Welcome to my blogspot where you can find materials, insights and
announcements. I'll try my best to update once a unit or so. If I notice
a lot of people are using this I will add extras such as links to
videos, articles, pictures, etc. more often.
...just a few things to start the year off...
-Students have an outline for unit I. It has a reading schedule on the
back that can easily be posted or copied to a refrigerator or central
location in your home. Get to know the schedule well and use it to get
ahead.
-Our first test is coming up quickly. Take time now to prepare a draft
for the essay and I will give you feedback. If you get it to me early,
you'll get more meaningful feedback, than if you get it to me the day
before the test.
-Contact me anytime with questions at 616 850 6240 or
callendr@ghaps.org. I also have a google voice number (616 209 9107) if you are into
that. It is not a direct line to me, but it is a direct line to my
direct line, so in an emergency, it will let me know someone is trying
to contact me.
-Here's what we are studying this trimester in short (really, really short) ...
Unit I: Nomads settle and farm and first civilizations develop,
Unit II: The first civilizations grow and spread,
Unit III: Everything intensifies and begins to "globalize".
-The book is available online. www.phschool.com
Username: student ID + 0 Password: GHHS12
Here, there is a readable and audio version of the book. There are
practice quizzes, interactive maps, links to articles, videos and more.
-Be the author of your success...you are in charge!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Friday, November 2, 2012
Unit 3
Hello wonderfully educated pupils,
I am hoping to impart a few last words of wisdom and inspirational thoughts before you complete your very first trimester of your freshmen year at Grand Haven High School ...this is a BIG deal...
To begin with, step back a minute and think about where you've been (Neolithic Revolution and early settlers, classical civilizations, the growth and spread of regional civilizations) and where we are going in Unit 3 (intensified and globalized trade, world trading power shifting to Europe, immense wealth and absolute rule). Unit 3 is shorter and easier academically than the 1st two units. I am hopeful it will be a strong note to end on for many.
Now, I'd like everyone to reflect on their multiple choice experiences thus far in World History and make note of a few simple ideas...
-read each question carefully, don't rush
-watch out for words like "not" or "except" ...they change the meaning of a question completely
-read each answer carefully...many answers sound good, but there is always a best answer. Know why the answer you are choosing is the best and why the others aren't.
-manage your time wisely during the test...go through your test and answer all the questions you are sure of first and leave everything else blank. ...then go through a second time and answer the questions you are pretty sure of... then go through your test a third time and answer the questions that are the most difficult.
-know your geography...your exam will have 20 geography matching questions. If your exam were a pizza with 6 slices, this would be one whole slice of pizza. :)
Next, let's chat briefly about the upcoming essay question. On the day of the essay, I will randomly select one of the following questions...
1. How did Europe become more powerful than Asia?
Please don't let the task of being ready for each of these essays discourage you. To begin preparing, use the giant graphic organizer and zero in on 3 examples of European encounters in the wider, new modern world. The information, you'll find, in this unit is very interchangeable...that is, you can take the story (and vocabulary from your learning targets) about Europe and Japan, for example, and use it in a paragraph to support a thesis for any one of the essay questions. Check this out...
At first the Japanese welcomed trade with the Europeans. The Spanish found the Japanese to be receptive to Christianity and the Japanese also welcomed the idea of the printing press. The Europeans brought firearms to Japan, which the Tokugawa used to centralize their rule. The Tokugawa became increasingly skeptical of the Europeans when they found out they had taken over the nearby Philippines and had also converted many Japanese who were now loyal to the Pope rather than Japan. The Japanese expelled the Jesuits and isolated themselves for almost 200 years in response.
After reading this paragraph, can you imagine how it could be used as a body paragraph, with a few minor tweaks, for any one of the above essay questions? Can you tell a similar story for India, China, Korea, Indonesia, etc.?
Try it out on your own. Take India, as an example, and write a paragraph that answers the questions...
What were the Europeans doing there?
How did the people there respond?
What was the lasting impact?
Once you have three paragraphs about three different new modern world encounters, think about how they might be used/tweaked to fit each of the above essay questions.
Does this make sense? I know I ramble at times...see me if you have questions. Eat well, sleep well, hang out with the right people and BELIEVE in yourself.
Lastly, write a draft and get it to me sooner than later. I'll give you FEEDBACK!!
I am hoping to impart a few last words of wisdom and inspirational thoughts before you complete your very first trimester of your freshmen year at Grand Haven High School ...this is a BIG deal...
To begin with, step back a minute and think about where you've been (Neolithic Revolution and early settlers, classical civilizations, the growth and spread of regional civilizations) and where we are going in Unit 3 (intensified and globalized trade, world trading power shifting to Europe, immense wealth and absolute rule). Unit 3 is shorter and easier academically than the 1st two units. I am hopeful it will be a strong note to end on for many.
Now, I'd like everyone to reflect on their multiple choice experiences thus far in World History and make note of a few simple ideas...
-read each question carefully, don't rush
-watch out for words like "not" or "except" ...they change the meaning of a question completely
-read each answer carefully...many answers sound good, but there is always a best answer. Know why the answer you are choosing is the best and why the others aren't.
-manage your time wisely during the test...go through your test and answer all the questions you are sure of first and leave everything else blank. ...then go through a second time and answer the questions you are pretty sure of... then go through your test a third time and answer the questions that are the most difficult.
-know your geography...your exam will have 20 geography matching questions. If your exam were a pizza with 6 slices, this would be one whole slice of pizza. :)
Next, let's chat briefly about the upcoming essay question. On the day of the essay, I will randomly select one of the following questions...
1. How did Europe become more powerful than Asia?
2. What were the causes and
effects of the new intensified, globalized, trade networks?
3. Compare and contrast the
reactions of different societies to the new “modern” world (i.e. European
expansionism vs. Chinese Isolationism).
Please don't let the task of being ready for each of these essays discourage you. To begin preparing, use the giant graphic organizer and zero in on 3 examples of European encounters in the wider, new modern world. The information, you'll find, in this unit is very interchangeable...that is, you can take the story (and vocabulary from your learning targets) about Europe and Japan, for example, and use it in a paragraph to support a thesis for any one of the essay questions. Check this out...
At first the Japanese welcomed trade with the Europeans. The Spanish found the Japanese to be receptive to Christianity and the Japanese also welcomed the idea of the printing press. The Europeans brought firearms to Japan, which the Tokugawa used to centralize their rule. The Tokugawa became increasingly skeptical of the Europeans when they found out they had taken over the nearby Philippines and had also converted many Japanese who were now loyal to the Pope rather than Japan. The Japanese expelled the Jesuits and isolated themselves for almost 200 years in response.
After reading this paragraph, can you imagine how it could be used as a body paragraph, with a few minor tweaks, for any one of the above essay questions? Can you tell a similar story for India, China, Korea, Indonesia, etc.?
Try it out on your own. Take India, as an example, and write a paragraph that answers the questions...
What were the Europeans doing there?
How did the people there respond?
What was the lasting impact?
Once you have three paragraphs about three different new modern world encounters, think about how they might be used/tweaked to fit each of the above essay questions.
Does this make sense? I know I ramble at times...see me if you have questions. Eat well, sleep well, hang out with the right people and BELIEVE in yourself.
Lastly, write a draft and get it to me sooner than later. I'll give you FEEDBACK!!
Monday, October 1, 2012
Hi Everyone,
We are just getting started with Unit 2. Unit 1 went well. The surf is up and many are riding the World History wave. If you haven't caught the wave yet, here are some pointers.
-Use the online tools. The book is available in audio and readable versions. Over to the right are links to some of the favorite tools. One page summaries and note-taking templates are available. If you are feeling overwhelmed, try those. (to use the book go to www.phschool.com, username: studentID +0 and password: GHHS12)
-Use your peers. Learning is usually a complex process that involves more than just a 1-to-1 interaction. The best learners are curious and ask questions quickly when they are unsure. For example, one student might ask another student on the bus ride to school what was special about the Sunni-Shiite split in early Islam. ...or maybe another student at lunch is curious about how the Silk Roads, Indian Ocean Trade and the Trans-Saharan trade network all relate or how they could possibly be used in to answer essay question #1...and so they bring it up at the lunch table. I completely understand someone might flick peas at you for asking this at lunch, but more than likely good things will happen if you bring up your academic concerns to friends you can trust. Try it.
-Start writing a draft to one of the 3 essays now. You'll get achievement points and you'll build essay skills and confidence. ....Aaaaannnd... Mr. C loves to give feedback on essays (no joke). Around 10 students total wrote drafts for me to look over before the last test. Let's double that this time. I'll help you by asking you to consider making a choice for your essay #1 thesis statement.
Was civilization spread more by trade, religion or nomads? (Make a choice by the end of the week...trade, religion or nomads)... Then write an intro and body paragraph. After today it would be easy to write a body paragraph about religion spreading civilization.
From its beginning, Islam spread civilization by conquering new places and through the Hajj. When the early Islamic caliphates, like the Umayyad caliphate, were growing they would conquer new places and require a tax from non-Muslims. Sometimes they would pay the tax, which would help the empire to grow and sometimes they would convert to Islam and avoid paying the tax. As more people converted to Islam, they took the Hajj which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. When traveling long distances people brought with them ideas and goods. In the same way, people brought back goods and ideas when they returned from the Hajj. ....wrap up however you'd like...
See if you can add a new paragraph after we finish with Africa, Europe or Asia.
-Try new study habits. If reading in the living room where the dog paces, siblings chat loudly, mom and dad argue, electronics distract you....find a new place. ...a distraction free place. Claim it as your own, put up a sign that says beware of student and get it done. Pre-reading strategies help, too. Look at pictures in the section you're supposed to read, read questions in the margins, begin with the end of the chapter study guide...FIRST. THEN read the actual text.
-Come to class with questions prepared. Most of the time I think I know what you need from me and plan your class accordingly. Things are much more productive if you are able to ask a few well-timed questions.
-Check back here later for more essay tips.
-Use the schedule in the outline.
I think that's it for now. I'll try to post the unit 2 outline to the right soon. G'night.
Mr. Callendar
We are just getting started with Unit 2. Unit 1 went well. The surf is up and many are riding the World History wave. If you haven't caught the wave yet, here are some pointers.
-Use the online tools. The book is available in audio and readable versions. Over to the right are links to some of the favorite tools. One page summaries and note-taking templates are available. If you are feeling overwhelmed, try those. (to use the book go to www.phschool.com, username: studentID +0 and password: GHHS12)
-Use your peers. Learning is usually a complex process that involves more than just a 1-to-1 interaction. The best learners are curious and ask questions quickly when they are unsure. For example, one student might ask another student on the bus ride to school what was special about the Sunni-Shiite split in early Islam. ...or maybe another student at lunch is curious about how the Silk Roads, Indian Ocean Trade and the Trans-Saharan trade network all relate or how they could possibly be used in to answer essay question #1...and so they bring it up at the lunch table. I completely understand someone might flick peas at you for asking this at lunch, but more than likely good things will happen if you bring up your academic concerns to friends you can trust. Try it.
-Start writing a draft to one of the 3 essays now. You'll get achievement points and you'll build essay skills and confidence. ....Aaaaannnd... Mr. C loves to give feedback on essays (no joke). Around 10 students total wrote drafts for me to look over before the last test. Let's double that this time. I'll help you by asking you to consider making a choice for your essay #1 thesis statement.
Was civilization spread more by trade, religion or nomads? (Make a choice by the end of the week...trade, religion or nomads)... Then write an intro and body paragraph. After today it would be easy to write a body paragraph about religion spreading civilization.
From its beginning, Islam spread civilization by conquering new places and through the Hajj. When the early Islamic caliphates, like the Umayyad caliphate, were growing they would conquer new places and require a tax from non-Muslims. Sometimes they would pay the tax, which would help the empire to grow and sometimes they would convert to Islam and avoid paying the tax. As more people converted to Islam, they took the Hajj which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. When traveling long distances people brought with them ideas and goods. In the same way, people brought back goods and ideas when they returned from the Hajj. ....wrap up however you'd like...
See if you can add a new paragraph after we finish with Africa, Europe or Asia.
-Try new study habits. If reading in the living room where the dog paces, siblings chat loudly, mom and dad argue, electronics distract you....find a new place. ...a distraction free place. Claim it as your own, put up a sign that says beware of student and get it done. Pre-reading strategies help, too. Look at pictures in the section you're supposed to read, read questions in the margins, begin with the end of the chapter study guide...FIRST. THEN read the actual text.
-Come to class with questions prepared. Most of the time I think I know what you need from me and plan your class accordingly. Things are much more productive if you are able to ask a few well-timed questions.
-Check back here later for more essay tips.
-Use the schedule in the outline.
I think that's it for now. I'll try to post the unit 2 outline to the right soon. G'night.
Mr. Callendar
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Unit 1 Test Around the Corner
Hello World History Students (and Parents),
The Unit 1 World History test is coming up (this upcoming Tuesday)....are you ready? Please consider writing a draft to the essay question below ahead of time. It will help build confidence and I'll give you meaningful feedback. Here's the question...
Compare and contrast two civilizations (Rome, India or China) in three areas (Society, Politics, Economics or Culture).
At the very least, make a decision to help your thesis along. For example, a student might decide ahead of time to write about Rome and India using Politics, Society and Culture as points of comparison.
Parent Meeting Thank You: Thank you for attending the parent meeting on the 18th this week. I know some may have missed the second message about the date change and may have been waiting patiently Wednesday night for a meeting that wasn't going to take place. ...thank you for your patience and understanding ...and drop me an email if you have any questions about the meeting...callendr@ghaps.org.
I'm trying out remind101 as another way to help students stay on track with a busy reading schedule. Instructions are linked over to the right. If you subscribe, you'll get homework reminders when I send them. This does not replace students' responsibility to use their paper resources effectively (...that is, if I forget to use remind 101 from time to time, students are still responsible for the schedule their given in their unit outline...).
Have a great weekend!
Mr. Callendar
The Unit 1 World History test is coming up (this upcoming Tuesday)....are you ready? Please consider writing a draft to the essay question below ahead of time. It will help build confidence and I'll give you meaningful feedback. Here's the question...
Compare and contrast two civilizations (Rome, India or China) in three areas (Society, Politics, Economics or Culture).
At the very least, make a decision to help your thesis along. For example, a student might decide ahead of time to write about Rome and India using Politics, Society and Culture as points of comparison.
Parent Meeting Thank You: Thank you for attending the parent meeting on the 18th this week. I know some may have missed the second message about the date change and may have been waiting patiently Wednesday night for a meeting that wasn't going to take place. ...thank you for your patience and understanding ...and drop me an email if you have any questions about the meeting...callendr@ghaps.org.
I'm trying out remind101 as another way to help students stay on track with a busy reading schedule. Instructions are linked over to the right. If you subscribe, you'll get homework reminders when I send them. This does not replace students' responsibility to use their paper resources effectively (...that is, if I forget to use remind 101 from time to time, students are still responsible for the schedule their given in their unit outline...).
Have a great weekend!
Mr. Callendar
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Fall 2012 World History Unit I Important Infos and Updates
Welcome to my blogspot where you can find materials, insights and announcements. I'll try my best to update once a unit or so. If I notice a lot of people are using this I will add extras such as links to videos, articles, pictures, etc. more often.
...just a few things to start the year off...
-There will be a parent meeting next Tuesday, the 18th in the LGI at the HS at 7PM. Ask your student to read over the invite with you I sent home today.
-Students have an outline for unit I. It has a reading schedule on the back that can easily be posted or copied to a refrigerator or central location in your home. Get to know the schedule well and use it to get ahead.
-Our first test is coming up quickly. Take time now to prepare a draft for the essay and I will give you feedback. If you get it to me early, you'll get more meaningful feedback, than if you get it to me the day before the test.
-Contact me anytime with questions at 616 850 6240 or callendr@ghaps.org. I also have a google voice number if you are into that. It is not a direct line to me, but it is a direct line to my direct line, so in an emergency, it will let me know someone is trying to contact me.
-Here's what we are studying this trimester in short (really, really short) ...
Unit I:Nomads settle and farm and first civilizations develop,
Unit II:The first civilizations grow and spread,
Unit III:Everything intensifies and begins to "globalize".
-The book is available online. www.phschool.com
Username: student ID + 0 Password: GHHS12
Here, there is a readable and audio version of the book. There are practice quizzes, interactive maps, links to articles, videos and more.
-Be the author of your success...you are in charge!
...just a few things to start the year off...
-There will be a parent meeting next Tuesday, the 18th in the LGI at the HS at 7PM. Ask your student to read over the invite with you I sent home today.
-Students have an outline for unit I. It has a reading schedule on the back that can easily be posted or copied to a refrigerator or central location in your home. Get to know the schedule well and use it to get ahead.
-Our first test is coming up quickly. Take time now to prepare a draft for the essay and I will give you feedback. If you get it to me early, you'll get more meaningful feedback, than if you get it to me the day before the test.
-Contact me anytime with questions at 616 850 6240 or callendr@ghaps.org. I also have a google voice number if you are into that. It is not a direct line to me, but it is a direct line to my direct line, so in an emergency, it will let me know someone is trying to contact me.
-Here's what we are studying this trimester in short (really, really short) ...
Unit I:Nomads settle and farm and first civilizations develop,
Unit II:The first civilizations grow and spread,
Unit III:Everything intensifies and begins to "globalize".
-The book is available online. www.phschool.com
Username: student ID + 0 Password: GHHS12
Here, there is a readable and audio version of the book. There are practice quizzes, interactive maps, links to articles, videos and more.
-Be the author of your success...you are in charge!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Unit 5
We started Unit 5 Yesterday with All Quiet on the Western Front, a handy acronym, and a look at WWI propaganda. I've added an updated copy of the Unit 5 outline (in the links to the right on this page) and am copying and pasting an intro from the outline along with the essay questions below...
This unit covers about 30 years. It begins with “The Great War” that you’ve probably seen coming for a while now. Not only does it engulf the industrial powers of Europe, but imperialism drags in everyone else as well, forever changing the relationship between the rulers and the ruled. You’ll see the beginnings of major cultural, political, and economic transformations around the world, only to find us right back at war again once the next generation is old enough to fight.
Essay Questions:
1. Discuss the causes of the first and second world wars, and the effect these wars had on European global dominance.
Discuss the causes and effects of the revolutions and reform movements of the early 20th century. (Fascism vs. communism, the Russian, Chinese, and Mexican revolutions, the New Deal, etc.)
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
January 24th, 2012
Hello! ...apologies for not updating this more frequently. We've covered A LOT of material since the last post!
World History: We've essentially gone from settling civilizations to spreading civilization through trade, religion and nomadic activity. Many great essays were written and I'm looking forward to some even better unit 2 essays (February 9th). Write a draft and I'll give meaningful feedback...this is an excellent way to have an immediate impact on your grade. Take charge! For essay number #1 (What spread civilization more, trade, religion or nomads?) we've focused a lot on trade as we discussed the beginning and the growth of the Islamic Empire, African Empires and Europe. Three easy body paragraphs could be written about Trans-Saharan trade, Indian Ocean Trade and the Silk Roads. Don't overlook writing about religion...a few easy examples come to mind there, too, when it comes to spreading civilizations...crusades, hajj, etc. For essay #2 (Compare and contrast 2 civilizations in 2-3 areas), we've focused on women in society and have found some compelling examples worth discussing in Africa (matrilineal importance, women rulers in the Hausa states) and Europe (Mary being the ideal for women, equal in God's eyes, but in need of men's guidance on earth, chivalry) ...these ideas, for me, open up doors for writing a great body paragraph for essay #2.
World Issues: Wow, March 8,9 are coming up quickly. Getting ready for Model UN! Since the last update we have learned about the Iran nuclear issue and then the Israel/Palestine conflict. Student groups were formed officially today. There will be some wiggle room for changes over the next couple of weeks, but once nations are assigned, we need to focus our research in the groups that have been assigned. Most groups will be focused on the Advanced General Assembly topics of food distribution and security council reform. Expect to see parent permission forms soon for transportation and attendance at the Hope College Model United Nations competition.
Deutsch 3/4: Today, we performed skits! ...playing the role of tourist and tour agent went well today. Especially noteworthy was the class ability to carry out the skits quickly and effectively. Grammar recently has been VERY heavy! We've learned about using comparatives and superlatives in German and then coupled these ideas with adjective endings. These will be focus points for review as we step into learning new grammar topics like da-compounds and wenn/dann statements. All this in the context of tourism, hiking and traveling in general.
Give me a kick in the shin if I don't update this enough. ...or maybe nudge me with an email :)
We'll chat again soon.
Mr. Rory Callendar
World History: We've essentially gone from settling civilizations to spreading civilization through trade, religion and nomadic activity. Many great essays were written and I'm looking forward to some even better unit 2 essays (February 9th). Write a draft and I'll give meaningful feedback...this is an excellent way to have an immediate impact on your grade. Take charge! For essay number #1 (What spread civilization more, trade, religion or nomads?) we've focused a lot on trade as we discussed the beginning and the growth of the Islamic Empire, African Empires and Europe. Three easy body paragraphs could be written about Trans-Saharan trade, Indian Ocean Trade and the Silk Roads. Don't overlook writing about religion...a few easy examples come to mind there, too, when it comes to spreading civilizations...crusades, hajj, etc. For essay #2 (Compare and contrast 2 civilizations in 2-3 areas), we've focused on women in society and have found some compelling examples worth discussing in Africa (matrilineal importance, women rulers in the Hausa states) and Europe (Mary being the ideal for women, equal in God's eyes, but in need of men's guidance on earth, chivalry) ...these ideas, for me, open up doors for writing a great body paragraph for essay #2.
World Issues: Wow, March 8,9 are coming up quickly. Getting ready for Model UN! Since the last update we have learned about the Iran nuclear issue and then the Israel/Palestine conflict. Student groups were formed officially today. There will be some wiggle room for changes over the next couple of weeks, but once nations are assigned, we need to focus our research in the groups that have been assigned. Most groups will be focused on the Advanced General Assembly topics of food distribution and security council reform. Expect to see parent permission forms soon for transportation and attendance at the Hope College Model United Nations competition.
Deutsch 3/4: Today, we performed skits! ...playing the role of tourist and tour agent went well today. Especially noteworthy was the class ability to carry out the skits quickly and effectively. Grammar recently has been VERY heavy! We've learned about using comparatives and superlatives in German and then coupled these ideas with adjective endings. These will be focus points for review as we step into learning new grammar topics like da-compounds and wenn/dann statements. All this in the context of tourism, hiking and traveling in general.
Give me a kick in the shin if I don't update this enough. ...or maybe nudge me with an email :)
We'll chat again soon.
Mr. Rory Callendar
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