Week 9

Thanks so much to all the mentors who have helped out in our class while teacher Amber is out! We appreciate the assistance from both teachers Shannon, teacher Mary and teacher Lisa. You all had great input and are welcome to join us anytime!

Last week we watched an informative video on the crossing of the Delaware, and the Battle of Trenton. I hope you all appreciated the detailed maps and visual representations of troop movements in the video as much as I did. I think it helped me have a better understanding of that part of the war.

Please make sure you finish reading the American Crisis by Thomas Paine...maybe even read it with a parent or older sibling who can help you understand some of the more difficult language in it. Those papers were an influential part of turning the war around in favor of the Americans, so it's really helpful in understanding the colonists to know how "media" got them fired up. Think of the American Crisis papers in the same light as a "viral" video or a hashtag campaign today.

Your opinion paper topic this week comes from a quote in the American Crisis paper #1: "For though the flame of liberty may cease to shine, the coal can never expire." Is this a true statement? What does this statement mean to you? Please try to answer the questions given, and if you want to add more to it, even better!

Thanks to Emma and Hannah for their very interesting and informative presentations on Betsy Ross and the education of the founders. This week's presentations will be given by Ethan on the role of the Navy in the Revolutionary War, and by Micah on weaponry and battle tactics of the War. We're looking forward to these presentations!

Keep working on that Declaration of Independence (I'm working on it, too) and let's all try to reach our class goal of memorizing through the statement of "History" by this Thursday.

Happy studying!

-Mrs. Hellyer

Week 8

Last week we had a great discussion about overcoming roadblocks. We also discovered that the goals we have today and the challenges we face today are very similar to those of the colonists almost 250 years ago! See, people really are the same...we all have the same dreams and make the same mistakes, no matter what time period or culture we live in!

We had informative and entertaining (and delicious!) presentations given by Gabe and Micah. Thanks for sharing what you learned with us. We also appreciate the candy, but remember, presenters are not obligated to bring treats!

This week's presentations will be given by Emma (our last first-timer!) on Betsy Ross and the First Flag, and by Hannah on the Education of the Founders. We're looking forward to these young ladies' presentations!

Your opinion paper topic this week is, "How do you overcome roadblocks in your life?" You may want to talk with your families about this one; your parents and older siblings will probably have some experiences they can share.

Try your best to have through the Statement of Prudence of the Declaration of Independence (DoI) memorized by Thursday, and don't forget about using the DoI journal; I promise, it will help. I may even have a treat for you Thursday to help motivate you! We'll set a new class goal this week, too.

As always, email me or teacher Amber if you have any questions, comments, or if you need any help with your papers or award requirements.

See you all Thursday!

-Mrs. Hellyer

Week 7

First off, a very special CONGRATULATIONS to teacher Amber and the whole Keener family on the birth of their new baby boy, Steele, born early Sunday morning. We can't wait to meet him! Get lots of rest, teacher Amber, and enjoy your break!

Thanks to Ethan and Gabe for the informative--and entertaining--presentations this week! Gabe's was, in particular, appropriately gory; just in time for Halloween!

This week's opinion paper assignment is "What is more important, your country or your family?"
Think hard on this one...you may surprise yourself!

We'll look forward to hearing presentations from Micah, on Life as a Prisoner and Prisons of the Colonial era, and from Gabe, on Francis Marion a.k.a. the Swamp Fox. I'm really excited to hear what you guys have learned, and to learn something new myself!

Please, everyone, remember to COMPLETELY fill out your presentation evaluation forms for each presenter. No one gets a grade for their presentation, so your comments help them to know what they did well, and what areas they need to improve upon. You are all helping each other be better presenters by giving good feedback.

Pay attention to the news and current events of the world, and listen for any stories or topics that are relevant to what we are learning and that you can share during our morning devotional.

One last thing: remember that our class goal is to have through the Statement of "Prudence" of the Declaration of Independence (DoI) memorized by November 12th. Let's work hard on this so we can show off for teacher Amber when she comes back!

See you Thursday, and Happy Studying!