January 29, 2015 Class Update

Hey everyone!

I had such a great time in class today! And it wasn't just the candy. :)

I love getting to spend the first part of the day with you amazing scholars. Your insights into what we are studying, into the necessity to preserve our freedom, into your own abilities to help accomplish this, INSPIRE ME! It is so fun for Teacher Betty and me to be in class with you, and a privilege to help mentor you through this crucial and life-changing course.

In class today, we discussed the Preamble of the Constitution, analyzed it, defined unfamiliar words, and put it into our words. Remember, this is the pattern to follow as we study the rest of the Constitution.

We talked about the Articles of Confederation, under which the colonies operated for the first 10 years of rebellion and freedom. We discussed the weaknesses of the articles (remember?)

1 - No executive power to speak or act in time of emergency (i.e. the President sending troops to war)

2 - No federal judiciary w/ general jurisdiction to handle federal cases other than those re: boundary disputes, piracies and crimes at sea

3 - No means of enforcing the decrees of Congress (except to declare war on offending states)

4 - No means to regulate interstate commerce (caused problems after Revolutionary war)

5 - No power to regulate foreign commerce except through treaties

6 - No power to tax – armies dependent on states’ generosity

We talked of the Enlightenment philosopher, Charles de Secondat, the Baron of Montesquieu and his views on various forms of government, specifically monarchy, despotism, and a republic. We learned a unique characteristic of each type of government and what sets it apart from others. Who votes we change to a monarchical or despotic government?  :) Not I!


Today in class, we talked about upcoming presentations. Please see the revised list below:

Kaleigh - The Stamp Act - March 5th

Matthew - The Boston Tea Party - March 12th

Kenny - King George III - March 19th

Benjamin - Weaponry - March 26

Adam - Minutemen and Militia - April 9

David - Sons of LIberty - April 16

Hannah - Fashion in the Colonial Era - April 23

Archie - The Currency Act - April 30

Remember, as you prepare, plan on using about 10-20 minutes. We LOVE quizzes and games concerning your topic. YOU ARE such ENTERTAINING presenters! I look forward to what you will share with us in just over a month (Kaleigh). Studying now is a great idea!

Speaking of studying, this week you do have a few assignments:

1- Write a paper (shoot for one page!) on "Why America is Different" - what about our government's structure and conditions of our establishment make us unique? Here is a paragraph to get you started...it is only a jumping-off point, so a little more reading/research wouldn't hurt. A book that will be especially helpful, if your parents have it (they probably do) is Cleon Skousen's "A Five Thousand Year Leap." Here is the paragraph I promised you:

The establishment of the United States of America was a special event, because after the Revolution, the leaders of the nation took time to discuss the possible forms of government currently in use in the world, analyze their pros/cons, and analyze many political philosophies and governmental structures, including that of Ancient Israel and the Anglo-Saxon people (1500 years after Moses’ Exodus – about 1500 to 1300 BC).

2 - Write a paper (try to make your thoughts supported enough to fill a page!) on "Men of faith and character versus Men of knowledge" - which would you rather lead our country and why?

3 - Use your constitution journal to analyze and deconstruct Article 1, sections 1, 2 and 3. We will discuss next week!

4 - Prepare for FREEDOM FACTOR discussion next week. Finish up. Gather your thoughts/ideas about the book. Take notes about what impacted you and what new insights you have into the blessed and free state we enjoy in our nation today.

5 - Take a deep breath, look in the mirror and say, "I CAN DO HARD THINGS!"

I know this is a lot of work for one week. But let yourself be inspired by Mahatma Ghandi, who said:

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. 
Learn as if you were to live forever."

I can't wait to see how much you've learned next Thursday!

-Teacher Kelly

January 15, 2015 Class Update

You all were amazing!

Parent night was a great success. Teacher Betty and I were very impressed with how well you did at presenting your first oral recitation - in front of a room full of people, with a memorized statement. And the Declaration no less! You were wonderful, and inspiring.

In class this past week, we prepared for Parent Night, we learned the history behind tri-corner hats, and we got to create our very own! You all looked stunning, by the way. I was transported back in time watching you recite the Declaration!

We all chose presentations for the next semester. Please see below for your topics and dates! P.S. - Your presentation should include 2-4 pages of a written report. You can use the written report to present to the class, but visuals would be GREAT!

Kaleigh - The Stamp Act - March 5th

Matthew - The Boston Tea Party - March 12th

Kenny - King George III - March 19th

Benjamin - Weaponry - March 26

Adam - Minutemen and Militia - April 9

David - Fort Ticonderoga - April 16

Hannah - Fashion in the Colonial Era - April 23



Next week, David, Kaleigh and Benjamin will accompany Mrs. Keener and me to visit the Capitol. PLEASE BRING your permission slips, money and lunches. Teacher Betty will hold down the Key of Liberty fort with a fun lesson. I encourage you all to bring your Freedom Factor book! You may need it in class next week (not for a book discussion yet).

Teacher Betty will have something fun planned, I am sure!

This week, please keep working on reading The Freedom Factor.

GREAT JOB again, you guys. You are amazing scholars! We'll see you next week.  :)

-Teacher Kelly

January 8, 2015 Class Update

HOW FUN!

We had such a blast in class today. We talked about some amazing patriots of the American Revolution: men who gave EVERYTHING for their country. Nathan Hale and Thomas Sumter were amazing examples of what it truly means to be courageous, and be a statesman above a partisan politician. It would be wonderful if Washington D.C. resembled these men if just a little bit!

We discussed "Being George Washington" and had a quiz on the book's content. You all did a great job! Thank you for being prepared, for putting your time and energy into studying the book. The more participation we have, the more amazing the discussion.

I owe you cookies. I know. I will deliver next class! Nice job on the quizzes!

Lastly, we discussed next week's Parent Night assignments. PLEASE study your Declaration assignment for our presentation. For those who would like to do so, I would love for you to recite the Declaration in its entirety as well. You would do this at the end of our class recitation.

PLEASE let me know if you want to do that!

Also, please finish your hero reports/posters to bring for display at Parent's Night.

I am getting excited for our Capitol Trip! Congratulations to David Keener, Kaleigh Newlun, and Benjamin Poyer for completing all of the first semester requirements by the deadline and qualifying for the excursion. It is going to be a blast!

If you are all done with the above assignments, and are thirsting for more history, please begin reading the next book, "The Freedom Factor" by Gerald Lund. We will be discussing it January 29th.  :)

Happy week, and see you Thursday!