Week 3: 2/15/18

I threw a whole lot of information your way this week, but I was pleased to see so many of you taking notes! Note-taking is a very useful tool--even if you never look at your notes again, the act of hearing a piece of information, then writing it down, actually helps you to commit the information to memory much better than if you only hear it.

 

Here's a recap of what we talked about in class:

• Baron Montesquieu, a French statesman and political scientist, named three main types of government: Monarchy, Despotism, and Republicanism--which has 2 sub-types, aristocracy and democracy. The founders chose to form our nation with a republican government, called a representative democracy, because it was a perfect compromise between 100% government (tyranny), and 0% government (anarchy).
• The founders also knew that in order for this 50% government (people's rule) to work, the representatives of the people would have to be virtuous, and set a standard for the next generation of leaders, as well as for the entire nation.
• Just in case the government were ever to get off track (and we know it has because of federal regulations and agencies, executive orders, and judicial activism), the founders added into the Constitution a few ways the people could repair the damage: 1) a common law jury, and 2) a convention of states.

Watch the following videos to learn more about the Article V provision for a convention of states: 

 

 

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

 

DEVOTIONAL: Gwen - Choose a scripture that speaks about government, liberty, freedom, justice, or anything pertinent to what we've been learning in class. Then share it with the class and explain why you chose it.

 

OPINION PAPER: Ok, so I changed it a little bit again...

 

If you had only the following two candidates to choose from, which do you think would be a better government leader and why?

1. Candidate A: Very high moral standards but with little to no education
2. Candidate B: Very well educated but with few to no moral standards

***Tip: Think of actual people you may know of that could fit these descriptions, and remember to use examples to build a logical argument to support your opinion.

 

CONSTITUTION JOURNAL: Article 1, Sections 6-10

 

READING: Fifty-Five Fathers due March 1st

 

For details on upcoming events, see Week 1

 

Have an awesome week, everyone! -Mrs. Hellyer

 

 



Week 2: 2/8/17

See...I told you second semester was the most fun! Thanks to Mrs. Maxwell for some great activities to teach us about working together to make laws, and prepare us for the Constitution Bowl. Keep up on your Constitution journal at home and you'll knock 'em dead at the Bowl!

Here are your assignments this week:

• OPINION PAPER: What did you learn about yourself? How are you going to change because of the simulation? (Optional: How do you think this simulation relates to the founders and the Constitution-making process?) Because this is a paper all about your personal experience, feel free to refer to yourself in the first person in this one ("I think," "I learned," etc.)!

• CONSTITUTION JOURNAL: Finish the Preamble and Article 1 Sections 1-5. If you've already finished, start on next week's assignment: Article 1 Sections 6-10. This journal should be done just like the Declaration journal--translate the language into your own words, define words you don't know, and write any principles you discover. The reward for the journal will be a field trip, destination TBD, but sure to be fun!

• READING: Start reading Fifty Five Fathers by Selma Williams, which we will discuss on March 1st. As you read, make sure to note any interesting quotes or parts, and any questions that come to mind so that you will be prepared for the discussion.

• HERO REPORTS: Keep thinking about who you would like to report on. Here are a few suggestions: Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, Malala Yousafzai, Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gahndi, William Wilberforce, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Corrie Ten Boom, Martin Luther King, Jr., Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman...there are many others, but those are just off the top of my head. You'll need to sign up for a presentation date and your papers will be due April 12th, but don't wait until the last minute to write them!

Have a wonderful week! -Mrs. Hellyer

Semester 2 Week 1: 2/1/18

Welcome to second semester everyone! We went over the awards requirements for this semester in class, and I know it may have seemed a little overwhelming at first, but--if you think back to the beginning of first semester--you were a bit intimidated then, too. You all were able to get through the first semester, and it wasn't as hard as you feared. I know that if you work hard, and manage your time well, you can earn all the awards, learn lots, and have fun doing it!

 

 

In class, we learned that one day after the committee to write the Declaration of Independence was appointed, a second committee was appointed by the Continental Congress to write the Articles of Confederation. They were drafted by John Dickinson of DE, and approved by the Congress in March 1781. They were also a huge disaster! The main problems with the Articles were that there was no provision for a single executive (president), and Congress had no power to tax the states or enforce the law except by declaring war on the states! It is said that "hindsight is 20/20," but it's surprising that these brilliant men in the Congress passed the Articles of Confederation with all their flaws.

We also briefly talked about Shay's Rebellion, but here's a little video that gives more detail:

 

 

 

 

ASSIGNMENTS THIS WEEK:

 

OPINION PAPER: What makes America different? Think this through: different can mean special, unique, distinguishable, unusual, etc.. Think about how we were founded, who our people are and what they believe, what rights do we have and where do those rights come from? This is a very broad topic, so writing a full page should be easy-peasy! 

 

CONSTITUTION JOURNAL: Preamble, Article 1, Sections 1-5

 

HERO REPORT: Think about who you would like to write about for your Hero Report. It can be anyone, past or present, from anywhere in the world, who has promoted/fought for the virtues of freedom and liberty.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

Saturday, March 24th, 10:00am-1:00pm -  The Annual Key of Liberty vs. Sword of Freedom air soft battle. This event will be held at my home in Graham, and is for Key and Sword scholars and their older siblings (dads are welcome, too!). You will need to bring an air soft gun (no bb, battery- or CO2-powered guns allowed), eye protection, water-proof boots, and a sack lunch. Snacks and ammo will be provided. We always have a great time, and we hope to see you all there, rain or shine!

 

Friday, April 13th, 6:00pm-8:00pm - The Annual Constitution Bowl. This is a culminating event for second semester in which the Key scholars from FILA and LIBER-T go head to head in an epic Constitution trivia showdown! LIBER-T will be hosting us at a peninsula location TBA, but we will open up early (around 4:00pm) for families to gather before the event for a potluck dinner. Stay tuned for further details!

 

Have a fabulous week, and, as always, please contact me or Mrs. Maxwell with any questions or comments.  -Mrs. Hellyer

Week 14: 01/11/18

You finally made it to the end of first semester! Great job, everybody! That was good practice for second semester--which is going to be a little more intense as we study the Constitution, but I know you guys can handle it!

The only assignments you have this week are:

• Prepare your skit for Parent Night! Here's the list of props we need, and who's bringing what:
• Large cardboard box/tote and table cloth - Mrs. Hellyer
• Roasting Stick - Elsa
• Large Marshmallows - Athen
• Scary Spider or Rat - Madeline
• Paper Plate - Mrs. Hellyer
• Shaving Cream or Whipped Cream or Silly String - Mrs. Hellyer
• Slime - Mrs. Hellyer

If I'm missing anything, let me know ASAP, and DON'T FORGET to bring your props! We'll try to sneak in a practice run right after co-op, so please make sure you come straight to the stage after school and don't dilly-dally in your fourth hour classes!

• Finish your Declaration of Independence journal in order to go on the field trip to the Capitol! We are leaving at 10:00am sharp, so if you're late, you'll have to stay at co-op and watch a movie with anyone who didn't finish their journal. We will eat lunch at Dairy Queen on the way back, and return to co-op by 1:00. Let me know as soon as you've finished so I know how many kids will be coming. So far, I have only Elliot and Madeline on the list to go...

• Finish any lingering award requirements, like opinion papers, so you can proudly display all your ribbons on Parent Night!

• Keep reading Freedom Factor and have it finished by February 2nd.

I hope to take you all on the field trip this Thursday! See you soon!
-Mrs. Hellyer

Week 13: 12/14/17

I hope you all are enjoying your Christmas break, but don't get too comfortable! As Master Yoda would say, "A [scholar] must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind...Much to learn you still have..."

 

Last week we discussed the surrender of the British army under General Cornwallis at Yorktown, VA. (I'm sure George Washington took some secret pleasure in being able to finally end the war in his home state--Go, Home Team, Woot-woot!--but was too much of a gentleman to gloat about it!) Even though the major fighting had ended with Yorktown, it took a full 2 years to make it official at the Treaty of Paris in 1783. You might be able to imagine why it took so long; hashing out all the details of national borders, timelines for British occupation, trade agreements and debt reconciliation. I'm glad I didn't have to be part of that--ugh!--but I'm grateful for those who were (Ben Franklin, John Jay, and John Adams)!

 

Check out this link to see some of the original document and/or read the full text of the treaty:

 

https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=6

 

Watch the videos below for a quick review of the Battle at Yorktown and the Treaty of Paris 1783:

 

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

 

• Award Requirements: January 11th (the day we come back from break) is your *LAST DAY to pass off award requirements!!!!

 

• Opinion Paper: For those of you who have not already turned in 11 papers this semester, here is your topic: What are you willing to do to pay the price of freedom? Also, check the opinion paper tracking sheet in the email to see if you are missing any papers, and contact me with any questions or concerns.

 

 

• Parent Night: Please make sure you have your part of the skit planned out and written down so we can rehearse during our next class meeting, January 11th. This may involve emailing your classmates, so please contact me if you need help finding an email or putting your part together.

 

• Declaration of Independence Journal: This must be COMPLETED by January 18th so you can join us on the field trip to the capitol followed by going out to lunch!

 

• Reading: Begin reading Freedom Factor by Gerald Lund so that you will have it completed by February 1st, the first day of second semester.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and I look forward to seeing you'ns again next year!

-Mrs. Hellyer

 

 

 

Week 12: 12/07/17

This week Mrs. Maxwell taught us about the Battle of Monmouth, where, despite the traitorous General Lee's efforts to destroy the revolutionary effort, Washington was able to rally his men (thanks to Baron Von Steuben's excellent training) and restore order to a chaotic situation. Though Lee's treachery prevents the Americans from a decisive victory at Monmouth, Washington gets his retribution when Lee is finally court-martialed and dismissed from military service. 

 

We also learned about another great American hero, the Marquis de La Fayette, or (if you want to impress your friends and family), Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette. He became one of George Washington's closest friends and confidants, and never wavered from his devotion to the American cause of liberty. He is still honored all over the United States with cities and streets that bear his name, as well as with monuments.

 

    

 

We didn't get a chance to talk about the war campaign in the southern colonies, but there was a lot going on there, too, especially in Charleston, SC. Here is a great video from the History Channel to give you some background...

 

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

Opinion Paper: You thought you were getting off easy this week--ha! Not so! Your topic is, When the war was over and thousands had died, was it worth it?

Devotional: Athen, you got this!

Presentations: Thanks to Elsa and Gwen for their very informative presentations on spies and women in the war! Sariah and Corban will be enlightening our minds next week by sharing their extensive research.

Reading: Our book discussion on Being George Washington by Glenn Beck next week will be led (per request) by Elsa. Make sure you have completed the book before next Thursday! Treats will be provided for those who have completed the assignment!

Award Requirements: You have only 2 class days left to pass off first semester requirements! That's everything except the Heritage Award, which you still have until April 12th to complete. If you have any missing papers, get those turned in, work on your Declaration of Independence memorization and journaling (for the field trip reward), memorize your 10 commandments and 13 colonies, and watch your movies over Christmas break.

Have a wonderful weekend! -Mrs. Hellyer

Week 11: 11/30/17

 

Last week we talked about all the hardships faced by George Washington and the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-'78 at Valley Forge. I think the simulation also helped us to gain a better understanding of the challenges the Continental Congress faced as well, as they tried to meet the needs of the army and manage the war. Here is a great video about the winter encampment at valley forge that tells the story much better than I did...

 

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

 

Opinion Paper - Write a letter home as if you were someone who lived in the colonial period. Remember to be creative with this one! You can be anyone (a soldier, a slave, John Adams, a wife working in an army hospital, a delegate in the Congress, a prisoner of war, a spy--there are so many choices!) and I can't wait to read what you've come up with!

 

Parent Night Presentation - Please come up with some ideas to share for your skit. We'll take some time in class to work on this, so come prepared!

 

Presentations - We will be pleased to hear from Elsa and Gwen this week.

 

Reading - One week left to finish Being George Washington! Please be ready to discuss it next week, December 14th. I would like Sariah to lead the discussion, but everyone should come prepared with questions or comments or quotes to share. Our next book is Freedom Factor, which we will discuss on the first day of second semester.

 

Award Requirements - Some of you tried to pass off some of the Declaration of Independence last week--and came so close! Keep working hard on your memorization, and don't forget to do your Declaration journal so you can go on the field trip at the end of the semester!

 

Have a lovely remainder of the week! And remember to send me a reply email when you've read the blog! -Mrs. Hellyer