Check out a week in the life at LLLA...

Monday: Today in Critical Thinking, as always, students selected a news article from a major source and
participated in a discussion, sharing their opinions on the topic using guided questions – this week we
perused CBC and focused on an article about Remembrance Day ceremonies across Canada and the
importance to reflect and share silence for all the lives lost and sacrificed in war. I then introduced a new
monthly assignment, The Rant, where students will submit a video-recorded rant on an issue of their choice.
After reviewing the assignment and watching some classic Rick Mercer's rants for inspiration, we shifted to
Artificial Intelligence after break, covering different types of AI—Narrow AI, General AI, and
Super-intelligent AI. The class then watched a video and discussed the differences between these types,
exploring which could be most beneficial or harmful – it led to a great discussion. In the third period,
students worked on setting and world-building by imagining their own fictional worlds for Creative Writing.
We shared ideas, read about cool movie worlds, and watched a video on how to create a fictional world.
For homework, the class will create a “travel guide” to their own fictional world, including sections on
customs, popular foods, and notable sights.

Tuesday: In the first period, we continued our Introduction to Cool Poets unit, focusing on William Carlos
Williams. We began by analyzing a painting of a red wheelbarrow, glazed with rainwater beside white
chickens, and discussed what the image evoked. This led to a reading and discussion of Williams’s poem
"The Red Wheelbarrow," where we talked about its simplicity and powerful use of imagery. The class
reflected on what Williams might be emphasizing with so few words. For the class activity, students created
a visual collage based on a simple object or scene that holds personal significance to them, reflecting the
minimalist approach of Williams – I have encouraged everyone to share their collage with you! After the
break, they continued working on their collages and then shared them. In the third period, they
collaborated in breakout rooms on the A Kid & A Kitchen Christmas glove drive ad posts. It was a great
day of creative thinking and teamwork! Can’t wait to see their new Instagram posts tomorrow!

Wednesday: To begin class, I reminded students about choosing a topic for their rant for Monday’s critical
thinking assignment. We then picked up where we left off in Unit 4: Email Etiquette, where students
continue to learn the importance of professional communication. They analyzed email samples, provided
critique, and wrote their own emails based on specific scenarios – I think it was very helpful for them all.
After break we moved into Unit 5: Business Ethics, discussing the significance in running ethical businesses.
We explored core principles like honesty, fairness and integrity through a fun, scenario-based activity
where the class tackled ethical dilemmas in small groups and shared their thoughtful solutions – well done!
During the third period, in Social Media Management and Marketing, students posted their approved
Instagram ads for "Kid in the Kitchen.” We also enjoyed a Passion Project Check-In, featuring an awesome
surprise—a new video episode of The Thickets Podcast by Pete and Les, terrifically edited with Mike's help.
It was a highlight of the day! The rest of the class then reflected on their progress, sharing what they did last
week and setting goals for the week ahead. Great day!

Thursday: Today in Marketing we focused on E-Commerce, as the class explored the world of online
shopping - perfect for Black Friday season! They began by researching key concepts, including the
definition of e-commerce and its advantages, such as convenience and price comparison. Afterward,
they participated in an E-Commerce Comparison Shopping Challenge where, in pairs, they chose a
product category like headphones or clothing and compared prices across major online retailers such as
Amazon, Walmart, etc. to determine which site offered the best value. The activity was designed to help
them become more savvy online shoppers - ‘tis the season! In addition to this, as always, students
completed a Weekly Reflection where they shared their thoughts on what they learned and how it
connects to their own experiences with shopping. I have been encouraging them to write more for their
reflection, as I have noticed how many students seem to rush through it. To end the day, we had our Music
Thursday session.
Great week!