Reading in the Middle Ages

Seventh grade English students are reading novels that tie into the hummanities lessons taking place during the Renaissance  period in England. Five novel choice were offered to students who are reading with a small group of their peers in literature circles. See the novel choices pictured below and pick up one to read. This is a very intriguing period of history!

Cultural Diversity Unit Grade 8

It is interesting to see how people all over the earth solve their problems and work through the issues of their daily lives. Can we identify with them and learn anything from others who might have problems similar to the ones we have? Unit 5 in English class poses the question, "What can we learn by studying the mistakes and successes of others?" Quite a bit I hope. Students are reading in literature circles with a small group of peers who also chose the same book to read out of the five selections offered. Each book takes place on a different continent so there will be a global perspective. See a picture of the novel choices below. Pick up one and read today!

Social Injustice

 At the end of every school year, which is swiftly approaching, I give a survey to students and ask them questions about the five units they have covered this year in grade 8.  It is always puzzling to me why the unit titled "Social Injustice" is by far the most popular among a majority of the students. It is definitely the most difficult writing assignment, which culminates in a research paper. It requires much thought, interpretation of the facts, connecting to data bases, necessitates note taking skills, paraphrasing information from multiple sources and finally writing a paper that states a position, maintains that position and concludes with a thoughtful plan for the future suggesting a solution that is determined, after a monumental amount of research, that could be a possiblity. I am tired just reliving in my thoughts these past few weeks! The unit question posed is, "How can learning about the past help us make just and fair decisions in the future?" This is certainly a profound question to ponder at any time and maybe it is what lures the students to research injustices they discover that exist in the world. Topics range from child abuse to human trafficking to media violence and almost any topic you can think of in between. Students have free reign and the choice to investigate any subject matter, which might be another reason they like this project so much. It is also "real" and currently happening in the news. Teens also have a strong sense of right and wrong and they crave justice for all. I wish that quest for justice could stay as strong in all of us.

Click on this animoto to see a range of social injustice topics introduced to the students.