So we are now about a full week back with technology. I had mixed feelings about the week-long tech blackout that our district experienced. It showed me just how much I rely on computers in my teaching and my day to day work life. On the upside, being "unplugged" was a nice break. It made me feel like it was back when I was in school - before the internet :).
In class we have just finished our "This I Believe" essays. I always marvel at the growth and maturity of my students as they finish their 8th grade year. This essay really gives them a chance to shine and share some of their life experiences that have shaped personal beliefs and philosophies. If you haven't already seen the essay, ask your child if you can read it! If your child is interested in submitting their essay to the This I Believe website, just click here and follow the directions. Because my students are under 18, I cannot submit an essay without parent permission.
Yesterday we began our final unit of the school year, a whole-class novel entitled Ashes of Roses. This novel is set in 1911 at the height the European immigration period. It revolves around an Irish immigrant named Rose and her family. They settle in New York and soon Rose begins to work in a factory in the garment district of the city - the Triangle Shirtwaist Company. This novel is historical fiction and is based on actual events that occurred at the Triangle Shirtwaist company - specifically the horrific fire that killed over one hundred young girls working at the factory. This novel also looks closely at our nations industrial development and how we have progressed from the sweatshops that were a commonplace so many years ago.
This novel will be taught in a more traditional method. Students can expect assigned reading most nights as well as discussion questions and vocabulary to complete for use in class. There will be two tests on this novel as well. The first will be after the completion of chapter 15 and the second will be upon completion of the book.
