Ms. Douglass

Home Stretch

Back from Spring Break, we have lots to do.  School will be out before we know it. 

In History classes, we are finishing up the "revolutions," and eagerly moving into the 20th centuries...and war.  Most students are very interested in this time period.

In Geography, we are enjoying Central and South America.  Since many of the ESOL students are from this area of the world, it holds special significance.  We enjoy comparing what the books say with the real-life experiences of the students. 

Carter Field Trip

All my classes, both World History and Geography, enjoyed our visit to the Carter Presidential Center on Friday, March 14.  Neither a late bus nor the rain was able to ruin our venture.  We enjoyed seeing the video, remnents from President Carter's past, and evidence of his numerous accomplishments while in office and since he left office.  Before returning to school, everyone enjoyed having lunch out too!

As a followup, we discussed what we saw and all student wrote a report on their experience. 

End of Six Weeks - Already

How time flies when you're having fun!  Here we are, a third through the semester already.  Fortunately, we seem to be making good time, even though there are many interruptions to our days.

The geography gang is busy studying Russia.  Most are very glad they're in the U.S. instead of there because of the extreme cold most of the year.  Yes, the land and climate DOES affect human beings!

History students just finished our Middle Ages Packet and got a good introduction of Feudal estates, Coat of Arms, and the Crusades.  The most fun was developing their own family shield.  Some were VERY good; some a little silly, but all interesting.

Both Classes In Europe

Both geography and history classes are studying about Europe.  The geography class is "going" to Europe, and showing evidence of their trip by developing a postcard, which contains a lot of facts about their trip.

The history classes are discovering the foundations of democracy in Greece and Rome.  The study fits in nicely with the current political elections in the U.S.

A New Semester

After one great holiday, we are all doing well, happily into our second week of the new semester.  In all classes, we are trying some new things:  new assignments and new seating arrangements.  it seems to make a difference!

So far, we have congenial classes; that makes a difference too!

Next Is It!

The semester is almost over and next week is it! One semester in the books.  We must get through World War II and the postworld before then.   In Geography, we must take a trip to Australia before we close the books for good.  We'll hear of the fine adventures of Coach Mitchell "down under" and that should bring that distant world to life.

Home Stretch

It's hard to believe the semester has gone so quickly!  Here we are, only a few weeks left to go.

Geography students have been finding their study of Chica and the Far East to be very interesting.

History students have been tying up the pieces of the 19th century, and eager to get going on the Big Wars!  There's enough of them in the 20th century to keep us going for a LONG TIME! 

Carter Center

On November 15, 2007, the ESOL world geography and world history classes took a field trip to the Jimmy Carter Museum and Library.  All students had a scavenger hunt list of questions to explore which helped them focus on the information provided at the center.  The day proved to be very educational and fun for everyone.  Most students particularly enjoyed all the activities of the Carters since they retired from the presidential office.

And, of course, everyone enjoyed having lunch away from school, once our visit at the Carter Center was completed.

A New Month

The month of November, and Ms. Douglass is VERY happy because her daughter, Jennifer (a Wheeler grad in 1995), and her husband, Neal Hartzog welcomed a beautiful baby boy who weighed in at almost 9 pounds.  They live in Washington, D.C. so Ms. Douglass had to travel to the nation's capital to see him and hold him.  It has made Ms. Douglass VERY happy...so class has been nice!

Geography:  We're enjoying our study of Africa and its many extremes.  It's a far more fascinating continent than most people imagine.

History:  We're reviewing what we've learned by taking a Midterm Exam on Friday, Nov. 9.  It's a little past the halfway point, but the review is still useful.

Also, we're all excited about going to the Carter Center next week.  Nearly everyone is going, and we will learn many things on our field trip.

End October Focus

Geography:  Everyone enjoyed our "tour of Europe" and almost everyone did well on the test.  I enjoyed sharing some of my adventures there as well as my "love" of the continent.  Now we are beginning our focus on the Middle East, complete with all the current, and historical, concerns of the on-going conflicts in that region.

History:  The Renaissance provided some interesting insights to new ideas; we also had a chance to focus on the Reformation.  We are now beginning our discussion of the fallout from the Reformation, and the many wars which developed throughout Europe centering on religions conflicts.