[Billie Johnson]

I love bringing in outside sources for studies to read through or selecting different passages to share with them as a way to further their understanding on a topic.I'm definitely going to get these two resources for my personal classroom library.  Many thanks!

[Billie Johnson]

I really like this idea although I wonder if we should select a few items to research as a class...together. I love individuality but I would want to make sure that we are able to find what we are looking for.  It would be cool for students to bring in something from home that was made in China and then try to find from where within China these particular items were manufactured...we could fold in the evolution of technology and transportation. This could be an entire unit really. Great idea!

[Billie Johnson]

I could see this being an extension lesson as yet another similarity or great discussion topic.  Maybe not even a compare and constrast, but just looking at comparisons and focusing on similarities and not differences. This would be great as a 'Did you know?" activity, too.

[Billie Johnson]

Hi Alma,

I am surprised how much perspectives actually comes up in middle school. This is my second year teaching English and History and I do my best to incorporate looking at information from multiple perspectives into all of my lessons. Plus, I know that I mention historical narratives quite a bit but it is so important for students to walk in the shoes of others...even the lesser known people who were part of the experience.  

[Billie Johnson]

Hi Jennifer!  What were the resources that you mentioned that detailed the lives of women in Korean history? I would like to incorporate these in my middle school lessons next year.

[Billie Johnson]

As we discussed in a separate forum, a few benefits to being open is the transfer and exchange of technology, ideas, systems of efficiency, opportunities to monetize goods.  I suppose the question is do the benefits outweigh the risks.  I would imagine that a real risk of being open is the exchange of ideals and spread of a religious ideology that does not align with the ideals or agenda of the host country.  Who knows what the motives might be for all of the opportunities above, so I am certain these opportunities were met with skepticism.

[Billie Johnson]

Like others before me have noted, it sounds like he is exhausted with playing this game of cat and mouse with corrupt officials and those who abuse their posts. The emperor values accountability and discipline.  I don't mean discipline in the punitive sense, but maybe that too...however, I mean discipline in terms of using your power to help and not to take advantage of others.  Again, I agree with the others who mentioned that his philosophical believes may stem from him experiencing both worlds which is so often the case for people who have had to earn their success and not have it handed to them. The same issues that plagued the government so long ago can still be found in many government institutions from the local level all the way up.  How in the world can you draw out all of the corruption and right the ship?  

[Billie Johnson]

Hi Cynthia,

I am also curious about the impacts of the virus on the aging population in China.  It has been reported that the 4,500 number is low and that we may never know the real number of those who lost their lives. With the gap between the older generation and younger generation I think of the impact this virus could have on history and those who might have been able to pass down traditions and stories that continue to be watered down with growth and progress. Anyhow, my curiosity is piqued.

[Billie Johnson]

Hi Cynthia,

I am also curious about the impacts of the virus on the aging population in China.  It has been reported that the 4,500 number is low and that we may never know the real number of those who lost their lives. With the gap between the older generation and younger generation I think of the impact this virus could have on history and those who might have been able to pass down traditions and stories that continue to be watered down with growth and progress. Anyhow, my curiosity is piqued.

[Billie Johnson]

Thank you for these resources.  I can say that having to teach and communicate with everyone virtually has started to become exhausting.  Looking forward to renewed energy and gaining the balance back between in-person discussions and online discussions.  How are you handling all of this social distancing and quarantine?  Are many people turning to you to get insight into how relations between the US and China will be affected by this virus?

[Billie Johnson]

Hi Alma,

I think my students are finding that they need to socialize in person.  This quarantine has my students incredibly bored with technology.  Many of my students are ready to return to school and I have no doubt want to feel the warmth of a hug from their friends or horseplaying throughout the day. I don't think socializing is changing and we are realizing that right now.  I am eager for the next school year to begin because I have a feeling that the no cellphone in the classroom rule will not be a problem.

[Billie Johnson]

I remember our first meeting and a couple of conversations after discussing the coronavirus.  Initially I did not think it was going to be as big as it is today.  I wonder what will happen now with China.  Will the world rally to support China or will it turn away?  There still seems to be a cloud of uncertainty in so many ways.  Seeing the conflicts between many Africans who are stranded in China and the needling going on between the US and China is unnerving.  What will happen with the sister cities projects, tourism, and manufacturing. I think teachers need more tools and information to supplement or reteach what students hear on the news or from within their community.  What is going to happen to China's economy or other initiatives that were planned in Africa?  This virus has dealt a huge blow across the globe, but I don't think we are any closer to its full impact. 

[Billie Johnson]

When everything settles down around us I told my husband that I want to travel more.  After reading some of your responses, I am definitely excited to suck up the plane ride and make the trip. I love sharing trips that I take with my students and can think of how cool it would be to share pictures that I personally take and incorporate them into lessons. I'm going to do it for sure. Thank you!

[Billie Johnson]

When everything settles down around us I told my husband that I want to travel more.  After reading some of your responses, I am definitely excited to suck up the plane ride and make the trip. I love sharing trips that I take with my students and can think of how cool it would be to share pictures that I personally take and incorporate them into lessons. I'm going to do it for sure. Thank you!

[Billie Johnson]

I would like to look at the social make up of Korean society and the different roles that people played to contribute. However, I think it would be worth discussing why certain roles needed to be classified in a hierarchy. This topic would be important to research and to discuss.  Students can research different groups with a social status and give a description of each and their contribution. With Confucianism it would be beneficial for us to explore why this impacted women to the degree it did.  When an ideology is used as a means of suppression it is important to realize that it is not the religion or philosophy of the teachings but the person performing the application of the philosophy whose motives should be questioned. This is all great information that will fuel rich discussions and I know that this is something I can do with my 6th graders.

[Author]

Posts