Thursday, January 30, 2020

The American Dream: Revisited, Day 2 - Class Recap


We talked today about wealth inequality in the United States. This is a photo from high up in the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo taken in 2014.

Dear class,

I enjoyed the day with you all, as we continued to revisit the idea of the American Dream and whether or not it is an attainable reality for everyone. Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Critical Thinking LT 5: I can justify and support arguments or interpretation with appropriate evidence.

Soundtrack: "Just a Dream" by Nelly. Selected for today because of our continued conversation about the American Dream. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 1/30/20:
News Brief - Jon
Wealth Inequality
The American Dream
Prep Time

Homework: Read the blog! Be prepared for Socratic Seminar discussion next class! Next news brief: Moises.

News Brief: Jon had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: NYTimes.com - Coronavirus Live Updates: Emergency Declaration Is Considered as Toll Rises. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Moises was assigned to do the next news brief.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):

BBCNews.com - One-minute World News

Wealth Inequality: To continue our look at the American Dream: I had students break into small groups and walked everyone through this lesson on guessing what wealth inequality looks like in the United States: MorningsideCenter.org - Wealth Inequality in America. I used different colors of paper and paper clips, but otherwise, the lesson is pretty much the same as what we did in class.

Basically, I wanted to see what students thought wealth distribution looks like in the United States, before I showed this video to the class as to the differences between typical perceptions and reality:



After the video, we had a discussion about what we noticed and reasons for why this wealth distribution pattern might have an impact on our society. My guess is that these numbers were surprising to you - why do you think that was?

American Dream: Next class, we will have a Socratic Seminar discussion on the question: "Is the American Dream attainable by everyone?"

Here is the packet that I passed out last class with readings with opinions about the status of the American Dream:


This packet will be turned in and assessed for a Critical Thinking grade, in combination with the Communication grade from the Seminar. The video notes on the last page are on the above video.

Prep Time: The rest of class was spent preparing for the Socratic Seminar next class. As a reminder, this is a student led discussion, based on the question: Do you think everyone can attain the American Dream? Why or why not?

Come prepared to next class with your answers and higher level questions about the American Dream! See you next class!
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Tuesday, January 28, 2020

The American Dream: Revisited, Day 1 - Class Recap


Your anonymous feedback for what you like about this class! :-) 

Hello everyone,

Welcome to a new semester! We began by getting organized and reviewing feedback from last semester, then moving on to prepare for a Socratic Seminar discussion on the American Dream! Here's what happened today:

Learning Targets:
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Critical Thinking LT 5: I can justify and support arguments or interpretation with appropriate evidence.

Soundtrack: "Brand New Day" by Sting. Selected for today because it is a brand new semester and a chance to start again! Lyrics here.

AGENDA 1/28/20:
News Brief - Joshua
Organization
Review Class Feedback
The American Dream

Homework: Read the blog! Finish the reading questions if you did not in class. Next news brief: Jon.

News Brief: Joshua had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: USAToday.com - Coronavirus screenings to expand to 15 new US airports; CDC warns against travel to China. We talked about this story for a bit, before moving on.

Jon was selected to do the next news brief.

As usual, we checked in about what students were up to outside of class (I hope finals went well!).

We also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Organization: Next, I offered students time to clear out their binder of work from last semester for my class, and to get organized and ready for the next semester. Let's all try to work on this for the rest of the year! :-)

Review Class Feedback: We looked at the anonymous feedback that students gave me after the semester final about how the class was going, and how I am doing as a teacher. Here it is again if you want to check it out:


Some observations:
1) It looks like students really love what we learn about in class (especially related to current events), which is awesome to see!
2) The class knows it could get better at discussions (see below!) and staying focused.
3) The class likes that I am enthusiastic, positive, helpful, and that I explain/teach concepts well.
4) However, some students feel like I could do a better job of not talking during movies and with assignments (if anything at all).

As I also noted in the last slide, we have lots of work to do in the second semester, which will probably be more challenging for most students than the first semester.

The American Dream: To start this semester, I wanted to remind students of last semester, when we talked about the concept of the "American Dream" and students made posters with slogans. Next week, we will have a Socratic Seminar discussion on the question: "Is the American Dream attainable by everyone?"

Here is the packet that I passed out today with readings with opinions about the status of the American Dream:


In class, I had students read the first article in the packet and underline words or phrases that they did not understand, to ask a partner for help. We then went through them as a class.

We will continue working on this packet and preparation next class. My plan is to then have the Socratic Seminar in class next Monday. Thanks for your hard work today - here we go again!
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Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Semester 1 Finals - Class Recap


The sun has set on Semester 1 of the 2019-20 school year! Photo taken in Hawaii in 2011.

Hi everyone,

Today was immigrant group presentation day for almost everyone in class, so I hope that you feel as if they went well and were worth the time! Here's what we did today in class:

Learning Targets Addressed:
Behavior LT 3: I can work effectively within a team or group.
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge LT 16: I can explain the process of change and continuity in a society, place, or region.

Soundtrack: "The Final Countdown" by Europe. Selected for today because of it being finals for our class! Lyrics here.

AGENDA 1/22/20:
News Brief – Ariel
Presentations
Class Feedback

Homework: Read the blog. Good luck on the rest of your finals! Next news brief: Joshua.

News Brief: Ariel had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: CNN.com - Live Updates: Impeachment trial of President Trump. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Joshua was assigned to do the next news brief.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Presentations: During this part of class, students presented on the immigrant groups they selected. I first asked for volunteers, then drew randomly. Here's the assignment again:


Here is the list of groups that presented:


Finally, here is the sheet for notes that I passed out to the class:


Class Feedback: The last part of class was given to answering questions about how class is going for everyone so far (the survey link was on Google Classroom). The questions are:

1) What do you like about this class? What is this class good at?

2) What does the class need to get better at/improve at doing?

3) What do you like about Mr. Fritz as a teacher?

4) What can Mr. Fritz improve at doing as a teacher?

Hopefully, students had substantive feedback to give for each part! This was anonymous, to allow for students to write freely. I will analyze these results and get back to everyone at the start of next semester! Have a great rest of the week!
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Friday, January 17, 2020

Immigration, Day 5 - Class Recap


One of the quotes at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC. Photo taken in 2011.

Hi everyone,

Thank you for your efforts today in class and this semester as a whole! Next week is finals week. Here's what we did today in class:

Learning Targets Addressed:
Behavior LT 3: I can work effectively within a team or group.
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge LT 16: I can explain the process of change and continuity in a society, place, or region.

Soundtrack: "Pride (In the Name of Love)" by U2. Selected for today because of the song's connection to Martin Luther King Jr, who we honor on Monday with a day of service (and no school). Lyrics here.

AGENDA 1/17/20:
News Brief – Rachel
MLK Day of Service
Presentations?
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog. Your final presentation with your group is next class (checklist here). Know your grade (updated on StudentVUE) and improve it, if possible! All late/missing/revised work for this semester is due by TODAY. Next news brief: Ariel.

News Brief: Rachel had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: NYTimes.com - U.S. and Iran Are Trolling Each Other — in China. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Ariel was assigned to do the next news brief.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


MLK Day of Service: There is no school on Monday, to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, who would have turned 91 this year and we talked about during our Civil Rights unit this year. I always encourage students to see this day as a day of service, not a day off. In light off that, here is a great list of local events that are happening in our area:


Let me know if you are planning of doing anything or end up serving the community in some way over the weekend!

Presentations?: I wanted to be sure to give students the opportunity to do their immigration presentation early, to get it out of the way before next week, and to make it easier on the class schedule during finals day. I appreciate anyone who was willing to volunteer to go!

Final Project: A couple of classes ago, I introduced what the final project will look like for this semester (a group presentation due on finals day, or before, if the group wants to get it done with):


Groups were formed last week and immigrant groups were selected. Here is the list of groups:


Work Time: The rest of class was devoted to work time in researching the immigrant group the team selected, and continuing to create and practice the presentations. These will be due next class, as it is our finals day together!
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Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Immigration, Day 4 - Class Recap


A picture of me at the Berlin Wall in 2013.

Dear class,

We continued working on the final presentation during our last week before Semester 1 finals! Here's what we did today in class:

Learning Targets Addressed:
Behavior LT 3: I can work effectively within a team or group.
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge LT 16: I can explain the process of change and continuity in a society, place, or region.

Soundtrack: "Refugee" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Selected for today because many refugees have immigrated to the United States. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 1/15/20:
News Brief – Finn
Final Project
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog. Continue working on your final presentation with your group (checklist here). Know your grade (updated on StudentVUE) and improve it, if possible! All late/missing/revised work for this semester is due by this Friday, January 17th. Next news brief: Rachel.

News Brief: Finn had the news brief today, but was late to class, so I filled in and selected an article about this story to talk about: WashingtonPost.com - Impeachment live updates: House to vote Wednesday to send impeachment articles against Trump to the Senate. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Rachel was assigned to do the next news brief.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Final Project: Last class, I introduced what the final project will look like for this semester (a group presentation due on finals day, or before, if the group wants to get it done with):


Groups were formed last week and immigrant groups were selected. Here is the list of groups:


Work Time: The rest of class was devoted to work time in researching the immigrant group the team selected, and continuing to create the presentations.

Next class will probably be more of the same, as we wind down the semester and all late work is due! See you then!
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Monday, January 13, 2020

Immigration, Day 3 - Class Recap


My two passports! I have dual citizenship through my mother, who was born and raised in the United Kingdom.

Hi everyone,

One full week down, one more full week left in the semester, before finals! Here's what we did today in class:

Learning Targets Addressed:
Behavior LT 2: I can manage my responsibilities as a student.
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge LT 16: I can explain the process of change and continuity in a society, place, or region.

Soundtrack: "Immigrant" by Nitin Sawhney. Selected for today for obvious reasons connected to our current unit. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 1/13/20:
News Brief – Sharath
Final Project
Select Groups
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog. Know your grade (updated on StudentVUE) and improve it, if possible! All late/missing/revised work for this semester is due by THIS Friday, January 17th. Next news brief: Finn.

News Brief: Sharath had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: NBCNews.com - Iran protests: Crowds in Tehran refuse to walk on U.S. and Israeli flags. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Finn was assigned to do the next news brief.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Final Project: Next, I introduced what the final project will look like for this semester (a group presentation due on finals day, or before, if the group wants to get it done with):


In class, I gave students time to consider which immigrant group might be most interesting to learn about. Here are the options:


As I said in class, this is an opportunity to improve or maintain your grade in the class. If you do not show up or do not do the final presentation, of course, I reserve the right to lower your grade in the class at semester.

Select Groups: Today, groups were formed and immigrant groups were selected. Here is the list of groups:


Work Time: The rest of class was devoted to work time in researching the immigrant group the team selected, and beginning to create the presentations. This is largely what we will work on all next week in preparation for finals (this project is the final for this semester). Thanks for your effort this week!
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Thursday, January 9, 2020

Immigration, Day 2 - Class Recap


Last class, we visited the front lobby at Westview, and learned about some of the many languages spoken by families here.

Dear class,

We continued our sprint to the finish line of the semester today, by looking at immigration in the United States. Here's what we did today in class:

Learning Targets Addressed:
Behavior LT 2: I can manage my responsibilities as a student.
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge LT 16: I can explain the process of change and continuity in a society, place, or region.

Soundtrack: "Come As You Are" by Nirvana. Selected for today because of the millions of immigrants who have come to the United States as they are. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 1/9/20:
News Brief – Raj
The Braceros Program
Stereotypes and Statistics
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog. Know your grade (updated on StudentVUE) and improve it, if possible! All late/missing/revised work for this semester is due by next Friday, January 17th. Next news brief: Sharath.

News Brief: Raj had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: NYTimes.com - You’re Not Being Drafted: Army Says Scary Texts Are ‘Completely Fake’. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Sharath was assigned to do the next news brief.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):

The Braceros Program: To continue our short unit on immigration in the United States, I wanted to be sure students learned about a major program during World War II (and for about 20 years after) that brought millions of Mexican farm laborers to the United States to work in the fields. While there were many formal names for this, the informal name is the Braceros (or "strong arms" in Spanish) program. Here's the short documentary that we watched in class about this program and the legacy:


Here are the documentary questions that we went through together:


After the Braceros program ended in 1964, civil rights leaders such as Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta (and the United Farm Workers union) continued to work towards more rights and better working conditions for farm workers in the United States.

Stereotypes and Statistics: Next, I asked students to consider some common stereotypes about immigrants (specifically, Latinx and Hispanic immigrants), and find data about the actual statistics.

We watched this video to introduce this section of class:



 This was the link I shared with students to help:


Here is the worksheet that students were filling out:


We then talked about this information as a class, and we finished as the bell rang to stop our day together. Next class, I will introduce the final project! See you then!
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Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Immigration, Day 1 - Class Recap


The poem at the base of the Statue of Liberty in New York is (partially) as follows: 

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door

Photo taken in 2011.

Hi everyone,

Welcome back to Westview and the start of our time in 2020 together! Here's what we did today in class:

Learning Targets Addressed:
Behavior LT 2: I can manage my responsibilities as a student.
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge LT 16: I can explain the process of change and continuity in a society, place, or region.

Soundtrack: "New Year's Day" by U2. Selected for today because of the obvious connection to the start of 2019 in class. My dad used to play this song loudly every January 1 as I was growing up! Lyrics here.

AGENDA 1/7/20:
News Brief – Mr. Fritz
Immigration Overview
PowerPoint Notes
Where Are We From?

Homework: Read the blog. Know your grade (updated on StudentVUE) and improve it, if possible! All late/missing/revised work for this semester is due by next Friday, January 17th. Next news brief: Raj.

News Brief: I had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: TheGuardian.com - Iowa: Sanders, Biden and Buttigieg in three-way tie as caucuses loom. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class over Winter Break.

Raj was assigned to do the next news brief.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):

Where Are We From?: At the start of class (as the first slide of the presentation indicates), we took a quick class field trip to the front lobby at Westview, which has the languages of students hanging. The prompt here was (this is posted on Google Classroom):

Select a language spoken here that you want to learn more about (not your own) – write it down.

Research the language and where speakers of it originate from.

How many people speak the language in the United States? What is their story?

We talked about what we found as a class - hopefully students found this introductory activity interesting!

Immigration Overview: To start off our unit on immigration to end the semester, I showed this video about sources of immigration to the United States since 1850:


This was to help provide some background knowledge as we began thinking about reasons people would move to the United States and their impact once arriving here.

PowerPoint Notes: Next, I had students learn a bit more of the details about how and when people came to the United States, through this presentation:


Here is the sheet for notes on the presentation as we went through it:


And here is the timeline on the back side of the note sheet in class:


Thanks for following along with this! It's great to be back - let's have an awesome end to the first semester!
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