Thursday, February 28, 2019
During fourth period, Ms. Hodgkin will be coming to our classroom to show a new add-on at the Google Chrome Store.  
Then, we will be studying the Tang and Song Dynasties and answering questions in Medieval to Early Modern Times chapter 7, section 2. Answer in complete sentences.

“Tang and Song Achievements” section 2, p. 170-175

1. What advances in farming occurred during the Song dynasty?
2. How did agricultural advancements affect China’s population?
3. What can you conclude about the link between Grand Canal and the growth of cities?
4. How far did China’s trade routes extend?
5. Who was Li Bo?
6. How may the inventions of paper money and woodblock printing have been linked?
7. Which Tang  invention do you think was the most important?  Explain.
8. Which Song invention do you think was the most important?  Explain.

During fifth period, we will be viewing a slide show

and taking notes on Tang poetry. Link for notes

and link for slide show.

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

First, we will answer the questions in the Medieval to Modern Times in chapter 7, on page 166

“China Reunifies” Section 1: p. 166-169
Answer in complete sentences.

1. How did Chinese culture change during the Period of Disunion?
2. Look at the map on page 167.  Which dynasty controlled the largest area?
3. When was China reunified?  When was China not unified? (two sentences)
4. Who was Empress Wu?  What did she do? (two sentences)
5. How do you think the reunification of China affected the common people?
6. When was the Age of Buddhism in China?
7. How did Buddhism influence Chinese culture?
8. Why did people turn to Buddhism during the Period of Disunion?
9. Look at the map on page 169.  Where did Buddhism come from to reach China?

Today we will finish taking notes, filling in the regional map, and answering the essential question:  Explain the diversity of the geography of Asia.

Finally, we will read the story "Waters of Gold" in the Language of Literature book, page 812.  If you have headphones, and you want to listen, here is the link.

Name_______________________________

“Waters of Gold”

“Waters of Gold”  pages 812-817. Answers the questions in complete sentences.

1. The second sentence of this story states: “She was Auntie by blood to       half the county and Auntie to the other half by friendship.” What does this sentence suggest about the kind of person Aunt Lily is before you even read the story? (2 or more sentences)

2. What does Aunt Lily do with the gold that is given to her?  Does her decision surprise you? Why or why not? (3 or more sentences)

3. Do you believe the rich old woman who lived next to Aunt Lily deserved the second chance she was given by the leper? Why do you feel this way? (3 or more sentences)

4. Folk tales like “Waters of Gold” usually have a moral or theme.  What moral, or theme, do you learn from this story? Use evidence from the story (a quotation) to strengthen your claim. (3 or more sentences)

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Third Quarter Points (from 1/8/19--3/14/19)

(due March 14, 2019)

Points earned in Reading Counts	Grade
27-30	A
24-26	B
21-23	C
18-20	D
17 or fewer	F

Today we will begin our unit on Asia, beginning with geography.
Here is the presentation (link) and the notes (link).

Monday, February 25, 2019
We will read Document F in the DBQ "Mansa Musa's Hajj: A Personal Journal".  

Niani, October, 1375, Evening

It has been over 50 years since your journey as part of Mansa Musa's historic hajj.  As you gather some special belongings to pass along to your grandson or granddaughter, you discover the personal journal that you kept during the journey.  Reflecting on that time and the recently published and very popular Catalan Atlas that described the hajj, you decide to write a final entry. Did the journey turn out the way you hoped?  Was it worth the time and money it cost? What was the lasting significance of Mansa Musa's journey? Record your thoughts in your journal.

Write 12 sentences that reflect on what you have lost and gained since the hajj.  
Possible beginnings:
It has been 50 years since the hajj, and . . .
As I searched for treasure to give to my grandson, Khalifa, I found my journal from the hajj and . . .

Friday, February 22, 2019
I am out today.  I expect a good report from the guest teacher.  All work assigned is due Monday, February 25. Answer these questions in complete sentences.

“Sundiata”, p. 152-153 in Medieval to Early Modern Times

Students can check the blog for these questions, as well.

Read the excerpt from Sundiata by D.t. Niane.  

1. How long have griots been telling the story of Sundiata?
2. In what year did Sundiata defeat Sumanguru?
3. Describe the city of Sossa in two sentences
4. How is Sossa protected?
5. Describe the battle at Sossa in three sentences.
6. In this story, would you describe Sundiata (Djata) as merciful?  Why or why not? Give evidence from the text (a quotation)
7. West African epics sometimes included both elements of truth and fictional embellishments [details added to a story to make it more interesting or entertaining].  Which details in this excerpt sound like they could be true?  Which sound like embellishments? Why do you think that?
8. Griots had to commit to memory hundreds of events in order to tell their stories.  They would sometimes act stories out like plays. If you were a griot, how might you bring the action in this excerpt to life?

Thursday, February 21, 2019
Today we will look closely at Document D of the DBQ "Mansa Musa's Hajj:  A Personal Journal".  Document D is a collection of six excerpts from the Qu'ran, the holy book of Islam. First, we will read the excerpts and answer the questions.  Then, you will decide which of the excerpts you want to include in today's journal entry.  Read other students' journal entry for ideas (link) and (link).

Writing journal Entry #4:  

Label your entry "Tuwat Oasis, April, 1324, Evening"

You have traveled more than 1,500 miles with the caravan.
Today as you journeyed, you overheard several pilgrims
discussing what the Qur'an teaches about the duties that
Muslims must perform.  You sit down to record your
experiences and thoughts about the hajj so far. How do you
think this journey relates to the teachings of Islam?  Be sure
to include references from the document to support your
writing.

In this journal entry, be sure to use a quotation from the
Qur'an.  For example:

The Qur'an states, "_____________" (number of verse).
This means that ______________.

                                 or

In the Qur'an, it states, "___________" (number of verse).
This shows Muslims that ______________.

Today's entry needs to be 10 sentences NOT INCLUDING
the quotation.  In other words, you are writing 10 sentences
PLUS the quotation and explanation.
Photograph of an oasis:

Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Today is the Africa map test!  Good luck!  We will take the test fifth period.  In table groups and independently, you will study for the map test.  During fifth period, after the test, you will go to the library and choose books.
After you have completed the test, double-check that you have all three hajj journal entries:  Niani, Walata, and Taghaza.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Today you will have 15 minutes to finish your journal entry.  Read any comments and correct any mistakes.  After you have finished, you may study for tomorrow's test:
Test on countries in Africa: Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 20, 2019. Quizlet to study: https://quizlet.com/_48dlvr If you do not finish, it is homework.  
Next we will watch a video on the salt mines:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi9bJhRZtKA&feature=youtu.be

Today's journal entry is: 

Taghaza, March, 1324, dusk

As you make camp in Taghaza, you hear grumblings in the hajj.  Questions are being asked about the route taken north. Aren't there other ways to get across the Sahara?  You are both intimidated and fascinated by this town literally made of salt. What do you think of it? How do you feel about the route the hajj has taken?

Today’s journal entry will include dialogue.  The dialogue can be overheard, or from the past, or a conversation you are having.  

Brainstorm with your group about sensory details you this entry will have. In the town of Taghaza, what can you see, hear, smell, feel, or taste? What conversation might you have? Or what conversation might you overhear?

We will read the excerpt from Ibn Battuta's work entitled Rihla in Document C.

Possible sensory details:

You can see the people mining salt

You can hear people on the hajj grumbling

You might feel uncomfortable because of the heat and sand

You might smell camel skins or live camels.

You might feel blisters.

You might smell other bodies

You might feel the rough texture of the rock and salt buildings.

Possible conversations:
complaining about the route, heat, distance, food, or journey
salt-mining slaves plotting escape or complaining about wounds
arguing with others in the hajj
overhearing the slaves questioning whether this is the correct route
complaining about the stench
Correct quotation punctuation:
"This place is the worst," grumbled the slave behind me.
"At least we're not salt miners. Those slaves are the most unlucky of all," I answered.

Friday, February 15, 2019
Today, we will read excerpts from one another's journal entries, reading especially for sensory details and comment on them.  
Next, we will study the map in Document B of the DBQ "Mansa Musa's Hajj: A Personal Journal".  Finally, during fifth period, we will write our second journal entry.  Walata, February, 1324, Morning

The caravan now stretches several days ahead of you and several days behind.  Thank Allah for the water in this oasis town. Your next leg to Taghaza will be across waterless desert, and the water supply is critical.  Luckily, the rainy season is beginning, although rainfall will be spotty at best. You are impressed by the trade activity in town. Blacks from the Sudan to the south meet with Berbers from northern Africa to exchange their goods.  You sit in the shade of a date palm to record your thoughts and impressions. Today, you will write a 14-sentence journal entry. This journal needs to include dialogue and sensory details. The dialogue can be overheard or remembered or happening right now.  Correct punctuation and capitalization are essential. Remember these rules for dialogue:

Remember these rules:
1) If the speaker tag comes before the quotation, separate the speaker tag from the quotation with a comma.

2) If the speaker tag comes after the quotation, end the quotation with a comma, question mark, or exclamation point.
3) Begin the quotation with a capital letter. Always.

4) Add appropriate end punctuation (period or comma, exclamation point, question mark) at the end of the quotation.

5) Put quotation marks around the entire quotation (including the end punctuation)

Photograph of an oasis:

Possible conversations:

hawkers trying to sell goods

you and a friend talking under the palm date tree

remembered from the journey

remembering the last conversation you had with family

overhearing Mansa Musa

overhearing trading or bartering

Test on countries in Africa: Wednesday, February 20, 2019. Quizlet to study: https://quizlet.com/_48dlvr

Thursday, February 14, 2019
Happy Valentine's Day!
Test on countries in Africa: Wednesday, February 20, 2019. Quizlet to study: https://quizlet.com/_48dlvr
For Valentine's Day, we will read the story "A Crush" by Cynthia Rylant, beginning on page 68 in the Language of Literature book.  If you have headphones and want to listen and follow along, you may use this link.  Comprehension questions here. 
During fifth period, you will have 15 minutes to finish writing the 15-sentence journal entry for the hajj.  Then, you will practice the conventions of writing dialogue.  On the next journal entry for the hajj, you will need to include dialogue (either remembered or overheard or a conversation).  Go to Google Classroom for the dialogue practice.

Remember these rules:

1. Separate the speaker tag from the quotation with a comma.
2. Begin the quotation with a capital letter.
3. Add appropriate end punctuation (period, exclamation point, questions mark) at the end of the quotation.
4. Put quotation marks around the entire quotation (including the end punctuation)

Third Quarter Points (from 1/8/19--3/14/19)

(due March 14, 2019)

Points earned in Reading Counts	Grade
27-30	A
24-26	B
21-23	C
18-20	D
17 or fewer	F

Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Test on countries in Africa: Wednesday, February 20, 2019. Quizlet to study: https://quizlet.com/_48dlvr
First, today you will read the story "Kelfala's Secret Something", which is a folk tale from Kenya in the Language of Literature book, page 866 and answer the comprehension questions (link).  If you have headphones and want to listen and follow along, here is the link.  When you are done with the comprehension questions, you may read a choice book or practice the Africa geography.
Then, we will begin our first journal entry for the hajj.  Go to Google Classroom for the document.

Niani, January, 1324, Morning

It is early on the day you are to set off on the hajj with Mansa Musa.  The number of travelers and animals is staggering. You will be following the trade route headed northeast across the grasslands to Walata, a good 600 miles away.  You move to your position near the head of the caravan. What are your thoughts as you wait to leave? What do you see around you? hear? smell? Be sure to include references from the document to support your writing. Write with sensory details, helping the reader to picture the scene.  You must write at least 15 sentences. Remember to begin with capital letters and end with periods, exclamation points, or question marks.

Possible ways to begin:
I pull the bread from the fire and begin to eat, burning my tongue in the process.
I wake slowly and rub my eyes.
I hear the rooster crowing and awaken with a start.
The people around me push and shove as we walk to the front of the caravan.

Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Today you will finish your map of Africa (use the link in Friday's blog) and then practice on Quizlet (link).  There will be a geography test on Wednesday, February 20, 2019.

Today we will read and answer questions for Document A of the DBQ "Mansa Musa's Hajj: A Personal Journal"
Niani, January, 1324, Morning

It is early on the day you are to set off on the hajj with Mansa Musa.  The number of travelers and animals is staggering. You will be following the trade route headed northeast across the grasslands to Walata, a good 600 miles away.  You move to your position near the head of the caravan. What are your thoughts as you wait to leave? What do you see around you? hear? smell? Be sure to include references from the document to support your writing. Write with sensory details, helping the reader to picture the scene.  You must write at least 12 sentences.

Friday, February 8, 2019
Happy three-day weekend and Lincoln's birthday!  There is no school on Monday!
Today, we will finish reading the story "Sundiata, Lion King of Mali" together and fill out the character traits for each of the characters.  
Then, we will compare the story of Sundiata to the Disney movie "The Lion King".  See if you can spot the similarities between the characters.
During fifth period, you will fill in twenty countries in a map of Africa, as well as two oceans and two seas.  Use this link, or the Medieval and Early Modern Times book, page R37. However, because this book is so old, it doesn't have Sudan and South Sudan separated (which happened in 2011).  You'll need to use the link for those two.  
After you've completed the countries, you will lightly color each country using colored pencils.
After you have completed your map, go to Quizlet (link) to practice recognizing the countries.
You will have a map test on these countries and bodies of water in Africa on Wednesday, February 20.

Thursday, February 7, 2019
Today, during fourth period, we will go to the library and participate in a new "Break-out" activity, using clues to find keys, codes, and answer puzzles.
During fifth period, you will read the story "Sundiata, Lion King of Mali" in the red Language of Literature book, on page 838.  Fill out this sheet as you read (link).

Wednesday, February 6, 2019
New seating chart!

Complete the second page of "Surviving the Sahara"
--CNN article: http://travel.cnn.com/surviving-sahara-468896/

Fill in the details below using a quotation from the article.

Author Mark Eveleigh includes many sensory details in his article.  

Fill in the details below by using a quotation from the article:

Sense	Details
Sight	* * *
Taste	*
Feel	*

Using this link, write further sensory details you might experience
crossing the Sahara.
You’ll work with your group to come up with further sensory
details (at least two for each sense) you might experience crossing the Sahara:

Sense	Details
Sight
Taste
Feel
Hear
Smell