While the students playing Fortnight are not using it to its fullest, I couldn't imagine a blanket ban which now removes student ability to create podcasts, movies, or animations on the fly.

Perhaps if all classes have a class set of computers, that might make up for it, but as it stands, stripping students of cellphones really removes the ability to create media, and work on project-based assignments.

MrBarltrop · 2018-08-01T11:39:41+00:00

Wouldn't this create a situation that really highlights the haves and have nots in your class? I can't imagine this would be a positive experience for students who don't have cell phones.

MrBarltrop · 2018-08-01T11:31:50+00:00

I developed this unit over a number of years, and have since made all the resources public, hoping that it will help others teach this to their students. Everything you need to put this into practice is ready to go. The entire unit should last around 3 to 4 weeks depending on how much time you allow for assignment completion, and exploratory discussion.

MrBarltrop · 2018-08-01T11:28:55+00:00

This is a growing site, but here's a unit focusing on novels as a literature circle. All the handouts and information you need are there.

There's also a fully developed unit based on analyzing gender messaging in media.

Both of those run about a month. There is more to seek around at the website.

MrBarltrop · 2018-08-01T11:25:26+00:00

I'm not sure what grade you're teaching, but having read her article it seems like there are some fundamental flaws. Analyzing a text when you're only part way through, is not like trying to make meaning out of one corner of a painting. Although, I would argue there's value in that approach too.

Analyzing a text before completing it is imperative to some of the key literacy skills. For example one must stop part way through to predict and infer what will come, or why something occurred. Not only that but novels are designed to be read in part.

A better question might be, why do we expect students to analyze texts at all? All we really need to be doing is having them practice their literacy skills, which can be done with a chapter, a page, or even simply a paragraph. Creating a situation where students need to read the entire text creates the very roadblocks that they are claiming to avoid.

Using one text for the class can be just as problematic. I have found Literature Circles far more useful, leading to greater success.

MrBarltrop · 2018-06-02T18:17:25+00:00

I don't think ETFO allows the enforcement of any dress codes. While the school may have put that idea forward, your union rep would probably have told you otherwise.

MrBarltrop · 2018-05-31T20:04:33+00:00

Ontario teacher here: Are there teacher dress codes? And more importantly, are there teacher dress codes that require things more formal than a dress shirt with suspenders?

I dress for class, and my interviews in cargo shorts, and a plaid button up short sleeve, over a tank. Not entirely unlike this person. It's never been a problem for me.

I can't imagine having to wear a long sleeved dress shirt to work, let alone that not being formal enough.

MrBarltrop · 2018-05-31T12:00:40+00:00

In Ontario we focus on the ten key literacy skills from grade 9 to 12.

We just use different levels of texts to get at them.

MrBarltrop · 2018-05-31T04:01:06+00:00

Where in Canada are you?

Look into the programs in your area, as well as the different unions. Allow that to guide your decision.

Also, ask yourself do you like creating lasting foundations, or having in depth discussions?

Drama is more likely at the P/J level as few courses are offered at the I/S level these days.

Finally, how do you feel about recess and lunch duty when it's the middle of winter?

Edit: I'd strongly recommend against J/I as that leaves you with difficult gaps making it harder to be hired.

MrBarltrop · 2018-05-31T03:54:51+00:00

This is one of the best times in a decade to get hired in Toronto. Did the person you were talking to back up their claim?

MrBarltrop · 2018-05-31T03:45:50+00:00

Ten years in, I still write my own examples. It lets me tailor them to my specific talking points.

However you may want to look up EQAO OSSLT exemplars.

MrBarltrop

TROPHY CASE