Updated

Make a Smilebox slideshow

NEWS

Make a Smilebox greeting

Anchor Charts in Simcoe County

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

New Literacy Role Rocks!

I am learning so much in this role. I haven't had time to post as I am reading, collaborating and hanging on for the breath taking comprehensive literacy ride. I have see teachers's practices soar to heights that I dream of. I am truly thankful to Janet Lee for mentoring me on my journey to this new literacy resource role.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

New Role: Literacy Resource Teacher

My new role this year is an exciting and challenging one. I am a Literacy Resource Teacher for 34 elementary schools and 6 secondary schools. Luckily, this area is divided up with my co-worker, Robin Hiltz.

"First Steps": A Powerful Resource for All Teachers!

At the Education Centre, expert Literacy Resource Teachers, Robin, Christine, and Ingrid, navigate fellow Literacy Coaches through the "First Steps" resource. The resource is a powerful tool to help teachers plan their units and scaffold students' learning processes. The main gist of this resource is to use diagnostic data to identify students' current literacy skills, using a map of development (called phases), in order to move students forward; thus improving their literacy skills.

Generally, this tool is used in the Primary and Intermediate/Junior areas, but it could, and should, be used at the Secondary level too. The "First Steps" resource is worth investigating as it improves student achievment and teachers' practices. Moreover, the resource assists teachers in engaging students in a variety of differentiated activities, while improving their literacy skills and their confidence.

The only drawback of this resource is that it is overwhelming at first; as with anything new. As a result, it helps to be trained or guided through it the first time. Check out the SCDSB website to see when there are available workshops. However, if you want to dig into this resource now, scan through the "Writing: Map of Development" continuum (on the first page of the text) and then take a look through the "Writing: Resource Book", to see some innovative activities that could move your students forward.

It would be time well spent to take a "First Steps" workshop or guide yourself through these resources.

Grade 12 Student's Share Their Opinions About Mike Sciso: Aids Victim or Threat?

Students discuss a hot topic where a man with aids is driven out of his town for having aids.

York Region Roger's "The Day Show" Interviews Bear Creek Students

Two Bear Creek students were selected to be interviewed for the books they read in class. The books they reviewed were, "20 Something in the 20 Something's" and "The World Is Yours".

Grade 12 University English Reads "The Alchemist"

Grade 12 University English students read aloud "The Alchemist". A novel about finding one's personal legend or personal dream, and making it become a reality.

Bear Creek Students Have Heart

Ms. Windsor's grade 12 students and the "Free Help" team have heart! The students in my grade 12 Literacy class were so inspired by Ms. Bickley's "My Hero" project, that they held a charity car wash this weekend. We raised $300.00 for kids in Africa, whom we met through the "My Hero" global project. Bear Creek students never cease to amaze me!

If anyone wants to do a collaborative global project with schools in different parts of the world, email Ms. Windsor for help.

Students Act Out Character Traits

Leah and her friends create a script to demonstrate honesty. It was a script that could be used at elementary and secondary schools to show the hurtful impact of dishonesty.

WALL OF COURAGE AT BEAR CREEK

Pink was the colour of the day at Bear Creek Secondary. Kaitlynn Foien's anti-bullying campaign starts with an incredible turn out. There were about 400 students who showed up for the photo, but there were many more students who were supporting the cause. Students wore pink to show their support for the anti-bullying campaign. It was a success as students took a stand against bullying by wearing pink shirts or pink hearts (see previous blog for the full story).

Grade 12 English Students Present Character Trait Videos

Grade 12 University English students created character education story boards and videos for their final project. Students presented videos about diversity, respect and inclusiveness. Terrific job by all involved!

Bear Creek Students to Air on York TV Show

Three grade 12 students have been selected to be on a TV show to share their responses to Jeff Moore's new book, "The World Is Yours". Students wrote their responses in one night in order to be chosen as a guest book reviewer. Congrats to all!

Action Research Report Inspires Bear Creek Students

Kailynne Foien wrote an action research report about the problem of bullying. She turned her facts into a "live" anti-bullying campaign. She encouraged students to wear pink this Tuesday to support the anti-bullying campaign. Why pink you ask? Well, a student in Nova Scotia was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. When grade 12 students found out, they all decided to wear pink the next day, in order to protest bullying. In this way, Bear students are encouraged to do the same. Let's see what happens.

A Poem Written from Free Writing

I Will
By: Mona Mreiche
Edited By: Kayla Long



I will be strong because you always told me that I was weak.
I will laugh because you always made me cry.
I will succeed because you always told me that I’d fail.
I never lived down those days when you said the things you said.

I WILL be with you forever, whether you want to believe it or not,
Because I’m the one who gave you everything that I’ve got
I will be the bigger person and just walk away,
Because everything will eventually be okay

One day you’ll be running back saying you’re sorry and I want you back.
I’ll tell you it’s too late to say you’re sorry.
It’s too late to forgive you for the things that you’ve done.
But I will love you forever.

Poems written from Free Writing

Our Earth

I look through the glass window past the human civilization, where I can connect to nature. I feel the earth's water through my veins. I feel the swift wind through my lungs.I see natures animals gallop, running their hardest. I feel the momentum and it makes me follow my determination in my own life.I see that we humans have transformed this beautiful earth into a polluted earth. What have we become?We are greedy for money; this is what many of us live for.When human existence fails us, will all the materialistic things really matter?When will humans look through their own mirror image and believethat we humans are connected to nature?By Ashley Cole, Ms. Windsor's class, Grade 12

I Will
by Ashley Cole

I will be my own person, even though it is not expected.
I will be strong, even if you think I am weak.
I will be someone, when you have gone no where
I will succeed, even if you believe I won’t.
I will be who I am, even though you follow the crowd.
I will be a professional dog trainer, while you will be at home with nothing.
I have a dream, even if you believe that you can break it.
I believe in myself.

Cultures Collaborate at Bear Creek

Cultures collaborate and share everyday heroes and sheroes in Ms. Windsor’s class. On May 14, at 2 p.m., Ms. Windsor’s grade 12 OSSLC class will be participating in a web cast with students from Mexico, Ohio and California. All four classes are participating in a collaborative online project called, “My Hero Project”. On web cast day, students will be sharing their cultures, their community and their heroes and sheroes. If you want to be an audience member and partake in this experience please see Ms. Windsor in room 122.

Grade 12 Students Teach a Lesson on a Chosen Topic

Grade 12 students teach a topic of their choice in "Issues in Human Growth and Development". Students used a variety of multiple intelligences to engage their peers in discussions about parenting practices, parenting theories, and socialization and the media.

"The World Is Yours"

Jeff Moore comes back to Bear Creek to talk about his second book: "The World Is Yours".

Webcast at Bear Creek

Web Cast Happening May 14, 2008 at Bear Creek Secondary

Graden 12 English students and Intermediate Mexican students will connect to discuss their learning communities, culture and their collaborative "My Hero Project". Stay tuned!!

Socialization of the Media: Issues in Human Growth and Development

Students viewed a variety of toys for different age levels. Some students were shocked to see what sells on the shelves in many stores. For instance, a father-daughter wrestling team brought horrified looks and gasps. The young girl was portrayed as a teen Pamela Anderson, while the father looked like the hulk on steroids. This toy was for ages 6 and up. What messages does this send kids?

What about "The Top Model Barbie"? Students described the barbie as a "skank", and a "slut". One student said that "the barbie's full make-up, elongated legs and red laced, half stockings made her look like a street walker". The question is, who is buying this barbie for their kids? Luckliy, the barbie was half-price, which probably means it is not selling fast.


What are your thoughts on the above issue?

Grade 12 English: Action Research Presentations

University bound students present multimedia seminars and debate hot topics: Pro-life, Legalize Assisted Suicide, Media Does Not Influence Eating Disorders, Everyone Should
Participate in Relay for Life at BCSS, Discrimination Against Dwarfism and many more.

Comment here!

Poems About Determination from My Grade 12 OSSLC

" I Will"
By Jacquie Henderson

I will lend a helping hand to mend broken hearts
I will continue to care for other because that is what makes me happy
I will never give up and strive to achieve my dream goal because I am strong
I will believe in myself because I was taught how I will cherish and remember those who have helped me through the good and the bad because they are the reason I am who I am today.
I will make a difference in this world because I am Jacquie Henderson and I believe that we are all equal, and feel that everyone deserves a chance to enjoy the experiences and opportunities that life has to offer, no matter how different we may be.

Grade 12 University English: Action Research Presentations

Students had a heated debate about pro-choice versus pro-life. Jeff, Alec, Jamie and Valerie defended the feminist perspective claiming that the female should have the choice to terminate or carry the "baby" to term. While, Carson stoically stood his ground on pro-life battling the pro-choice defendants' arguments. What are your thoughts?

Later, Jeff argued against Creationism being taught in public schools. He presented a solid argument that left the class wanting to debate the provocative topic; however, he was saved by the 2:38 bell. What is your opinion on the topic? Should Creationism be taught only in church and religion class like some mentioned?

Jeff Moore Rocked The Grade 12 OSSLC Class

Jeff Moore's inspirational stories and uplifting energy led the Grade 12 students to make action plans for their 5 year goals. The students loved the presentation so much that they began to facebook Jeff right away. Jeff is coming back for another book signing for his second book, "The World is Yours". His hard copy is only $10.00 -- bring lots of books!! You must book this event to see it for yourself.

Thank-you Jeff for supporting our aspiring students!!!

Brain Making, Lesson Planning and Action Research

Students in my Issues and Human Growth and Development class made brains out of modelling clay. What fun!

Tomorrow, students will choose an issue in child development that interests them and teach the class a lesson about their topic.

In my Grade 12 University English class some students presented some fascinating persuasive arguments: Barbie as a Role Model, Media and Violence, and Homework Should be Abolished for High School Students.

We used the BKWLQ Build Knowledge, What I Think I Know, What I Want to Know, What I Learned and What Questions Do I Still Have) reading strategy and many students claimed that it was a useful strategy which helped them think about the issue on a deeper level.

In my grade 12 OSSLC class, students used the CATS strategy to predict and make inferences about the graphic novel: The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

:)

Demonstration Day at Bear Creek

One VP, and Five teachers from Bradford High came to see my brilliant Grade 12 students in action.

Our Learning Goal: Identify Main ideas in Media, and Print Texts/formulate ideas for an opinion piece.

We began with an article from the Globe and Mail which explained how the President of Australia gave the Aboriginal people an apology for the ethnic cleansing that took place from 1910-1970. The kids could relate the story to other stories of prejudice and racism. Was it the story that broke their cherub, deadpan faces, or the fact that I took their reading surveys into account and choice a real life story like many requested? Or was it my horrific, but emotional reaction to the story as I read? All of the juggling of teaching with passion came into play as the key for me was to give the kids a few minutes to talk to their table partners first, before I asked them to share their ideas with the group. This time I gave them time to stop, think, and share. This enriched the conversation and made everyone feel comfortable enough to get involved in the whole class conversation.

Next, students identified the kinds of text forms on their desk and they identified how they knew the forms where different. This let me know which text forms students knew and which ones students need more practice with.

Next, we moved right in to a whole class discussion using an anticipation guide that had some generalized statements about what makes good readers and writers. This activity reaffirmed that many of the myths around good readers and writers were being debunked: good readers and writers are created, developed, nurtured, and not born (that way). Even though I wasn't finished the anticipation guide, I could see the kids got the messages I was intending, so I skipped the last three statements and moved on to the Oprah Media text: Aids in Williamson 1987.

But before the video, I asked students (in their groups) to use the Venn-diagram and discuss the similarities and differences between identifying main ideas in a video and in a newsprint text. They had 5 minutes to discuss before they shared with the class.The video was a powerful 9 minutes that had the students captivated and razing their hands to comment on the text. I stopped the video at points to ask questions or to hear other students powerfully stating their opinions on the controversial text. After, students wrote down main ideas of the text, because they knew we were going to work on developing an opinion piece the next day.

Action Research Essays

My grade 12 ENG students wrote persuasive essays on topics of their choice. The essays taught me a lot about a variety of subjects. Specifically, I learned about dwarfism and how height plays a huge (concsious and unconscious) factor in the way we understand and treat other people. Often many people associate unintelligence with short people and competence with tall people.

Reflection Questions:
1) Have any of you been discriminatory when interacting with short or tall people? Explain.


Thanks Emily!!

:)

Literacy Workshop

Janet Lee created a Literacy Workshop in my gade 12 OSSL class. In this activity, students participate in five centres that are all based on developing students reading and writing skills.
Students are enjoying the centres!

Jeffrey Moore Inspires at Bear Creek Secondary

After the March break, Jeffrey Moore, author of "20 Something in the 20 Something's", will engage students in identifying their goals and creating an action plan to attain those goals.

Results to be continued......

On Marking....

The work written by my grade 12 students (who are taking the "Issues and Human Growth course") is outstanding. Why? They took their writing through the five stages of the writing process and I was the fourth stage - editor. Students reflected on the changes I made (of course not all students made all the necessary changes) and they were able to see that they can achieve a level four by reworking their writing.

I even deserve a level four on this activity!!!