Thanks to our crazy Alabama weather, we certainly had a bumpy start to our new year!! The extra day of rest (or play) last week was very nice, but I must admit I am anxious to get going on our new unit of study, World War II. As a point of reference for parents, Chapter 26 in our textbook is where we will be spending the next several weeks discussing this historical event. World War II was a powerful event with far-reaching implications for our nation as well as the world. I know my students will come away from our study with a new understanding of people & politics and the motivators that drive them both.

MONDAY, Jan 11th
Students will continue to create their charts of countries and leaders that played a key role in WWII; these charts will be a terrific reference tool as our class discussions begin; Writing Prompt today: After reading Chapter 26, Section 1, at this point in history, should the United States have joined the war effort in Europe?
~~~~~~Homework~~~~~~
none

TUESDAY, Jan 12th
Class discussion about the conditions in Europe that sparked war; Hitler & German anger at provisions of Treaty of Versailles; biography of Adolf Hitler and review of Nazi Party origins
~~~~~~Homework~~~~~~
read over pgs. 756-757 to gain an understanding of conditions in US during late 1930’s

WEDNESDAY, Jan 13th
Chapter 26, Section 1
Students will review transparency of German conquest of Europe 1938-1939; student creation of German movement timeline; French & British policy of appeasement
~~~~~~Homework~~~~~~
none

THURSDAY, Jan 14th
Chapter 26, Section 2
Opening question for students: Why were so many nations drawn into the conflict of WWII besides Germany, Britain, and France?
Students will work in learning groups to read and discuss items in Section 2; students will come back together and present findings; Mrs. Horton to distribute notetaking sheets
~~~~~~Homework~~~~~~
Define vocabulary words for Chapter 26, Section 2 (pg. 758); put these in the Vocabulary Section of your Social Studies notebook

FRIDAY, Jan 15th
Students will discuss the threat Japan posed to the United States; students will read account of attack on Pearl Harbor; students will review transparency 26-2 to give visual of WWII timeline;
Writing Prompt (Descriptive Writing): Write a news bulletin to announce the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor.
~~~~~~Homework~~~~~~
none

Have a super weekend!!!!

Monday
Teacher Workday – No students

Tuesday
The students will refresh their memory of expected behaviors, supplies, and level of work in Social Studies class.
In-Class Writing Prompt:
“Write a 5 sentence paragraph describing the things you did, places you went, or other unique experiences you had during your holiday break.”
~~~~~Homework~~~~~
none

Wednesday
We will begin our study of World War II with Chapter 26, Section 1: Road to War
~~~~~Homework~~~~~
Students will outline Chapter 26, “World War II” in the Class Notes section of their Social Studies notebook.

Thursday
Class discussion on timeline of early World War II; students will explore events in Europe and the Pacific that set the stage for war;
In-class assignment: define vocabulary words for Chapter 26, Section 1: dictator, fascism, anti-Semitism, totalitarian, appeasement (pg. 752)
~~~~~Homework~~~~~~
finish defining vocabulary words if not completed during class

Friday
Students will identify key players on the warfront, specifically key countries and their leaders; students will individually create a chart displaying this information that will be referenced throughout the study of WWII;
~~~~~Homework~~~~~
none

Keep warm this week & weekend!!!!

My how time flies when you’re having fun! I hope everyone had a healthy start to their new year. I know all our students are so anxious to get back into the groove of things, so let me impart a few pointers for Tuesday morning……

Students! Please come to school prepared to work! We will have a portion of time set aside during the day Tuesday to share our holiday happenings, but when it’s time to get busy, let’s settle down and attend to the business of learning!

Parents! Please make sure your child has the proper supplies when they return to school. Many students come to class lacking pencils and paper which translates to lost instructional time. Take a few moments to visually check your students back packs or binders to ensure they will return to school equipped to learn!

I hope you & your family had an opportunity to rest and renew both mind and body during our holiday break. With the new year upon us, I am excited about our new semester and the various topics of study we have ahead of us! I hope you return to school with that same sense of excitement!! See you Tuesday!