Weekly spelling list: In Humanities this week, some students completed their legendary stories. Others continue to work on them. All students are using Google docs to write these stories and have learned how to submit their stories to Mr. Brewer using this program. When stories are completed, Mr. Brewer will read through them and offer feedback on how they may be improved. This is the revising part of the writing process where we rework the organization and details of the stories. In class, students learned a variety of means of improving stories such as describing the setting, using red flag words and phrases to build tension, using word referents and having a definite story problem which is solved by the character(s). Typically stories build up a level of anticipation or tension until there is a climax to the story. The resolution of this tension constitutes the conclusion of the story. Mr. Brewer will read through student work in order to identify characters, plot and story problem. These are integral parts of a good story. Typically, if a story does not have these story elements, students will need to re-work the details to improve the narrative. This week's spelling list focuses on agriculture. Agriculture is an important natural resource in Alberta. Students have completed a map of Alberta's natural regions and resources. They are developing an understanding that the location of agriculture within the province is affected by geography and climate. Ranching and beef production are common in the Foothills natural region while the Grassland and Parkland regions are where many cereals are grown. In the Boreal Forest and Canadian Shield regions viable commercial agriculture is generally not possible due to the cold and terrain. Students completed their First Nations research and presentation this week. Then, Mr. Brewer introduced the topic of Alberta's French and British history. This represents a new chapter is the story of Alberta's history. We learned that by the 17th century, Europeans were beginning to come to the area now known as Alberta in increasing numbers seeking furs. In Friday's lesson 4E and 4F viewed the following movie by the NFB: www.nfb.ca/film/voyageurs/ While this film was made in 1964, it does give a reasonable impression of what daily life was like for voyageurs. In addition, 4F practice the song Alouette in class with Mr. Brewer. This was one of many songs that the voyageurs sang to keep pace as they paddled across Canada. Presently, Mr. Brewer is reading a book about the travels of Alexander Mackenzie. Alexander Mackenzie was a Scottish born explorer working for the Northwest Company. Here is some additional information about him: www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sir-alexander-mackenzie-explorer/ Our weekend homework assignment is all about the importance of the voyageurs to Canada's (and by extension Alberta's) history. While we tend to think of Alberta as a predominantly English speaking province, many of the earliest settlers, traders and missionaries who came here were Francophone and Métis. Spelling quiz: Mon. April 16. Please study the words in the list above this weekend. Homework assigned Fri. April 13. Due Mon. April 16.
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