Historic Poetry

Students took their 3rd Friday Flashback assessment of the year. Then they analyzed a portion of historic poetry from the Vietnam War along with watching a clip from Forrest Gump.

King Andrew I

Students analyzed 2 Andrew Jackson political cartoons today in class. Andrew Jackson as a king and attempting to destroy the National Bank. Students be ready for some fun stuff tomorrow.

Taxes and Rejection

Students finished reading and discussing Chapter 12 section 3 and the main topic discussed today was the Tariff of Abomination & the Doctrine of Nullification. Why do tariffs effect the South greatly? How would internal improvements encourage financial growth within the U.S.?

Jackson vs. the Vice-President

President Andrew Jackson and his Vice-President John C. Calhoun began to have issues over the rights of states and if they should be allowed to reject Federal laws within the states. Students began their note taking process, "Cutting out the fat" over pages 363-367.

Welcome back....

I found out today that it's not easy trying to making the classroom more positive. Some are reluctant while others embrace it quietly. I hoping that it will help the overall classroom environment for the student as well as the teacher. Change is never an easy thing...ask the Cherokee nation and Andrew Jackson. There was an issue between the two side over power, well namely land and gold. But let's face it President Jackson didn't care to lose any of his power. Should the President be able to tell the citizens within the country that he serves that certain groups of people should not be allowed to live where they have lived most of their life?

So I've got some big news...

Guess who was signed by the Mavericks? Don't worry guys, I've worked out a deal with the owner of the Mavs, he's going to allow me to teach during the school day, as long as I'm able to make it to the games. How many of y'all would like to come to my first game?

President Andrew Jackson

Classes finished up the introduction of Andrew Jackson. We talked about the way Andrew Jackson was raised and what he went through as a child and how that may have affected his Presidency. Jackson faced issues with the Native Americans, the National Bank, & the Vice-President.

Who's that guy on the 20 dollar bill?

Students began reading about the 7th President of the United States. Soon they will see why the Native American population was not a fan of his presidency. Why is Andrew Jackson's presidency celebrated in this country? Was he for the people or did that change once he became President? He was an interesting American figure.

Political Cartoon time

Today students analyzed current political cartoons. Including this one. What do you think this picture is saying?

Are you smarter than an 8th grader?

Students took their 2nd History Benchmark of the school year which will help let me know who may need additional help with the Causes of the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the U.S. Constitution, and other facts covered during the last few months. The benchmark was 23 questions and most students seem to finish in about 20 minutes, not sure if that's a good sign or maybe they're breezing through it because they been taught well. Remember students to bring your dollars so that you can purchase some duct tape to tape your favorite History teacher to the wall during lunch.

Post War Sectionalism

What were the main 3 sections or regions of the United States after the War of 1812? What economic resources did each region rely on? Who was known as the "Great Compromiser?" What was the Missouri Compromise? How did the Missouri Compromise effect the United States?

sorry I was out but...

I had to attend to some business. I hope all went well in class today. Remember on Thursday, you will be taking your History Benchmark which will help me assess where you may need help in or if you're understanding everything that I've taught.

Why is cotton such a big deal in the South?

Pre-AP classes finished up their Winter Olympics presentations and will be taking a quiz tomorrow over Presidents Adams, Jefferson, & Madison (previous worksheets/notes discussed in class). Afterwards, students will complete their Friday Flashback #1 (mini TAKS assessment). Then they will work on their assessment over the Nationalism & Sectionalism notes using their textbook and notes, if needed.

Regular classes began working on and even discussing in class the notes covering Post War sectionalism. These notes cover the 3 major regions in the U.S., their economic resources, the Missouri Compromise, the Monroe Doctrine, and the Election of 1824.

Surprise and discussion

Today, regular classes took another mini-assessment, "Friday Flashback #1." Afterwards, we discussed the class notes, "Post War Nationalism."

Pre-AP classes began their Winter Olympic presentations today and should be finished on Monday.

Quiz and Discussion

What year was the Louisiana Purchase made? What is the Embargo Act of 1807? What were the causes and effects of the War of 1812? Why did Lewis & Clark explore Louisiana? These questions and more were covered on the quiz today.

Pre-AP classes will take their quiz on Monday because they will be presenting their Winter Olympics project tomorrow. Today they finished discussing the War of 1812 and began looking at Post War Nationalism and Post War Sectionalism which are both due on Monday in class.

Are you a Nationalist?

Students, you should be able to answer that question after today's class? Who is known as "The Great Compromiser?" We will soon begin talking about the "Era of Good Feelings." We will be gaining new land because the Spanish didn't want to enforce the rules at their border. Just a reminder, tomorrow you will be having a quiz over "The Louisiana Purchase," "Problems with Foreign Powers," and "The War of 1812" notes...make sure you study them and if you've been able to answer the Exit Questions on the white board everyday, you should be fine.

Let the games begin....Pre-AP

Pre-AP students began working on their Project covering the Winter Olympics. Students paired off with a friend and picked an event, randomly. To access information regarding your Olympic event, click on the following link: http://school.nettrekker.com/authenticate/upauth/ and remember the username and password are the same thing (think where do you go to school and what level of education are you currently in?) If you have lost your rubric, go to my teacher webpage and click on the calendar icon and look under today's date.

Regular classes finished up their War of 1812 notes (cutting out the fat strategy) and remember there will be a quiz covering those notes, "Problems with the Foreign Powers," and "The Louisiana Purchase" notes.

Presidents' Day

Fun day at school today...we did nothing. Students had the day off. Why is today called the Presidents' Day? When did Presidents' Day become a federal holiday? Someone try to answer and comment on the blog. Let's see what you know.

Do you know your states?

What state is directly north of Nebraska? Which state is in the northwest corner of the United States? Which state looks like a mitten and has produced such famous athletes as Magic Johnson & Coach Xanders? Everyone try to catch the beginning of the Winter Olympics, if you can. Does anyone have a favorite winter sport? Curling...anyone?

Thursday Throwback??? And The War of 1812 - Cutting Out the Fat

Students had the wonderful opportunity to experience their first ever Thursday Throwback (daily work assessment). Afterwards, students began working on the next section - The War of 1812 using the "Cutting Out the Fat" strategy.