Week 6

Hello Future Leaders,
I still haven't had this baby yet. I think it really wants to be the real treat for Halloween, we will see!

As for this week, thank you all for participating in reading out some of John Adams's words first hand. I hope it allowed you to hear and listen to the words that he once spoke of such high regard. The video was there to show you how he stood his ground and put his who support behind America and what he believed. He really went ALL IN! It is a personal opinion, however I think John Adams is one of the Founders of our country who did and does not get enough credit for what he did. If you are reading your book, John Adams: The Reluctant Patriot of the Revolution, you will know what I mean.

As a reminder this week (week 7) you are to have the book completed and be prepared for discussion. Mrs. Hellyer has asked that you all be prepared as Zachary has offered to lead the colloquium. These discussions are always better if you come prepared and have thoughts ready. If you have questions regarding a colloquium, be sure to check your binder. (I am sorry I did not write down what page it was in your binder.)

For your opinion papers this week the question to be answered in your opinion is:
Define the word Stubborn. Is it good to be stubborn?

Remember, we are not looking for what Webster Dictionary defines stubborn as, we want to know how you define it. You are welcome to use the dictionary and even the internet as reference, but let your voice be heard in your paper! And remember if you do add the Webster Dictionary definition to your paper you need to give credit where credit it due!

Thank you Eliana for the presentation on Lexington and Concord. Having each of you complete different presentation is a great way to help us all learn from a different angle and it keeps Mrs. Hellyer and myself from standing in front of you for hours lecturing. Insert Snore session now! :)

This week (week 7) I have the following students listed for presentations:

Ethan- Life as a Soldier in the Continental Army
Gabe- Hospitals and Doctors in the War

I hopefully will see you this week! If I do not, please remember to respectful to the Stand in Mentor and help carry on as normal Mrs. Hellyer. I know she has been working hard already to prepare a wonderful lecture for you this week.

REMEMBER we are at week 7, which means we are HALF way through with the classes for the first semester! Please PLEASE PLEASE make sure you are working on your Key of Liberty Requirements.

Thank you,
Teacher Amber

Week 5

I'm just now getting to this because I was out of town all weekend...

Another great week learning about the founding of "this greatest nation on God's green earth!" We had some really great presentations from Tillie, Hannah, and Isaac. Thanks for sharing what you learned with us. Remember, the more effort you put into your presentations, the more YOU will learn and understand; and that's really what being a scholar is all about!

I hope you all enjoyed listening to the dramatized recording of Paul Revere's Ride. I love hearing really good poetry readings that help the words come to life. Thanks, teacher Amber! Also, I hope you all enjoyed "acting out" the midnight ride simulation. We didn't get much time to debrief afterwards, so please let us know on Thursday what you thought of it.

Your writing assignment for this week is: When is it right to defend your liberty with guns? Make sure you really think on this one, jot down your ideas, think on it some more, then write your paper. There's a lot that could be said on this topic--even some news stories that could be used as resources (hint, hint)--and we want to know what you think! This week's presentation will be given by Eliana on the Battles of Lexington and Concord (exciting stuff!). We look forward to hearing all about it!

Also, on the 29th--which is 1 week from Thursday--we will be discussing John Adams, Reluctant Patriot of the Revolution, so make sure you have it read by then. I would like one of you scholars to lead the colloquium (discussion) on that book, so be thinking about some questions you could ask the class, and read your page on "Leading A Colloquium."

Remember that we've rescheduled the movie night for this Friday, October 23rd at 6:30 at Mrs. Hellyer's house. We could possibly arrange a pick-up/drop-off meeting at South Hill Mall since it's right off Hwy 512. Parents: please let me know if this is something you want to do.

See you all Thursday!

Week 3

Hello Liberty Leaders- 

What a great class last week. We had a wonderful presentation on Salem Witch Trials by Zane! Way to jump up there be first for the class and also give us a great example of a presentation. 

Here are next weeks presentations: (Week 4)

Boston Massacre: Hannah

King George III: Zane

(Possible make up Presentation by Zachary- French & Indian War) 

Remember you get to design what style of presentation you want to do per your topic. Be creative, informative and have fun with it. By completing your two presentations you will receive another ribbon towards your over all KOL Award Requirement. 

What other things have you been working on to get your rewards completed! 

Everyone who was in class was able to read and go over the Mayflower Compact. This was such an interesting article that also showed their need to have some sort of law and rule in the new land. By going over it together we were able to analyze and try to understand exactly where these individuals were coming from. We will continue to do this with other documents as well, especially the Constitution. 

Remember this week you will be discussing The Landing of the Pilgrims book during class, so come prepared with maybe a couple questions or thoughts you have regarding the book.  

Mrs. Hellyer lead us on a great discussion and lecture regarding Moral people makes good government. We learned that if one leader holds to much power and is immoral then it is lead to tyranny, while having people with no morals and no law is . We learned that the Founders figured out something to be right in the middle to allow for a Good Law. 

Your opinion paper topic for the week is: Why are Moral people required for a good government? 

***Reminder: We are having a KOL movie night at Hellyer’s Home Friday October 9th at 6:30pm!!!  You do need watch one of the movies in order to get another requirement marked off. You are welcome to bring snacks for us all to enjoy. These moments allow for bonding outside of the classroom. Your participation is highly recommended.

I will probably bring some kind of Fall Harvest Trail mix and a drink of some sort. 

Thank you Mrs. Hellyer for opening up your home to allow for a fun evening. 

Hellyer Home Address was sent out in a personal email. If you did not get this email let us know. 

It is not to late to see if maybe a carpool could get started to and from! 

I will not be in class on next week October 8th, as my daughter is having surgery the night before however we have two wonderful volunteers who will be coming in to help Mrs. Hellyer. I know you guys will leave them amazed at what wonderful Scholars you are. And your thoughts and ideas will blow them away. Thank you again to Mrs. Hellyer for stepping up and taking on another week of lecture for the class. I owe her BIG! :) 

I hope you all have a wonderful week and as always, if you have any questions feel free to call, email or ask Mrs. Hellyer or I. 

Thank you,

Teacher Amber

Week 3

Another great week! We had or first simulation in class on Thursday--the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Most of the scholars really got into their roles, and there was some pretty good debate happening! A few scholars were a little reluctant to speak up, but Teacher Amber and I hope to encourage all of you to become more confident in your abilities to express yourselves. You all have interesting thoughts and ideas--don't be afraid to share them! Even some of the founders (as we learned in the simulation) weren't always right, but debating and discussing ideas is how we learn to see beyond ourselves. It gives us new perspective.

Your opinion paper this week is to write a debrief about the simulation we did in class by answering these questions:

• What did you learn about the founders?
• What did you learn about yourself?
• How are you going to change because of the simulation?

Remember, to earn your key, you have to participate in the simulation and write the debrief. We hope to see everyone bring back a paper this Thursday so we can hand out all the keys! Please don't hesitate to email me, Teacher Amber, or talk to your parents if you need a little guidance in writing your papers. We ALL want to see you succeed in your scholar journey!

For this week, we have Zane presenting on Life as a Puritan and the Salem Witch Trials, and Zachary presenting on the French and Indian War. We'll also be reading and discussing the Mayflower Compact, so it may be wise to read through it before class so you can come prepared with any questions or comments you may have.

See you all Thursday!

Week 2- First Physical Class

Hello Students and Family,
What a rewarding start of our year. Thank you all for your participation. This year is looking to be a great one, where we all will get to learn and grow together.

One large item we addressed this week was the presentation schedule. Below it is listed per student.

Zachary - 

• Week 3: French & Indian War
• Week 13: Role of spies in the Revolution

 
Eliana -

• Week 6: Lexington & Concord
• Week 11: Minutemen & the Militia 

 
Tillie -

• Week 5: Boston Tea Party & Sons of Liberty
• Week 13: Fashion of Colonial Days

 
Ethan -

• Week 7: Life as a Soldier in the Continental Army
• Week 10: Role of the Navy in the Revolutionary War

 
Micah -

• Week 8: Life as a Prisoner & Prisons
• Week 10: Weaponry of the Revolutionary War & Battle Tactics of the Time

 
Hannah -

• Week 4: Boston Massacre
• Week 9: Educational Background of the Founders

 
Gabe -

• Week 7: Hospitals & Doctors in the war
• Week 8: Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox

 
Emma - 

• Week 9: Betsy Ross & the first flag
• Week 12: Famous Women of the war

 
Zane -

• Week 3: Life as a Puritan/Salem witch trials
• Week 4: King George III

 
Isaac-

• Week 5: Acts of Parliament and the King
• Week 11: Roles of Tories, Loyalists, Hessians and Red Coats in the war

YOU are HIGHLY encouraged to not PROCRASTINATE on the creation of your presentations. Remember you are able to use all means for your presentation. If you would like to just make a poster, by all means. If you are inspired to bring a related treat for the class, again by all means. You hold the key to present your topics by the means you feel necessary. Get creative! Have Fun!  And DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! 

This week you have your first opinion paper this week. The topic is: What is your responsibility to America and Freedom? 

Remember to write this opinion paper based on your skill set. If your family has an academic standard for you personally, you are highly encourage to reach that as well. We want to hear your own personal thoughts and ideas in your opinion papers and we are also here to encourage your growth in writing. 

Mrs. Hellyer did a wonderful job giving us some helpful tips for taking notes while we have our lectures happening. Do not forget to look over the sheet when taking notes to help you in your note taking journey. She also jumped us off to a great start with our class lectures, this week she focused on: America Being Our Land. This led to a great discussion within the class. I did find one piece to hold the most value in my heart personally and that was of her discussing John Adams and his sacrifices. Below is the video (from the HBO's John Adams) of one of my favorite quotes from him. Thank you Mrs. Hellyer for the awesome Lecture Kick off. 

This week PLEASE arrive on time and prepared for class. We have a simulation! This simulation requires your participation but the reward is your KEY! I am looking forward to this week, it should be much fun and so informational. 

If anyone has any questions or concerns, remember you can always reach us. 

Thank you,

Teacher Amber & Teacher Carrie

KOL- First Class 2015

Hello Key of Liberty Parents and Students:

The count down is on, this week is our week! Class is Thursday! Are you excited? I know Teacher Carrie and I both are.

You should have received your binder, if you haven't already take a glance at it. Explore what is to come this year in Key of Liberty. If you find you have any questions be sure to write them down so you can ask during class.

Remember this week we have the following happening so be prepared:

-Signing up for Presentations
-Book Discussion for Red Scarf Girl by Ji-li Jiang

We will also hopefully have some time towards the end of class to start passing off anyone who is ready to start working on those Award Requirements!

Looking forward to class on Thursday. Please be on time and do your best to be as prepared as possible for class!

Thank you,
Teacher Amber & Teacher Carrie

Capitol Trip

I know...just when you thought you were done receiving these blog posts...ONE MORE! The upside is, NO ASSIGNMENTS!

We had an exciting trip to the Capitol, and learned quite a bit about how the legislative process works here in Washington State.

We even got to meet with a real live, flesh-and-blood, career lobbyist! That was sort of exciting/crazy/weird, huh? The Supreme Court Trial Simulation had to be the best, though, don't you agree? It was really interesting to learn about the Loomis case, find out how the judges decided, and see how our own court ruled.

I hope you enjoyed yourselves, as I know the TriCities group, LETRS, had a blast and were singing in revelry all the way home!

Enjoy these few pics from the day!

-Teacher Kelly