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Simulation Diary Entries

1/21/2015

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We did our first diary entry for the Discovery simulation today. Here are the ways students can earn points for their entries:
  • Follow all directions. Don’t leave any parts out.
  • Be historically accurate. (You can include things that happened to your group as part of the simulation.)
  • Be detailed. I expect you to write at least a page. 
  • Strive for verisimilitude. Make us see it. Make us feel it. 

Here are the ways I answered questions the students had:
  • You will write the entry in class, on lined paper, using a pen. 
  • Write clearly enough so I can read it.
  • You don’t have to worry about conventions. People don’t worry about spelling, etc., when they are writing in a diary!
  • You can create a persona, a character you are writing as. You can sign that person’s name. Make sure you pick a name people would have used in that time period! Do Google searches for ideas: “Puritan names female” or “pioneer names male.” 
  • You can pick an age and circumstances for your persona—a ten-year-old boy or a 27-year-old woman with a husband and three children.

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The Start of the Simulation!

1/13/2015

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We've been studying the colonies so we've been following colonial manners in the classroom. That means students must bow and say "ma'am" before they speak to Mrs. Kragen. 

Individuals worked on three maps each, including making one that was a custom map out of their own imagination. Each group made a flag for their colony--one large flag and several small ones to use for claiming territory on the large classroom map. Groups figured out their total wealth units today, which they had earned from assignments, and then they used their wealth to load their ships with cargo.


Students also did a writing preassessment in the computer lab using the social studies chapter on the colonies as a resource.
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Thank You, Thank You!

1/7/2015

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Often I have the class do a poetry unit right before winter break, and then I write an elaborate thank you note poem for the class for any gifts I get. They like to see me do the same kind of work I've made them do!

This year we did short stories right before the break, so I thought I should write a thank you in the form of a short story. Several kids wrote "choose your own adventure" stories. I'd never done one of those before, so I decided to challenge myself and give that genre a try. 

I created a website specifically for the story: dreagan.com. (If you go to the "about" page on the web site you can see where the name came from.)

I hope you enjoy the story with your children, and I hope you know how very much I appreciate all the thoughtful gifts. 
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    Picture

    About Me

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    CALENDAR
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    From Education Week--According to the latest research, the two best predictors of college success are not grades and intellectual ability. Number one is “conscientiousness” (dependability, perseverance, work ethic). Number two is “agreeableness” (interpersonal skills, getting along with other people, working well in groups).

    From what I’ve observed, I would say the same is true for life after college—jobs and careers, marriage and family life. Success comes more easily for people who are willing to work hard and who are able to cooperate with other people.

    ​Diet Coke and Mentos

    200 years of demographics

    Hydrophobic?

    Holland vs. the Netherlands

    Super scientist--and only 15 years old!

    How to use paper towels

    Air cannon at the
    White House

    "Junior" HD project

    HD project: nationals

    HD project: award


    Greek alphabet song


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