The Anthropocene Reviewed {John Green FTW}

It is not everyday that you find a book that speaks to you on so many profound levels.  But this past week, I started reading The Anthropocene Reviewed, by John Green, and it is incredible.  

I first discovered John Green when he started making his Crash Course video series on world history.  One of my students introduced me to them, and I have since used them almost weekly in my classes.  They are hilarious, informative, and so interesting.  From there, I discovered his books (YA fiction) - which I began to steadily read.  It became clear that not only are Green and I about the same age but also share a deep love of history, music, and soccer.

So I have been particularly anticipating this new collection (his first work of nonfiction), as it covers many of these shared subjects. And in true form, this book consists of a series of essays about the human experience basically.  The format of each essay is essentially a review of that particular experience, so it concludes with a 1 to 5 star rating.  It is at once hilarious, and also deeply heartfelt and poignant.  Anyways, I love every word of it.  I am not exaggerating when I say that I both laughed and cried while reading this.  

I give this book 5 stars.

2021 Wrapup {Lightning Bolt Edition}

It has been a strange school year.  Crazy schedules that shifted every few weeks.  But returning to in person school (for most students) in March turned out to be a great antidote.  If nothing else, I have been reminded how much I love being a teacher.  Getting to know these kids and diving in to all of the history together has been so much fun. 

We (once again) wrapped it up with some class hoodies, featuring our new classroom editions: lightning bolts.

DBQ for AP World History, How do I write this?

In some ways the pandemic forced me to rethink the way I do things in the classroom.  One of the biggest benefits has been trying to distill the best practices into something that can translate to an online, virtual education.  To that end, my son Avery has been an absolute godsend in the way in which he can edit short films, a passion of his.  

So, when it came time to teach essay writing for my AP World class, a video format was needed.  Filming at school, and learning from my 12 year old how to edit - we came up with this.  Pretty proud of it.  Hope it helps anyone who needs it.

Four Agreements

 

A couple of years ago, I came across this book, The Four Agreements (apparently it was quite popular some time ago, and I am extremely late to the party, by I digress).  Written by Don Miguel Ruiz, it is allegedly about an ancient Olmec belief system of spiritual philosophy. The Olmecs were a notable Pre-Colombian civilization in Meso America.  They are known for their spirituality and incredible carving of massive human heads out of stone. 

Anyways, it is basically a collection of simple guidelines for living a contented life, and being a nice person.  

Though it is all pretty great stuff, numbers 2 and 3 continue to speak to me: Don't take anything personally, and don't make assumptions.  These may the most crucial elements to reaching students as well, and making sure that we are remaining open to the new ideas and experiences of these kids.

IN this looooong wait during this pandemic, these ideas are even more apt for me, and a helpful reminder to say centered.  

It remains a wonderful way to think about the world, especially in times of uncertainty.

Alexander the Grape

For years when I have taught about the Hellenistic age and the conquests of Alexander the Great, I have referenced the famous pun-named candy "Alexander the Grape."  I LOVED this candy when I was young, and consumed way too much of it for my own good.  So, one can imagine my dismay when it disappeared from stores sometime in the 90's.  

I often referenced it during class whenever Alexander came up though - both for a funny anecdote, and to help kids remember the importance of the Hellenistic era - for which Alexander is most responsible..

So, He's back.  Let's all hope that more historically themed candy can crawl back into our lives asap.

Welcome

Welcome to the 2020-2021 School Year (Pandemic Edition).  

Here is a little intro video to get us started:

 

Pandemic T-Shirt Deliveries (Hey Ho Lets Go!)

WHAP T-Shirt Delivery!

I wrapped up this super strange school year, by hand delivering our class t-shirts to most of my students in AP World History.  It was all together a bittersweet week...  

I really loved seeing all of these crazy teenage kids, and their homes and families.  But wow - it really made me miss them.  And sadly, it reminded me of what was lost for all of us throughout this pandemic.  We had three months together just...stolen away.  And I really love these kids, so it is painful.

But we have made class t-shirts for 17 years, and we are not going to let a global pandemic stop this train!  So, yeah, we made our shirts, and we will wear them with a little more pride when this is over, I think. 

We sort of spit in the face of this shutdown with these shirts - by staying the course, and believing that there are better days ahead. And it is all together fitting that our shirts this year are an homage to the Ramones' Blitzkreig Bop (our quiz song), as that song is truly a call to arms.  And I think that is what we all need right now:  A chance to pep talk ourselves up through these times of uncertainty.  But there are absolutely  better days ahead, and when that time comes - we will be ready to grab our new lives by the horns, and drink deep.

Hey! Ho! Let's Go!