If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Jan. 15

WRITTEN PORTFOLIO
First period played, "Show, Don't Tell"--a game designed to help them learn the writing skill of specificity.

Seventh period took the computer-based reading comprehension test.

CLASS A
For history we continued watching the documentary on the Rise of the Third Reich. Those who missed class should watch minutes 11:30-43:00 (link to video). Please DO NOT watch any portions other than this segment. This film contains some nudity and graphic violence that I will be skipping during class.

Please take notes during the documentary. I will be asking you to help me write a picture book modeled after "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" but about how the Germans gave power to Hitler. In the mouse story, it is interesting to ask which of the characters has the power--the boy or the mouse? Clearly the boy could remove the mouse if he chose to, yet he surrenders himself the serving the mouse. We will be drawing parallels with Germany and Hitler. As you take notes, please keep track of the progression, "First Hitler will ask for.... And if you give it to him, then he will want...."

Please also place a star in your notes next to the phase in the story when you feel the German people have crossed the point of no return in giving power to Hitler.

I recognize that this documentary is a little silly in its editing choices--creepy horror film style soundtrack and scene editing. This sometimes leads to unintentionally comic effects and/or a "heaviness." The subject is indeed dark, for it depicts the rise of evil in the form of Hitler's Third Reich. Nonetheless, it is rich in warnings and lessons to us as we face those who want to gain power over us. For example, note the way the German people are caught up in their materialistic comforts so that they ignore the seemingly obvious; sounds a lot like Screwtape's idea of "contented worldliness" doesn't it?


For English, students worked on writing their 2nd Angel Letter (corresponding with Screwtape Letters 4-6). This should be typed and proofread and is due on Tuesday at the start of class.


CLASS B

For English, students worked on writing their 2nd Angel Letter (corresponding with Screwtape Letters 4-6). This should be typed and proofread and is due on Tuesday at the start of class.

For History, we had another guest speaker today. He is a veteran of the US Marines from WWII. Those who were on the field trip are excused from this event, though I'm sorry that you missed out! Hope the field trip was great.