January
5
Jan 05: ELA 20 Morals and Values…
- We reviewed the first sub-unit of Perspectives and Passages that we’ve already discussed. I reminded them of the video we had recently watched and that three students have yet to complete the Introduction of Mr. Hundert, which we pegged Wednesday as being the day of their presentations.
- They were asked to brainstorm a list of ten values and ten goals they hold or could think of. They contributed a bunch of their examples and I compiled them on the smartboard. We also discussed, briefly, an example of a moral dilema from current society – whether or not Canadian parents would have the legal right to refuse medical treatment for a terminally ill child on the basis of their religious or theological beliefs. On one hand, the child’s best interests are a concern and, at times, social welfare steps in because our society strongly values the protection of our youth. On the other hand, though, our Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of religion or beliefs. Where is the moral right in a situation like this?
- Another moral dilema in current Canadian society is the issue of poverty, the topic of the personal essay we read together. The author (anonymous) wrote about the difficulty her family members face as a result of their low economic standing and the fear that it will have long-lasting affects.
- Once we had finished reading the essay, students were to assume some type of “perspective” and write a letter to the author, this mother. This was to be handed in at the end of class and they had just over fifteen minutes to complete it.
- I also reminded students that they still have the opportunity to hand in missing assignments. Instead of creating a list of new assignments, though, the owness is on them to see me about what the new topic should be. The deadline for any of these missing pieces is January 16, next Friday. We also will only have three more assignments, a small number in order to not overwhelm anyone and give them the opportunity to benefit from focusing on them and doing their best.