Miss Jenna's Blog

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HALLOWEEN Starter Pack

November 1, 2024 /
Photo by Stefano Pollio from Unsplash

In honour of halloween coming up this thursday, I decided to ask chatgbt what the top halloween movies are from 1980-present.

Photo by IMDb

The Shining (1980) – Stanley Kubrick’s chilling adaptation of Stephen King’s novel.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) – Introduced Freddy Krueger and the concept of dream-based horror.

Beetlejuice (1988) – A darkly comedic look at the afterlife.

Hocus Pocus (1993) – A beloved family film featuring three resurrected witches.

The Sixth Sense (1999) – A psychological thriller with a famous twist ending.

Scream (1996) – A slasher film that reinvigorated the genre with self-aware humor.

The Ring (2002) – A haunting horror film that popularized J-horror in the West.

Get Out (2017) – A groundbreaking horror film addressing social issues through a thrilling narrative.

A Quiet Place (2018) – A tense thriller about survival in a world of sound-sensitive monsters.

Hereditary (2018) – A deeply unsettling film about grief and family secrets.

Midsommar (2019) – A folk horror film set in a bizarre Swedish festival.

The Invisible Man (2020) – A modern take on the classic monster story with a focus on domestic abuse.

The list is varying in types of movies from slashers to intense psychological thrillers.

Photo by Nong from Unsplash

If I were to create my own list for someone to watch halloween movies this is what I would recommend:

Halloween (1978)

The shining (1980)

Friday the 13th (1980)

Nightmare on Elm street (1984)

Beetlejuice (1988)

The Adam’s Family (1991)

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Scream (1996)

I Know What you did Last Summer (1997)

Halloweentown (1998)

Scary Movie (2000)

IT (2017)

Conjuring (2017)

The Black phone (2022)

Long Legs (2024)

My list includes a range of classic halloween movies, some kid friendly movies, and a few more current halloween movies. I think this is a good list of movies because it includes a diverse range with some that are more comedic and have a blend of humour and horror. Many films on the list are considered classics or have had a significant impact on the horror genre, such as A Nightmare on Elm Street and Halloween. They are essential viewing for any horror fan. By including more recent films like IT (2017) and The Black Phone (2022), the list stays relevant and showcases modern takes on horror. Each film contributes to the Halloween spirit, whether through supernatural elements, creepy settings, or seasonal themes, making them perfect for a Halloween starter pack.

Weekly Reflection 8

October 28, 2024 /

Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving

The website Learning discusses why computational thinking is important for students. It highlights that it teaches them how to plan ahead to achieve desired outcomes and how to navigate data effectively. In my opinion, computational thinking is beneficial because it encourages students to solve puzzles and identify patterns that they might not be familiar with. This approach helps build problem-solving skills, as it requires students to think critically by analyzing problems and developing strategies to address them

Coding Flappy Bird
Photo by Jenna Spall

Gameplay used in The Classroom

Gameplay can be extremely beneficial for students who are less engaged in a topic for several reasons. Firstly, it offers an alternative way of understanding that may resonate more with them. Students who are interested in computers or gaming can particularly benefit, as they are often already familiar with technology. Additionally, gameplay is hands-on, allowing students to actively participate and learn through experience rather than just listening to instructions. Overall, while gameplay may not appeal to everyone, it can be an effective tool for educators, helping certain students thrive in their learning.

Blink Twice

October 21, 2024 /

The psychological thriller, Blink Twice, directed by Zoë Kravitz, along with; Channing tatum, E.T. Feigenbaum, Christian Slater, Aaron Himelstein, Adam Newport-Berra, Bruce Cohen, Saul Williams, and Kyle MacLachlan is a suspenseful film that reveals what is truly happening on this party island.

Description by Reddit

When tech billionaire Slater King meets cocktail waitress Frida at his fundraising gala, he invites her to join him and his friends for a dream vacation on his private island. Wild nights soon blend into sun-soaked days, but when strange things start to happen, Frida must uncover the truth if she hopes to make it out alive.

This was the first time I’d ever seen a trigger warning displayed before a film, and it was definitely warranted. This movie was dark and twisted, reflecting a harsh reality that some women face. This film is very empowering for woman as it has a main message of “power,” and woman re-claiming and defending their power.

Plot: 5/5

This movie took an unexpected turn that I felt was coming but I could never have predicted what it would be. It was incredibly intriguing, keeping me engaged and on the edge of my seat the entire time. I really enjoyed the plot, especially how the ending unfolded in a way I never anticipated. Zoë Kravitz said she was inspired “the rage and confusion she felt after the Me Too movement,” and I think that rage was perfectly integrated in the film.

@edithbowman

Where did the INSPIRATION for Blink Twice come from?👁️ Had a blast chatting to Zoe Kravitz about her directorial debut and where the idea came from! EPISODE OUT NOW🎬 #zoekravitz #channingtatum #blinktwice #edithbowman #podcast #soundtracking

♬ original sound – edith bowman

Acting: 5/5

Blink Twice featured some very well known actors who did an excellent job executing their roles. I can’t imagine how difficult it would be for some of the cast members to play the role they did, however, the acting made this film what it was. I also enjoyed that even how dark the film was some comedy was mixed in to lighten it up.

Cinematography: 5/5

Compared to the other films I have watched so far, this one was very modern. The lighting and scenery set the tone giving it a stylish and luxurious feel.

Overall, I really appreciated the message of this film and how relatable it can be for women in various ways. Now that I’ve seen it and know the ending, I’m curious to watch it again to see what clues I might pick up that I missed the first time.

Weekly Reflection 7

October 21, 2024 /

SAMR Model of Technology in Classrooms

The SAMR model is a great tool to use when evaluating technologies used in a classroom. The SAMR model has four different tears that help transform and enhance technology that align with what your students are working on. In the future, this model would help me evaluate technologies used in my classroom as it is simple and clear, and it allows you to easily assess whether a technology enhances learning or just serves as a replacement. SAMR pushes educators to think more creatively when preparing lessons and deepens students overall learning.

SAMR model top to bottom redefinition modification augmentation substitution
Photo by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, Ph.D.

Benefits of Sketchnoting

Sketchnoting is a great strategy to use when taking notes. It allows for students to be creative while also creating notes that will most likely be retained better. While making sketchnotes, students are actively remembering as they are drawing things that connect to what they’re learning. This strategy also keeps students more engaged in their learning and visually helps to grasp the topic better. With that said, everyone has a different learning style, which means this may be effective for some students but not all. Sketchnoting can be beneficial across all grades, but personally I would use this in grades 3-12. sketchnoting is quite versatile and can be adapted for multiple grade levels. This tool is effective for fostering engagement and enhancing comprehension.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema, Unsplash
Photo by Jenna Spall

Above is a photo of some sketchnoting I did in class. I have never tried sketchnoting before but after learning about it I see how it can be effective and I would be open to trying it next class.

Recorder Practice

October 18, 2024 /

Learning my first song was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. The most difficult part for me is having to quickly move my fingers and remembering where to move them to.

Long Legs

October 14, 2024 /

“Creepy” does not begin to describe director Osgood Perkins’ take on an FBI agent tracking a mass murderer — or Nicolas Cage’s WTF performance

-David Fear

I would like to start by giving the entire crew of this film huge recognition. The film came together perfectly and every role was executed precisely. Directed by Oz Perkins, the film was released just this past July, and viewers are loving it! It boasts an impressive 85% on Rotten Tomatoes. I loved everything about this film, it kept me drawn in the entire time. I appreciated how the plot revealed details gradually while maintaining a high level of suspense.

Main character "Lee Harker" looking at evidence of the case she is working on
Photo by Rolling Stone

Description

The story follows FBI agent Lee Harker, played by Maika Monroe as she tackles a decades-long serial killer case set in 1990. As she delves deeper into the investigation, it takes a disturbing turn while trying to decipher the difference between reality and the supernatural.

Before watching this film, I saw the trailer in theaters and thought, “I must see that!” The trailer is brilliant, especially because one of the villains, played by Nicolas Cage, isn’t revealed at all. I think that was such a smart move because it made his eventual appearance even scarier!

Overall, this film has quickly become one of my new favourites. It has an eerie sinister vibe to it even when nothing is happening. It’s one of those movies that you watch and continues to linger in your mind after. This film has a similar feel to the classic horror film, Silence of The Lambs, as it has a mixture of suspense and discomfort. What really really set the tone of this film was the cinematography, the colour tones and the framing used were spot on. I will definitely watch this film again as it is one of my new personal favourites.

Accessibility Test

October 13, 2024 /
5 week old Eurasier puppies in a basket, 5 puppies.
Photo by Judi Neumeyer, unsplash

Accessibility and What is Being Missed?

Many people don’t think twice about making something digitally accessible. Alt text is crucial for accessibility, as it provides descriptive information about images for users who rely on screen readers. Many websites overlook this practice, resulting in a lack of context for visually impaired users. I am someone who is guilty of this. Before this lesson I didn’t even think, or know, that putting a description on an image was an option. Now I am aware of how important this is and how much it can improve a website.

Why isn’t Digital Accessibility More Commonly Used? Why don’t we all Know About it?

Many digital accessibility practices aren’t well-known or commonly used due to a lack of awareness. Majority of people publishing information online do not have visually or hearing impairments, meaning that they don’t even think twice about it. Additionally, there is a perception that accessibility is complicated or time-consuming. Some may underestimate its importance, especially for a broader audience, and focus on aesthetics rather than sufficiency. Spreading awareness and improving websites is key to making accessibility more prevalent.

First Movie Review

October 7, 2024 /

Photo by Apeksha Bagchi

For my free inquiry this week, I watched the film, “The Devil All the Time.” The story follows several interconnected characters, each with their own unique arcs. I found the film highly engaging and appreciated its unpredictability, which kept me captivated throughout.

Photo from City News of Toronto

cinematography: 5/5

All the camera angles were spot on and felt natural. The lighting was perfect, giving the film a realistic look throughout. I appreciated that it wasn’t overly polished, which added to its authentic feel, especially since the story is set in the 1960s. Click this link to read about the camera that was used for creating this film!

dialogue: 5/5

I really enjoyed the script in this film; its raw and gritty dialogue effectively captured the language and tone of the era. The harshness at times added authenticity and depth to the characters and their experiences. I also particularly enjoyed how there was a narrator throughout the film.

Acting: 5/5

This film featured an impressive cast, including some younger actors who delivered powerful performances for their roles. The casting was exceptional, and each actor demonstrated full commitment to their character, enhancing the overall impact of the story.

Plot/theme: 4/5

This movie has a dark tone that might be unsettling for some viewers. I personally enjoyed it because the pacing was excellent, and the narrative was easy to follow. However, the themes and subject matter may be challenging for certain audiences to digest.

Hot Cross Buns

October 7, 2024 /

Today I decided I wanted to start by learning an easier song. Hot cross buns is a short song and since i’m still getting comfortable learning the notes on the recorder, I figured this would be a good start.

Weekly Reflection 5

October 4, 2024 /

Using a 3D printer is so cool because it brings students creativity to life. It allows them to create functional objects they can use, promoting hands-on learning. Additionally, designing 3D models teaches valuable problem-solving skills, as students must consider functionality for the printer. I believe 3D printing is beneficial for grades K-12 because there’s something for every age group to learn. It can be tailored to be as simple or complex as needed, making it accessible for all students.

Check out this article about 3D printing!

Photo by Megan Lee, Unsplash

However, some drawbacks of 3D printing include a lack of convenience. The printing process typically takes at least one to three hours to create an object. If every student is printing something, it can become very time-consuming and may stretch over the course of a week or two to complete all projects. While this technology can be effectively used across all grade levels, it may be more challenging for younger students, as they need to design objects that the printer can successfully produce.

The image above shows what I created in today’s class. It was my first time using a 3D printer, and I found it super interesting and easy to navigate. I’m excited to see the final results, including the size and colors of the object!

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