Dear Families and Students,
Fourth Grade co-taught with Mme Schmitt (ELL): We are almost through with our read aloud, Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix. This story has sparked a lot of discussion between us and led the class in interesting directions. The premise of this science fiction novel is that the government blames over-population for past food shortages and famine. In order to avoid another disaster, the government has enforced strict population laws, allowing only two children per family. That's the official story. The unofficial story is that the government spreads this propaganda as a way to justify hoarding resources for the rich Barons. Third and fourth children exist but they are hidden. These are shadow children forced to remain indoors and away from the windows.
We have been looking at the real world and discovering where there are disparities between population numbers, wealth, and resource consumption. It has been quite an eye-opener! We will end the study with an opinion piece on what our responsibilities are and possible solutions to the widening gap between the haves and the have-nots in our world
Sixth Grade: Sixth graders have finished their suspenseful setting project. You will be able to read some of their work on the wall outside our classroom.
We are now diving head first in to non-fiction. Having discovered that the majority of the students are blissfully unaware of most major events taking place in the world, we are beginning with world issues. We just read a New York Times editorial on the failure of the US to sign the UN resolution for a global moratorium on the death penalty. We've discussed the nationalities of the 946 billionaires in the world today. Next it's plastic bags.
There is a point to all this. Students will be writing an opinion piece on an issue of their choice. This will involve them taking a stand on a topic they have researched. Wish us luck!
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