Week 9

I hope you all enjoyed watching The Winter Patriots as much as I did! I know some of the battle details can get a little tedious if you're not into that sort of thing, but seeing the maps and troop movements can really give you some perspective on the war. Considering the size of our nation today, all the most popular battles of the revolution were fought in a relatively small land area, so the war was very close to home (sometimes at home!) for most colonists. I imagine every colonist probably felt they were personally involved in the war, which is probably why Thomas Paine's American Crisis paper inspired so many colonists to stay in the fight. Here's some food for thought, that maybe we can discuss in class next week: Have you ever felt connected to or affected by a situation that didn't involve you personally? Maybe a circumstance with a friend or family member, or an event that was making news? Think about it, and we'll share in class.

Assignments this week:

Opinion Paper: "For though the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire." Is this a true statement? What does this statement mean to you?

Parent Night: Please be thinking about a presentation idea for parent night that will wow them, make them laugh, cry, or all of the above! You had some good ideas last week; just remember that we'll only have about 10-15 minutes to present.

Declaration of Independence: Do your best to get as much of this document memorized as possible over the break! Looking at it only once or twice a week WILL NOT be enough! After speaking to teacher Genne, Mrs. Brennan and I decided we would let you pass off the Declaration one section at a time to make it a less formidable. So shoot to have through the Statement of "Petitioned" done by next Thursday, 12/1. Again, if you email me BEFORE then and tell me you have it memorized to that point, I will bring you a yummy treat!

Reading: Being George Washington by Glenn Beck. To be discussed on January 5th, with Leila leading our discussion.

Presentations: Thanks Reina, for the presentation on Betsy Ross! Now we know why the stars on the flag have 5 points! Next week, we look forward to hearing from Ethan on the role of the Navy in the Revolutionary War. The words "I have not yet begun to fight!" come to mind...

I think that's all for now! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and in the spirit of the holiday I will say that I am very grateful for the opportunity I have to be your mentor for Key of Liberty, and for each of you and your participation in this class. You guys make learning and teaching really enjoyable for me! Thank you!

-Mrs. Hellyer