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
