Welcome Back Everyone! Here we are at the beginning of another school year. I will update here from time to time, but as the students are in 8th grade they are responsible for checking their agenda/homework boards, as well as, Google Classroom. I am excited to teach something I love and enjoy so much!
8White is continuing to work on their Civics Action Projects each Friday. Students recently completed drafting their letters to their intended recipients. Students collaborated to create surveys on Google Forms and petitions the old fashioned way:). Topics range from inside the school walls: more nutritious lunches to bringing back Activity Block to the Burlington community: lights on Wildwood Park to bettering the dog park. Anything for our beloved furry friends!
In addition, the students are continuing their studies on state and local government. It's not the most exciting topic, but the students have enjoyed learning about how their own town government is structured.
8White has completed their study of the Constitution and the branches of government. When we began the Constitution we brushed upon Article 1-3 of the Constitution, but were able to dive into each branch more extensively over the course of the last month. Students will continue their focus on citizenship in their academic studies for class, as well as, their Civic-Action projects. Stay tuned for topic reveals!
This past week, we began our 6 stage Civic-Action project. We will be working together every Friday in class to navigate through each stage. Currently, students were given their groups and were able to discuss local issues and concerns they have, as well as brainstorm, how to take action in solving these issues.
This project is part of the State's mandated Frameworks. This is our first year implementing the project so it is new for the teachers as well. Please reach out with any questions, comments or concerns you may have at any point!
After finishing the American Revolution classes began studying the Articles of Confederation; we spent time identifying the weaknesses and strengths of the document which has led to the our study of the Constitution. Students are now able to describe the views of Federalists and Anti-Federalists. We are now in the process of studying the three different parts of the Constitution: the Preamble, Articles and Amendments. As you can imagine, we will be here for a bit:) Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!
With one month down and 8 to go, we are now embarking on life in the American Colonies which will bring us to their growing resentment against Britain. We spent September studying the roots of our democracy with Ancient Rome, Greece and of course the great Enlightenment philosophers.
Welcome to 8th Grade US HISTORY & CIVICS. I am excited to meet all of you and know we will have a great year despite the pandemic.