This week has been all about determining whether it was our manifest destiny to move westward.
On Tuesday through Thursday, students prepared for next Friday's debate. The kids crafted their speeches and designed slideshows to support their arguments. Then, they practiced with the members of their sides to receive feedback (and interruptions from me) in order to better hone their speeches, arguments, and rebuttals. I was once again amazed by the quality of feedback provided in all of my classes. It was clear that students really listened to each other, knew the content, and actively tried to provide constructive and insightful comments. Moreover, I am so impressed with the grace that students took the feedback they received and then used what they had heard to make improvements.
On Friday, we held our debate. The kids did an amazing job! The presentations demonstrated knowledge and passion. We had students dressed to impress, dramatic presentations, use of images to drive home points that otherwise would not have been as powerful, as well as encouragement and support for each other.
As with the John Brown trial, we had parents volunteer their time to act as judges, saving me from having to make the decision. Our judges carefully and thoughtfully deliberated the pros and cons of the arguments and made the hard decision of who won. Not only did the judges provide a verdict, but incredible feedback and glowing praise as well. In all three classes, against manifest destiny won. Largely due to the difficulty of excusing behaviors such as our treatment of the indigenous people and environmental destruction on a large scale. Saying that, all classes, on both sides, did an incredible job, not making it easy for the jurors to decide.
WESTWARD HO! IN-SCHOOL FIELD TRIP
I am excited to announce that on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 (with a rain date of Thursday, April 25, 2024), the 5th CES students will be participating in an in-school field trip. This activity, called Westward Ho!, is a culmination of our social studies unit on Westward Expansion and is designed to provide a variety of activities simulating the experience of pioneers during Westward Expansion.
This in-school field trip requires a signed permission slip because we will leave the school grounds and head “West”. This permission slip will be sent home on Monday after I give students more details.
I am including information in the weekly update because we are asking that parents donate supplies in order for us to provide the students with things like snacks for the trail (it is a long trip to Oregon), arts and crafts activities, games, and STEM activities. Linked here is an Amazon wish list. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated.
All food is store bought so that we can provide health information to parents in regards to allergies. Additionally, there is a vegan/vegetarian option to accommodate dietary needs of students.