Mrs. Slaviero's Blog

Keeping virtual students connected is tougher than it seems. For a multitude of reasons it's an ongoing endeavor this year. While I will once again teach my LEGACY reflection this spring, my 8th Grade US colleague thought to connect LEGACY to George Washington's Farewell Address and, if today is any indication, it's now a powerful and authentic way to kick off this reflection. My students tend to communicate in breakout rooms better when we are in hybrid mode (when students are in class and some are virtual). I don't know why this is but it might have something to do with school feeling more "real" when some students are in school. Regardless, it's on me to encourage and motivate students to talk to one another in breakout rooms every time.  In a normal year communicating with peers in class happens fairly effortlessly, in breakout rooms it's so challenging. I continually move from breakout room to room, assigning leaders to introduce a topic (again, ...

We moved on from our National History Day work and started to discuss the new nation and the first President. We also are continually spending time on Black History Month activities. Students created a "Snapchat story" with 4 story components on the life of a notable historic figure. While these activities were well received and students worked well I've noticed a slower pace for students. I'm not sure if it's due to the winter blahs or not but the need for a four day weekend became evident at the end of the week. The need for rest and renewal is strong. Next week we will use some of my favorite materials and explore one (edited) song from the musical "Hamilton". "Cabinet Battle #1" is fun, but helps me explain critical, but traditionally less-exciting topics in our study: the foundations of a two-party system (Hamilton and Jefferson) and Hamilton's financial plan--the compromise between the Northern states and Southern states that leads to...

We wrapped up our National History Day projects this week and had our last in-class work days. I continually met with students, whether virtually in breakouts or talking to in-seat students to check in and see if they needed any assistance.  This year, more than any other, we truly worked on this project one piece at a time. I am so proud of this because my Historians needed a clear-cut approach more than ever.  As I introduced the main project I reminded students they already had completed all of the requirements, it was just a matter of putting it together, whether they create a documentary, website, or exhibit. (In a normal year I, truth be told, dissuade my students from completing an exhibit, unless they work in a group. The rules have changed and NHD this year is allowing digital exhibits, which essentially is a Powerpoint/Keynote. I have encouraged the vast majority of my classes to complete an exhibit this year.) Early in Second Quarter students developed a Context Org...