Month: November 2014

The Paralympic games don’t get nearly the publicity that the main games do, but the accomplishments there are demonstrably more impressive. Here is a playlist of some of the best Canadian Highlights – from a Cross-Country skier falling down and then still winning gold, to wheel chair curling, sledge hockey and a wrap up montage.…

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This is one of my favourite Mashups from this past year. Maybe it’s because my previous class did a dance to Wake Me Up by Avicii. Maybe it is because the internet loves Rick Astley. Maybe it is because I loved Fresh Prince growing up. Maybe it’s becuase I own the Chumbawumba album. Maybe it…

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This is one for the older set; probably Grade 8 or higher. The motivation to read is something that is intrinsic because even the most exciting reward system isn’t sustainable over the long haul. What is your reason? Lesson Ideas: Why Do You Read? Tell a inspiring story Analyze the story path BONUS VIDEO: Grey…

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I like to watch this video in halves, as it is essentially 2 commercials in one. Imagine that the first half goes to the 0:50 mark: I love how it spends the first bit setting up what seems to be a decent metaphor, and then the second half destroying that premise. Students need work on…

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Inconceivably long. In his re-imagining of Cosmos, Neil Degrasse Tyson used a “Cosmic Calendar”, which compressed all of time into a 12 month calendar. It was an interesting way to visualize and compare, but it still suffers from a problem of scale. I don’t think there could be any real comparison that would truly give…

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Real life examples of true selflessness are, to be honest, getting easier to come by. YouTube has become a great resource of feel good stories and touching moments. These are great discussion starting points as we talk about what impact the actions had and what we might have done in the same situation. One that…

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All students need to know that throw away lines can hurt, and that part of respect is recognizing and reflecting on what we do and say. These changes will take a generation, but hopefully only one. Lesson Ideas Class meeting topic Intro to a ‘how we use language’ Persuasive writing piece BONUS VIDEO: Emma Watson…

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The late night shows have had a bit of a renaissance on YouTube. Jimmy Kimmel, Craig Ferguson, and Conan O’Brien how breathed life into their shows by sharing much of their comedy online. Jimmy has stars reading mean tweets, Craig has some of the best monologues in the business, and there is no match for…

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