The Newsletter

Teacher- Cathy Volmer - 7th Grade Core Teacher - Social Studies and English

Jeff and I talked before the winter break about jazzing up a social studies unit on China.  He suggested a one page newsletter which would combine computer skills with English and social studies objectives.  I wanted the students to report on two important events in China after the fall of the Han Dynasty.  They were also to choose an invention to advertise.  They were instructed to become an imbedded reporter in China of the 600's -1200's and to describe, in the present tense what they saw.  The students partnered up, read the textbook pages assigned and brainstormed about possible happenings (historically based).  They took notes, wrote out their articles, and headed to the computer lab.  In two 40 minute periods most had a beautiful product which takes very little time to correct!

Sample Rough Draft

The Finished Product