Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Seventh Grade Social Studies
This is an empty shop I pass on Finchley Road as I walk to and from work. It has a blue film over the window, which is responsible for the color of the photo. Looks like there might be some water intrusion problems there in the back! Maybe that's why the place hasn't been rented.
Not much news around here. A normal workday yesterday -- I pulled a bunch of books for the 7th Graders, who are doing projects on the historic revolutions in France, Russia, Haiti and the USA, as well as Indian independence. A very global focus!
The only thing I specifically remember about my 7th Grade Social Studies class is my teacher, Ms. Nichols, and the comments the kid sitting behind me would make about her. They were rude enough that I wouldn't want to repeat them here. You might say he had a crush on her, but that makes it sound much more innocent than it actually was. I bet that kid is a sex offender now.
I also remember a project I did with another student about the Civil War battles of Bull Run. My family had visited the battlefield while we stayed with my grandmother up in Washington, D.C., so they were at the forefront of my mind. I was also going through a period of fascination with the Civil War, having just read "Gone With the Wind." So when we had to choose something to study, that's what I came up with, and a kid named Mark was my study partner. As I remember, we made a hand-drawn filmstrip using transparencies that detailed the battles. I did the research and he did the drawings. I still remember his bubble-headed little stick men shooting each other.
I have to go to the dentist this morning for a cleaning. My boss quipped yesterday that I will have lots of time for these sorts of things after I retire on the 15th -- the unspoken question being, "Why do you have to go to the dentist now, and miss one of your last mornings of work?" I told her this appointment was made ages ago, which is partly true, though it was shifted a few days just recently. I'm allowed to take care of my teeth, dammit.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)


How old are 7th graders, around 14? Like you say, it seems like a very global approach. Funny what and how we remember from our own school days. I wonder whether your subject "Social Studies" is the equivalent of what was called "Gemeinschaftskunde" in Germany; not really history, but touching on it, with a contemporary take.
ReplyDeleteYes, you ARE allowed to take care of your teeth, or any other health matter! And with only a few working days left for you, how much can it really matter to your boss?
That lit up shop looks like it could be a portal to another world.
I wonder what sticker cat is worried about today?
ReplyDelete