This week has been one of drama, danger, and sadly death. We finished our live-action version of the classic game "Oregon Trail" that I modified and tweaked for use in my classroom.
 On Monday, families continued their journey West through water crossings, forts, landmarks, diseases, tragedy, and other events that were historically a part of travel on the Oregon Trail. Each family was given an option of a number to choose and that number then determined their experiences. Some were good, some were bad - broken wagon wheels, illness, death, successful trading and hunting, and interactions with other travelers and Native Americans.
In all cases, I shared historical information that related to each event (what the pioneers ate, what would be found at landmarks and forts, why Independence Rock was important to reach by July 4, causes of disease, interactions with indigenous tribes, and why you should never abandon your wagon).
At the end of the three days, for a family to reach Oregon, they had to have 175 points (gained through their selections), $50, and at least one surviving member of their family. Sadly, not all of the families were successful in reaching Oregon, though that too is historically accurate. All and all, the kids seemed to have a great time. They were excited and engaged and hopefully they learned a lot.
On Tuesday, we began our last social studies unit for the year, Citizenship. We began the unit by reading about what life was like after the Civil War and discussed Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural speech that included how he planned to reconstruct the nation. Next, table groups worked together using a series of "Things to Consider" questions to create their own plan for reunifying the nation. They were asked to think about whether former Confederates should be allowed to be citizens again, should they vote, should all members of the Confederacy be treated the same? They were also asked to think about the rights and structures that should be provided for the newly freed people, what to do with the land taken from the Confederates, and how to guarantee loyalty.Â
After a class discussion, hearing the different original plans and ideas from each group, students were then asked to evaluate four different reconstruction plans and determine which they liked best. The plans included Lincoln's 10% plan, the Wade Davis Bill, Andrew Johnson's plan, and the plan of the Radical Republicans.
On Thursday and Friday, we focused on the Reconstruction Amendments and the events that led up to and directly followed their creation. As you can imagine there was much debate and discussion on the actions of Andrew Johnson and the Radical Republicans. Students were horrified by the Black Codes including those created by Maryland. They were, however, hopeful with the creation of the 14th and 15th Amendment.
Information about Westward Ho!
Next week is our in-school field trip, Westward Ho! We are currently scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, with a rain date of Thursday, April 25. A decision will be made on Tuesday morning if the date needs to be changed. I will tell the classes and send an email to let families know if the date changes.
For Westward Ho!, your child needs to bring a water bottle and comfortable shoes, as we will be walking around for a large portion of the day.
I am also asking (though not requiring) that the kids dress as pioneers. This can include button-up shirts, vests, long skirts or dresses, aprons, bonnets, wide-brimmed hats, jeans, dress pants, and overalls. Girls are welcome to wear pants if they do not want to dress in skirts and dresses.
We will be sitting in the grass and on the ground for a portion of the day so if your child would like to bring a blanket or towel to sit on, they may do so.
Students will participate in a variety of activities that are related to pioneer life. This includes games, arts and crafts, and a STEM activity. They will also be creating a covered wagon to help transport their belongings when we travel "West".
There will be "trail snacks" provided for each child. None of the snacks contain dairy, nuts, shellfish, or pork. Each item in their snack bag is individually wrapped so if a student is unsure if they want to or can eat something, it will not have touched any of the other food items. Based on the dietary information provided, I have created a regular snack and a vegetarian snack (this will be given to Kosher students as well - unless specified otherwise). Yesterday, an email went out with links for each food item if you would like to check ingredients. No parent needs to send additional food items and students will be having their regular lunch.
I would like to say a special thank you to everyone who donated to Westward Ho!. Some items arrived without the name of the family who donated. I will be sending out thank you notes next week. If you do not receive one, but donated an item or items, please know that the students and I are incredibly grateful for making the day possible.
I am very excited about the day and will absolutely take and share pictures.