Where I'm From

This quarter is focusing on heritage.  The students have a homework assignment tonight to write down somethings about their own heritage.  Examples of this go beyond the countries our ancestors came from.  I'd really like for the students to look at their family traditions, family quotes, things passed down, and other examples of how they became who they are. 

Parents, what are some of your favorite traditions that you enjoy sharing with your child.  This is YOUR homework.  I'd like to share what you write with the kids.  It will be interesting for me to read some of what you share to see how many students relate to those same traditions.

Let's Write About It!

The students received a writing assignment today.  Ask your kids what they are writing about.  They told me some of their ideas today, and they were so creative!  The students should be excited to tell you their great plans.

Ann Rinaldi - Historical Fiction Author

I have read the three following books and HIGHLY recommend them!

"The Coffin Quilt:  The Fued Betweenthe Hatfields and McCoys" 

Young Fanny McCoy lives in the shadow of violence. Her late-1800s West Virginia^-Kentucky community is the hotbed of the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud that has inflamed her family with fear and suspicion and set off killing rampages. When Fannys older sister, Ro, elopes with Johnse Hatfield, the stage is set for escalating hatred and tragic results. The roots of the vitriolic conflict stem from the Civil War days, with insult upon injury following until the why of the conflict no longer seems to make sense.

"Or Give Me Death" 

Patrick Henry traveled through the American colonies, advocating independence from the British. But at Henrys plantation in Virginia, his family faces a challenge of their own when Sarah, Henrys wife, becomes mentally ill and tries killing her infant son. Knowing her mother is a danger to herself and the family, Sarahs oldest daughter Patsy confines Sarah to the cellar.

Nine Days a Queen

Jane, related to the Tudors through her mother, becomes third in line to the throne following the death of her cousin, King Edward. Unfortunately, Jane is betrothed to the son of a nobleman who is determined to keep Mary, who is Catholic, from assuming the throne. Finagling puts Jane on the throne for nine days--after which she is beheaded.