May 18, 2007
Yes, it's the last week of school, but we're still involved in dynamic learning opportunities. Students should have turned their books in by now and will have taken their final exams. Notebooks can be cleaned out.
At the first of the week we'll focus on the "SOCIAL ISSUES" of WORLD HUNGER and CHILD LABOR that not only pervade Africa, but also many areas of Asia that we have studied during the year.
Mid-week we'll shift to debate format,examining a variety of issues that American politicians must address---rapid transit, environmental concerns, benefits for working mothers, social spending, crime, lotteries,legal reform, immigration, socialized medicine, and a number of other political issues. As you know, your middle schooler enjoys expressing his/her opinion.
WEDNESDAY during DEAR we'll read an interesting article called "Smuggled to America" about a teenager whose parents paid to get him out of China and into America in hopes of a better life. He spent years paying for their decision.
Posted by Glenn at 03:42 PM
May 11, 2007
Since all grade levels have Field Day this week we'll have some schedule alterations and special group activities during regular connections time.
MONDAY: Book report museums will be set up and then we'll have a lesson on Child Labor in Africa. Students will present role plays from the various aspects of the child labor problem-UNICEF, former child slave, former child trafficker, and government official.
TUESDAY: We'll have a a chance to see museums from other classes and students will present theirs. View the attached rubric. Download file
WEDNESDAY: FIELD DAY
THURSDAY: KENTE cloth is due today. Students will take an open note test on African economics and government. This will count as their last test grade.
FRIDAY: I will be out today. Students will have a lesson on the OAU, Organization of Africa Unity, and a number of other organizations that aid in the development of Africa.
Posted by Glenn at 03:42 PM
May 04, 2007
MONDAY we'll begin our study of African government with a lesson on the ethnic problems that African countries have had after being freed from colonial rule.
TUESDAY As we study Foreign Involvement students will be able to explain the effect that world rivalries and foreign intervention has had on the governments of independent African nations. Students will explore further to understand the effects that civil wars and ethnic violence have had on children and other civilians.
WEDNESDAY DEAR today....don't forget NEXT MONDAY our Class Museum book reports are due!!! Dissecting Dictatorships is the lesson today and we'll learn why many African countries became dictatorships in the years after colonial rule ended.
THURSDAY Emerging Democracies is the topic today as we examine how some governments are successfully moving to democracies in Africa.
FRIDAY Students will recognize similarities and differences between the Kingdom of Morocco's government and other African governments as we study this unique government. The OAU (Organization of African Unity) role in Modern Africa will also be explored.
Homework: WordSearch on Government terms
Posted by Glenn at 03:41 PM
May 01, 2007
Download file Our final book report will be due MONDAY, MAY 14, and is on Africa. While a couple of selections are about Egypt, most are about problems associated with apartheid in South Africa. This is a group project, although students will also be evaluated for their personal contribution. Groups should be of three or four students and they all should read the same book. The project description is attached along with a photo from last year's projects. Students will create a "museum" of artifacts and cards to be displayed against a backdrop. It's one of their favorite projects, and as you can see from years before, quite beautiful! It's a way I can remember students as well as I see their artifacts in our classroom museum from year to year.
Book selections include Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw and Beverly Naidoo's books on apartheid, Chain of Fire, No Turning Back and The Other Side of the Truth. Students may select their own book for approval from me. It is important to remember that these books are not selected for their reading level, but for the historical and cultural content.
Posted by Glenn at 01:49 PM
