Assignments for November 18th, 2024

Quick Looks at Great Books

We spent time today going over the genealogy sheet I gave the students last week. Then we went over the entire Chronolog to review for our test. We played a really close game to review all the details of A Tale of Two Cities. We didn’t have much time left, so we will take the test on the book at the beginning of class next week. Just remember all that we reviewed today and ask any questions you may have before we begin the test. Students also received a new study guide for our next book—Silas Marner by George Eliot. Because we will be taking our test on the first book next week, we will not start on our new book yet. We went over the lives of Charles Dickens and George Eliot. We will have a short ten question quiz on their lives next Monday. Also, complete the following three terms in your Literary Terms notebook:

• Characters and Characterization (pages 52-53)
• Flashback (pages 62-63)
• Foreshadowing (pages 64-65)

You have no assignment yet in Silas Marner, but if you want to begin reading the first two or three chapters, you will have fewer to read next week!

Watch this last 60 second recap on the last of the plot in A Tale of Two Cities.

American History

We did a review game of Chapters 7-9 and included questions for the Review portion of the test. There were 50 questions (as usual) for the test on Chapters 7-9 and 25 questions to review all the important facts we have learned so far. Students will receive their graded tests back next week, and based on our review, I think they did really well! We assigned (volunteer) oral reports on the first five Presidents. They can do those next week if they’d like. If not, they will be due the following week on November 25. If you would still like one, please email me. We have one left. For next week, read Chapters 10 and 11. I will talk them through and give you what you should know on the Chapter Review pages. (These chapters are a little shorter than the normal ones!)

Watch the following short video about the Era of Good Feelings.

U.S. Government

The students handed in their election worksheets, and we had a great discussion of the various aspects of the election. They had great insights! We then went through the lessons on Immigration and Citizenship. We took a sample Citizenship test which all aliens must take in the naturalization process. It’s not for a grade, but I’m eager to see how they did and if they “passed” as a U.S. citizen! Of course, they are natural born citizens, but it’s fun to see what has to be done and what they must know about our history and government to become a naturalized citizen. For next week, complete Lessons 16 (The Law) and Lesson 17 (Trial) We will then cover the last of the three branches of government—Judicial. The answers are here for the crossword pages on for Lesson 16 The Law and Lesson 17 Trial. The Law and Trial definitely go with the Supreme Court since all of our justices are lawyers!

PSAT/SAT/ACT Test Prep

Today we went over the quiz they received back from last week, took questions, and took one more grammar quiz today. They have learned lots of rules, and I hope it helps on our upcoming test. We went over the results of the grammar quiz before we took the final test to make sure they would not miss anything that was on that quiz.

For next week, we will take the ACT Math test. I think they will find it more like what they have studied in math classes in school. On page 37 in your notebook, look over exactly what the Math Test covers. If you have not had some classes, just guess and move on! Also, look over the formulas that are covered on the test on page 47. If you find you’re not sure of how to do any of these, ask your math teacher. You will not be given the formulas on the test.

Adventures in American Literature

The students received last week’s quiz back, and they all did an excellent job! For next week, read Chapters 13-18 in The Scarlet Letter and answer questions 30-42. We will again discuss all the chapters before we take the quiz. We are nearing the book’s conclusion, so be prepared!

Watch this 60 second recap on the symbols in The Scarlet Letter.

Previous Assignments for School Year 2024 – 2025:

• Assignments for 11/11/2024
• Assignments for 11/04/2024
• Assignments for 10/28/2024
• Assignments for 10/21/2024
• Assignments for 10/14/2024
• Assignments for 10/07/2024
• Assignments for 09/30/2024
• Assignments for 09/23/2024
• Assignments for 09/16/2024

 

DON’T FORGET TO REMIND EVERYONE TO VOTE THIS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5!! Voter information for parents and adults.

Assignments for November 11th, 2024

Quick Looks at Great Books

We finished our covering of Chapter 10 and how it is that Dr. Manette is the third person to denounce Charles Darnay. Why did this happen and how was Dr. Manette’s letter found in the first place? After taking Quiz #5, we talked about what happened in the remaining chapters.

If students had questions, they were to ask, but I wanted to make sure that everyone understood exactly what had happened. Students were given a review “Chronolog” to complete for next week’s review. They were also given a genealogy to peruse in case they didn’t get all of the connections of each of the characters. We will have a final review next week and our final test. Please have your questions ready and listen to each person’s question in the game. We will also discuss the novels by Dickens and his life.

Watch this scene from the finale of the story.

Watch this 60 second recap of the characters of this story.

American History

We discussed Chapter 9 today and Thomas Jefferson’s 2 terms. We ended with the War of 1812 and James Madison’s Presidency. I gave them the terms they needed to know for Chapter 9. For Chapters 7-9, study just the Chapter Review terms I gave you. We will also have a review of Chapters 1-6. Those questions will come directly from Tests One and Two. Please study those two tests as a review, concentrating especially on any you missed. The Jeffersonian Era was an exciting time as was James Madison’s Presidency!

Watch this song that tells of the Battle of New Orleans.

U.S. Government

Just a note to parents—students should ask the same questions they answered on the different views of conservatives and liberals to their parents. Of course, there was no grade on this—just their opinions. It will be fun to compare the parents’ vs the students’ answers!

They all received their first test back in class today. (Voting, Electoral College, Political Parties, President, and Vice-President) Happily, we had over half of the class make some kind of A!! (Three actually made a perfect paper—many missed just one!!)

We then planned for Election Night. (Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024) Please, if at all possible, watch the election returns with your student. They have an Election Map with all the current Electoral votes listed for each state. Once a state has been called (winner has been announced), they should color that state as red or blue (like they see on TV). They also have one other sheet to complete (both sides). On the first side, there are seven states that have been called “swing states” for the 2024 election. (Battleground states—these have been visited repeatedly by the candidates.) They should check the winner for each of these states, and they should also complete the total popular vote when that total is announced. On the back of that sheet is listed important Senate races that are too close to call. It is very important which party has a majority in the two houses of the Legislative Branch of our government. Watch these races particularly, and complete which of each house as the majority. One-third of the Senators are up for re-election every two years. Please email me if you have any questions at all on what to do on Election Night. If some of the decisions are not made by the time students go to bed, they can check any channel the next morning. Even though these are tight races, they will be sure to be done and tabulated by next Monday! Be sure the name of each student is on the paper and that it is turned in to me on next Monday.

Make this as fun as possible for your students. A special or favorite meal or something red, white, or blue is always fun. Also, have favorite snacks available throughout the night as they gather information. The election will be covered on all the channels. If you don’t have cable, you can always use the internet or Youtube.

The students turned in a prediction of who will win along with the candidate’s electoral votes (270 to win). We will have a prize for the one who is the closest. What a great election to be a part of! Have fun together as you go through this Presidential season.

Parents, don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 if you have not done so already. Every vote DOES count, especially in a battleground state like Michigan!!

PSAT/SAT/ACT Test Prep

Today we spent the entire period doing a quiz and Practice Test English exercises. We took a grammar quiz as well, covering the ACT’s 12 Most Frequent Errors. The students were also given several sheets of grammar rules. Study pages 24-27 in your notebooks. (lists of PSAT grammar rules) We will have one last quiz next week before we take the ACT Grammar Test. (45 minutes) Then we will go on to review for the Math test the following week.

Adventures in American Literature

The students received their introductory quiz back from last week, which they all did very well on. We then went through all the assigned study guide questions on the chapters of the book (The Scarlet Letter) that they read for today. They seemed to understand everything really well, despite the 1600’s language and wordiness! For next week, read Chapters 7-12 and answer the study guide questions 15-28. We will discuss the chapters and study guide questions before we take the quiz.

Watch this reinforcement of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s life.

Previous Assignments for School Year 2024 – 2025:

• Assignments for 11/04/2024
• Assignments for 10/28/2024
• Assignments for 10/21/2024
• Assignments for 10/14/2024
• Assignments for 10/07/2024
• Assignments for 09/30/2024
• Assignments for 09/23/2024
• Assignments for 09/16/2024

 

DON’T FORGET TO REMIND EVERYONE TO VOTE NEXT TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5!! Voter information for parents and adults.

Assignments for November 4th, 2024

Quick Looks at Great Books

We discussed Chapters 1-9 today and will begin with the last chapter they read (Chapter 10) next week. We went over lots of explanations and examples of literary terms. For next week, finish the book (Book 3—Chapters 11-15).

As we discuss the revelation of third accuser, we find Dr. Manette going to look for his shoemaking bench! Sydney Carton has blackmailed John Barsad (Solomon Pross) with the help of Jerry Cruncher. The plot thickens, and things move very quickly to their conclusion. We will cover Chapter 10, take Quiz #5, then move on to the book’s conclusion. Enjoy the surprises and your reading. Did you expect the ending?

American History

We went over Chapters 7 and 8 and the problems occurring in the colonies. I gave the students a list of things to know from the Chapter Review page. For next week, read Chapter 9. We will then be ready for Test #3 on Chapters 7-9, plus a review of the first six chapters.

Watch this short video on the Louisiana Purchase.

U.S. Government

We passed back last week’s two quizzes and took any questions. I wanted to make sure they could look over their papers so that they should not miss the same things again! Then we played a game review (with two teams) before we took our test on Voting, the Electoral College, Political Parties (Republican and Democrat), President, and Vice-President. Then we took our test over the material. I expect them to do well. They were very attentive during the game review! Next week, we will pass out sheets to complete during the Election coverage next Tuesday, November 5. Your homework then will be to watch the election and fill out the sheets you were given. Hopefully, your parents will help you with each project.

For next week, complete Lesson 15 on the Supreme Court. Here are the answers to Lesson 15 the Supreme Court.

Watch this tour of the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.

PSAT/SAT/ACT Test Prep

Today we did practice tests for the ACT English test. After that review, we took a quiz practicing the 12 frequently missed errors on the ACT test. (The students received their final PSAT math tests back, along with answer explanations for each question. They also received their answer sheets and final score.)

For next week, study pages 24-27 in your notebooks (grammar rules of all kinds). We will have a quiz on these specific rules. Also, you were given a practice English test to do at home this week. Bring that back with you for us to go over in class. After our quiz, we will go over all the correct answers so that you won’t miss the same things on the standardized test. Each student will receive a new answer sheet for the ACT tests, and we will begin with the grammar test. (The most easily improved test we take.)

Adventures in American Literature

The students received their graded tests from last week, and all questions were answered. Then before the introductory quiz on “The Custom House” summary and pages 2-10 in your study guides, we went over every page. After the quiz we finished some work in our text.

For next week, begin The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Read Chapters 1-6 and answer the study guide questions 1-14. We will discuss the chapters and questions before we take the quiz. Enjoy your trip to the 1600s in Boston!

Previous Assignments for School Year 2024 – 2025:

• Assignments for 10/28/2024
• Assignments for 10/21/2024
• Assignments for 10/14/2024
• Assignments for 10/07/2024
• Assignments for 09/30/2024
• Assignments for 09/23/2024
• Assignments for 09/16/2024

Assignments for October 28th, 2024

Quick Looks at Great Books

We finished going over the majority of last week’s reading so that they could take the quiz. After the quiz, we started on today’s reading. We went through Chapters 20-24 in the study guide, the book, and added information. Then we took Quiz #4 after answering questions. For next week, begin Book 3 (final book) Chapters 1-10 and answer the study guide questions 59-72. The plot hastens and a lot happens as Darnay makes his way back to France amid unexpected response from the French Revolutionaries.

American History

We did a game review of Chapters 4-6. Students did a great job with only one point separating the two teams! Then we took Test #2 on those chapters we had reviewed.

For next week, read the rest of Chapter 7—pages 97-103. Then read Chapter 8—The Federalist Area.

Watch this brief video about an event that led to the writing of the Constitution.

U.S. Government

We reviewed for our two quizzes and then took both Quiz #3 and the quiz on the Electoral College. Then we began to cover all the lessons on our test next week—Voting, Electoral College, Political Parties (Republican and Democrat), President, and Vice-President. Next week, we will review with a game those same lessons before we take our test. In addition to reviewing for the test, also complete Lessons 13 and 14. Here are the Crossword answers for those two lessons on Immigration Lesson 13 and Citizenship Lesson 14 —a common area of discussion currently.)

PSAT/SAT/ACT Test Prep

Students received their PSAT Math tests back along with an explanation for all the correct answers to file for later review. Then we took our final PSAT Math test. (No Calculator, shorter version) Then we began studying and reviewing for the grammar portion of the ACT test. We began a practice ACT test (to get used to the format) and went over pages 41 and 42, which cover the TWELVE CLASSIC GRAMMAR ERRORS ON THE ACT. These rules are ALWAYS on the tests and are the most frequently missed. Students can raise their overall score by improving their ability to recognize and deal with these common errors.

Adventures in American Literature

We reviewed all the legendary characters from our reports last week. We then watched a Disney video which had a version of the American folk heroes. Then we took our first test on all that we have covered so far—people, works, literary terms, and tall tale figures.

For next week, read the summary you were given on Hawthorne’s Custom House and the first ten pages in your new red study guide for The Scarlet Letter. After thoroughly discussing both, we will have a short quiz on the author’s life and the background of the novel.

Watch this video about Casey Jones, one American hero we did not have time to watch today.

Previous Assignments for School Year 2024 – 2025:

• Assignments for 10/21/2024
• Assignments for 10/14/2024
• Assignments for 10/07/2024
• Assignments for 09/30/2024
• Assignments for 09/23/2024
• Assignments for 09/16/2024

Assignments for October 21st, 2024

Quick Looks at Great Books

We finished our discussion of the last two chapters of last week’s reading and started on today’s. It’s the shortest reading yet, including the conclusion to Book 2—Chapters 20-24. Answer the study guide questions 53-58. We will make all the connections possible and discuss the uses of the literary terms we have discussed.

American History

We quickly reviewed for our quiz on Chapter 4 and then took the ten-point objective quiz. We then discussed the last half of Chapter 5 and all of Chapter 6. The War for Independence has been won! Next week, we will do a game review of Chapters 4-6 and take the test on these chapters. The students did a good job on our first test on Chapters 1-3. Read half of Chapter 7 pages 88-07. (through 7.2)

Watch the Continental Army as it spent the winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge with General Washington.

U.S. Government

We had the Powerpoint on “Understanding the Electoral College” at the beginning of our class. Then we passed back quizzes and Conservative vs Liberal sheets. We reviewed for our Quiz #3 and all that it covered. We ran out of time to take the quiz itself, so we will do that at the beginning of our next class. The two new questions added to this quiz are as follows: the number of years in a Presidential term and the term for Supreme Court justices.

Next class, we will also have a short ten-question True/False quiz on the Electoral College. Study the sheet from which you took notes today from the Powerpoint and watch the following video. The quiz will come from those two sources.

Also, for next week, complete Lessons 11 and 12 in your text. (President and Vice-President) These are the answers for the Crossword Lesson 11 page 41 and Lesson 12 page 45. Next week, we will catch up on the lessons you have done that we have not yet gone over.

PSAT/SAT/ACT Test Prep

The students received the first half of the PSAT verbal section with a scaled score. They also received a list of correct answers with an explanation of how to come to that conclusion for their future reference and study. We then took the “With Calculator” Math test after we had gone over the directions, formulas, and “Grid-in” procedures. It was a 45-minute test, so they have now completed the long portion of this test. Next week, they will do the second half of the Math test, which is the “No Calculator” section. There are 13 questions with 4 “Grid-in” your own answers. Then students will be able to see their scaled score for the entire test. On page 36 in your notebook, a website is given to practice for the math test. Do practice questions in each of the four areas: heart of algebra, problem-solving and data analysis, passport to advanced math, and additional topics in math.

Since next week’s test is only 25 minutes, we will review and have a quiz on the correct usage of verbs. Look over page 38 on “Using Principal Parts of Irregular Verbs.”

Adventures in American Literature

The students did a great job today telling about a number of legendary “tall tale” heroes and heroines of American literary history. Next week, we will have a test on the same characters and descriptions as last time (Study the previous test you got back today.) as well as the literary terms we have had thus far, and the “tall tale” characters we talked about today. This last section will be matching as well. We will do the Acrostic in your text to review what we have covered thus far. You will need to secure a copy of The Scarlet Letter by two weeks from today. (Oct. 28)

I will give you a summary of “The Custom House”. You will just need to read the summary—not the entire 50 pages if that is in your book.

Watch another short video about one of our tall tale heroes.

Previous Assignments for School Year 2024 – 2025:

• Assignments for 10/14/2024
• Assignments for 10/07/2024
• Assignments for 09/30/2024
• Assignments for 09/23/2024
• Assignments for 09/16/2024

Assignments for October 14th, 2024

Quick Looks at Great Books

We continued the discussion of our book with Book 2 Chapters 1-9. It is now 1780 — five years later than when the book began. We met some new characters and reconnected with others five years later. We will finish our discussion of the last two chapters and then take Quiz #2. For next week, read Chapters 10-19 and answer the study guide questions 32-52. We will continue to discuss the chapters and continue to watch sections of the DVD. Quiz #3 is our next check on your reading.

American History

We reviewed for air test today by going over all the designated items in the three Chapter Reviews. Then we took our test on the first three chapters of our history text. The students were given what they needed to know from each chapter. Then we went over Chapters 4 and 5, focusing on the terms they needed to know. We will have a ten-question multiple choice quiz on Chapter 4. When we went over those things to know, we mentioned any important events they may need to know from Chapter 5. Also, for next week, read the last of the next three chapters — Chapter 6. We will go through that chapter and begin to prepare for our test. (Chapters 4-6)

Watch the following video of an important battle in the American Revolution — The Battle of Trenton.

U.S. Government

We briefly reviewed the material for Quiz #2 and then took the quiz. I forgot to have them put on their test, whether or not they watched last week’s Vice-Presidential debate. I was pleasantly surprised that nearly the entire class had seen it, and I hadn’t even reminded them of it! We discussed what they learned from the debate and some of its highlights. We began the lesson of Voting and will finish it next week. They did fill out a sheet that I will give them back next week to determine their views on a variety of subjects. We will also cover next week the Electoral College and how it works. They really need to know this as they will see it in action in a very few weeks. We talked about the seven swing states that will decide this election. They are extremely informed, and that is a credit to you, their parents! Look for next week’s video on the Electoral College and swing states as well. This will build upon our PowerPoint presentation in class. Next week, complete Lessons 9 and 10 on the Political Parties of the United States. See the crossword answers for Lesson 9 “The Republic Party” and Lesson 10 “The Democrat Party” are here.

We will also have Quiz #3 next week. It will cover the ten amendments they were given to learn (matching), the seven articles of the Constitution (matching), and a number of other key facts that we have continually covered.

Watch this video about how the Bill of Rights was added to our Constitution.

PSAT/SAT/ACT Test Prep

We reviewed last week’s quiz on irregular verbs and answered any questions they had. We then completed a page practicing troublesome verb usages. We went over the Practice Tests in their notebooks so that they would know exactly what to expect on the test. We took a quick quiz on the verbs again, and they showed much improvement! Then we took the second test on the English half of the PSAT test. (35 minutes) Next week they will receive the test back as well as a scaled score (200-800) for that half of the test. They also will receive a list of correct answers and explanations to file for future study for that test. Then we will go over the expectations for the Math test and how to grid in your own answers before we begin that test. You have no homework due next week, unless you want to review some of your math formulas.

Adventures in American Literature

We reviewed all of Ben Franklin’s inventions and even talked about the “orderly” 13 virtues of this man as well. We then watched 2 scenes from the musical 1776 and how it portrayed our founding fathers. We took the first quiz, which was entirely matching. The students will receive these back next Monday. We then went over Phillis Wheatley (the first female black poet) and the essay by J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur, “What Is an American?” We will review with the Acrostic next week.

For next week, read pages 47-51 and answer those questions that follow each section. Also, be prepared to present orally to the entire class the report on the “tall tale” hero or heroine that you were assigned in class. (If you cannot remember that character, email me.)

Watch this brief video song about one of the assigned characters.

Previous Assignments for School Year 2024 – 2025:

• Assignments for 10/07/2024
• Assignments for 09/30/2024
• Assignments for 09/23/2024
• Assignments for 09/16/2024

Assignments for October 7th, 2024

Quick Looks at Great Books

We discussed all of the chapters that you read and answered the study guide questions. We even referred to the book itself for many descriptions. Then, we watched the DVD of Book 1. We ran out of time to take our quiz! We will take the quiz next class at the beginning of the hour. Then we’ll discuss the next chapters. For next week, read Book 2, Chapters 1-9 and answer questions 15-31 in your study guide. We will list the main characters and take the second quiz on the book.

American History

We finished Chapter 3, and I gave the students all the things they needed to know from the Chapter Review. We then reviewed the numbers to know in the Chapter Reviews of Chapters 1 and 2. Study for our first test on Chapters 1-3 for next week. (You have already studied Chapter 1 and part of Chapter 2 for today’s quiz. You’re over half-way there!) Also, read Chapter 5 in your text, and we will go over Chapters 4 and 5 after your test. In Chapter 6, we will read about the Revolutionary War itself.

Watch this video about the French and Indian War.

U.S. Government

Today, we went over the lessons on Congress, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. We also went over the Bill of Rights and a sheet outlining each of Amendments 11-27. The students were given the ten amendments they need to know for our quiz two weeks from today. Next week, we will add the seven articles of the Constitution and what each of the articles is about. Next week we will have a quiz on Lessons 3 and 4, but not on the amendments, just on the terms in the lessons other than that. There will also be the same fill-in-the-blanks questions as on our first quiz, with the addition of 3 new questions: the number of U.S. Senators, the number of U.S. Representatives, and the number of Supreme Court Justices. You can study all of these from your last quiz or from the blue sheet you were given to add to your notebook on the three branches of government. Also, complete Lesson 8 on Voting. As we cover that, we will also have a slide show on our Electoral College.

Lesson 8 Crossword Answers (PDF)

Watch the following video to review the Senate and the House of Representatives.

PSAT/SAT/ACT Test Prep

We reviewed the Principal Parts of Verbs once again and then took the quiz to review for our upcoming PSAT Writing test. We will then go over the graded quizzes next week before we take the final English test. We will also have another quiz on the grammar rules in your notebook and the verb errors. We will make sure the students understand these before we take the test. Please complete the sample grammar PSAT test in your notebook: Electroconvulsive Therapy on pages 31-33 and Resumes on pages 34 and 35. (Answer the questions following each passage.) After we have gone over these two practice tests, we will be ready to take the PSAT Writing Test. (35 minutes)

Adventures in American Literature

We started with the ballads for the Revolutionary War.  Ballads are poems that are written to be sung.  You can see why these would incite enthusiasm and excitement for freedom!  We then started with Ben Franklin and his organizational skills.  Maybe he accomplished so much because of his orderly life!  We talked about his almanack as well. I collected the aphorism assignment, and I’m excited to go through them!  Also, for next Monday, we will have our first quiz, which will be all matching.  Just review from the beginning of your text:  John Smith was in charge of the Jamestown colony, William Bradford was in charge of the Plymouth colony and wrote the first history book, Edward Taylor was the first major poet even though his poems were not published until the 1930s, Anne Bradstreet was the first female American poet, Jonathan Edwards was associated with The Great Awakening with his famous sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”, Abigail Adams was famous for the legacy of letters she left, Patrick Henry was famous for his speech, “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death,” and Thomas Paine for his pamphlets, particularly Common Sense.  Also, review the first four literary terms that we went over as well as alliteration.

Also for next week, read the following selections in your text:  Phillis Wheatley’s poem and questions on pages 37-40, “What Is an American? by Crevecoeur and the subsequent questions on pages 41 and 42, and the Acrostic on pages 44 and 45.  We will do a lot of the pages in class together. Be ready to explore the “tall tales” that Americans created to explain many things they had no explanation for and secure a copy of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Previous Assignments for School Year 2024 – 2025:

• Assignments for 09/30/2024
• Assignments for 09/23/2024
• Assignments for 09/16/2024

Assignments for September 30th, 2024

Quick Looks at Great Books

We reviewed the French Revolution and the pages they read in their study guides. Then we took the Introduction Quiz over those things included in the novel as well. We went over the background material for A Tale of Two Cities.

For next week, begin the novel by reading Book 1—Recalled to Life. (Chapters 1-6) Then answer the questions in your study guide on pages 40 and 41. (Questions 1-14) We will discuss all that you have read before we take the quiz.

Watch the following recap of The French Revolution as you begin the book.

American History

We finished going through Chapter 2 and went over the Chapter Review on pages 36 and 37. I had the students circle the names and terms they needed to know for the test on Chapters 1-3. For next Monday, be prepared for a quiz on Chapter 1. (and part of Chapter 2) We started discussing Chapter 3 and will finish next week. We will review for the test on Chapters 1-3 which will be the following week. (October 7) For next week, also read Chapter 4—Preparation for Independence. (a really short chapter In addition to going over the chapter, we will also review for our upcoming test.

We also played games to once again review the states and capitals. I can see a big difference in that they are beginning to learn them. (Those who knew none!)

Watch this brief video of The Great Awakening in American History.

U.S. Government

Many of the students forgot to ask their parents a special question: “Who is the most famous founding father that you never heard of?” They SHOULD be able to tell you the answer to this question.

We reviewed for our quiz, and I gave the students a page for the front of their textbooks. (The Three Branches of Government) We then took the quiz, and I think the students did really well! We went over Lesson 3 on The Constitution and also went over a sheet on the first ten amendments. (Bill of Rights) We will discuss the rest of the 27 amendments next week and also check Lesson 4.

For next Monday, complete three lessons in your textbook—Lessons 5, 6, and 7. Here are the crossword answers:

• Lesson 5: Congress
• Lesson 6: Senate
• Lesson 7: House

They will easily be able to finish the lessons with these words. We will talk more about that famous founding father and the Constitutional Convention next week.

Watch the following video about The Making of our Constitution.

Test Prep

We went over the last Practice Reading test in your notebooks (The Great Seal) and took any questions.
We then took our first PSAT Reading Test, putting the answers on an answer sheet. The students were able to keep the Reading Test in their notebooks for later study. I will let them see the graded answer sheets next week.

Next week, we will begin preparing for our second test which is on grammar. Students should review page 38 (Principal Parts of Irregular Verbs) for a quiz. After reviewing the sheet, we will go over all the rules in your notebooks and begin the practice tests. This is one area that I know the students can improve if they will study and review the rules. It may have been some time since they had a grammar class! Study, particularly, the irregular verbs lie/lay, sit/set, and swing. The quiz will involve choosing the correct form of the verb.

Adventures in American Literature

We covered and discussed the poems of Edward Taylor and Anne Bradstreet, Jonathan Edwards’s famous sermon, the letters of Abigail Adams, and the writings and speeches of Thomas Paine and Patrick Henry. They were also given a list of Literary Terms for this year, and we went over the first four since those we could see in today’s reading.

For next week, read and answer the questions about the songs written for the Revolution. (pages 27-30) Read Franklin’s Use of Time on page 31 and answer the questions on page 32. Answer the questions on page 33, and we will talk about your schedule. Read and answer the questions about Poor Richard’s Almanac on pages 34 and 35. Read Franklin’s aphorisms on page 36 and Google even more if you would like. Choose one to illustrate and explain. Give the literal meaning of the “proverb”, the idea expressed, and illustrate it with a picture. You will not be graded on your ability to draw. 🙂 Just do your best or use a computer image. Be ready to turn this in.

Watch this song illustrating the Revolutionary song.

Yankee Doodle

Revolutionary Tea

Previous Assignments for School Year 2024 – 2025:

• Assignments for 09/23/2024
• Assignments for 09/16/2024

Assignments for September 23rd, 2024

Quick Looks at Great Books

You did a fantastic job today on your reports! Many of you gave us new information about all of these subjects. You will receive a quiz grade for this report.

Next week, we will go over the pages in your purple study guide that you read for today. (pages 2-36) We will also finish the report for the person who was absent and then have a quiz over the material. As we discuss the pages in your study guide, I will make sure to go over all that is on the quiz. Your first assignment in A Tale of Two Cities will be given next week, unless you want to go ahead and start it. Otherwise, just review the pages in your study guide for the quiz next Monday.

Watch the following video to review the French Revolution.

American History

We reviewed in story form all of Chapter 1 and half of Chapter 2. At the end of Chapter 1 (Chapter 1 Review p. 14), I told the students what would be on the test by giving them what to study, When we finish Chapter 2, I will do the same. For next week, read Chapter 3, and we will discuss it after we finish the previous chapter.

Watch this brief video about John Peter Zenger and freedom of the press.

U.S. Government

Next week, we will have our first quiz on the terms in Lessons 1 and 2. Students should study pages 4 and 8 for the terms in these two lessons. (I say pages 4 and 8 because the quiz will be matching, taken directly from the definitions given there.) Actually, those terms were on each page of those two lessons. Also, I gave them exactly what the “fill-in the blanks” questions were. There are 10 of those and they can find all the answers on the three branches of government. They will receive a copy of this sheet to put in the front of their notebooks. I did tell them what each of the questions would be. Also, do the next two lessons in your workbook–The Constitution and the Bill of Rights. (Lessons 3 and 4)

In case you don’t know, and many parents don’t, this Tuesday is a federally recognized holiday–Constitution Day. Our Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787. Watch this brief video about the day and what it means to many.

Lastly, the students were supposed to ask their parents a question: “Who is the most famous founding father that you never heard of?” Maybe you know the answer to this because you have an older student who has taken this class. If not, your student should be able to give you the answer. If they don’t remember today, they will surely know after we study his life next week.

Here are the answers to the crosswords on pages 9 and 13. (Lessons 3 and 4) This will help them to complete the lessons for homework.

Lesson 3

Across                     Down

1. Bill of Rights      2. Implied
7. Rhode Island     3. Federalists
8. Delaware            4. Supreme Court
10. Madison           5. Amendments
11. Expressed         6. Confederation
12. Concurrent       7. Ratified
–                                9. Reserved
–                               10. Morris

Lesson 4

Across                     Down

1. Liquor                 2. Income
4. Black                   3. Women
5. Congress            4. Bails
9. Criminal             5. Civil
11. Religion            6. Eighteen
12. Soldiers            7. Trial
–                                8. Warrants
–                                10. Arms

Test Prep

We worked on the practice exercises today for the PSAT Reading Test that we will take in class next week. For next week, complete the final practice exercise on pages 19-22. (Excerpt is from a 2013 history article titled “The Great Seal.” ) Read the article and answer the ten questions that follow. (Just circle A, B, C, or D) We will go over the ten questions with the why of the answers before we take the timed test. This test is a full 60 minutes and the longest of the four PSAT tests.

Adventures in American Literature

We went over the pages of assignments for today. I was surprised that so many of them had personal associations with so many states! We also covered John Smith and William Bradford from the Jamestown and Plymouth colonies. I know this is an older form of English, but this is the earliest record of history we have.

For next week, read the poetry by Edward Taylor and answer the questions on pages 15 and 16. Then read the poetry by Anne Bradstreet on page 17, the sermon of Jonathan Edwards (“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”) on page 19 and answer the questions on page 20, and the letters by Abigail Adams and questions on pages 21-24. Lastly, read Patrick Henry’s famous speech to the Virginia legislature on pages 25 and 26 and answer the questions. (“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”)

Watch the following two short videos that Charles Kuralt did as he traveled.

Thomas Jefferson

Joseph Charles

Previous Assignments for School Year 2024 – 2025:

• Assignments for 09/16/2024

Assignments for September 16th, 2024

Quick Looks at Great Books

Today, we reviewed our procedures for the class and discussed the French Revolution, which is the setting for our first book. Each student received a study guide for A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens and a Literary Terms workbook. (Please bring a three-ring binder next week, if you did not today, to hold the pages.)

For next week, read pages 2-36 in your (purple) study guide. Also, please be prepared to share orally the report that you were assigned. (Let me know if you have any questions.) Find as much information as you can on your subject. You will only have to do one report, but you will hear lots of others on people and places in the French Revolution! Be prepared for a quiz over the extra information two weeks from today. (After we have finished our reports and discussed the pages.) In the time we had left, we watched a portion of the History Channel documentary of the French Revolution. Start securing a copy of A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. Let me know if you need me to bring you a copy to borrow next week.

American History

We had a great time going over some of the things we will cover this year in American History. Each student filled out a survey of things we will cover and any person/subject they would like to know more about. No grades—just for my information only. We also answered some questions about our flag and the original 13 colonies. Then we played a game to find out how much they remembered about our states and capitals. We had two students who seemed to know almost all of them!

For next week, read Lessons 1 and 2 in your History text. I will tell you what you will need to know from the Chapter Review at the end of each lesson. (Definitely not all of it—just those things that are most important.)

Watch this brief video to review those 13 original colonies.

U.S. Government

We had a super first day of class! We are living in most important times right now, and I love to be molding our future citizens. We played a game today, and we will play the same game at the end of the semester. I used to be discouraged at how little they know, but by the end of the semester they will know ALL these answers.

For next week, complete Lessons 1 and 2, which are both on Government terms. For each lesson I will give them answers on the first page, so they will have no reason not to know how to do the following pages. Complete pages 2-4 and pages 6-8. They received a text in class today and should just work from these pages in these lessons.
Here are the answers for the first page of Lessons 1 and 2. Just copy these answers into your notebook, and then complete the rest of the lessons.

Lesson 1

Across                         Down

1. Communism         2. Monarchy
5. Aristocracy           3. Fascism
6. Socialism              4. Common
7. Capitalism            8. Autocracy
9. Democracy           10. Cabinet
12. Civil                     11. Right Wing
14. Amendment       13. Law

Lesson 2

Across                         Down

1. Anarchism             2. Civil
3. Abdication            4. Bureaucracy
6. Dictator                 5. Habeus Corpus
9. Impeachment       7. Legislature
11. Conservatism      8. Liberalism
13. Executive             10. Due process
14. Amnesty              12. Autonomy

Adventures in American Literature

We had a great first day today. We got to know each other and played an American History game to see if they could put historical events in chronological order. American Literature was so dependent on what was going on around the writers.

For next week, in the text you were given, complete pages 3 and 4 with the help of your computer. (List all 50 states in alphabetical order.) We will add to that together next week. Then complete page 5, again using your computer if you need help. (List the 48 continental states on the map given.) On pages 6 and 7, read the story of “Godasiyo, The Woman Chief.” This was an oral legend passed down by the Seneca tribe in America. Then answer the questions on page 8 about that story. Also, the students were told ask their parents about the family’s roots. “Do you have a famous American in your family closet?” “Was your family name passed down or altered?” “Have your ancestors moved throughout the country for religious, ethnic, or racial reasons?” “What occupations did your ancestors have?” These were some of the questions we asked. Do you have anything you can tell your son or daughter about any of these, or what country you came from? Thanks for your help!

I look forward to getting to know each of the students as we explore our literature together.

Previous Assignments for School Year 2024:

• No previous assignments.