The Next Set of Challenges for 7.8/3 Social Studies

The theme of challenges seems to be quite an appropriate one for all of the 7.8/3 students in the domain of Social Studies. For seventh graders, the challenge is a relatively simple one: "How do I teach my colleagues?" The student led teaching assignment for chapter 9 is upon us and students will be selecting topics and groupings today. It is going to be difficult to change the frame of focus from teaching to learning, but it will be something that has to be adopted in order for this assignment to serve as beneficial. In the coming weeks, the blog will feature talking points for the students and they are invited to use these to guide their instruction. For this week, the critical points are to select a grouping of students that can carry hold their own in a collaborative format. The second challenge would be for students to select a topic where they can find some level of personal voice. These two elements will have to guide students and their focus for this week.
For the 8th graders, the soothing sounds of the speak easy, the fashion of the flapper, and the illusions of fame will guide their studies. Students will have to work on completing their Day II of the WWI Exams, due Friday, and simultaneously work on completing their requirements for the 1920s unit, due on the 19th. Both will have to be done simultaneously. Students should also consider returning their Tommy Guns permission slips and money within the coming week. Finally, students need to investigate which figure for the '20s that would match in order to come to school dressed in character on the 26th. Students are encouraged to start the process of going to Goodwill stores or Salvation Army outlets in order to fill out their wardrobe.
As we are in the third trimester, the last of our voyage, all stakeholders are encouraged to initiate contact with me when needed. It is difficult to conceive, but highly present, that our journey is reaching its termination point, with definable features. I invite all students to join me in hoping for a strong close to a very eventful and exciting voyage thus far.
Happy hunting.
Mr. Kannan