Week 7: "Our Lives, Our Fortunes, and Our Sacred Honor"

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving break! Here's a recap of what we learned about last week:
The fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence were men who were trying to make good lives for themselves in the American colonies. Though they came from different backgrounds, they were all well-educated (some formally, some informally) and hard-working, and they all had a firm belief in the rights of man and in divine providence. They were all men of means and reputation: they owned property, had good families, and were respected by their community members. By signing the declaration, these men knew they could be sacrificing all they had--their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor--for the future good of their beloved country. At this time of reflection on the many blessings we have in our comfortable, modern lives, let's not forget these men who risked it all (and in some cases, lost everything they had) to ensure we could enjoy the liberty they believed we deserved.



ASSIGNMENTS:

WRITING: What is more important, family or country? Remember to discuss this question with your families, and to take a position and defend it. In other words, give YOUR opinion and be bold! Make John Adams proud!

PRESENTATIONS: We will be pleased to hear from Kyle on Life as a Prisoner, and from Michael on Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox.

READING: 
  • I forgot to mention this one in class, but read The American Crisis by Thomas Paine (pg. 23 in your binder). Highlight and define vocabulary words that you are unfamiliar with.
  • Start reading Being George Washington by Glenn Beck. This is due January 13th.
CANDY TRIVIA:
List the names of twelve signers of the Declaration of Independence from memory.

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Make up work for Gavin and Katie - Watch the video below, and each of you email me with two characteristics of John Adams that you found admirable, using examples from the book to support your choices.


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