Monday, March 11, 2019
Today we will begin our unit on Japan.  First, we will do a lesson on bias and stereotypes at the beginning of chapter 8 in the book Medieval to Early Modern Times, pages 195-197.  
Answer these questions in complete sentences:

Section 1a--Timeline and “Stereotypes and Bias in History”, p. 194-197

1. What is one of the most important geographic features in Japan?
2. Looking over the timeline, which of the entries are you most interested in learning more about and why?
3. What is the difference between a stereotype and a bias?
4. Write one stereotype from the list.
5. Write one bias from the list.
6. Who does the author of “The Pillow Book” show a bias against?
7. What stereotypes about non-nobles does the author include in her writing?
8. How would a Japanese priest or country person feel about “The Pillow Book?”  Why?

We will also check out our new book The Samurai's Tale.  
First, some general terms to know:

Terms to know:

samurai (noun) a member of a powerful military class in Japan in the past

kimono (noun) a traditional piece of Japanese clothing like a long loose coat

sake (noun) a Japanese alcoholic drink made from rice

hara-kiri (noun) a way of killing yourself by cutting open your stomach, used in the past in Japan to avoid losing honour

We will read the Preface in The Samurai's Tale and answer questions:

1. What does the narrator compare the man, his daughter, and the ox to?
2. What does the narrator mean when he writes “For they will always be with us”?
3. What simile does the narrator use to describe the great lords?  What does the narrator mean?
4. Who was the narrator’s father? What happened to him?

Friday, March 8, 2019
Happy International Day of Women!
It was so great to see so many of you last night at "Open House"!  Congratulations to Thomas and Dylan B. for earning 100 points of extra credit! Today we will watch the story of "The Eagle Huntress"
"We too want to be eagle hunters, but we are afraid of eagles."

Thursday, March 7, 2019
During fourth period, you will prepare your multi-media I Am Malala projects for display.  If necessary, you will print out papers and practice what you will say.  During fifth period, we will have visitors.  You will have a chance to show your project or our Tang-style poetry to our visiting guests. 
Tonight is Open House!  I'm looking forward to seeing you here tonight.  Remember:  If you come and show parents around for 30 minutes, explaining projects and poetry, you will earn 100 points of extra credit.  Just coming won't help you to earn it.  You have to be willing to talk to parents as soon as they come in.  

Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Today I'm with my sixth graders at Hearst Castle.  I expect a good report from the guest teacher. Today you will fill in a map of Asian countries and bodies of water.  Then, you will color it with colored pencils.  You may use page R35 in the Medieval to Modern Times book.  After you finish, read a choice book silently.  If there's time, you can take a Reading Counts test.

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

Mrs. Waistell will be in to lead a lesson during fifth period.  

Tuesday, March 5, 2019
First, answer these questions in complete sentences:

“Confucianism and Government”, section 3, p. 176-179

1. What two principles did Confucius believe people should follow?
2. How does Neo-Confucianism differ from Confucianism?
3. Why do you think Neo-Confucianism appealed to many people?
4. What was a scholar-official?
5. Why would people want to become scholar-officials?
6. Do you think civil service examinations were a good way to choose government officials?  Why or why not?
7. How did the Song dynasty change China’s government?

“Kublai Khan” and “The Great Wall” section 4, part 2, p. 187-189

1. Name three ways that Kublai Khan improved life in China.
2. How did Kublai Khan’s leadership (especially welcoming foreign visitors) help change the world’s views of China?
3. Why was The Great Wall built?
4. Besides defense, what else what the Great Wall used for?

Today we will write Tang-style poetry, but with a decidedly contemporary slant.  What are some of the reasons you could feel regret or sorrow or sadness?
getting grounded
losing your phone
no gaming console
breaking up with a boyfriend/girlfriend
water park closed
getting your phone taken away
phone won't charge
losing a game
realize you have homework
Amazon product shipped late
Amazon product not the same as description
Looking forward to food all day, but it's gone
Stuff is stolen

Some elements of the poems:
regret
sorrow
sadness
sensory descriptions of the natural world

Monday, March 4, 2019
Today you will answer questions in the Medieval to Early Modern Times book.  Chapter 7, section 4.  Answer questions in complete sentences.

“The Yuan and Ming Dynasties” section 4, p. 180-187

1. Describe Genghis Khan in 3-4 sentences.
2. “The Mongols should not have tried to invade Japan.” Do you agree or disagree?  Why or why not?
3. What is one economic reason that forced the Mongols out of power?
4. Who was Zhu Yuanzhang?  
5. Why do Zheng He’s voyages rank among the most impressive in the history of seafaring?  
6. Share two amazing facts about Zheng He’s voyages or ships.
7. Describe three parts of the Forbidden City.  
8. Why is it called the Forbidden City?
9. How did the Ming Dynasty strengthen China?
10. What was the job of censors in the Ming Dynasty?
11. What were two consequences of Zheng He dismantling his fleet of ships?

During fifth period, we will write poems in the style of the Tang Dynasty poetry.  Then, we will discuss how we will present our projects and poetry at Open House.  Tomorrow, we will have visitors during fourth and fifth period.  We will show them the projects and poetry we have completed.

Friday, March 1, 2019
Today, we will watch John Green's Crash Course on the Mongols.  As always with John Green, slow down the speed (to 1.5 or 2.0) and turn on the closed captioning.  Link to video and the questions:

Name_______________________________

John Green’s Crash Course “Wait for it. . .The Mongols!”

1. (1:15) Name three ways that nomadic people differ from sedentary people.

2. (2:40) What was Genghis Khan’s birth name and around when was he born?

3. (3:10) What two innovations does John Green cite as the reasons Temujin won a Mongolian civil war and united Mongol confederations?

4. (3:40) How did Mongols choose their leaders?

5. (5:30) What was one of Genghis Khan’s failures as a leader?

6. (6:00) Name three characteristics of Khan’s army.

7. (6:55) List John Green’s five arguments for Mongol awesomeness.

8. (8:30) List John Green’s five reasons why the Mongols might not be so great.

During fifth period, we will continue to learn about poetry during the Tang Dynasty. Link for slideshow and link for notes