Over Christmas Break

Thanks, everyone, for taking part in our Asian culture day. It was fun! Over break it is important that you review Chapter 9 periodically to keep the information fresh in your head. We'll be having a test over Chapter 9 on Tuesday, January 4th. We will have a brief review on Monday, January 3rd.

I hope and pray your vacation is restful, fun, and rejuvenating. Merry Christmas!!

12/14 - Southeast Asia

Today we'll read/discuss our way through Chapter 9, Section 4, on Southeast Asia and the spice trade. We'll also take a brief look at Chapter 9, Section 2, which is on Chinese society.

Tomorrow we will watch part of a movie related to Asian cultures. Our choices are: Shanghai Noon, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, or The House of Flying Daggers.

Students should start preparing for the Asian culture day, which is Thursday, 12/16.

12/13 - Chinese culture and Tokugawa Japan

Today we'll briefly go over Chapter 9, Section 2, which is on the culture of China. We'll spend more time going through Chapter 9, Section 3, on Tokugawa Japan. Students may download the lecture notes here: Ch9, Sec3, PowerPoint handouts.

Homework: Read Ch9, Sec4, for tomorrow, 12/14
SecRev9-3 due tomorrow, 12/14

12/10 - Chinese history and culture

Today we will read/discuss our way through the rest of Ch9, Sec1, and into Sec2.

Homework: Reading Reflection on Ch9, Secs 1 & 2, due Monday, 12/13
Read Ch9, Sec3, for Monday, 12/13

12/8 - Test on Chapter 8

Today students will take a test on Chapter 8.

Homework: Read Chapter 9, Section 1, for 12/9

12/7 - Articles on the spread of Islam

Today students brought in articles about the spread of Islam today. They read them in class, and we discussed it together.

Homework: Study for the Ch8 test tomorrow, 12/8

12/6 - Islam and Asia

Today we'll go through Chapter 9, Section 3, which is on Islam in Asia. We will read and discuss the text together. Here is a video on Islam in India: India - History of Islam.

Homework: Start reviewing for the test on Ch9 on Wednesday, 12/8
Bring an article to class about Islam in Europe, Asia or Africa. If possible, find one about the spread of Islam, as it would relate to our study of Islamic empires and their expansion.

12/3 - The Safavid Dynasty

We'll begin with an introductory video: Ch8, Sec2, Spotlight Video. We'll read and discuss the section together. There is a humorous video someone posted about the Safavid dynasty's conflicts with the Ottomans: Political History of the Safavid Empire. (It's very quiet, so we might not watch it in class.) There is also a 2-minute clip from the documentary we watched the other day on the conflict between the Ottomans and Safavids: Ottomans v. Safavids.

Homework: Review Ch8, Sections 1 and 2.
Read Ch8, Sec3, for Monday, 12/6

Test on Ch8 on Wednesday, 12/8

12/2 - The Ottoman Empire

Today we'll examine what our book has to say about the Ottoman Empire in Ch8, Sec1. We'll read and discuss together. A lot of what is in the book was in Part 3 of the PBS documentary we watched on Islam earlier this week. Here are some short video clips that discuss related content:

The Crusades
Ottomans in Constantinople/Istanbul

Homework: Read Ch8, Sec2 for tomorrow, 12/3
SecRev8-1 due tomorrow, 12/3

Persian food extra credit

Students who'd like to bring in some homemade Persian food or Turkish food to share with classmates may do so for extra credit through Monday, 12/6. Essentially, I'd like us to sample foods that are part of the Islamic world, so this is not restricted to just Persian and Turkish foods. If you're unsure about recipes, you're welcome to run your ideas by me before bringing them in.

11/29 to 12/1 - Documentary on Islam

Today we are going to watch a documentary from PBS on Islam as we venture into the next chapter in our text. Students will be asked to take notes and write a Video Reflection when we complete the documentary.

You may view the documentary on YouTube:
Islam: Empire of Faith (part 1)
Islam: Empire of Faith (part 2)
Islam: Empire of Faith (part 3)

Homework: Read Chapter 8, Section 1

Extra Credit - Mosaic art

As we venture into Chapter 8, students may explore Islamic mosaic art in order to earn up to 8 extra credit points toward their homework grade. Full points will be awarded for exceptional artistic demonstration and understanding of mosaic art.

Students may use any media they feel comfortable with, but the mosaic itself should be at least 2 feet by 2 feet (the larger the better, however). Mosaics will be displayed in class. The mosaic should be a "kaleidoscope" design, or one that has a radial pattern like the example below.


Students who are not sure how to go about getting started on a design like the one above may ask me (Miss Beisel) for help. Projects are due by Monday, December 6th.

11/22 & 11/23 - Finishing up Ch7

Tuesday, 11/22, students reviewed for the test on Chapter 7, which will be Tuesday 11/23.

11/19 - Finishing up Chapter 7

Today we'll try to get through the rest of Chapter 7. We'll read the last part of Section 3, and then look at main ideas in Section 4. We'll watch a short Spotlight Video on St. Petersburg, as well as a Spotlight Video on Shakespeare.

Homework: Review Chapter 7 for the test Tuesday, 11/23

11/18 - Absolutism

We'll finish going through Chapter 7, Section 2, and move into Section 3 on Absolutism. If we get to the part on St. Petersburg, we'll watch the book's Spotlight Video on it.

Homework: Re-read Ch7, Sec3, and read Ch7, Sec4 for Friday, 11/19

11/17 - Social Crises, War, and Revolution

Today we'll start our way through Chapter 7, Section 2. We'll read and discuss what's in the book together. We'll also see a couple short videos to highlight things in the book:

Witch Trials
The Peace of Westphalia
Oliver Cromwell

Homework: Do a Reading Reflection on Chapter 7, Section 2, due 11/18

11/16 - The Wars of Religion

Today we'll read and discuss our way through Chapter 7, Section 1, together. We will also watch a short Spotlight Video on Queen Elizabeth.

Homework: Read Chapter 7, Section 2, for 11/17

11/15 - Vlad's presentation on Russia

Today Vlad will be giving us a presentation about Russia. So, just sit back, relax, and enjoy. You can ask Vlad any questions about Russia you'd like.

For those who want to do some extra credit, you may bring in homemade Russian food (especially snacks and treats). You can find some recipes here: Authentic Russian Recipes

Homework: Read Chapter 7, Section 1, for Tuesday, 11/16

11/12 - Global Exploration

Today we'll briefly look at all of Chapter 6. Students should have read the WHOLE THING before class. We'll talk about things that stood out to them. (There may even be a pop quiz!)

We'll watch clips from a documentary called 1421: The Year China Discovered America to take a look at another theory about global exploration. Here are the documentary segments:
1421: The Year China Discovered America, part 1
1421: The Year China Discovered America, part 2
1421: The Year China Discovered America, part 3

Homework: Reading Reflection over Chapter 6, with one item from the video about Chinese exploration, due Monday 11/15

Printed PowerPoint handouts for 50 cents

After some students have been asking me to print out the PowerPoint handouts (when I make PP's), I asked Mr. Smith what he'd like me to do. Since the handouts are available for download off the blog and the material is in the book, we decided that students who would like me to print off the notes for them can do so, but for 50 cents per set of notes. That money will go toward classroom resources and/or the trip to the Czech Republic in the spring.

Students that want the notes need to ask in the morning so that I have time to print/photocopy them by class time. :)

11/11 - Test on Chapters 4 & 5

Today we'll take a test on Chapters 4 and 5.

Homework: Read ALL of Chapter 6 for tomorrow, 11/12

11/10 - Review Day

Today we'll review for the test over Chapters 4 & 5.

Homework: Study for the test tomorrow, 11/11

11/9 - Spead of Protestantism (cont.)

Today we'll finish discussing Chapter 5, Section 4, on the spread of Protestantism.

Homework: Review Chapters 4 and 5 in preparation for the test on Thursday, 11/11

11/8 - Spread of Protestantism

Today we'll be going through Chapter 5, Section 4, on the spread of Protestantism. You may download the lecture notes here: Ch5, Sec4 PowerPoint handouts. You can also view a succinct video biography on John Calvin here: John Piper on John Calvin.

Homework: Review Chapters 4 and 5 for your test on Thursday, 11/11
Reading Reflection on Ch5, Sec4, due 11/9

11/5 - Impacts of Luther

Today we'll be going through the last part of Chapter 5, Section 3, and then move into Section 4 if we have time.

Homework: Read Chapter 5, Section 4, for Monday, 11/8
Do research on John Calvin, and write a 2-paragraph summary of who he was, what he believed, and his impacts on the Church

Looking at next week

Friday, 11/5, we will go over the last couple parts of Chapter 5, Section 3, and then move into Section 4. We will continue to discuss Section 4 on Monday. Tuesday we'll finish up anything we have left to discuss from Chapter 5, and then spend time reviewing for the test covering Chapters 4 and 5 on Wednesday, 11/10.

11/3 & 11/4 - Reluctant Revolutionary

Today we'll be watching the first part of a PBS documentary on Martin Luther. You're welcome to view the documentary on YouTube as well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni1gupkGAW0&feature=fvw.

Students will be asked to take notes, and then do a Video Reflection on the film, due 11/5. There will be a short answer question about Martin Luther on your test, so be sure to pay attention to the film!

11/2 - Reformation

Today we'll focus on Chapter 5, Section 3, on the Reformation. We will read and discuss the text. Tomorrow and the following day we will watch a documentary on Martin Luther and the Reformation. Students will take notes and write a Video Reflection.

A test on Chapters 4 and 5 may be on Friday, 11/5. Start reviewing now.

Updated Tardy Policy

Miss Beisel’s updated

TARDY POLICY

Effective Nov 2^nd, 2010

You must be

IN YOUR SEAT

with your notebooks out

when the bell rings,

or you will be considered tardy

11/1 - Renaissance (and Reformation?)

Today we'll be reading through Chapter 5, Section 2, which is on the art and ideas of the Renaissance. If we have time, we'll continue reading and discussing our way into Section 3, which is on the Reformation.

Homework: Do SecRev5-2, due 11/2
Read Chapter 5, Section 3, for tomorrow 11/2

10/27 - Presentation on German culture

Today our international student from Germany and another classmate of German heritage are going to share some parts of German history and culture with us.

Homework: Read Chapter 12, Section 2, for Monday, 11/1

10/26 - Ideas and Art of the Renaissance

Today we'll read/discuss our way through Chapter 5, Section 2, which is on the ideas and art of the Renaissance.

Homework: Read Ch12, Sec3

10/25 - The Renaissance

Today we'll be going through Chapter 5, Section 1, on the Renaissance. Students should have come to class having read the material. Lecture notes may be downloaded here: Ch5, Sec1 PowerPoint handouts.

Homework: Create a compare/contrast montage of a Renaissance man from the 1300s-1500s and a "Renaissance man" (or woman) of today. This can be on an 8.5x11 paper or larger. Students may cut out images from magazines or printed off of the Internet. They will need to be able to explain their collages either verbally or in writing. Due Tuesday, 10/26.

10/22 - Playing our games

Today we'll present and play the Medieval Board Games students developed this week.

Homework: Read Chapter 5, Section 1, for Monday, 10/25

10/21 - Medieval Board Games

Today students will have time to work on creating their Medieval Board Games. They will be due tomorrow, 10/22. We'll play them in class together.

Homework: Finish Medieval Board Game, due 10/22

10/20 - Wrapping up Ch4, Sec1

Today we'll finish reading and discussing Chapter 4, Section 1. Hopefully that only takes about 10 minutes. The rest of the time, students may work on their Medieval board games. These are due tomorrow, 10/21, and we will play them in class together.

Update: DEADLINE FOR BOARD GAMES EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, 10/22

10/19 - Medieval Times

We will continue reading and discussing our way through Chapter 4, Section 1. We'll introduce the class with a short video satirizing the feudal system: Annoying Peasant. Whatever we don't read through and discuss today in class, we will finish reading and discussing tomorrow.

Students are to start gathering ideas and materials for their Medieval board games. Instructions for that assignment are here: Medieval Board Game assignment. We will work on them in class on Wednesday, 10/20. They are due at the beginning of class on Thursday, 10/21. Students will briefly describe their game, and then we will play them together.

Homework: Gather materials and start preparing your Medieval Board Game, due Thursday, 10/21.

10/18 - The Middle Ages, Ch4

Today we begin our journey through Chapter 4, Section 1, on the Middle Ages. We will be reading and discussing the information in class. The project for this lesson will be a board game!! Students will use information from the Dark Ages video and the textbook coverage of the Middle Ages to create a board game that we will play in class. Students may work individually or in groups of up to three people. We will work on them a bit in class on Wednesday, and play them together on Thursday. Students are responsible for getting their own materials for this project. A formal assignment sheet will be provided tomorrow.

Homework: Read Ch4, Sec1
Brainstorm ideas for board game
Start gathering materials for board game

No late work accepted after 10/18

The first quarter ends on Monday, October 25th. Late work will not be accepted after Monday, October 18th. (In other words, students may turn in late work on the 18th, but may NOT after the 18th.)

10/14 to 10/15 - Video, The Dark Ages

We will be watching a documentary called The Dark Ages (from the History Channel) over the next couple days. Students are required to engage with the video in class. We'll stop to discuss at various points. If I find that students are falling asleep, doing other homework, or otherwise not paying attention, they will be required to do a Video Reflection on the documentary.

There are portions of this documentary on YouTube. (They're often in 10-minute segments.) One begins here: The Dark Ages - Part 1. Look at "related videos" for successive segments of the film. (Parents, please supervise your child's Internet use.)

Homework: Be reading Chapter 4 to better understand the documentary and to be prepared for class discussions next week

10/13 - Test on Chapter 3

Today students are taking a test on Chapter 3. The rest of the week we will be watching a documentary on the Dark Ages. Students are encouraged to begin reading Chapter 4 to have some background information to better understand the documentary.

Homework: Look over Chapter 4

10/8 - India and Japan

Today we'll be going through the parts of Chapter 3, Section 3, dealing with India and Japan. Students should come to class having read the material. You may download the lecture notes here: Ch3, Sec3 PP on Japan and India.

You can watch a short clip about Japan here: Ch3, Sec3 Spotlight Video

Homework: SR3-3 due Monday, 10/11
Re-read Ch3, Sections 2 and 3 for Monday, 10/11, as we will be looking at culturally relevant things for those topics.

10/7 - China

We're going to make our way through two parts of Chapter 3, focusing on China. (The first part of this section.) We will also discuss the segment on Southeast Asia if we have time. Students may download the lecture notes here: Ch3, Sec3 China PP handouts.

Homework: Read Ch3, Sec3, focusing on Japan and India
SR3-3 due Monday, 10/11
TEST on Ch3, Wednesday, 10/13

10/6 - Early African Civilizations

Today we'll be going through the textbook, Chapter 3, Section 2. (Sorry, no fancy PowerPoint this time.) Students should come to class having read the material ahead of time. You can view the Spotlight Video for this section here: Ch3, Sec2 Spotlight Video.

Homework: Read Chapter 3, Section 3 for tomorrow, 10/7
SR3-2 due tomorrow, 10/7
(No Reading Reflections for the rest of this chapter.)

10/5 - Women in Islam

Today we are finishing our mini-unit on Islam with a discussion of women in Islam. Students will turn in their Reading Reflections on Chapter 3, Section 1, tomorrow.

Homework: Read Chapter 3, Section 2
Start SR3-2, due 10/7
RR3-1 due tomorrow, 10/6

10/4 - The Middle East Conflict

Today we'll hash out what's going on in the Middle East in light of what we know about that region's history and the peoples' histories. We'll begin with discussions about articles we found on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Students with these articles will receive points. Come prepared!

Homework: SR3-1 due TODAY, 10/4
RR3-1 due Wednesday, 10/6
Bring an article about women in Islam to class tomorrow

9/30 - Ch3, Sec1 - World of Islam

After discussing a few current events about Israel/Palestine, we'll be going through ALL of Section 1 of Chapter 3, which is about Islam. DO THE READING AHEAD OF TIME because it will be an information-packed class period. You may download the notes here: Ch3, Sec1 PowerPoint handouts.

Homework: Re-read Ch3, Sec1
SR3-1 due Monday, 10/4
RR3-1 due Wednesday, 10/6

9/29 - Review of some basics

Today we will be reviewing some of the basic skills we went through the first week of school. Special emphasis will be given to writing the Reading Reflection assignments as well as critical reading skills. If we have time we will also discuss study strategies and time management. You may download the PowerPoint notes here: Basic Skills Review.

Homework: Read Chapter 3, Section 1 for tomorrow, 9/30
SR3-1 due Monday, 10/4
RR3-1 due Wednesday, 10/6

9/28

Today students will be taking a test on Chapter 2.

Homework: Read Chapter 3, Section 1
Bring a current events article about Israel to school tomorrow, 9/29

9/27 - Roman Empire

Today we'll finish going through Chapter 2, with a focus on the second half of Section 2. Students may download the PowerPoint notes here: Ch2Sec2 - Roman Empire PP notes. Students should come to class prepared by having re-read the material BEFOREHAND.

Homework: Chapter 2 TEST tomorrow, 9/28
Study

9/20 - Ch2, Sec2 - Rome and the Rise of Christianity

Today we'll touch on a couple ideas from Ch2, Sec1, and then move into Section2. We'll finish Section2 tomorrow, and then have a test on all of Chapter 2 when we get back from the Fall Retreat. Note the following due dates as some of them have been changed because of the Facebook project taking longer than planned:

"Build in Review" worksheet due Monday, 9/20
Philosopher Facebook poster due Tuesday, 9/21
SR2-2 and RR2-2 due Tuesday, 9/21
Chapter 2 Test is Monday, 9/27

You may download the PowerPoint handouts for today's lecture here: Ch2, Sec1&2 PPhandouts

9/17 - More Facebook projects

Since we didn't get done with our philosophers' Facebook pages yesterday, we'll finish those up today. If you don't get done, you'll need to take them home to finish over the weekend. Remember, they are worth 20 points, so take this work seriously.

Homework: Get more info and photos for your philosopher's FB page
Read Ch2, Sec2, work SR2-2 and RR2-2, due Monday, 9/20
Chapter 2 Test 9/21 (day before the Fall Retreat)

9/16 - Philosophers on Facebook

Today in class we'll be making Facebook pages for the famous Greek philosophers Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Students will need to have at least three references for the information they put on the FB page. Sources will be cited on the back of the poster.

Please come prepared with some printed photos to put on your FB page. The main profile picture is about 4" x 4", and the "friends" photos are about 1" x 1". Instead of having 9 different friends as the assignment originally stipulates, students only need to come up with 7 friends.

Please bring scissors, glue sticks, and $1 for the FB posterboard to school for this project.

9/14 - Starting Chapter 2 - Ancient Aegean

We'll begin our journey through Chapter 2 today. We'll focus on the first part of Chapter 2, Section 1, which is about the Minoans and Mycenaeans. We'll watch a 25-minute video on the Ancient Aegean cultures and discuss the video at the end.

Homework: Read Chapter 2, Section 1
SR2-1 and RR2-1 due Friday, 9/17

9/13 - Chapter 1 Test

We'll be taking the Chapter 1 Test today. When students are finished, they may start reading Chapter 2, Section 1 and working on the Section Review (SR2-1) and the Reading Reflection (RR2-1) that goes with the reading. Both are due 9/17.

Thanks, students!

I would like to send out a big thank you to you students today for your good behavior and good questions in class. It was a pleasure to have my friend MaKenzie come share about her experiences in India with us. I look forward to inviting more guest speakers to our class from time to time, and I hope that you all ask questions of those speakers as well as give the your full, enthusiastic attention. :)

Have fantastic weekends, and I'll see you Monday!

9/10 - Guest Speaker

If all goes according to plan, my friend MaKenzie will come to speak about her summer in India. She will share photos, stories, and her experiences. Students are encouraged to ask MaKenzie many questions.

Homework: Study for Chapter 1 Test, Monday 9/13

(If MaKenzie is unable to join us for some reason, we will be watching a video on Ancient China.)

9/9 - India

Today we'll be going over information about India (Chapter 1, Section 3). We'll be using the text and viewing some PowerPoint slides. You may download those slides here: Ch1, Sec3 PowerPoint handouts.

Homework: Think of at least 2 questions to ask my friend MaKenzie about her time in India this summer, for tomorrow 9/10
SR1-3 and RR1-3 due tomorrow, 9/10
Chapter 1 TEST on Monday, 9/13

9/8 - Ancient China

Today we're going over the part of Chapter 1, Section 3 that discusses Ancient China. We'll spend time reading the text and discussing it as a class. We'll also spend significant time talking about Confucius and Confucianism. We'll discuss the man, the morality of Confucianism, and look at some of his sayings.

You may download the PowerPoint notes here: Ch1, Sec3 - China

Homework: Read pages 22-26 in your text about India for tomorrow, 9/9
Continue working on SR1-3 and RR1-3, due Friday 9/10
Study for Chapter 1 Test, Monday, 9/13

9/7 - Ancient Israelites

Today we'll be going through the beginning of Chapter 1, Section 2 that discusses the ancient Israelites as well as the Assyrian and Persian empires. You may download the PowerPoint handouts here: PowerPoint handouts Ch1, Sec2 - Israelites. Students are encouraged to ask questions and share thoughts during the lecture so as to make learning as dynamic as possible.

Homework: SR1-2 and RR1-2 due tomorrow, 9/8
Read pages 27-31 on China for tomorrow, 9/8

Entertainment Books fund raiser

Here's a great way to show your school spirit! We're selling Entertainment Books for $25 each in order to raise money for the school from September 3rd until September 20th. There are a variety of incentives to get students motivated. They are:

• Grades 6-12 = Sell 4 Books by Sept 7 to wear jeans for the remainder of the sale (until Sept 20th)... Must bring in $100 for those 4 book sales on Sept 7th.
• Grades 6-8 = Sell 8 or more books to qualify for Thursday night 7-11 PM Lock-in with Friday OFF SCHOOL!
• Grades 9-12 = Sell 8 or more books to qualify for Thursday night All-Nighter with Friday OFF SCHOOL
• TOP SELLER IN CLASS receives a day pass to Coco Key Water Resort
• HIGH SELLING CLASS receives an afternoon out of class for a Game Truck Party!!! Wow!!!

Let's get out there and help our school by selling Entertainment Books! For more information contact Principal Sean Smith.

9/3/10 - Ancient Egypt

We will begin by reviewing what we learned about Ancient Mesopotamia, and then move into the material on Ancient Egypt. There will be a PowerPoint lecture/discussion on Egypt. You may download the PowerPoint handouts here: Ancient Egypt lecture handouts

Students will also compare/contrast a Mesopotamian ziggurat with an Egyptian pyramid.

Homework: Read pages 18-20 for Tuesday, 9/7
Continue working on Ch1, Sec2 Review (SR1-2) and the Reading Reflection for Ch1, Sec2 (RR1-2), both due Wednesday, 9/8

9/2/10 - Mesopotamia

We will begin to go through Chapter 1, Section 2 today. After looking through pages 10-13 in the text, we'll watch a 20-minute video on Mesopotamia together and discuss what we've seen.

Homework: Read pages 14-17 for Friday, 9/3
Work on Section Review for Chapter 1, Section 2 (SR1-2) and Reading Reflection for Chapter 1, Section 2 (RR1-2), both due Wednesday, 9/8
Video Reflection on Guns, Germs, and Steel due Friday, 9/3

8/31/10 and 9/1/10 - Guns, Germs, and Steel

We will be watching Part 1 of the documentary Guns, Germs, and Steel. This outstanding film describes the agricultural revolution we discussed from Chapter 1, Section 1 of our books. Students will be required to take notes during the video. These will be collected on Friday, 9/3, along with a Video Reflection. The Video Reflection is similar to the Reading Reflections students complete about their reading assignments, but this time it's about what they've seen in class.

For those that would like to watch at home, you may borrow/rent the DVD of Guns, Germs, and Steel from the library, Netflix, or your favorite video rental store. You may also watch it in various segments on YouTube:
Guns, Germs, and Steel episode 1 (1 of 6)
Guns, Germs, and Steel episode 1 (2 of 6)
Guns, Germs, and Steel episode 1 (3 of 6)
Guns, Germs, and Steel episode 1 (4 of 6)
Guns, Germs, and Steel episode 1 (5 of 6)
Guns, Germs, and Steel episode 1 (6 of 6)

Homework: Look over Chapter 1, Section 1 of your text, and continue working on SR1-1 and RR1-1, both due Thursday, 9/2

8/30/10 - Beginning Chapter 1

Here begins our journey through Chapter 1 - The World Before Modern Times. We'll start out the class by completing a Circle Map to activate our prior knowledge about this subject. Then we'll read through Chapter 1, Section 1 together on the first humans and civilizations. We'll model good critical reading habits with each other. As we read, we'll discuss the information together as a class. Time permitting, students will work on the Section Review for Chapter 1, Section 1 (SR1-1). Students will also get a handout for their Reading Reflection on Chapter 1, Section 1 (RR1-1). Students will complete the Section Review and a Reading Reflection for each section of each chapter. The Section Reviews will show me that you students understand the history. The Reading Reflections will give you a chance to show me what you think about the history and how you personally interact with what you read. Section Reviews will be graded for accuracy. Reading Reflections will be graded for completion (thoroughness and thoughtfulness).

Here are the handouts:
Circle Map
Reading Reflection (RR1-1)
Chapter 1, Section 1 Review (SR1-1)

RR1-1 is embedded below:



SR1-1 is embedded below:



Homework: Re-read Chapter 1, Section 1
Start SR1-1 and RR1-1, both due Thursday, 9/2

8/27/10 - Reading Critically

Today we will discuss what it means to read critically. I will give students tips and techniques for how to read their textbooks, articles, and other materials well. You may download the PowerPoint slides handout here: Reading Critically

The Reading Critically PowerPoint handouts are also embedded below:



Homework (if we have our textbooks): Read Chapter 1, Section 1 for Monday, August 30th

8/26/10 - Taking Notes

Today we'll be learning note-taking techniques. You may download the handouts from the PowerPoint presentation here: Taking Notes.

Homework: NONE

Course Syllabus

You may download the Course Syllabus here: 11th grade World History

I need all parents' and students' email addresses

Hello, parents and students. I need all your email addresses to faciliate good teacher-parent-student communication.

Parents, please send me a message from your email account stating your name, your child's name, and the class your child has with me.

Students, please send me a message from your email account with the following information in the subject line: WH11 - Your Name. (Obviously, do not write "Your Name," but whatever your name is.)

Please send me these emails as soon as possible so I can create an email group for your class. Thanks!

8/25/10 - Learning and Listening

After reviewing information about Multiple Intelligences, we will be "learning about learning" and active listening. If there is time at the end of class, students will begin to complete worksheets called "Four Steps to Better Understand How You Learn." What is not done in class will be homework, due August 26th.

You may download class materials here:
Learning and Listening PowerPoint handouts
Four Steps to Better Understand How You Learn - Step 1
Four Steps to Better Understand How You Learn - Step 2
Four Steps to Better Understand How You Learn - Step 3


The same things are embedded below. (Sometimes the file sharing site has problems with the embedded images, so you may need to check back another time to see them.)

Learning and Listening PowerPoint


Four Steps to Better Understand How You Learn - Step 1



Four Steps to Better Understand How You Learn - Step 2



Four Steps to Better Understand How You Learn - Step 3

8/24/10 - How are you smart?

Today in class we will be discussing Multiple Intelligences and learning styles. I will share information via PowerPoint slides and discussion. Here are links to handouts from today:

PowerPoint presentation handout
"How are you smart?" survey
Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom

PARENTS, please download the "How are you smart?" survey and complete it. Discuss your results with the results your child got on her/his survey. Knowing how you learn and how your child learns will help you understand how to better support your child's education. Look at the "Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom" handout to find some ways you can support your child's learning and study habits at home.

Here is one of the above handouts in embedded form:



HOMEWORK: Write a one-paragraph summary of the talk you have with your parents about your intelligences and your parent's intelligences. Write an additional paragraph telling me (your teacher) what your strongest intelligences are, and how you will use that knowledge to help you study for Social Studies. You may also mention your weakest intelligence and how you might bolster that area by using your stronger intelligences for support.

8/23/10 - Welcome to Social Studies

Today I introduced myself to the students and discussed the rules and procedures for class. You may download the handout here: Welcome to Social Studies handout.

Tomorrow we will be going over Multiple Intelligences and learning styles.

PostCrossing.com Project

For an optional enrichment activity, students may participate in the PostCrossing.com Project. There is a Web site called PostCrossing.com that connects people worldwide in a postcard-sending network!

Interested students (with parental supervision) should create an account at PostCrossing.com to begin this activity. Follow directions for setting up an account on their site: www.PostCrossing.com

Participants are able to specify what types of postcards they receive. You may get any from around the world. Ask PostCrossing members to send you postcards with images of scenery, landscape, or cultural elements from where they live. They should write you some interesting facts about their city, state, or country. Your goal is to learn things about the world you may not find in your textbook. Bring the postcard to class so we can share it and display it so we all learn something new about our global society.

Interested students must provide their own postcards and postage. See the teacher for more information.

Welcome to class!

Here you'll be able to find out what we have done in class. You'll see any assignments, handouts, PowerPoint presentations, activities, etc. that we did in class. This is a great resource for students and parents! I'll also try to add information for further study in case you want to dive deeper into something we've been learning about in class. Thanks for checking the class blog!