Middle School
This week, middle school students are beginning their study of the 1960s. There are multiple avenues and themes of study in this decade, but we’re starting with an overview and an examination of presidential leadership.
Middle school students continue to meet for live classes as they fit into their schedules. This week, 7th and 8th grade students had/will have live classes on Monday and Wednesday. Sixth grade students are meeting daily to go over assignments and have discussion. This group has especially enjoyed this time to go over lessons and connect, and I’ve been so grateful for the time with all of them!
In addition to their class meetings, students’ assignments for the week are listed below:
- Tuesday/Wednesday: Who were the presidents of the 1960s? We’re going to learn more about JFK. Spend time on the JFK library site and choose one of his speeches to learn more about. This library allows you to listen and view your choice of his addresses to the country. Take notes. What do you notice about what he believes in and his character? Why do you think the American people supported him in 1960? Do some brief research. What sort of background is JFK from? What challenges has he faced, and what privileges has his life seen?
- Thursday: Time to learn more about LBJ. Follow the same process you did for JFK. Utilize the LBJ library site.
- Friday: Compare and contrast the styles of the two presidents. Consider the needs of the 1960s. How were they able to meet those needs for the American people? How did they fail?
High School
High school students have wrapped up their research papers on Reconstruction and are now scheduling individual meetings and joining office hours to design their next project. Students were provided with a list of possibilities but are also invited to think outside of those options in considering important events and issues in Missouri history. As we meet, students are working with me to create questions and focus areas of growth, in addition to crafting the style of project and identifying good locations for various sources.
