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 * Welcome to our class Wiki! **

Dear Families,
 * Letter to families: **

We are excited to announce that we will be beginning a new Storypath social studies unit about The Oregon Trail! In the state of Washington, the subject of social studies develops responsible citizens so that they can learn to function in a globally interconnected and pluralistic society. The curriculum builds on the following capacities: disciplinary knowledge, inquiry, interpersonal skills, critical thinking skills, respect for the underlying values of a diverse democratic society and an interest in public affairs and competencies of self-government. The Oregon Trail Storypath integrates all of these capacities into a seven week comprehensive unit of study. Throughout the unit, students will be faced with problems and challenges that they must work collaboratively to resolve.

By the end of the unit, students should understand three different generalizations: 1) circumstances of the 1840s may have motivated people to move west, 2) pioneers encountered many challenges and hardships on the Oregon Trail, and 3) civic discussion and participation helped solve problems affecting the wagon trains. Students should also form an appreciation for how different cultures interact and communicate with other cultures. In addition to a strong understanding of these concepts and generalizations, students will develop skills in reading, writing, communication and critical thinking. They will demonstrate their ability to 1) write journal entries and letters from the perspective of a character on the Oregon Trail, 2) work cooperatively with other members of the wagon train to organize, plan and make decisions regarding their journey, 3) read primary sources for specific information related to the pioneers’ journey west, and 4) critically examine ethnic stereotypes, recognizing that they existed in the 1840s as well as today. In the final synthesis project for this unit, your student will create a photo album or sketchbook of all the events they encountered along the Oregon Trail. This culminating activity will further develop your student’s understanding of the main concepts presented in the unit.

We would love for you to be involved in your students learning! Click **HERE **to find a list of family activities you should participate in to help your student learn the concepts and the academic tasks involved in this unit.

If you have any questions and/or comments, please feel free to contact me. Any feedback you have for me would be greatly appreciated! The best way to reach me is by email: laura.schefter@gmail.com. As a reminder, please check the Source for announcements and more information about assignments. I look forward to working with you and your student throughout this unit.

Thank you, Mrs. Schefter