Welcome to Learning Strategies

Ms. Niro

What is GLS?

“This course focuses on learning strategies to help students become better, more independent learners. Students will learn how to develop and apply literacy and numeracy skills, personal-management skills, and interpersonal and teamwork skills to improve their learning and achievement in school, the workplace, and the community. The course helps students build confidence and motivation to pursue opportunities for success in secondary school and beyond.”

UNITS OF STUDY

Unit 1: Introduction to GLS

Icebreakers and community building

GLS Olympics!

Your duo-tangs:Calendar pagesLearning LogsS.M.A.R.T GoalCourse summative components

Unit 2: Learning Strategies Note-taking skills

Note-Taking Skills Assignment

Organization and using a calendar Calendar Skills Case Study Assignment

OSSLT preparation Reading for Understanding, Writing a News Report, and Writing a

Series of ParagraphsSocial Justice PortfolioMOCK OSSLT – MARCH 27TH AND 28TH

Presentation skills

Word-processing skills Word-Processing Skills Assignment

Test-taking skills and key words

Unit 3: Character Education

Character attributesHonesty, Inclusivity, Caring, Cooperation,

Respect, Responsibility

Identity Mask Assignment

Unit 4: Getting Along with Others

Personal ManagementStress managementMental health

BullyingTypes of bullyingAffects and consequences of bullyingBullying Survey Assignment

Restorative PracticesWhat are restorative practices?Mean Girls Assignment

Social Justice News Report Presentations

Every Thursday starting after the March Break.

Present two relevant news stories (in partners) to the class and have discussion.

Catch-Up FridaysEvery Friday starting in March.

Complete your Learning Log and have me sign off on it.

Structure:1. Finish GLS work2. Finish other course work3. Organize binders4. Silent reading5. EQAO (literacy/numeracy) practice

Course Summative Assignment

Three components, each worth 10%:Your Time Counts (volunteerism)Tracking My Success (Learning Logs)Skills, Knowledge, and Attitudes (choice)

Absolute deadline is June 15th MISSED DEADLINE for the summative will

result in a ZERO – no excuses!

CLASS RULES AND EXPECTATIONS

AngelI will be using Angel for this course. The site will

have reminders, links, and course material. If you lose a handout I will not provide another one – my expectation is you will go to the site and print another one for your binder.

I will provide the details of how to access the site. You will need your student # and you will need to create a password. I also ask that you add your email address (no one will see it) as another means of communication outside of the classroom.

What Should You Bring to Class?

Binder!

Lined paper

Pencil Case with… Pens/PencilsErasers/WhiteoutPencil CrayonsRuler

Administrivia My expectation is that you are in class everyday and are on

time everyday. Poor attendance and punctuality will limit your success in this course and if it becomes a serious issue, I will issue detentions, make phone calls home, and speak to your VP.

When work is due, I expect it to be handed in on time. No excuses – excuses will not help you be successful in this course.

Cheating and plagiarism are not tolerated, and will be dealt with appropriately.

RESPECT – show it to me, and you’ll get it back in return. Respect each other and be polite. There are lots of supplies and resources available in the classroom for you to use, so take care of them or you will lose them!

Responsibility

If you are away, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed that day and get caught up.

Food and Drink

There is absolutely NO food or drink in class, with the exception of water. Save your food for lunch!

Plus, you never know who has an allergy – and some allergies are very serious!

Electronic Devices

Are the bane of my existence? Maybe…

Here’s the deal:NO CELL PHONES! EVER! You can text your friends outside

of class. It is rude and disrespectful to both myself and your classmates.

iPods… if we are doing INDEPENDENT work, I don’t usually mind if you listen to music QUIETLY – I don’t want to hear it. However, when I am teaching, or we are having discussion or working in groups, I don’t want to see the ear buds out!

If you can’t follow this ‘arrangement’, the PRIVILEDGE will be gone!