Week of April 29th through May 3rd
Monday, April 29th
In Class: At the beginning of class, we watched a short video introducing the Reformation (students must be logged in to Discovery Ed to view the video). Afterward, students continued working on their Renaissance historical figure research and poster.
Homework: Current Event is due April 30th (Tomorrow--this is your LAST CURRENT EVENT!).
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Tuesday, April 30th
In Class: We will finish the research and posters for our Renaissance historical figures. We will also read an article on the Reformation to broaden our understanding of that significant religious event.
Homework: Students will read an article on the Easter terrorist attack in Sri Lanka and then answer questions in Google Classroom--this work is due Thursday, May 2nd, by 8:15am
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, May 1st TEACHER WORKDAY
In Class:
Homework:
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Thursday, May 2nd
In Class: We finished our Renaissance Historical Figure activity by doing a Gallery Walk showcasing student-created posters for each of the seven (7) figures. Students determined how each man transformed society, and then compared/contrasted the figure with two others (based on what they learned from the Gallery Walk). Additionally, students were asked to rank the most significant contributor and least significant contributor based on their learning.
Homework: Make sure notebook is in order--notebook check is tomorrow!
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Friday, May 3rd
Class: Today, our region's Digital Learning Coordinator, MaryClay Vick, taught us how to evaluate the reliability and credibility of online resources. The information she presented can be found in Google Classroom. Notebooks were collected from students and are being graded. If your student was present today and did NOT turn in her/his notebook, the grade will be a zero until it is submitted for review.
Homework: It would make my heart happy if everyone read something for PLEASURE this weekend!
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Monday, April 29th
In Class: At the beginning of class, we watched a short video introducing the Reformation (students must be logged in to Discovery Ed to view the video). Afterward, students continued working on their Renaissance historical figure research and poster.
Homework: Current Event is due April 30th (Tomorrow--this is your LAST CURRENT EVENT!).
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Tuesday, April 30th
In Class: We will finish the research and posters for our Renaissance historical figures. We will also read an article on the Reformation to broaden our understanding of that significant religious event.
Homework: Students will read an article on the Easter terrorist attack in Sri Lanka and then answer questions in Google Classroom--this work is due Thursday, May 2nd, by 8:15am
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, May 1st TEACHER WORKDAY
In Class:
Homework:
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Thursday, May 2nd
In Class: We finished our Renaissance Historical Figure activity by doing a Gallery Walk showcasing student-created posters for each of the seven (7) figures. Students determined how each man transformed society, and then compared/contrasted the figure with two others (based on what they learned from the Gallery Walk). Additionally, students were asked to rank the most significant contributor and least significant contributor based on their learning.
Homework: Make sure notebook is in order--notebook check is tomorrow!
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Friday, May 3rd
Class: Today, our region's Digital Learning Coordinator, MaryClay Vick, taught us how to evaluate the reliability and credibility of online resources. The information she presented can be found in Google Classroom. Notebooks were collected from students and are being graded. If your student was present today and did NOT turn in her/his notebook, the grade will be a zero until it is submitted for review.
Homework: It would make my heart happy if everyone read something for PLEASURE this weekend!
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Week of April 23rd through April 26th
Monday, April 22nd
In Class: No School--Teacher Workday
Homework: Current Event is due April 30th.
Materials:
Tuesday, April 23rd
In Class: We were introduced to the Renaissance today! After watching a great video about the Renaissance (based on the Broadway musical, "Something Rotten"), we read an article and answered questions about the Medici Family of Florence, Italy, to discern the impact their wealth had on the origins of the Renaissance movement.
Homework: Students will read an article on the fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and then answer questions in Google Classroom--this work is due Wednesday, April 24th, by 8:15am; Current Event is due April 30th.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, April 24th
In Class: After reviewing the answers to our homework questions, we watched a Discovery Ed video that linked the fall of the Middle Ages to the rise of the Renaissance. We read an article that provided an overview of the Italian Renaissance, underlining the people or groups of people who influenced society during this time, and circling the effects of the Renaissance. Students worked to complete a 3-Square Reflection on the reading and will turn it in for a grade.
Homework: Current Event is due April 30th.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Thursday, April 25th
In Class: Students were randomly assigned an important person from the Renaissance (Michelangelo, Leonardo daVinci, Galileo Galilei, Copernicus, Sir Isaac Newton, Shakespeare, Gutenberg) and conducted research using this research organizer. We will use this research to create posters demonstrating how this individual transformed society during the Renaissance and how he continues to do so today.
Homework: Current Event is due April 30th.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Friday, April 26th
Class: Students reflected on the movie, "Screenagers", which was watched during electives on Thursday. Students then continued their research on their Renaissance historical figure.
Homework: Current Event is due April 30th
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Monday, April 22nd
In Class: No School--Teacher Workday
Homework: Current Event is due April 30th.
Materials:
Tuesday, April 23rd
In Class: We were introduced to the Renaissance today! After watching a great video about the Renaissance (based on the Broadway musical, "Something Rotten"), we read an article and answered questions about the Medici Family of Florence, Italy, to discern the impact their wealth had on the origins of the Renaissance movement.
Homework: Students will read an article on the fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and then answer questions in Google Classroom--this work is due Wednesday, April 24th, by 8:15am; Current Event is due April 30th.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, April 24th
In Class: After reviewing the answers to our homework questions, we watched a Discovery Ed video that linked the fall of the Middle Ages to the rise of the Renaissance. We read an article that provided an overview of the Italian Renaissance, underlining the people or groups of people who influenced society during this time, and circling the effects of the Renaissance. Students worked to complete a 3-Square Reflection on the reading and will turn it in for a grade.
Homework: Current Event is due April 30th.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Thursday, April 25th
In Class: Students were randomly assigned an important person from the Renaissance (Michelangelo, Leonardo daVinci, Galileo Galilei, Copernicus, Sir Isaac Newton, Shakespeare, Gutenberg) and conducted research using this research organizer. We will use this research to create posters demonstrating how this individual transformed society during the Renaissance and how he continues to do so today.
Homework: Current Event is due April 30th.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Friday, April 26th
Class: Students reflected on the movie, "Screenagers", which was watched during electives on Thursday. Students then continued their research on their Renaissance historical figure.
Homework: Current Event is due April 30th
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Week of April 8th through April 12th
Monday, April 8th
In Class: What a GREAT day in social studies! Wow! After studying this interactive map on the spread of the Plague, the kids did an exceptional job with our Black Death simulation activity! We will finish up this activity tomorrow.
Homework: Study Guide for our Middle Ages test is due Wednesday (please go to Google Classroom for the Google Slides presentation to use for the study guide); Current Event is due April 30th.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Tuesday, April 9th
In Class: We tied up some loose ends today with the chance to finish our Feudalism Organizer from last week's jigsaw activity. To complement that learning, I created this Feudalism Graphic Organizer document to help kids prepare for Friday's test. Cores 1 and 2 also finished our Black Death simulation--Cores 3 and 4 will do this before the test on Friday.
For our Feudalism ORGANIZER--Please make sure your organizer includes the information in these images (side 1 and side 2).
Homework: Study Guide for our Middle Ages test is due Wednesday (please go to Google Classroom for the Google Slides presentation to use for the study guide); Current Event is due April 30th.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, April 10th
In Class: We read articles on both the Hundred Years War between France and Great Britain as well as on Joan of Arc.
Homework: Study for Friday's Middle Ages test; Current Event is due April 30th.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Thursday, April 11th
In Class: As a class, we reviewed our study guide. We began to create review games in preparation for the NCFE in social studies.
Homework: Study for Friday's Middle Ages test; Current Event is due April 30th.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Friday, April 12th
Class: Test on the Middle Ages (20 multiple-choice questions)
Homework: None--READ DURING SPRING BREAK!
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Monday, April 8th
In Class: What a GREAT day in social studies! Wow! After studying this interactive map on the spread of the Plague, the kids did an exceptional job with our Black Death simulation activity! We will finish up this activity tomorrow.
Homework: Study Guide for our Middle Ages test is due Wednesday (please go to Google Classroom for the Google Slides presentation to use for the study guide); Current Event is due April 30th.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Tuesday, April 9th
In Class: We tied up some loose ends today with the chance to finish our Feudalism Organizer from last week's jigsaw activity. To complement that learning, I created this Feudalism Graphic Organizer document to help kids prepare for Friday's test. Cores 1 and 2 also finished our Black Death simulation--Cores 3 and 4 will do this before the test on Friday.
For our Feudalism ORGANIZER--Please make sure your organizer includes the information in these images (side 1 and side 2).
Homework: Study Guide for our Middle Ages test is due Wednesday (please go to Google Classroom for the Google Slides presentation to use for the study guide); Current Event is due April 30th.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, April 10th
In Class: We read articles on both the Hundred Years War between France and Great Britain as well as on Joan of Arc.
Homework: Study for Friday's Middle Ages test; Current Event is due April 30th.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Thursday, April 11th
In Class: As a class, we reviewed our study guide. We began to create review games in preparation for the NCFE in social studies.
Homework: Study for Friday's Middle Ages test; Current Event is due April 30th.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Friday, April 12th
Class: Test on the Middle Ages (20 multiple-choice questions)
Homework: None--READ DURING SPRING BREAK!
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Week of April 1st through April 5th
Monday, April 1st
In Class: We continued the work on our Middle Ages Innovation Advertisement. I am SO proud of the effort of my students today--the ads that I previewed were very clever and artistic!
Homework: none
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Tuesday, April 2nd
In Class: We began examining the Feudal System, a social hierarchy from the Middle Ages. The kids were divided into one of five groups for the purposes of some quick background research: nobles, knights, clergy, peasants, and tradesmen. Students complete this graphic organizer for their feudal group only--we will work on gathering the rest of the information from our peers on Thursday. We also reviewed Current Event expectations (again!).
Homework: Medieval Manor reading and Freewrite (both in Google Classroom, both due tomorrow);
Current Event (due 4/30)
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, April 3rd
In Class: Guest Teacher today--Students learned about the Crusades--what they were, their causes, and their effects.
Homework:
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Thursday, April 4th
In Class: We spent the day researching our burning questions--kids completed an inquiry project organizer as they worked, and we will continue to occasionally work on our inquiry as the school year winds down. Our focus was on finding reliable resources and on handling different information from different sources.
Homework: None
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Friday, April 5th
Class: Guest Teacher today--Students read about the Magna Carta, and then evaluated the influence of the Magna Carta on the U.S. Constitution.
Homework: None
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Monday, April 1st
In Class: We continued the work on our Middle Ages Innovation Advertisement. I am SO proud of the effort of my students today--the ads that I previewed were very clever and artistic!
Homework: none
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Tuesday, April 2nd
In Class: We began examining the Feudal System, a social hierarchy from the Middle Ages. The kids were divided into one of five groups for the purposes of some quick background research: nobles, knights, clergy, peasants, and tradesmen. Students complete this graphic organizer for their feudal group only--we will work on gathering the rest of the information from our peers on Thursday. We also reviewed Current Event expectations (again!).
Homework: Medieval Manor reading and Freewrite (both in Google Classroom, both due tomorrow);
Current Event (due 4/30)
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, April 3rd
In Class: Guest Teacher today--Students learned about the Crusades--what they were, their causes, and their effects.
Homework:
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Thursday, April 4th
In Class: We spent the day researching our burning questions--kids completed an inquiry project organizer as they worked, and we will continue to occasionally work on our inquiry as the school year winds down. Our focus was on finding reliable resources and on handling different information from different sources.
Homework: None
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Friday, April 5th
Class: Guest Teacher today--Students read about the Magna Carta, and then evaluated the influence of the Magna Carta on the U.S. Constitution.
Homework: None
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Week of March 25th through March 29th
Monday, March 25th
In Class: (Mrs. Rabb had a guest teacher today...so this update may not be EXACTLY what happened...it is what was PLANNED for today, though!) Students read providing an overview of the Middle Ages. While reading this article from Newsela (an excellent, free resource if you have never used it!), students found the gist of each paragraph and then share their thinking with a partner. Next, students reviewed their Middle Ages vocabulary from our Dump & Clump activity on Friday and then looked for these words in the article. Students then answered the questions from the passage independently.
Homework: Finish questions if they were not completed in class
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Tuesday, March 26th
In Class: We labeled a map of Medieval Europe and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the many geographical features found in this area. Next, we sorted Middle Ages events into "common sense" order....the dates had been removed, so we had to figure out which order made sense given our background knowledge, our textbook, and the article we read yesterday. After problem-solving and revising our work, we glued the timeline into our notebooks.
Homework: None
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, March 27th
In Class: We watched a short video about Charlemagne to start our lesson. Next, we read a passage on Charlemagne and answered questions about the passage.
Homework: None
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Thursday, March 28th
In Class: After reading about the numerous invasions of Europe and the former Roman Empire after its fall, we began to examine the innovations and technologies that transformed the Middle Ages societies. Students worked together to create an advertisement that showcased one of these innovations, including an illustration, an explanation of its importance, and information about what the innovation could do for society.
Homework: none
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Friday, March 29th Teacher Workday--
Remember to READ something fun today (not the captions on a video game, kiddos!) :)
Class:
Homework:
Materials:
Monday, March 25th
In Class: (Mrs. Rabb had a guest teacher today...so this update may not be EXACTLY what happened...it is what was PLANNED for today, though!) Students read providing an overview of the Middle Ages. While reading this article from Newsela (an excellent, free resource if you have never used it!), students found the gist of each paragraph and then share their thinking with a partner. Next, students reviewed their Middle Ages vocabulary from our Dump & Clump activity on Friday and then looked for these words in the article. Students then answered the questions from the passage independently.
Homework: Finish questions if they were not completed in class
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Tuesday, March 26th
In Class: We labeled a map of Medieval Europe and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the many geographical features found in this area. Next, we sorted Middle Ages events into "common sense" order....the dates had been removed, so we had to figure out which order made sense given our background knowledge, our textbook, and the article we read yesterday. After problem-solving and revising our work, we glued the timeline into our notebooks.
Homework: None
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, March 27th
In Class: We watched a short video about Charlemagne to start our lesson. Next, we read a passage on Charlemagne and answered questions about the passage.
Homework: None
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Thursday, March 28th
In Class: After reading about the numerous invasions of Europe and the former Roman Empire after its fall, we began to examine the innovations and technologies that transformed the Middle Ages societies. Students worked together to create an advertisement that showcased one of these innovations, including an illustration, an explanation of its importance, and information about what the innovation could do for society.
Homework: none
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Friday, March 29th Teacher Workday--
Remember to READ something fun today (not the captions on a video game, kiddos!) :)
Class:
Homework:
Materials:
Week of March 18th through March 22nd
Monday, March 18th
In Class: Today, we discussed the tragedy in New Zealand where over 50 people were killed while worshipping in two mosques. We next turned our attention to the achievements of the Roman Empire by reading and annotating this article.
Homework: Students will read slides about Life in Ancient Rome, and then answer questions in Google Classroom (slides are in Google Classroom as well). Study guide for Ancient Greece/Rome test was given today--multiple choice test is on Wednesday, 3/20.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Tuesday, March 19th
In Class: We started class by watching an engaging video about barbarians invading Rome (not super graphic, but the music makes this clip seem very intense!). Next, we watched a not-quite-as-entertaining video outlining five causes for the fall of the Roman Empire. Students then an article that briefly summarized ten (10) historical theories as to why the Roman Empire collapsed (we only read the article--we did not do the political cartoon activity. After analyzing all ten theories, we evaluated which theory was most likely to have caused the greatest decline in the fall of Rome.
Photos of Table of Contents for both Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome--notebook check is tomorrow during test.
Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3
Homework: Continue studying for Ancient Greece/Rome test!
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, March 20th
In Class: Unit assessment on Ancient Greece and Rome. Notebook checks were done for Cores 1, 2, and 3. Core 4's notebook check has been moved to Friday of this week.
Homework: none
Materials: pencils
Thursday, March 21st
In Class: Students will have a guest teacher today. They will take have an opportunity to reflect on our recent field trip as well as take a student survey from WCPSS. Students will also have multiple geography activities to complete during the class period.
Homework: None
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, March 22nd First day of new unit--Middle Ages and Renaissance!
Class: We embarked on our study of the MIDDLE AGES by reviewing a "new and improved" Table of Contents and creating new categories for our vocabulary through our Dump and Clump activity. We also completed a "Brain Dump", reviewing what we learned about the Middle Ages in the ELA unit on "Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!". For Core 4, I did grade just a few notebooks for our Greece/Rome units. I also graded notebooks of students who forgot to turn them in Wednesday during our assessment. Those grades have been recorded in PS.
Homework: None
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Monday, March 18th
In Class: Today, we discussed the tragedy in New Zealand where over 50 people were killed while worshipping in two mosques. We next turned our attention to the achievements of the Roman Empire by reading and annotating this article.
Homework: Students will read slides about Life in Ancient Rome, and then answer questions in Google Classroom (slides are in Google Classroom as well). Study guide for Ancient Greece/Rome test was given today--multiple choice test is on Wednesday, 3/20.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Tuesday, March 19th
In Class: We started class by watching an engaging video about barbarians invading Rome (not super graphic, but the music makes this clip seem very intense!). Next, we watched a not-quite-as-entertaining video outlining five causes for the fall of the Roman Empire. Students then an article that briefly summarized ten (10) historical theories as to why the Roman Empire collapsed (we only read the article--we did not do the political cartoon activity. After analyzing all ten theories, we evaluated which theory was most likely to have caused the greatest decline in the fall of Rome.
Photos of Table of Contents for both Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome--notebook check is tomorrow during test.
Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3
Homework: Continue studying for Ancient Greece/Rome test!
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, March 20th
In Class: Unit assessment on Ancient Greece and Rome. Notebook checks were done for Cores 1, 2, and 3. Core 4's notebook check has been moved to Friday of this week.
Homework: none
Materials: pencils
Thursday, March 21st
In Class: Students will have a guest teacher today. They will take have an opportunity to reflect on our recent field trip as well as take a student survey from WCPSS. Students will also have multiple geography activities to complete during the class period.
Homework: None
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, March 22nd First day of new unit--Middle Ages and Renaissance!
Class: We embarked on our study of the MIDDLE AGES by reviewing a "new and improved" Table of Contents and creating new categories for our vocabulary through our Dump and Clump activity. We also completed a "Brain Dump", reviewing what we learned about the Middle Ages in the ELA unit on "Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!". For Core 4, I did grade just a few notebooks for our Greece/Rome units. I also graded notebooks of students who forgot to turn them in Wednesday during our assessment. Those grades have been recorded in PS.
Homework: None
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Week of March 11th through March 15th
Monday, March 11th
In Class: Students read different articles on Julius Caesar, annotating for unknown vocabulary and for Caesar's leadership description. The guest teachers today assisted in finishing our discussions about the effectiveness of Julius Caesar's leadership!
Homework: There will be no current event for March.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Tuesday, March 12th
In Class: Students watched two different videos (video one from Ted ED and video two on the impact of the Silk Road, expanding our Silk Road learning from the unit on Ancient China. We also answered questions about the 2nd Silk Road video and turned this work in for a 10% grade. NOTE: Power Schools was down from last Friday until late Tuesday afternoon, so there are no new grades entered at this time.
Homework: none
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, March 13th FIELD TRIP TO CAMP BETSY JEFF PENN!!
In Class:
Homework: none
Materials:
Thursday, March 14th I apologize for not updating the website this week...let's call this lapse "field trip brain"!
In Class: We learned about the origins and main beliefs of Christianity as well as the impact of spread of Christianity on the Roman Empire. Students also read an article with a partner.
Homework: Students should complete the activity on the spread of Christianity (the map is on the front of the page, and the questions to be answered are on the back of the page).
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Friday, March 15th
Class: We learned about the end of the Roman Empire by watching an excellent Khan Academy video. We then completed guided notes for this same time period.
Homework: Ancient Greece and Rome test will be on Wednesday, March 20th (multiple choice)
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Monday, March 11th
In Class: Students read different articles on Julius Caesar, annotating for unknown vocabulary and for Caesar's leadership description. The guest teachers today assisted in finishing our discussions about the effectiveness of Julius Caesar's leadership!
Homework: There will be no current event for March.
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Tuesday, March 12th
In Class: Students watched two different videos (video one from Ted ED and video two on the impact of the Silk Road, expanding our Silk Road learning from the unit on Ancient China. We also answered questions about the 2nd Silk Road video and turned this work in for a 10% grade. NOTE: Power Schools was down from last Friday until late Tuesday afternoon, so there are no new grades entered at this time.
Homework: none
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, March 13th FIELD TRIP TO CAMP BETSY JEFF PENN!!
In Class:
Homework: none
Materials:
Thursday, March 14th I apologize for not updating the website this week...let's call this lapse "field trip brain"!
In Class: We learned about the origins and main beliefs of Christianity as well as the impact of spread of Christianity on the Roman Empire. Students also read an article with a partner.
Homework: Students should complete the activity on the spread of Christianity (the map is on the front of the page, and the questions to be answered are on the back of the page).
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Friday, March 15th
Class: We learned about the end of the Roman Empire by watching an excellent Khan Academy video. We then completed guided notes for this same time period.
Homework: Ancient Greece and Rome test will be on Wednesday, March 20th (multiple choice)
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Week of March 4th through March 8th
Monday, March 4th
In Class: As we begin our study of the social structure in ancient Rome, students focused on this question today: How does a society determine a person's value? We shared what contributions we make to our home, school, community, and society. Next, we thought about who values our contributions and why our contributions are valued. With a small group (3-4 kids), we analyzed two photos of paintings about life in ancient Rome.
Homework: Read and annotate text on patricians and plebeians linked here
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Tuesday, March 5th
In Class: We read and annotated an article about citizenship in Rome (to increase our background knowledge!), looking specifically for instances of equality and inequality in Roman social structures. Next, we had excellent discussions about how a society determine a person's value. We also investigated salary schedules for all kinds of workers, from teachers to NBA players (we decided if we had the talent, then the NBA is the way to go in terms of professional sports' salaries!).
Homework: none
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, March 6th
In Class: Students finished reading about Roman citizenship, and then analyzed one section of the Roman Twelve Tables. The analysis helped us find connections to our society today.
Homework: none
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Thursday, March 7th
In Class: What a fabulous discussion we had about leadership and what effective leadership looks like! We developed a definition of effective leadership so that we could compare the work of Julius Caesar to our definition.
Homework: none
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Friday, March 8th
Class: Students read an article about Rome's move from republic to empire, focusing on the Punic Wars and Julius Caesar.
Homework: none
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Monday, March 4th
In Class: As we begin our study of the social structure in ancient Rome, students focused on this question today: How does a society determine a person's value? We shared what contributions we make to our home, school, community, and society. Next, we thought about who values our contributions and why our contributions are valued. With a small group (3-4 kids), we analyzed two photos of paintings about life in ancient Rome.
Homework: Read and annotate text on patricians and plebeians linked here
Materials: notebook, pencil, device
Tuesday, March 5th
In Class: We read and annotated an article about citizenship in Rome (to increase our background knowledge!), looking specifically for instances of equality and inequality in Roman social structures. Next, we had excellent discussions about how a society determine a person's value. We also investigated salary schedules for all kinds of workers, from teachers to NBA players (we decided if we had the talent, then the NBA is the way to go in terms of professional sports' salaries!).
Homework: none
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, March 6th
In Class: Students finished reading about Roman citizenship, and then analyzed one section of the Roman Twelve Tables. The analysis helped us find connections to our society today.
Homework: none
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Thursday, March 7th
In Class: What a fabulous discussion we had about leadership and what effective leadership looks like! We developed a definition of effective leadership so that we could compare the work of Julius Caesar to our definition.
Homework: none
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Friday, March 8th
Class: Students read an article about Rome's move from republic to empire, focusing on the Punic Wars and Julius Caesar.
Homework: none
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Week of February 25th through March 1st
Monday, February 25th
In Class: Students worked on their Greek Achievements stations today. Students who not finished the stations must come in during Smart Block this week to complete them or must finish them at home. The kiddos have had ample time to complete the work in class. Alexander the Great was our "speedy topic" for today--after watching a Discovery Ed video on this historical leader, students took guided notes as I reviewed information from the textbook. The completed guided notes can be found here and here.
Homework: Current Event due 3/1
Materials:
Tuesday, February 26th
In Class: We started class with an online Kahoot as a way to assess our prior knowledge of Rome (and, yes, the kids were so excited about this activity that they convinced me they needed MORE practice....so we did an extra one...or two!). After adding our Rome table of contents, we moved onto our Dump and Clump vocabulary activity for Rome. Students should complete THREE (3) Frayer models tonight (sample here)...and three (3) additional Frayer models before the notebook check in a few weeks. I will check for the 3 homework Frayer models tomorrow.
Homework: Current Event due 3/1, 3 Frayer models for Rome vocabulary
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, February 27th
In Class: Students explored the geography of Italy by engaging in a self-paced series of learning activities. Step 1 was completing guided notes from Google slides about Italy's geography. Step 2 was taking an online quiz (in Google Classroom). Step 3 entailed watching a drone video of present-day Rome as well as taking guided notes on the video. Step 4 asked students to label and color a blank map of Italy (the 1st page of the map file attached is blank--scroll down to the 2nd page for the map outline). To show mastery (Step 5), students will answer the lesson's essential question (How did geography influence where Rome was built?) on a note card. To finish the lesson, kids will take what they have learned about the geography of Rome to create a Flipgrid video that convinces someone to move to Ancient Rome (we are working under the assumption that time travel is totally possible!).
As an aside, one curious student found out why stones/objects spelled out the word HELP on an ancient Roman ruin. The article can be found here!!
Homework: Current Event due 3/1
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, February 28th
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 3/1 (tomorrow)
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, March 1st
Class:
Homework:
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Monday, February 25th
In Class: Students worked on their Greek Achievements stations today. Students who not finished the stations must come in during Smart Block this week to complete them or must finish them at home. The kiddos have had ample time to complete the work in class. Alexander the Great was our "speedy topic" for today--after watching a Discovery Ed video on this historical leader, students took guided notes as I reviewed information from the textbook. The completed guided notes can be found here and here.
Homework: Current Event due 3/1
Materials:
Tuesday, February 26th
In Class: We started class with an online Kahoot as a way to assess our prior knowledge of Rome (and, yes, the kids were so excited about this activity that they convinced me they needed MORE practice....so we did an extra one...or two!). After adding our Rome table of contents, we moved onto our Dump and Clump vocabulary activity for Rome. Students should complete THREE (3) Frayer models tonight (sample here)...and three (3) additional Frayer models before the notebook check in a few weeks. I will check for the 3 homework Frayer models tomorrow.
Homework: Current Event due 3/1, 3 Frayer models for Rome vocabulary
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil, device
Wednesday, February 27th
In Class: Students explored the geography of Italy by engaging in a self-paced series of learning activities. Step 1 was completing guided notes from Google slides about Italy's geography. Step 2 was taking an online quiz (in Google Classroom). Step 3 entailed watching a drone video of present-day Rome as well as taking guided notes on the video. Step 4 asked students to label and color a blank map of Italy (the 1st page of the map file attached is blank--scroll down to the 2nd page for the map outline). To show mastery (Step 5), students will answer the lesson's essential question (How did geography influence where Rome was built?) on a note card. To finish the lesson, kids will take what they have learned about the geography of Rome to create a Flipgrid video that convinces someone to move to Ancient Rome (we are working under the assumption that time travel is totally possible!).
As an aside, one curious student found out why stones/objects spelled out the word HELP on an ancient Roman ruin. The article can be found here!!
Homework: Current Event due 3/1
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, February 28th
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 3/1 (tomorrow)
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, March 1st
Class:
Homework:
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Week of February 18th through February 22nd
Monday, February 18th TEACHER WORKDAY
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 3/1
Materials:
Tuesday, February 19th
In Class: Class started with the study of a photograph of a stone bust--and ideas typed into this Padlet (apologies to Core 4 for not giving time for this today--please feel free to add comments now!). Pericles was the topic of study today! We watched a brief video discussing his life and contributions to life in ancient Greece, and then we read a short biography on Pericles from Ducksters. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, STUDENTS WILL NEED DEVICES ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY OF THIS WEEK--Thank You!
Homework: DBQ for Ancient Greece will be Friday, February 22nd (short answer only; no essay); Current Event due 3/1
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Wednesday, February 20th
In Class: We had a GREAT day in social studies! Our devices took us all the way to Greece today where we learned about the culture and achievements of ancient Greece. Our stations included: Innovative Inventions, the Olympic Games, Plays and Poems, Philosophers, Math and Science, Architecture, and Gods and Goddesses. One station even included a virtual tour of ancient buildings in Greece! Students will finish these states tomorrow. **I would love for students to download the Flipgrid app; however, it is not required.**
Homework: DBQ for Ancient Greece will be Friday, February 22nd (short answer only; no essay); Current Event due 3/1'; students will watch a short video and respond to the video in Google Classroom
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, February 21st
In Class: We continued working on our Greek achievement stations.
Homework: DBQ for Ancient Greece will be Friday, February 22nd (short answer only; no essay); Current Event due 3/1
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, February 22nd
Class: Students worked hard on their Ancient Greece DBQ!
Homework: Current Event due 3/1 (next Friday)
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Monday, February 18th TEACHER WORKDAY
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 3/1
Materials:
Tuesday, February 19th
In Class: Class started with the study of a photograph of a stone bust--and ideas typed into this Padlet (apologies to Core 4 for not giving time for this today--please feel free to add comments now!). Pericles was the topic of study today! We watched a brief video discussing his life and contributions to life in ancient Greece, and then we read a short biography on Pericles from Ducksters. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, STUDENTS WILL NEED DEVICES ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY OF THIS WEEK--Thank You!
Homework: DBQ for Ancient Greece will be Friday, February 22nd (short answer only; no essay); Current Event due 3/1
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Wednesday, February 20th
In Class: We had a GREAT day in social studies! Our devices took us all the way to Greece today where we learned about the culture and achievements of ancient Greece. Our stations included: Innovative Inventions, the Olympic Games, Plays and Poems, Philosophers, Math and Science, Architecture, and Gods and Goddesses. One station even included a virtual tour of ancient buildings in Greece! Students will finish these states tomorrow. **I would love for students to download the Flipgrid app; however, it is not required.**
Homework: DBQ for Ancient Greece will be Friday, February 22nd (short answer only; no essay); Current Event due 3/1'; students will watch a short video and respond to the video in Google Classroom
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, February 21st
In Class: We continued working on our Greek achievement stations.
Homework: DBQ for Ancient Greece will be Friday, February 22nd (short answer only; no essay); Current Event due 3/1
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, February 22nd
Class: Students worked hard on their Ancient Greece DBQ!
Homework: Current Event due 3/1 (next Friday)
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Week of February 11th through February 15th
Monday, February 11th
In Class: We learned about the Greek city-state of Athens by working through a series of activities about Athens culture, roles in society, education, and government. Students worked independently or with a partner to complete the activities in Google Classroom and on the graphic organizer attached here.
Homework: Finish classwork on Athens (organizer is on blue paper; directions are in Google Classroom); Vocabulary Menu--complete two (2) activities by Wednesday, February 13th; Current Event due 3/1
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Tuesday, February 12th
In Class: It was Sparta's turn today! After watching a brief video introducing us to Sparta, we worked through another series of activities--but this time about Sparta. Students worked independently or with a partner to complete the activities in Google Classroom and on the graphic organizer attached above (on Monday's update). Students will continue working on this tomorrow--it is NOT for homework.
Homework: Vocabulary Menu--complete two (2) activities by Wednesday, February 13th; Current Event due 3/1
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Wednesday, February 13th
In Class: Today, most students completed their Sparta activities as well as the chart comparing Athens and Sparta. Kids who did not finish today will be given an opportunity to complete this activity tomorrow.
Homework: Current Event due 3/1
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, February 14th--Happy Valentine's Day!
In Class: Today, several students in each core had to complete the Athens/Sparta comparison. Afterwards, we worked on the Chromebooks to learn DIG DEEP about the armor, ships/boats, and formations used by ancient Greeks during warfare. We started taking notes on Greek Wars (using this Google Slides presentation--we will finish tomorrow).
Homework: Current Event due 3/1
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, February 15th (Early Release at 12:30pm)
Class: We watched a video to solidify our understanding of the Persian Wars . Students took notes on this organizer (my notes are on the bottom of this organizer). Also, the notes we took in class can be found in this photo and this photo. Student notes should be VERY similar to the ones in the photos or on the organizer file above).
Homework: Current Event due 3/1
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Monday, February 11th
In Class: We learned about the Greek city-state of Athens by working through a series of activities about Athens culture, roles in society, education, and government. Students worked independently or with a partner to complete the activities in Google Classroom and on the graphic organizer attached here.
Homework: Finish classwork on Athens (organizer is on blue paper; directions are in Google Classroom); Vocabulary Menu--complete two (2) activities by Wednesday, February 13th; Current Event due 3/1
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Tuesday, February 12th
In Class: It was Sparta's turn today! After watching a brief video introducing us to Sparta, we worked through another series of activities--but this time about Sparta. Students worked independently or with a partner to complete the activities in Google Classroom and on the graphic organizer attached above (on Monday's update). Students will continue working on this tomorrow--it is NOT for homework.
Homework: Vocabulary Menu--complete two (2) activities by Wednesday, February 13th; Current Event due 3/1
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Wednesday, February 13th
In Class: Today, most students completed their Sparta activities as well as the chart comparing Athens and Sparta. Kids who did not finish today will be given an opportunity to complete this activity tomorrow.
Homework: Current Event due 3/1
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, February 14th--Happy Valentine's Day!
In Class: Today, several students in each core had to complete the Athens/Sparta comparison. Afterwards, we worked on the Chromebooks to learn DIG DEEP about the armor, ships/boats, and formations used by ancient Greeks during warfare. We started taking notes on Greek Wars (using this Google Slides presentation--we will finish tomorrow).
Homework: Current Event due 3/1
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, February 15th (Early Release at 12:30pm)
Class: We watched a video to solidify our understanding of the Persian Wars . Students took notes on this organizer (my notes are on the bottom of this organizer). Also, the notes we took in class can be found in this photo and this photo. Student notes should be VERY similar to the ones in the photos or on the organizer file above).
Homework: Current Event due 3/1
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Week of February 4th through February 8th
Monday, February 4th
In Class: Students watched a video (watch through the 13:30 mark) and discussed the Greensboro Sit-In. We also heard Dr. King's speech in Montgomery, Alabama, following Rosa Park's arrest. We connected our new learning about non-violent protest to the influence of Gandhi.
Homework: Notebook check for Core 4 will be tomorrow (Tuesday)
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Tuesday, February 5th
In Class: Today, we watched this fascinating drone video of Greece and ancient Greek ruins. Drone videos are my new FAVORITE thing, by the way! Next, the kids were given a reading on the geography of Greece and answered questions. Part of that packet also asked the kids to identify and color features on a map of Greece.
Homework: Vocabulary Menu--complete two (2) activities by Wednesday, February 13th
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Wednesday, February 6th
In Class: We watched a short video to re-introduce us to ancient Greece. Next, we completed guided notes for the video. Finally, we worked on a graphic organizer to help us understand EARLY ancient Greece.
Homework: Vocabulary Menu--complete two (2) activities by Wednesday, February 13th
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, February 7th
In Class: We completed a Prediction Sort on the four government structures found in Ancient Greece. The kids broke into groups to read articles about each structure, and then shared their new learning with one another by completing an organizer (these documents cannot be shared on the website for copyright reasons).
Homework: Vocabulary Menu--complete two (2) activities by Wednesday, February 13th; Cradle of Democracy reading with questions to answer in Google Classroom
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, February 8th
Class: Most cores completed our jigsaw activity on the four government structures found in Ancient Greece. Kids should compare the answers in their organizers with the answers found in this photo and this photo. Also, the Table of Contents for our Greece unit should look like this photo....and the corresponding documents/notes/handouts should be in the notebook in the order shown.
Homework: Vocabulary Menu--complete two (2) activities by Wednesday, February 13th
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Monday, February 4th
In Class: Students watched a video (watch through the 13:30 mark) and discussed the Greensboro Sit-In. We also heard Dr. King's speech in Montgomery, Alabama, following Rosa Park's arrest. We connected our new learning about non-violent protest to the influence of Gandhi.
Homework: Notebook check for Core 4 will be tomorrow (Tuesday)
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Tuesday, February 5th
In Class: Today, we watched this fascinating drone video of Greece and ancient Greek ruins. Drone videos are my new FAVORITE thing, by the way! Next, the kids were given a reading on the geography of Greece and answered questions. Part of that packet also asked the kids to identify and color features on a map of Greece.
Homework: Vocabulary Menu--complete two (2) activities by Wednesday, February 13th
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Wednesday, February 6th
In Class: We watched a short video to re-introduce us to ancient Greece. Next, we completed guided notes for the video. Finally, we worked on a graphic organizer to help us understand EARLY ancient Greece.
Homework: Vocabulary Menu--complete two (2) activities by Wednesday, February 13th
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, February 7th
In Class: We completed a Prediction Sort on the four government structures found in Ancient Greece. The kids broke into groups to read articles about each structure, and then shared their new learning with one another by completing an organizer (these documents cannot be shared on the website for copyright reasons).
Homework: Vocabulary Menu--complete two (2) activities by Wednesday, February 13th; Cradle of Democracy reading with questions to answer in Google Classroom
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, February 8th
Class: Most cores completed our jigsaw activity on the four government structures found in Ancient Greece. Kids should compare the answers in their organizers with the answers found in this photo and this photo. Also, the Table of Contents for our Greece unit should look like this photo....and the corresponding documents/notes/handouts should be in the notebook in the order shown.
Homework: Vocabulary Menu--complete two (2) activities by Wednesday, February 13th
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Week of January 28th through February 1st
Monday, January 28th (Ms. Hannah was guest teacher for the day!)
In Class: Students watched a video and discussed the space shuttle Challenger explosion of 1986. Next, they read and annotated an article on the Qin (pronounced Chin) Dynasty. They also learned more about Legalism in ancient China.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31, Ancient China test on Thursday
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Tuesday, January 29th
In Class: Today, we watched a short video on the Han Dynasty--who they were, when they started, how they took control. We also read and took notes from the textbook chapter on the Han Dynasty.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31, Ancient China test on Thursday
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Wednesday, January 30th
In Class: We finished taking notes on the Han Dynasty from information in the textbook. Students were given a chance to work on the quizlet for Ancient China as well as spend additional time studying and asking questions. We also learned a little more about the Mandate of Heaven concept from an earlier lesson.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31, Ancient China test tomorrow
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, January 31st
In Class: Test on Ancient China--Notebook checks were completed for Cores 1, 2, and 3.
Notebook checks for Core 4 will be done on Monday, February 4th.
Homework: None
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, February 1st
Class: Students were introduced to our new unit on Ancient Greece by working on a new Dump and Clump vocabulary activity. Since so many of the kids have some background knowledge on Greece, particularly Greek mythology, they also completed a "Brain Map" to measure what they already know.
Homework: None
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Monday, January 28th (Ms. Hannah was guest teacher for the day!)
In Class: Students watched a video and discussed the space shuttle Challenger explosion of 1986. Next, they read and annotated an article on the Qin (pronounced Chin) Dynasty. They also learned more about Legalism in ancient China.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31, Ancient China test on Thursday
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Tuesday, January 29th
In Class: Today, we watched a short video on the Han Dynasty--who they were, when they started, how they took control. We also read and took notes from the textbook chapter on the Han Dynasty.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31, Ancient China test on Thursday
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Wednesday, January 30th
In Class: We finished taking notes on the Han Dynasty from information in the textbook. Students were given a chance to work on the quizlet for Ancient China as well as spend additional time studying and asking questions. We also learned a little more about the Mandate of Heaven concept from an earlier lesson.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31, Ancient China test tomorrow
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, January 31st
In Class: Test on Ancient China--Notebook checks were completed for Cores 1, 2, and 3.
Notebook checks for Core 4 will be done on Monday, February 4th.
Homework: None
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, February 1st
Class: Students were introduced to our new unit on Ancient Greece by working on a new Dump and Clump vocabulary activity. Since so many of the kids have some background knowledge on Greece, particularly Greek mythology, they also completed a "Brain Map" to measure what they already know.
Homework: None
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Week of January 21st through January 25th
Monday, January 21st NO SCHOOL--CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DR. KING
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 1/31; 6 Frayer models due tomorrow (1/15)
Materials:
Tuesday, January 22nd
In Class: We began learning about the life and legacy of the Chinese philosopher, Confucius. After completing a Prediction Sort, we partner-read different articles about Confucius. Partners were only responsible for reading ONE of these assigned texts: Mr. Dowling article, Newsela article, Biography.com article, or pages 264-265 from the textbook. Next, we began organizing our new learning into a Lotus Diagram. CORES 1 and 2 started filling in the Lotus diagram---CORES 3 and 4 only had time to draw the diagram itself.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Wednesday, January 23rd
In Class: We continued learning about Confucius and Confucianism by adding completing a Lotus diagram on yesterday's reading. We also added new information on Taoism/Daoism as well as a refresher on Buddhism! With a partner, students read these articles and completed the tasks with each article. We also watched videos on Confucianism and Taoism.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31, complete classwork packet on Chinese philosophies
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, January 24th
In Class: We were introduced to the specifics of the Silk Road by watching a video, reading an article with a partner or small group (and some preferred to read by themselves!), and responding to questions about our new learning.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31, complete classwork on the Silk Road
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, January 25th
Class: We continued our study of the Silk Road by analyzing two maps explaining the goods that were traded along the Silk Road. Cores 1 and 2 started an activity that was supposed to be awesome but turned out to TERRIBLE (so bad, in fact, that I allowed Core 2 to literally crumble up their papers and throw them away!). As a result, Cores 3 and 4 extended their Silk Road study by reading from our textbook and taking notes. Students also received a study guide for the unit test on Ancient China on Thursday, January 31st.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31, begin studying for the test on Ancient China
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Monday, January 21st NO SCHOOL--CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DR. KING
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 1/31; 6 Frayer models due tomorrow (1/15)
Materials:
Tuesday, January 22nd
In Class: We began learning about the life and legacy of the Chinese philosopher, Confucius. After completing a Prediction Sort, we partner-read different articles about Confucius. Partners were only responsible for reading ONE of these assigned texts: Mr. Dowling article, Newsela article, Biography.com article, or pages 264-265 from the textbook. Next, we began organizing our new learning into a Lotus Diagram. CORES 1 and 2 started filling in the Lotus diagram---CORES 3 and 4 only had time to draw the diagram itself.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Wednesday, January 23rd
In Class: We continued learning about Confucius and Confucianism by adding completing a Lotus diagram on yesterday's reading. We also added new information on Taoism/Daoism as well as a refresher on Buddhism! With a partner, students read these articles and completed the tasks with each article. We also watched videos on Confucianism and Taoism.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31, complete classwork packet on Chinese philosophies
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, January 24th
In Class: We were introduced to the specifics of the Silk Road by watching a video, reading an article with a partner or small group (and some preferred to read by themselves!), and responding to questions about our new learning.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31, complete classwork on the Silk Road
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, January 25th
Class: We continued our study of the Silk Road by analyzing two maps explaining the goods that were traded along the Silk Road. Cores 1 and 2 started an activity that was supposed to be awesome but turned out to TERRIBLE (so bad, in fact, that I allowed Core 2 to literally crumble up their papers and throw them away!). As a result, Cores 3 and 4 extended their Silk Road study by reading from our textbook and taking notes. Students also received a study guide for the unit test on Ancient China on Thursday, January 31st.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31, begin studying for the test on Ancient China
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Week of January 14th through January 18th
Monday, January 14th
In Class: Students were able to look through their midterm assessments from last week before returning them to me until all retakes are complete. Kids who scored below 80 will have the chance to retake a shorter version of the assessment during Smart Block this week. The higher of the two grades will be recorded; however, no retake will score above an 80 (same guidelines as with our test corrections). Students who wish to retake the test MUST come to my room during Smart Block this week. The quarter ends Friday--no retakes will be offered after that point.
Today, we began our unit on Ancient China! After gluing the unit Table of Contents into our notebooks, kids worked in small groups to categorize content words for our unit in a "Dump and Clump" activity, and then began work on our Frayer models for six of these words.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31; 6 Frayer models due tomorrow (1/15)
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Tuesday, January 15th
In Class: We reviewed expectations for our vocabulary Frayer models to reinforce earlier learning. We watched a video on the geography of ancient China and worked together to complete a map for our notebooks. Students completed an exit ticket answering this question: How did geography influence China’s relationship with the rest of the world? Also, the kids were given a little time at the end of class to begin their homework.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31; Geography reading passage and questions + map (I do not have an electronic copy of this document)
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Wednesday, January 16th
In Class: Our learning today focused on dynasties and the rise and fall of dynasties in ancient China. We watched a "super-cheesy" video with an overview of the three dynasties we are initially learning about. With a partner, we began work on our ancient China timeline (most of the answers are found in our textbook). The kids will have time to complete this work tomorrow before we review the answers.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31; go to Google Classroom to watch a video and analyze two charts on dynastic cycles.
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, January 17th
In Class: We began class with an entrance ticket on the dynastic cycle in ancient China. We then worked together to completed our timeline (the answer key for those guided notes can be found here). Finally, we had a BLAST today role-playing how families interact with one another as we began uncovering the importance of family in ancient China.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, January 18th
Class: We continued learning about the importance of family in ancient Chinese civilization by reading several short articles and answering a few questions. If the questions were not completed in class, they should be finished for homework this weekend, and turned in Tuesday for a grade (the questions to answer are AFTER the articles--at the bottom of the attached file). Also, midterms and midterm retakes were handed out today. Students have these tests in their notebooks and should use them to prepare for the end-of-year final exam in social studies.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31; finish classwork on families in ancient China
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Monday, January 14th
In Class: Students were able to look through their midterm assessments from last week before returning them to me until all retakes are complete. Kids who scored below 80 will have the chance to retake a shorter version of the assessment during Smart Block this week. The higher of the two grades will be recorded; however, no retake will score above an 80 (same guidelines as with our test corrections). Students who wish to retake the test MUST come to my room during Smart Block this week. The quarter ends Friday--no retakes will be offered after that point.
Today, we began our unit on Ancient China! After gluing the unit Table of Contents into our notebooks, kids worked in small groups to categorize content words for our unit in a "Dump and Clump" activity, and then began work on our Frayer models for six of these words.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31; 6 Frayer models due tomorrow (1/15)
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Tuesday, January 15th
In Class: We reviewed expectations for our vocabulary Frayer models to reinforce earlier learning. We watched a video on the geography of ancient China and worked together to complete a map for our notebooks. Students completed an exit ticket answering this question: How did geography influence China’s relationship with the rest of the world? Also, the kids were given a little time at the end of class to begin their homework.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31; Geography reading passage and questions + map (I do not have an electronic copy of this document)
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Wednesday, January 16th
In Class: Our learning today focused on dynasties and the rise and fall of dynasties in ancient China. We watched a "super-cheesy" video with an overview of the three dynasties we are initially learning about. With a partner, we began work on our ancient China timeline (most of the answers are found in our textbook). The kids will have time to complete this work tomorrow before we review the answers.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31; go to Google Classroom to watch a video and analyze two charts on dynastic cycles.
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, January 17th
In Class: We began class with an entrance ticket on the dynastic cycle in ancient China. We then worked together to completed our timeline (the answer key for those guided notes can be found here). Finally, we had a BLAST today role-playing how families interact with one another as we began uncovering the importance of family in ancient China.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, January 18th
Class: We continued learning about the importance of family in ancient Chinese civilization by reading several short articles and answering a few questions. If the questions were not completed in class, they should be finished for homework this weekend, and turned in Tuesday for a grade (the questions to answer are AFTER the articles--at the bottom of the attached file). Also, midterms and midterm retakes were handed out today. Students have these tests in their notebooks and should use them to prepare for the end-of-year final exam in social studies.
Homework: Current Event due 1/31; finish classwork on families in ancient China
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Week of January 7th through January 11th
Monday, January 7th
In Class: We first discussed expectations for January's Current Event and distributed the revised rubric and directions (only slightly revised--mostly a formatting change). We then watched a brief video on the origins of Islam and then read an article from PBS on Islam beliefs and timeline events. Finally, we completed a graphic organizer on the Indus Valley civilization using the GRAPES format. The answer key for that organizer can be found here.
Homework: Quiz on Indus Valley, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism will be tomorrow; Current Event for January was assigned--rubric and directions are included here
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Tuesday, January 8th
In Class: After taking our quiz on the Indus Valley (with some world religions thrown in for good measure!), we watched a short video on the life of Mohandas Gandhi (video is on Discovery Ed--students can access DE through their Rapid Identity login). Although the life and impact of Gandhi is not in our social studies curriculum, I would feel remiss if I did not introduce students to the work of this amazing man when we were talking about ancient India. Next, Cores 1 and 2 were able to work on this article about Gandhi--we ran out of time in Cores 3 and 4, so they will read the article and answer questions tomorrow.
Homework: Prepare for mid-term by reviewing Quizlets in Google Classroom and notes/handouts in notebooks; Current Event due 1/31
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Wednesday, January 9th
In Class: We analyzed a painting of the Jewish exile by the Babylonians. Cores 3 and 4 read an article on Gandhi and answered these questions: Why do many Indian people consider Gandhi to be the father of their country? In what ways did Gandhi and his followers oppose British control of India (be very specific)? What are things that YOU oppose today? How could you show your opposition in non-violent and peaceful ways?. We then watched videos (video 1 and video 2) about the history of Judaism (to supplement our earlier study of this topic). Students were given a handout on Judaism to glue into their notebooks. Finally, the kids worked in groups to complete the midterm review guide.
Homework: Prepare for mid-term by reviewing Quizlets in Google Classroom and notes/handouts in notebooks; Current Event due 1/31; notebook check on Indus Valley unit on Friday
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, January 10th
In Class: Students were given time in class to work on a mid-term review packet. We also watched those nutty "Mr. Nicky" videos on Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Indus Valley to make our review a little more interesting! The Indus Valley quiz was returned -- and we reviewed the correct answers together. There will be a notebook check tomorrow. Photos of the table of contents for our Indus Valley unit are here and here. Student notebooks should align very closely with this order.
Homework: Prepare for mid-term by reviewing Quizlets in Google Classroom and notes/handouts in notebooks; Current Event due 1/31; notebook check on Indus Valley unit on Friday
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, January 11th
Class: Mid-term assessment covering geography, early people groups/early man, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Indus Valley--the plan is for students to bring their notebooks to my desk before the midterm, and I will check them while the kids are testing.
Homework: No homework this weekend (read or work on your Current Event if it snows!)
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Monday, January 7th
In Class: We first discussed expectations for January's Current Event and distributed the revised rubric and directions (only slightly revised--mostly a formatting change). We then watched a brief video on the origins of Islam and then read an article from PBS on Islam beliefs and timeline events. Finally, we completed a graphic organizer on the Indus Valley civilization using the GRAPES format. The answer key for that organizer can be found here.
Homework: Quiz on Indus Valley, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism will be tomorrow; Current Event for January was assigned--rubric and directions are included here
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Tuesday, January 8th
In Class: After taking our quiz on the Indus Valley (with some world religions thrown in for good measure!), we watched a short video on the life of Mohandas Gandhi (video is on Discovery Ed--students can access DE through their Rapid Identity login). Although the life and impact of Gandhi is not in our social studies curriculum, I would feel remiss if I did not introduce students to the work of this amazing man when we were talking about ancient India. Next, Cores 1 and 2 were able to work on this article about Gandhi--we ran out of time in Cores 3 and 4, so they will read the article and answer questions tomorrow.
Homework: Prepare for mid-term by reviewing Quizlets in Google Classroom and notes/handouts in notebooks; Current Event due 1/31
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Wednesday, January 9th
In Class: We analyzed a painting of the Jewish exile by the Babylonians. Cores 3 and 4 read an article on Gandhi and answered these questions: Why do many Indian people consider Gandhi to be the father of their country? In what ways did Gandhi and his followers oppose British control of India (be very specific)? What are things that YOU oppose today? How could you show your opposition in non-violent and peaceful ways?. We then watched videos (video 1 and video 2) about the history of Judaism (to supplement our earlier study of this topic). Students were given a handout on Judaism to glue into their notebooks. Finally, the kids worked in groups to complete the midterm review guide.
Homework: Prepare for mid-term by reviewing Quizlets in Google Classroom and notes/handouts in notebooks; Current Event due 1/31; notebook check on Indus Valley unit on Friday
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, January 10th
In Class: Students were given time in class to work on a mid-term review packet. We also watched those nutty "Mr. Nicky" videos on Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Indus Valley to make our review a little more interesting! The Indus Valley quiz was returned -- and we reviewed the correct answers together. There will be a notebook check tomorrow. Photos of the table of contents for our Indus Valley unit are here and here. Student notebooks should align very closely with this order.
Homework: Prepare for mid-term by reviewing Quizlets in Google Classroom and notes/handouts in notebooks; Current Event due 1/31; notebook check on Indus Valley unit on Friday
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, January 11th
Class: Mid-term assessment covering geography, early people groups/early man, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Indus Valley--the plan is for students to bring their notebooks to my desk before the midterm, and I will check them while the kids are testing.
Homework: No homework this weekend (read or work on your Current Event if it snows!)
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Week of January 3rd and 4th
Thursday, January 3rd
In Class: We reviewed our pre-break lessons on the Indus Valley civilization as well as Hinduism (see review slides here). The kids were randomly broken into groups to replicate the five varnas within the caste system. Within their castes, they read an article and pages 209-211 from the textbook to learn more specifics about each caste.
Homework: Begin to study for Indus Valley quiz (it will be given Monday, January 7th). This quiz will cover Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Hinduism, the caste system, Buddhism, and Islam.
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, January 4th
Class: We finished up our new learning on the caste system by discussing our thinking from yesterday's activity and watching a video on the "untouchable" children of India. Next, we were introduced to Buddhism through watching a Discovery Ed video and reading an article from Mr. Dowling's website.
Homework: QUIZ on Indus Valley WILL BE ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 8th (change from yesterday); study guide to prepare for next week's mid-term (not the quiz) is linked here.
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, January 3rd
In Class: We reviewed our pre-break lessons on the Indus Valley civilization as well as Hinduism (see review slides here). The kids were randomly broken into groups to replicate the five varnas within the caste system. Within their castes, they read an article and pages 209-211 from the textbook to learn more specifics about each caste.
Homework: Begin to study for Indus Valley quiz (it will be given Monday, January 7th). This quiz will cover Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Hinduism, the caste system, Buddhism, and Islam.
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, January 4th
Class: We finished up our new learning on the caste system by discussing our thinking from yesterday's activity and watching a video on the "untouchable" children of India. Next, we were introduced to Buddhism through watching a Discovery Ed video and reading an article from Mr. Dowling's website.
Homework: QUIZ on Indus Valley WILL BE ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 8th (change from yesterday); study guide to prepare for next week's mid-term (not the quiz) is linked here.
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Week of December 17th through December 21st
Monday, December 17th
In Class: We watched this video to learn the science behind monsoons in India. Next, we read and took notes (picture of notes here) on the information from these Google Slides to solidify our learning about the impact that geography had on the Indus Valley civilization. Finally, kids read and annotated an article on monsoons.
Homework: Students will answer the questions at the end of the article for homework if they do not finish them in class.
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Tuesday, December 18th
In Class: Today's focus was on the ancient Indus Valley cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Students learned while previewing, reading, and pulling the most important details from this article was modeled in class. Within groups of 2-3, the kids read an article/text using the same strategies that were modeled. Then they worked to complete the Twitter Summary handout. We will finish this activity tomorrow for our warm-up.
Homework: Students should complete the Current Event Reflection Page and the "What Is My Culture?" activity. Both are due tomorrow.
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Wednesday, December 19th
In Class: Our learning today focused on cultural diffusion, specifically the impact of the Aryan migration into Ancient India. Students observed two present-day photos and discussed the combination of cultures within them. Next, we conducted a little experiment where we dropped food coloring into cups of water to solidify our understanding of diffusion. With a partner, students read an article on the Aryan people group and how they influenced Indian civilization (we only answered question 1--the students did not receive the 2nd page of this file). Cores 1 and 2 briefly discussed information on pages 206-208 in the textbook. Cores 3 and 4 will do that tomorrow. For reference, here is information about cultural diffusion: “In a very simple definition cultural diffusion is when different cultures are spread into different areas. It is the mixing or blending of different ideas, beliefs, and innovations from one group to another. Cultures can adopt new ideas and use them as they are or they can adapt these foreign ideas to suit their own needs and wants.”http://bookbuilder.cast.org/view_print.php?book=63595
Homework: Students who did NOT finish their Tweet activity are expected to finish it at home and turn it in tomorrow.
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, December 20th
In Class: Today we learned about the oldest world religion, Hinduism. We completed a Prediction Sort, read an article with a small group (just read the 1st page with the article not the questions), and then completed this organizer helping us to understand the origins, beliefs, and practices of Hinduism better. The completed organizer should look something like this/at least include this information: Notes Page 1, Notes Page 2
Homework: None
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, December 21st
Class:
Homework: No homework for the Winter Break!! Please read every day!
Materials:
Monday, December 17th
In Class: We watched this video to learn the science behind monsoons in India. Next, we read and took notes (picture of notes here) on the information from these Google Slides to solidify our learning about the impact that geography had on the Indus Valley civilization. Finally, kids read and annotated an article on monsoons.
Homework: Students will answer the questions at the end of the article for homework if they do not finish them in class.
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Tuesday, December 18th
In Class: Today's focus was on the ancient Indus Valley cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Students learned while previewing, reading, and pulling the most important details from this article was modeled in class. Within groups of 2-3, the kids read an article/text using the same strategies that were modeled. Then they worked to complete the Twitter Summary handout. We will finish this activity tomorrow for our warm-up.
Homework: Students should complete the Current Event Reflection Page and the "What Is My Culture?" activity. Both are due tomorrow.
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Wednesday, December 19th
In Class: Our learning today focused on cultural diffusion, specifically the impact of the Aryan migration into Ancient India. Students observed two present-day photos and discussed the combination of cultures within them. Next, we conducted a little experiment where we dropped food coloring into cups of water to solidify our understanding of diffusion. With a partner, students read an article on the Aryan people group and how they influenced Indian civilization (we only answered question 1--the students did not receive the 2nd page of this file). Cores 1 and 2 briefly discussed information on pages 206-208 in the textbook. Cores 3 and 4 will do that tomorrow. For reference, here is information about cultural diffusion: “In a very simple definition cultural diffusion is when different cultures are spread into different areas. It is the mixing or blending of different ideas, beliefs, and innovations from one group to another. Cultures can adopt new ideas and use them as they are or they can adapt these foreign ideas to suit their own needs and wants.”http://bookbuilder.cast.org/view_print.php?book=63595
Homework: Students who did NOT finish their Tweet activity are expected to finish it at home and turn it in tomorrow.
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Thursday, December 20th
In Class: Today we learned about the oldest world religion, Hinduism. We completed a Prediction Sort, read an article with a small group (just read the 1st page with the article not the questions), and then completed this organizer helping us to understand the origins, beliefs, and practices of Hinduism better. The completed organizer should look something like this/at least include this information: Notes Page 1, Notes Page 2
Homework: None
Materials: social studies notebook, pencil
Friday, December 21st
Class:
Homework: No homework for the Winter Break!! Please read every day!
Materials:
Week of December 10th through December 14th
Monday, December 10th No School--SNOW!
In Class:
Homework:
Materials:
Tuesday, December 11th No School--Slushy Snow and Ice!
In Class:
Homework:
Materials:
Wednesday, December 12th 3-Hour Delay
In Class: Core 1 began our unit on the Indus Valley Civilization by examining photographs of people and places related to India, and then we introduced new unit vocabulary through a Dump and Clump activity. Over half of cores 2, 3, and 4 needed additional time for the DBQ assessment, so we did not begin our new unit today. Any student still not finished with the DBQ assessment will work during Smart Block to finish.
Homework: Core 1 ONLY--3 Frayer models (due Thursday/tomorrow)
Materials: social studies notebook
Thursday, December 13th
In Class: In Core 1, students studied the physical features of India and labeled a map of India. Students then studied a timeline that broadly outlined the history of the Indus Valley Civilization.
In Cores 2, 3, and 4, we began our unit on the Indus Valley Civilization by examining photographs of people and places related to India, and then we introduced new unit vocabulary through a Dump and Clump activity. Students had ample class time to complete 3 Frayer models in class. A sample Frayer model is linked here. Finally, we completed a map and questions activity for a classwork grade.
Homework: Cores 2, 3, and 4 ONLY--3 Frayer models for homework (due Friday/tomorrow); Core 1--NO HOMEWORK
Materials: social studies notebook
Friday, December 14th
Class: In Core 1, we briefly conducted research about world religions and created a door display for our work. In Cores 2, 3, and 4, we studied the physical features of India and labeled a map of India. Next, we completed a timeline that broadly outlined the history of the Indus Valley Civilization (timeline answer key). We also watched an incredible drone video that highlighted some of India's geography.
Homework: No homework for the weekend!
Materials: social studies notebook
Monday, December 10th No School--SNOW!
In Class:
Homework:
Materials:
Tuesday, December 11th No School--Slushy Snow and Ice!
In Class:
Homework:
Materials:
Wednesday, December 12th 3-Hour Delay
In Class: Core 1 began our unit on the Indus Valley Civilization by examining photographs of people and places related to India, and then we introduced new unit vocabulary through a Dump and Clump activity. Over half of cores 2, 3, and 4 needed additional time for the DBQ assessment, so we did not begin our new unit today. Any student still not finished with the DBQ assessment will work during Smart Block to finish.
Homework: Core 1 ONLY--3 Frayer models (due Thursday/tomorrow)
Materials: social studies notebook
Thursday, December 13th
In Class: In Core 1, students studied the physical features of India and labeled a map of India. Students then studied a timeline that broadly outlined the history of the Indus Valley Civilization.
In Cores 2, 3, and 4, we began our unit on the Indus Valley Civilization by examining photographs of people and places related to India, and then we introduced new unit vocabulary through a Dump and Clump activity. Students had ample class time to complete 3 Frayer models in class. A sample Frayer model is linked here. Finally, we completed a map and questions activity for a classwork grade.
Homework: Cores 2, 3, and 4 ONLY--3 Frayer models for homework (due Friday/tomorrow); Core 1--NO HOMEWORK
Materials: social studies notebook
Friday, December 14th
Class: In Core 1, we briefly conducted research about world religions and created a door display for our work. In Cores 2, 3, and 4, we studied the physical features of India and labeled a map of India. Next, we completed a timeline that broadly outlined the history of the Indus Valley Civilization (timeline answer key). We also watched an incredible drone video that highlighted some of India's geography.
Homework: No homework for the weekend!
Materials: social studies notebook
Week of December 3rd through December 7th
Monday, December 3rd
In Class: We watched a video from Discovery Ed entitled “Ancient Egypt” (link here). We also partner-read an article on Egyptian economics and social structures. We began learning about the three kingdoms of Egypt and will continue that work tomorrow. Also, Q2 interim reports were distributed to each core class. Graded assignments were also returned today.
Homework:
Materials: social studies notebook
Tuesday, December 4th
In Class: We briefly discussed the political structures of Ancient Egypt by discussing the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom. Students spent time catching up on earlier class assignments, and then we reviewed how to prepare for and complete a DBQ.
Homework: Prepare for DBQ tomorrow by reviewing notes on Egypt's geography, achievements, and economics.
Materials: social studies notebook
Wednesday, December 5th
In Class: We will work on Part A of our 1st DBQ (document-based questions) assessment. Part A will ask students to analyze 6-7 documents about Egypt and then answer 1-2 questions on each. Part B will have students writing an essay that incorporates their answers to the documents questions, their learning about Egypt, and their understanding of the essay question.
Homework: None
Materials: social studies notebook
Thursday, December 6th
In Class: We will continue our work on the DBQ assessment (Mrs. Rabb attended a training/planning event today, so there was a substitute teacher).
Homework: None
Materials: social studies notebook
Friday, December 7th--Think "NO SNOW" this weekend, please!
Class: Change of plans: Many students needed additional time to complete the DBQ assessment. As students finished, I worked to check of their several social studies notebooks and provided time for silent, sustained reading!
Homework: None
Materials: social studies notebook
Monday, December 3rd
In Class: We watched a video from Discovery Ed entitled “Ancient Egypt” (link here). We also partner-read an article on Egyptian economics and social structures. We began learning about the three kingdoms of Egypt and will continue that work tomorrow. Also, Q2 interim reports were distributed to each core class. Graded assignments were also returned today.
Homework:
Materials: social studies notebook
Tuesday, December 4th
In Class: We briefly discussed the political structures of Ancient Egypt by discussing the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom. Students spent time catching up on earlier class assignments, and then we reviewed how to prepare for and complete a DBQ.
Homework: Prepare for DBQ tomorrow by reviewing notes on Egypt's geography, achievements, and economics.
Materials: social studies notebook
Wednesday, December 5th
In Class: We will work on Part A of our 1st DBQ (document-based questions) assessment. Part A will ask students to analyze 6-7 documents about Egypt and then answer 1-2 questions on each. Part B will have students writing an essay that incorporates their answers to the documents questions, their learning about Egypt, and their understanding of the essay question.
Homework: None
Materials: social studies notebook
Thursday, December 6th
In Class: We will continue our work on the DBQ assessment (Mrs. Rabb attended a training/planning event today, so there was a substitute teacher).
Homework: None
Materials: social studies notebook
Friday, December 7th--Think "NO SNOW" this weekend, please!
Class: Change of plans: Many students needed additional time to complete the DBQ assessment. As students finished, I worked to check of their several social studies notebooks and provided time for silent, sustained reading!
Homework: None
Materials: social studies notebook
Week of November 26th through November 30th
Monday, November 26th
In Class: We learned how to respond to questions on a DBQ or document-based questions assessment. We used the attached presentation to learn HOW to respond to individual sections of the DBQ. We will be reviewing this procedure throughout Smart Block this week and next Monday. Our unit assessment on Ancient Egypt will be in the DBQ format--students will have two class periods to complete the DBQ--Thursday, December 6th, and Friday, December 7th.
Homework: Current Event due 11/30
Materials: social studies notebook
Tuesday, November 27th (Happy birthday to Mrs. Rabb's mom!)
In Class: We learned about the origins of Judaism by reading a (very) brief history of the Jewish faith (linked here). We also examined an article on "Jewish Migration after AD70" (Core 3 did not have time for this activity). We discussed the spread of Judaism and the challenges that have been faced by people of the Jewish faith throughout history.
Homework: Current Event due 11/30; complete the "Judaism: Spread and Challenges" article and questions--due tomorrow
Materials: social studies notebook
Wednesday, November 28th
GOOD NEWS! Students can now access Discovery Education resources through their WakeID
--meaning they don't have to log in to DE separately!
In Class: We solidified our understanding of primary and secondary sources by reading through this together together. We also watched a short video on Akhenaton, and then briefly discuss how his changes (capital city, religion, art) impacted Egyptian Society. We read an article about Akhenaton (linked here) and then answered the “What Did You Learn” questions for a classwork grade.
Homework: Complete the chart at the bottom of the "Queens of Egypt" page (linked here) by using resources linked on Google Classroom--the chart is due tomorrow (11/29); Current Event due 11/30
Materials: social studies notebook
Thursday, November 29th
In Class: To help students understand the religious and customary significance of hieroglyphs, we viewed multiple video clips to learn about the role of the tomb builders and the use of hieroglyphic text to guide the dead to their next life. We also tried to decipher these messages in hieroglyphics from PBS site.
Homework: Students received Hieroglyphics Homework and were asked to have a family member decipher their code! Current Event due TOMORROW
Materials: social studies notebook
Friday, November 30th
Class: We took a virtual tour of the pyramids in Egypt! We also watched a Discovery Ed video (linked here titled “Pyramids of Egypt”). We read pages 152-157 with a partner and took notes in our social studies notebooks.
Homework: Please read and annotate the article on Egyptian Achievements (linked here). This work is due Monday, December 3rd.
Materials: social studies notebook
Monday, November 26th
In Class: We learned how to respond to questions on a DBQ or document-based questions assessment. We used the attached presentation to learn HOW to respond to individual sections of the DBQ. We will be reviewing this procedure throughout Smart Block this week and next Monday. Our unit assessment on Ancient Egypt will be in the DBQ format--students will have two class periods to complete the DBQ--Thursday, December 6th, and Friday, December 7th.
Homework: Current Event due 11/30
Materials: social studies notebook
Tuesday, November 27th (Happy birthday to Mrs. Rabb's mom!)
In Class: We learned about the origins of Judaism by reading a (very) brief history of the Jewish faith (linked here). We also examined an article on "Jewish Migration after AD70" (Core 3 did not have time for this activity). We discussed the spread of Judaism and the challenges that have been faced by people of the Jewish faith throughout history.
Homework: Current Event due 11/30; complete the "Judaism: Spread and Challenges" article and questions--due tomorrow
Materials: social studies notebook
Wednesday, November 28th
GOOD NEWS! Students can now access Discovery Education resources through their WakeID
--meaning they don't have to log in to DE separately!
In Class: We solidified our understanding of primary and secondary sources by reading through this together together. We also watched a short video on Akhenaton, and then briefly discuss how his changes (capital city, religion, art) impacted Egyptian Society. We read an article about Akhenaton (linked here) and then answered the “What Did You Learn” questions for a classwork grade.
Homework: Complete the chart at the bottom of the "Queens of Egypt" page (linked here) by using resources linked on Google Classroom--the chart is due tomorrow (11/29); Current Event due 11/30
Materials: social studies notebook
Thursday, November 29th
In Class: To help students understand the religious and customary significance of hieroglyphs, we viewed multiple video clips to learn about the role of the tomb builders and the use of hieroglyphic text to guide the dead to their next life. We also tried to decipher these messages in hieroglyphics from PBS site.
Homework: Students received Hieroglyphics Homework and were asked to have a family member decipher their code! Current Event due TOMORROW
Materials: social studies notebook
Friday, November 30th
Class: We took a virtual tour of the pyramids in Egypt! We also watched a Discovery Ed video (linked here titled “Pyramids of Egypt”). We read pages 152-157 with a partner and took notes in our social studies notebooks.
Homework: Please read and annotate the article on Egyptian Achievements (linked here). This work is due Monday, December 3rd.
Materials: social studies notebook
Week of November 19th through November 23rd
Monday, November 19th
In Class: Today, we examined the polytheistic beliefs of ancient Egyptians by watching video clips from Discovery Education: “Osiris and Isis”, “Animals and Gods” and “The Next Life”. We also read a detailed description of Egyptian religion. We completed a RSQC2 organizer to deepen our understanding of the content. The Google Slides presentation of textbook pages 150-151 is linked here.
Homework: Watch video linked here and in Google Classroom, and take notes in your social studies notebook; Current Event due 11/30
Materials: social studies notebook
Tuesday, November 20th (Early Release schedule--school ends at 12:30)
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 11/30
Materials: social studies notebook
Wednesday, November 21st (No School)
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 11/30
Materials:
Thursday, November 22nd (No School) -- HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 11/30
Materials:
Friday, November 23rd (No School--just nap all day since you ate too much on Thanksgiving!)
Class:
Homework: Current Event due 11/30
Materials:
Monday, November 19th
In Class: Today, we examined the polytheistic beliefs of ancient Egyptians by watching video clips from Discovery Education: “Osiris and Isis”, “Animals and Gods” and “The Next Life”. We also read a detailed description of Egyptian religion. We completed a RSQC2 organizer to deepen our understanding of the content. The Google Slides presentation of textbook pages 150-151 is linked here.
Homework: Watch video linked here and in Google Classroom, and take notes in your social studies notebook; Current Event due 11/30
Materials: social studies notebook
Tuesday, November 20th (Early Release schedule--school ends at 12:30)
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 11/30
Materials: social studies notebook
Wednesday, November 21st (No School)
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 11/30
Materials:
Thursday, November 22nd (No School) -- HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 11/30
Materials:
Friday, November 23rd (No School--just nap all day since you ate too much on Thanksgiving!)
Class:
Homework: Current Event due 11/30
Materials:
Week of November 12th through November 16th
Monday, November 12th--Veterans' Day--NO SCHOOL
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 11/30
Materials:
Tuesday, November 13th
In Class: We analyzed these images from Ancient Egypt on a Gallery Walk and used this organizer to record our thinking about the images. The organizer is a pre-assessment tool to see what background knowledge the kids have--and I will have them revisit the organizer at the end of our unit. We also watched a fascinating (and perhaps a bit cheesy!) video about Howard Carter's discovery of King Tut's tomb in 1922. Finally, we partner-read an article about Carter's discovery. The Table of Contents for our unit on Ancient Egypt should be glued into everyone's social studies notebook--it will be a great resource for our learning!
**Kids were given an opportunity to examine their Unit 3 test on Mesopotamia. Test corrections may be made during Smart Block this week for students who scored 79 or lower. The highest corrected score will be 80.
**Current Event rubric and guidelines were handed out again today for the November Current Event. Scores for the October Current Event are in Google Classroom, PowerSchools, and also on a graded rubric that was returned today (green half-sheet of paper).
Homework: Current Event due 11/30 (directions and rubric linked here)
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Wednesday, November 14th
In Class: We deepened our knowledge on Egypt's geography by identifying important physical features on a map (presentation with map info is found here). The map should be glued into student notebooks. We solidified this new learning by analyzing different maps of Egypt with two map activities.
Homework: Complete map stations/classwork from today:
1) Where In The World? Scavenger Hunt linked here
2) Egypt's Golden Empire--questions linked here (1st 13 questions only) and videos are linked in Google Classroom
3) Current Event due 11/30
Materials: Social studies notebook; device
Thursday, November 15th
In Class: Vocabulary for our Egypt unit was introduced today. Students were given all 18 words and their definitions, then worked to group the words by similar characteristics. This activity was called Dump and Clump and is attached here (along with the words). We then created 3 new Frayer Models (sample here) on any of the words on the Egypt vocab list--and will complete 3 Frayer models for homework.
Homework: Current Event due 11/30; 6 Frayer models (3 done in class + 3 done for homework)
Materials: Social studies notebook; device
Friday, November 16th
Class: Students read an article connecting our learning about Mesopotamia to new learning about Egypt. They annotated the article, and then answered comprehension questions. Word on the street is that the kids were AMAZING for the substitute teacher on Friday....and I am grateful!
Homework: Current Event due 11/30
Materials: Social studies notebook; device
Monday, November 12th--Veterans' Day--NO SCHOOL
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 11/30
Materials:
Tuesday, November 13th
In Class: We analyzed these images from Ancient Egypt on a Gallery Walk and used this organizer to record our thinking about the images. The organizer is a pre-assessment tool to see what background knowledge the kids have--and I will have them revisit the organizer at the end of our unit. We also watched a fascinating (and perhaps a bit cheesy!) video about Howard Carter's discovery of King Tut's tomb in 1922. Finally, we partner-read an article about Carter's discovery. The Table of Contents for our unit on Ancient Egypt should be glued into everyone's social studies notebook--it will be a great resource for our learning!
**Kids were given an opportunity to examine their Unit 3 test on Mesopotamia. Test corrections may be made during Smart Block this week for students who scored 79 or lower. The highest corrected score will be 80.
**Current Event rubric and guidelines were handed out again today for the November Current Event. Scores for the October Current Event are in Google Classroom, PowerSchools, and also on a graded rubric that was returned today (green half-sheet of paper).
Homework: Current Event due 11/30 (directions and rubric linked here)
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Wednesday, November 14th
In Class: We deepened our knowledge on Egypt's geography by identifying important physical features on a map (presentation with map info is found here). The map should be glued into student notebooks. We solidified this new learning by analyzing different maps of Egypt with two map activities.
Homework: Complete map stations/classwork from today:
1) Where In The World? Scavenger Hunt linked here
2) Egypt's Golden Empire--questions linked here (1st 13 questions only) and videos are linked in Google Classroom
3) Current Event due 11/30
Materials: Social studies notebook; device
Thursday, November 15th
In Class: Vocabulary for our Egypt unit was introduced today. Students were given all 18 words and their definitions, then worked to group the words by similar characteristics. This activity was called Dump and Clump and is attached here (along with the words). We then created 3 new Frayer Models (sample here) on any of the words on the Egypt vocab list--and will complete 3 Frayer models for homework.
Homework: Current Event due 11/30; 6 Frayer models (3 done in class + 3 done for homework)
Materials: Social studies notebook; device
Friday, November 16th
Class: Students read an article connecting our learning about Mesopotamia to new learning about Egypt. They annotated the article, and then answered comprehension questions. Word on the street is that the kids were AMAZING for the substitute teacher on Friday....and I am grateful!
Homework: Current Event due 11/30
Materials: Social studies notebook; device
Week of November 5th through November 9th
Monday, November 5th
In Class: Students will read multiple articles about life in Mesopotamia and discuss their reading with one another. There will be a substitute teacher as Mrs. Rabb will be at training.
Homework: Study guide for Unit 3/Mesopotamia will be due TOMORROW, Tuesday, November 6th. You can find a copy of the study guide here.
Materials: Devices will NOT be needed today; social studies notebook
Tuesday, November 6th
In Class: We reviewed the study guide--the answers are found here. After analyzing present-day "law and order" situations, we began examining actual laws from the Code of Hammurabi.
Homework: Study for test--it's on Thursday.
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Wednesday, November 7th
In Class: We had our final review of the GRAPES of Mesopotamia today. Students should be able to answer questions about the geography, religion, achievements, political structure, economics, and social structure of early Mesopotamian civilizations. There are multiple resources listed below under the week of October 22-26.
Homework: Study for Unit 3 test on Mesopotamia!
Materials: Social studies notebook
Thursday, November 8th
In Class: Unit test on Ancient Mesopotamia
Homework: Remember to bring a device tomorrow if you have one!
Materials: Just a pencil!
Friday, November 9th
Class: Throughout this unit on Mesopotamia, we have written our questions on sticky notes and placed it on our "Wonder Wall" (technically, a Wonder Door on the Cabinet!). On Friday the 9th, students will spend their time together exploring their questions and sharing our new learning with one another! Students will also have a chance to investigate anything that interests them!
Homework: None
Materials: Devices will DEFINITELY be needed on this day; social studies notebook
Monday, November 5th
In Class: Students will read multiple articles about life in Mesopotamia and discuss their reading with one another. There will be a substitute teacher as Mrs. Rabb will be at training.
Homework: Study guide for Unit 3/Mesopotamia will be due TOMORROW, Tuesday, November 6th. You can find a copy of the study guide here.
Materials: Devices will NOT be needed today; social studies notebook
Tuesday, November 6th
In Class: We reviewed the study guide--the answers are found here. After analyzing present-day "law and order" situations, we began examining actual laws from the Code of Hammurabi.
Homework: Study for test--it's on Thursday.
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Wednesday, November 7th
In Class: We had our final review of the GRAPES of Mesopotamia today. Students should be able to answer questions about the geography, religion, achievements, political structure, economics, and social structure of early Mesopotamian civilizations. There are multiple resources listed below under the week of October 22-26.
Homework: Study for Unit 3 test on Mesopotamia!
Materials: Social studies notebook
Thursday, November 8th
In Class: Unit test on Ancient Mesopotamia
Homework: Remember to bring a device tomorrow if you have one!
Materials: Just a pencil!
Friday, November 9th
Class: Throughout this unit on Mesopotamia, we have written our questions on sticky notes and placed it on our "Wonder Wall" (technically, a Wonder Door on the Cabinet!). On Friday the 9th, students will spend their time together exploring their questions and sharing our new learning with one another! Students will also have a chance to investigate anything that interests them!
Homework: None
Materials: Devices will DEFINITELY be needed on this day; social studies notebook
Week of October 29th through November 2nd
Monday, October 29th
In Class: Students in Cores 1, 2, and 3 continued learning about religion in Mesopotamia. In Core 4, we completed test corrections from our Unit 2 test because we did not have a chance for test corrections during Smart Block for Core 4 last week. Afterwards, we began exploring religion in ancient Mesopotamia.
Homework: Listen/watch the video on Google Classroom (listed as Mesopotamia GRAPES Review) and take notes; Current Event (due tomorrow)
Materials: Devices will be needed today; social studies notebook
Tuesday, October 30th
In Class: Students were given time to work with a partner to read and take notes on religion in Mesopotamia. We also brainstormed ways to create structure and organization in new civilizations as we prepare to learn about political structures in Mesopotamia.
Homework: Students will read and take notes on the Politics PowerPoint (Google Slides) in Google Classroom.
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Wednesday, October 31st
In Class: Students continued learning about political structures and social hierarchies in Mesopotamia. We watched a video discussing the government structure as well.
Homework: None
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Thursday, November 1st
In Class: YES! We recreated cuneiform, the 1st form of writing, on air-dry clay and Model Magic today! The kids had a blast....and will get to bring home their written masterpieces tomorrow. We also reviewed the achievements of the Mesopotamian people.
Homework: Study guide for Unit 3 test went home and is due MONDAY.
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Friday, November 2nd
Class: We learned more about Mesopotamian achievements and the connection between the culture, religion, political structure, and social structure in Ancient Mesopotamia.
Homework: Students will complete Unit 3 study guide--it will be due Tuesday, November 6th (this is a new date!).
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Monday, October 29th
In Class: Students in Cores 1, 2, and 3 continued learning about religion in Mesopotamia. In Core 4, we completed test corrections from our Unit 2 test because we did not have a chance for test corrections during Smart Block for Core 4 last week. Afterwards, we began exploring religion in ancient Mesopotamia.
Homework: Listen/watch the video on Google Classroom (listed as Mesopotamia GRAPES Review) and take notes; Current Event (due tomorrow)
Materials: Devices will be needed today; social studies notebook
Tuesday, October 30th
In Class: Students were given time to work with a partner to read and take notes on religion in Mesopotamia. We also brainstormed ways to create structure and organization in new civilizations as we prepare to learn about political structures in Mesopotamia.
Homework: Students will read and take notes on the Politics PowerPoint (Google Slides) in Google Classroom.
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Wednesday, October 31st
In Class: Students continued learning about political structures and social hierarchies in Mesopotamia. We watched a video discussing the government structure as well.
Homework: None
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Thursday, November 1st
In Class: YES! We recreated cuneiform, the 1st form of writing, on air-dry clay and Model Magic today! The kids had a blast....and will get to bring home their written masterpieces tomorrow. We also reviewed the achievements of the Mesopotamian people.
Homework: Study guide for Unit 3 test went home and is due MONDAY.
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Friday, November 2nd
Class: We learned more about Mesopotamian achievements and the connection between the culture, religion, political structure, and social structure in Ancient Mesopotamia.
Homework: Students will complete Unit 3 study guide--it will be due Tuesday, November 6th (this is a new date!).
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Week of October 22nd through October 26th
Monday, October 22nd
In Class: Mrs. Smith, our 6th grade guidance counselor, conducted a guidance lesson introducing herself, re-emphasizing 6th grade expectations, and outlining steps for bully prevention.
Homework: Current Event (due 10/30)
Materials: Devices will NOT be needed today; social studies notebook
Tuesday, October 23rd
In Class: Mr. Gore, our Instructional Facilitator, led each class in an activity exploring the differences between equity and equality. Check Twitter for some great pictures--and ask your student to explain today's new learning! We continue to work on growing our vocabulary for our Mesopotamia unit by creating Frayer Models for our new words. An example of a Frayer Model is linked to the right.
Homework: Current event for October is due 10/30
Materials: Devices will be needed today; social studies notebook
Wednesday, October 24th
In Class: We examined an illustration of the house of an upper class Mesopotamian. We also annotated and discussed an article about Mesopotamia from ReadWorks.
Homework: Finish reading and taking notes on slides 2-14 and answer the questions in the Google Form (both found in Google Classroom)--this is due Friday. Current event for October is due 10/30
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Thursday, October 25th
In Class: We continued working on our Collaborative Summary activity based on our reading of a ReadWorks article on Mesopotamia. Students learned how to "pay attention to their thinking" as they read--and then shared that thinking with a partner. They ended the activity by writing a summary of the article.
Homework: Current Event due 10/30
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Friday, October 26th
Class: We finished our Frayer Models for seven (7) vocabulary words for our Mesopotamia unit. I modeled how to read and take notes on sections in our textbook. Cores 1 and 2 began studying the religion of Mesopotamia--Cores 3 and 4 will begin Monday.
Homework: Current Event due 10/30
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Monday, October 22nd
In Class: Mrs. Smith, our 6th grade guidance counselor, conducted a guidance lesson introducing herself, re-emphasizing 6th grade expectations, and outlining steps for bully prevention.
Homework: Current Event (due 10/30)
Materials: Devices will NOT be needed today; social studies notebook
Tuesday, October 23rd
In Class: Mr. Gore, our Instructional Facilitator, led each class in an activity exploring the differences between equity and equality. Check Twitter for some great pictures--and ask your student to explain today's new learning! We continue to work on growing our vocabulary for our Mesopotamia unit by creating Frayer Models for our new words. An example of a Frayer Model is linked to the right.
Homework: Current event for October is due 10/30
Materials: Devices will be needed today; social studies notebook
Wednesday, October 24th
In Class: We examined an illustration of the house of an upper class Mesopotamian. We also annotated and discussed an article about Mesopotamia from ReadWorks.
Homework: Finish reading and taking notes on slides 2-14 and answer the questions in the Google Form (both found in Google Classroom)--this is due Friday. Current event for October is due 10/30
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Thursday, October 25th
In Class: We continued working on our Collaborative Summary activity based on our reading of a ReadWorks article on Mesopotamia. Students learned how to "pay attention to their thinking" as they read--and then shared that thinking with a partner. They ended the activity by writing a summary of the article.
Homework: Current Event due 10/30
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Friday, October 26th
Class: We finished our Frayer Models for seven (7) vocabulary words for our Mesopotamia unit. I modeled how to read and take notes on sections in our textbook. Cores 1 and 2 began studying the religion of Mesopotamia--Cores 3 and 4 will begin Monday.
Homework: Current Event due 10/30
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Week of October 15th through October 19th
Monday, October 15th
In Class: We are almost finished with our review stations from last week in preparation for the test on Wednesday. We had our 2nd notebook check today--I was unable to check notebooks for a handful of students in both Core 3 and Core 4.
Homework: Review notes and study guide (answers here) for Wednesday's unit test; Current Event (due 10/30)
Materials: Devices will be needed today; social studies notebook
Tuesday, October 16th
In Class: We completed our review stations and spent time going through an excellent and very-detailed Quizlet for our test tomorrow. Resources to help with test preparation include this PowerPoint and this Quizlet.
Homework: Review notes and study guide for Wednesday's unit test; Current event for October is due 10/30
Materials: Devices will be needed today; social studies notebook
Wednesday, October 17th
In Class: Unit test on ancient civilizations and geography will be today.
Homework: Current event for October is due 10/30
Materials: Devices will NOT be needed; social studies notebook
Thursday, October 18th
In Class: Our curiosity got the better of us today as we wondered about Mesopotamia! We made a list of things we wanted to know about this ancient civilization and discussed ways we could find the answers. We also learned about the Frayer Model for strengthening our understanding of new vocabulary. Today, we found the definition, characteristics of, examples of, and non-examples of the words MONOTHEISM and ZIGGURAT.
Homework: Current Event due 10/30
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Friday, October 19th
Class: We worked on Frayer models from yesterday and added the words POLYTHEISM and CUNEIFORM. Within Google Classroom, we read and took notes on slides 2-14 of the Mesopotamia (Google Slides) presentation and then answered two questions on a Google Form within Google Classroom.
Homework: Current Event due 10/30
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Monday, October 15th
In Class: We are almost finished with our review stations from last week in preparation for the test on Wednesday. We had our 2nd notebook check today--I was unable to check notebooks for a handful of students in both Core 3 and Core 4.
Homework: Review notes and study guide (answers here) for Wednesday's unit test; Current Event (due 10/30)
Materials: Devices will be needed today; social studies notebook
Tuesday, October 16th
In Class: We completed our review stations and spent time going through an excellent and very-detailed Quizlet for our test tomorrow. Resources to help with test preparation include this PowerPoint and this Quizlet.
Homework: Review notes and study guide for Wednesday's unit test; Current event for October is due 10/30
Materials: Devices will be needed today; social studies notebook
Wednesday, October 17th
In Class: Unit test on ancient civilizations and geography will be today.
Homework: Current event for October is due 10/30
Materials: Devices will NOT be needed; social studies notebook
Thursday, October 18th
In Class: Our curiosity got the better of us today as we wondered about Mesopotamia! We made a list of things we wanted to know about this ancient civilization and discussed ways we could find the answers. We also learned about the Frayer Model for strengthening our understanding of new vocabulary. Today, we found the definition, characteristics of, examples of, and non-examples of the words MONOTHEISM and ZIGGURAT.
Homework: Current Event due 10/30
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Friday, October 19th
Class: We worked on Frayer models from yesterday and added the words POLYTHEISM and CUNEIFORM. Within Google Classroom, we read and took notes on slides 2-14 of the Mesopotamia (Google Slides) presentation and then answered two questions on a Google Form within Google Classroom.
Homework: Current Event due 10/30
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Week of October 8th through October 12th
Monday, October 8th
In Class: We finished up our geography-ancient civilizations presentations and continued taking notes on the information presented by our classmates. Student notes need to include the information here. The study guide for our upcoming test on Friday was distributed and is attached here and here. We also completed a Group Work Evaluation and Reflection activity as a way to share our thoughts about this last group project and guide directions/instructions for future group projects.
Homework: Study Guide (due Wednesday, 10/10), Current Event (due 10/30)
Materials: social studies notebook; students will need devices this week
Tuesday, October 9th
In Class: We finally finished notes on our student presentations! Phew! The students self-selected groups to rotate through Geography-Ancient Civilization review stations.Curriculum Night begins tonight at 5:00pm with food trucks--parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to attend!
Homework: Unit 2 Study Guide is due tomorrow. Current event for October is due 10/30; Bring new socks (We have brought in 329 pairs so far!! What a difference these things will make in our community--thank you!!! Side note: We have less than Mrs. Ratcliffe...ask your neighbors and friends to help out with this incredibly worthwhile cause.)
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Wednesday, October 10th
In Class: We reviewed the answers to the Study Guide (found here) and worked on our review stations.
The Unit 2 test has been moved to Wednesday, October 17th.
Homework: Current Event for October has been assigned (due 10/30); study for upcoming test
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Thursday, October 11th--No school due to inclement weather
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 10/30
Materials:
Friday, October 12th--No school due to inclement weather
Class:
Homework: Current Event due 10/30
Materials: devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Monday, October 8th
In Class: We finished up our geography-ancient civilizations presentations and continued taking notes on the information presented by our classmates. Student notes need to include the information here. The study guide for our upcoming test on Friday was distributed and is attached here and here. We also completed a Group Work Evaluation and Reflection activity as a way to share our thoughts about this last group project and guide directions/instructions for future group projects.
Homework: Study Guide (due Wednesday, 10/10), Current Event (due 10/30)
Materials: social studies notebook; students will need devices this week
Tuesday, October 9th
In Class: We finally finished notes on our student presentations! Phew! The students self-selected groups to rotate through Geography-Ancient Civilization review stations.Curriculum Night begins tonight at 5:00pm with food trucks--parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to attend!
Homework: Unit 2 Study Guide is due tomorrow. Current event for October is due 10/30; Bring new socks (We have brought in 329 pairs so far!! What a difference these things will make in our community--thank you!!! Side note: We have less than Mrs. Ratcliffe...ask your neighbors and friends to help out with this incredibly worthwhile cause.)
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Wednesday, October 10th
In Class: We reviewed the answers to the Study Guide (found here) and worked on our review stations.
The Unit 2 test has been moved to Wednesday, October 17th.
Homework: Current Event for October has been assigned (due 10/30); study for upcoming test
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Thursday, October 11th--No school due to inclement weather
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 10/30
Materials:
Friday, October 12th--No school due to inclement weather
Class:
Homework: Current Event due 10/30
Materials: devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Week of October 1st through October 5
Monday, October 1st
In Class: **We continued our research on how physical features impacted the development of ancient civilizations. Students worked with their small group to finish the research organizer and begin Google Slides presentations.
**NOTE: MANY students did not complete the webquest on the Agricultural Revolution over the weekend. That work is due tomorrow....there will be a point deduction for late work, but it is important that students complete this tonight.
**Test Corrections will be allowed during Smart Block this week. Students who made a 79 or lower on the Unit 1 test last week will be allowed to complete test corrections--the highest grade available on a retake is an 80.
Homework: Webquest (It is now late--please see info above)
Materials: social studies notebook; students will need devices this week
Tuesday, October 2nd
In Class: The goal for class today was to finish up our research and work on the Google Slides presentation. Students were given 35-45 minutes to collaborate, research, and record findings. Many students still have some research left...they will have some time tomorrow. Presentations will begin Wednesday or Thursday.
Homework: Bring new socks!
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Wednesday, October 3rd
In Class: Students were given around 35 minutes today to complete research and presentation for our Ancient Civilization and Geography activity. The kiddos are improving their collaboration skills daily--it is wonderful to see! Presentations will begin tomorrow! The October Current Event was assigned in Cores 2, 3, and 4 (Core 1 will receive tomorrow). The guidelines and rubric are linked HERE and are also on Google Classroom.
Homework: Students must complete research organizer and presentation slides at home if they have not finished in class. Current Event for October has been assigned (due 10/30)
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Thursday, October 4th
In Class: (Sorry for not updating yesterday--I worked the football game! Go Chargers!) Student groups worked presented their learning about the geography of ancient civilizations. We began taking notes on this information as well. Those notes are posted here (please excuse the sloppy handwriting--I was trying to write with a stylus on the iPad, which was a new experience for me!).
Homework: Current Event due 10/30
Materials: social studies notebook
Friday, October 5th
Class: Groups continued presenting their information on geography and ancient civilizations. We will finish the notes on the presentations on Monday. CHANGE: Our notebook check will be on Tuesday, October 9th (not Monday).
Homework: Current Event due 10/30
Materials: social studies notebook
Monday, October 1st
In Class: **We continued our research on how physical features impacted the development of ancient civilizations. Students worked with their small group to finish the research organizer and begin Google Slides presentations.
**NOTE: MANY students did not complete the webquest on the Agricultural Revolution over the weekend. That work is due tomorrow....there will be a point deduction for late work, but it is important that students complete this tonight.
**Test Corrections will be allowed during Smart Block this week. Students who made a 79 or lower on the Unit 1 test last week will be allowed to complete test corrections--the highest grade available on a retake is an 80.
Homework: Webquest (It is now late--please see info above)
Materials: social studies notebook; students will need devices this week
Tuesday, October 2nd
In Class: The goal for class today was to finish up our research and work on the Google Slides presentation. Students were given 35-45 minutes to collaborate, research, and record findings. Many students still have some research left...they will have some time tomorrow. Presentations will begin Wednesday or Thursday.
Homework: Bring new socks!
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Wednesday, October 3rd
In Class: Students were given around 35 minutes today to complete research and presentation for our Ancient Civilization and Geography activity. The kiddos are improving their collaboration skills daily--it is wonderful to see! Presentations will begin tomorrow! The October Current Event was assigned in Cores 2, 3, and 4 (Core 1 will receive tomorrow). The guidelines and rubric are linked HERE and are also on Google Classroom.
Homework: Students must complete research organizer and presentation slides at home if they have not finished in class. Current Event for October has been assigned (due 10/30)
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Thursday, October 4th
In Class: (Sorry for not updating yesterday--I worked the football game! Go Chargers!) Student groups worked presented their learning about the geography of ancient civilizations. We began taking notes on this information as well. Those notes are posted here (please excuse the sloppy handwriting--I was trying to write with a stylus on the iPad, which was a new experience for me!).
Homework: Current Event due 10/30
Materials: social studies notebook
Friday, October 5th
Class: Groups continued presenting their information on geography and ancient civilizations. We will finish the notes on the presentations on Monday. CHANGE: Our notebook check will be on Tuesday, October 9th (not Monday).
Homework: Current Event due 10/30
Materials: social studies notebook
Week of September 24th through September 28th:
Monday, September 24th
In Class: We reviewed the steps for creating simple outline notes once again. A Note-Taking 101 "Cheat Sheet" (linked here) was distributed and should be in every student's social studies notebook. I modeled taking the FORMAT for taking notes for Section 2 of Chapter 1 in the book. Students were not given time in class to work on notes today, but will be given ample time on Tuesday. We also broke into groups of 2-3 to begin a webquest on the Agricultural Revolution.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post)
Materials: social studies notebook, device
Tuesday, September 25th
In Class: We worked on finishing the Chapter 1 notes today. I met individually with multiple students in every class to review notes and re-direct if necessary. Most students did not have time to work on the webquest.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post); Unit 1 test on Five Themes of Geography is tomorrow
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Wednesday, September 26th
In Class: We reviewed class procedures about pencil sharpening, entering and exiting the classroom, and going to the bathroom. Unit 1 test on Five Themes of Geography was given.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post); Agricultural Revolution webquest is on Google Classroom and will need to be completed at home by Monday, October 1st. Students will answer the webquest questions in their social studies notebook.
Materials: social studies notebook; devices will be needed if the assessment ends early
Thursday, September 27th
In Class: We began working on our Geography-Ancient Civilizations research activity in all classes. Everyone received the research organizer for the activity. The activity rubric will be distributed and explained on Friday. The unit test has been graded and will be returned tomorrow.
Homework: Current Event due tomorrow; Agricultural Revolution webquest is on Google Classroom and will need to be completed at home by Monday, October 1st. Students will answer the webquest questions in their social studies notebook.
Materials: a device (for research); social studies notebook
Friday, September 28th
Class: Students received their Unit 1 tests--those grades are now in PowerSchool. During Smart Block next week, students will be given the chance for test corrections if they received a 79 or lower. Test corrections will include answering the question correctly and explaining WHY that is the correct answer. We also continued our civilization/geography research today and reviewed the grading rubric for presentations.
Homework: Agricultural Revolution webquest is on Google Classroom and will need to be completed at home by Monday, October 1st. Students will answer the webquest questions in their social studies notebook.
Materials: a device (for research); social studies notebook
Monday, September 24th
In Class: We reviewed the steps for creating simple outline notes once again. A Note-Taking 101 "Cheat Sheet" (linked here) was distributed and should be in every student's social studies notebook. I modeled taking the FORMAT for taking notes for Section 2 of Chapter 1 in the book. Students were not given time in class to work on notes today, but will be given ample time on Tuesday. We also broke into groups of 2-3 to begin a webquest on the Agricultural Revolution.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post)
Materials: social studies notebook, device
Tuesday, September 25th
In Class: We worked on finishing the Chapter 1 notes today. I met individually with multiple students in every class to review notes and re-direct if necessary. Most students did not have time to work on the webquest.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post); Unit 1 test on Five Themes of Geography is tomorrow
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Wednesday, September 26th
In Class: We reviewed class procedures about pencil sharpening, entering and exiting the classroom, and going to the bathroom. Unit 1 test on Five Themes of Geography was given.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post); Agricultural Revolution webquest is on Google Classroom and will need to be completed at home by Monday, October 1st. Students will answer the webquest questions in their social studies notebook.
Materials: social studies notebook; devices will be needed if the assessment ends early
Thursday, September 27th
In Class: We began working on our Geography-Ancient Civilizations research activity in all classes. Everyone received the research organizer for the activity. The activity rubric will be distributed and explained on Friday. The unit test has been graded and will be returned tomorrow.
Homework: Current Event due tomorrow; Agricultural Revolution webquest is on Google Classroom and will need to be completed at home by Monday, October 1st. Students will answer the webquest questions in their social studies notebook.
Materials: a device (for research); social studies notebook
Friday, September 28th
Class: Students received their Unit 1 tests--those grades are now in PowerSchool. During Smart Block next week, students will be given the chance for test corrections if they received a 79 or lower. Test corrections will include answering the question correctly and explaining WHY that is the correct answer. We also continued our civilization/geography research today and reviewed the grading rubric for presentations.
Homework: Agricultural Revolution webquest is on Google Classroom and will need to be completed at home by Monday, October 1st. Students will answer the webquest questions in their social studies notebook.
Materials: a device (for research); social studies notebook
Week of 9/17/18 through 9/21/18
Monday, September 17th--Another "hurricane day" away from school! UGH!
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post)
Materials:
Tuesday, September 18th
In Class: We should be finished taking notes from the Early People presentations. These notes were modeled for the kids in class and are attached here and here. If you did not finish copying these notes today, please do so at home.
Students received a study guide for the test coming up on September 26th as well as their "What Can They Do? activity. After a quick video to help us celebrate Constitution Day, we learned about the last Taushiro man. Finally, we began working on reading and taking outline notes on Chapter 1 in our social studies textbook.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post); "What Can They Do?" sheet (due Thursday); Study Guide (due Friday)
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Wednesday, September 19th--NO SCHOOL; HOLIDAY
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post); ; "What Can They Do?" sheet (due tomorrow); Study Guide (due Friday)
Materials:
Thursday, September 20th--RED, WHITE, AND BLUE DAY (Come dressed in patriotic colors to belatedly celebrate Constitution Day!)
In Class: We continued working on taking notes on Chapter 1 in our textbook. We are learning how to take OUTLINE notes--if students have learned Cornell note-taking in another class, they may use Cornell notes. The kiddos are struggling to pull only important information from the text--they want to write it ALL down! We are taking our time and building this important skill together. I also returned the Map Quiz from Tuesday. Students may elect take the re-test of the Map Quiz on Monday or Tuesday of next week during Smart Block.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post); Study Guide (due Friday)
Materials:
Friday, September 21st
Class: We worked diligently to complete our notes for Chapter 1 in our textbook. We also completed our first notebook check. Grades are already in PowerSchools.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post)
Materials:
Monday, September 17th--Another "hurricane day" away from school! UGH!
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post)
Materials:
Tuesday, September 18th
In Class: We should be finished taking notes from the Early People presentations. These notes were modeled for the kids in class and are attached here and here. If you did not finish copying these notes today, please do so at home.
Students received a study guide for the test coming up on September 26th as well as their "What Can They Do? activity. After a quick video to help us celebrate Constitution Day, we learned about the last Taushiro man. Finally, we began working on reading and taking outline notes on Chapter 1 in our social studies textbook.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post); "What Can They Do?" sheet (due Thursday); Study Guide (due Friday)
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Wednesday, September 19th--NO SCHOOL; HOLIDAY
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post); ; "What Can They Do?" sheet (due tomorrow); Study Guide (due Friday)
Materials:
Thursday, September 20th--RED, WHITE, AND BLUE DAY (Come dressed in patriotic colors to belatedly celebrate Constitution Day!)
In Class: We continued working on taking notes on Chapter 1 in our textbook. We are learning how to take OUTLINE notes--if students have learned Cornell note-taking in another class, they may use Cornell notes. The kiddos are struggling to pull only important information from the text--they want to write it ALL down! We are taking our time and building this important skill together. I also returned the Map Quiz from Tuesday. Students may elect take the re-test of the Map Quiz on Monday or Tuesday of next week during Smart Block.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post); Study Guide (due Friday)
Materials:
Friday, September 21st
Class: We worked diligently to complete our notes for Chapter 1 in our textbook. We also completed our first notebook check. Grades are already in PowerSchools.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post)
Materials:
Week of 9/10/18 through 9/14/18
Monday, September 10th
In Class: We will answer the question "How did civilizations start?" and define new vocabulary. We will analyze information on the 1st people groups (linked), breaking into groups to summarize the information and present it to one another.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post)
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Tuesday, September 11th
In Class: We conducted a plus/delta on our group work from yesterday. Each core class shared great insights into what went well and what we could improve. We also used our learning about longitude and latitude to track Hurricane Florence. We watched a video on early migration patterns (click on blue words to access rubric and video).
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post)
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Wednesday, September 12th
In Class: We will finish our summaries on early people groups and will present our learning to the class. Students will take notes from each group's presentation. We did not have enough time to self-evaluate our groups using the rubric linked here--this work will be done when we return to school next week.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post)
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Thursday, September 13th--SCHOOL HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post)
Materials:
Friday, September 14th--SCHOOL HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post).
Materials:
Monday, September 10th
In Class: We will answer the question "How did civilizations start?" and define new vocabulary. We will analyze information on the 1st people groups (linked), breaking into groups to summarize the information and present it to one another.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post)
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Tuesday, September 11th
In Class: We conducted a plus/delta on our group work from yesterday. Each core class shared great insights into what went well and what we could improve. We also used our learning about longitude and latitude to track Hurricane Florence. We watched a video on early migration patterns (click on blue words to access rubric and video).
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post)
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Wednesday, September 12th
In Class: We will finish our summaries on early people groups and will present our learning to the class. Students will take notes from each group's presentation. We did not have enough time to self-evaluate our groups using the rubric linked here--this work will be done when we return to school next week.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post)
Materials: Devices will be needed; social studies notebook
Thursday, September 13th--SCHOOL HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post)
Materials:
Friday, September 14th--SCHOOL HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.
In Class:
Homework: Current Event due 9/28 (see earlier post).
Materials:
Week of 9/3/18 through 9/7/18
Monday, September 3rd
In Class: No School!!
Homework:
Materials:
Tuesday, September 4th
In Class: We will begin our study of the five (5) themes of geography by evaluating information from our textbook and taking notes. We will also introduce our monthly Current Events assignment. September's current event will be due on September 28th.
Homework: Current Events activity (due September 28th)--I will not list this every night.
Current Event guidelines
1) Due the last day of the month (September 28th)
2) Submit through Google Classroom (students can begin working on paper, and then type their assignment into Google Classroom once we get all the kinks worked out!)
3) Directions: We are studying ancient history through the GRAPES format. You have a month to find a current event of something happening around the world. You will need to read the article, summarize what the article is about; decide which area of GRAPES it falls into, and explain why you think so. Support your answer with evidence and don’t forget to attach your article. (pictures, scan, or link).
Materials: social studies textbook (in the classroom); We WILL use devices today
Wednesday, September 5th
In Class: We took a pre-test on the five themes of geography (only to guide instruction--not for a grade). We read information on the five themes from our textbook and answered questions as an Exit Ticket (Core 3 and Core 4 did not get to the questions).
Homework: Current Event due 9/28
Materials: No device needed
Thursday, September 6th
In Class: After reviewing information on geography, we will read closely an article that further explains the themes of geography and answer questions for a classwork grade.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28
Materials: No device needed
Friday, September 7th
In Class: We will discuss latitude and longitude as well as how to read a map.
Homework: "Push/Pull" activity sheet--due MONDAY at beginning of class--Click on BLUE words if you need an additional copy of the homework.
Materials: No device needed
Monday, September 3rd
In Class: No School!!
Homework:
Materials:
Tuesday, September 4th
In Class: We will begin our study of the five (5) themes of geography by evaluating information from our textbook and taking notes. We will also introduce our monthly Current Events assignment. September's current event will be due on September 28th.
Homework: Current Events activity (due September 28th)--I will not list this every night.
Current Event guidelines
1) Due the last day of the month (September 28th)
2) Submit through Google Classroom (students can begin working on paper, and then type their assignment into Google Classroom once we get all the kinks worked out!)
3) Directions: We are studying ancient history through the GRAPES format. You have a month to find a current event of something happening around the world. You will need to read the article, summarize what the article is about; decide which area of GRAPES it falls into, and explain why you think so. Support your answer with evidence and don’t forget to attach your article. (pictures, scan, or link).
Materials: social studies textbook (in the classroom); We WILL use devices today
Wednesday, September 5th
In Class: We took a pre-test on the five themes of geography (only to guide instruction--not for a grade). We read information on the five themes from our textbook and answered questions as an Exit Ticket (Core 3 and Core 4 did not get to the questions).
Homework: Current Event due 9/28
Materials: No device needed
Thursday, September 6th
In Class: After reviewing information on geography, we will read closely an article that further explains the themes of geography and answer questions for a classwork grade.
Homework: Current Event due 9/28
Materials: No device needed
Friday, September 7th
In Class: We will discuss latitude and longitude as well as how to read a map.
Homework: "Push/Pull" activity sheet--due MONDAY at beginning of class--Click on BLUE words if you need an additional copy of the homework.
Materials: No device needed
Week of 8/27/18 through 8/31/18
Monday, August 27th
In Class: Students participated in two welcome activities in order to begin building our classroom community. They also learned procedures for social studies class.
Homework: Students will need to return paperwork to their homeroom teacher.
Materials: None
Tuesday, August 28th
In Class: Students learned more about one another through a "Blobs or Lines" activity. We also shared our understanding of diversity, inclusion, and empathy.
Homework: Return signed forms to homeroom teacher if you have not done so.
Materials: Please bring your composition book to social studies on Wednesday.
Wednesday, August 29th
In Class: We built our skills in communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking (the 4 Cs) by doing the Chopstick (pencil) Challenge. Students began our study of geography by defining key vocabulary. We will continue this work on Thursday.
Homework: None
Materials: Social Studies composition book should be brought to class every day from here on.
Thursday, August 30th
In Class: Students will continue their work on vocabulary and will also write the Social Contract for our class.
Homework: Review Physical Features slides (LINKED HERE) and take notes in their social studies notebooks. Students should be prepared to discuss the information in the slides and share their notes. We will not have an opportunity to log in to Google Classroom before today, so students can use this website for their homework.
Materials:
Friday, August 31st
In Class: We will finish defining our 9 vocabulary words and will conduct a textbook scavenger hunt. We also plan to introduce the GRAPES method for studying history.
Homework: Enjoy the long weekend (make sure you read something!).
Materials: Students will need devices today.
Monday, August 27th
In Class: Students participated in two welcome activities in order to begin building our classroom community. They also learned procedures for social studies class.
Homework: Students will need to return paperwork to their homeroom teacher.
Materials: None
Tuesday, August 28th
In Class: Students learned more about one another through a "Blobs or Lines" activity. We also shared our understanding of diversity, inclusion, and empathy.
Homework: Return signed forms to homeroom teacher if you have not done so.
Materials: Please bring your composition book to social studies on Wednesday.
Wednesday, August 29th
In Class: We built our skills in communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking (the 4 Cs) by doing the Chopstick (pencil) Challenge. Students began our study of geography by defining key vocabulary. We will continue this work on Thursday.
Homework: None
Materials: Social Studies composition book should be brought to class every day from here on.
Thursday, August 30th
In Class: Students will continue their work on vocabulary and will also write the Social Contract for our class.
Homework: Review Physical Features slides (LINKED HERE) and take notes in their social studies notebooks. Students should be prepared to discuss the information in the slides and share their notes. We will not have an opportunity to log in to Google Classroom before today, so students can use this website for their homework.
Materials:
Friday, August 31st
In Class: We will finish defining our 9 vocabulary words and will conduct a textbook scavenger hunt. We also plan to introduce the GRAPES method for studying history.
Homework: Enjoy the long weekend (make sure you read something!).
Materials: Students will need devices today.