Welcome to History Class!Directions:

1. Silently walk around the room, and WITHOUT TALKING find other students who have the same

colored dot on their foreheads.

2. Once you have found your group, sit at your color table.

3. These will be your seats for the next couple of classes.

Signal for Quiet

There will be times in class when I need everyone’s attention. I will hit the chime

when I need your attention. When you hear the chime I expect you to be:

1. Quiet 2. Sitting still3. Looking at me

Today in Class:

1. Write down homework

2. Introductions

3. Name game

4. Course Overview: What will we be doing in history this year?

5. Questions?

Homework:

Everyday when you come into class you will take out your

agenda and write down your homework.

Today’s Homework: Get Course Overview signed!

About Ms. Cruickshank

1. I studied abroad in college and traveled to Switzerland, Italy, England, Germany and The Netherlands.

2. When I was 15, I won a pancake eating contest at the VA state fair.

3. I play the guitar and sing. I have performed on stage 4 times.

Which is the lie?!

About Ms. Cruickshank

• Graduated from Virginia Tech

• 3rd year at Eagle Ridge

• Love traveling, playing the guitar, doing yoga

Niece and Nephew

Name/Animal!

The first person will say his/her name and an animal that starts with the same letter. The second person will repeat, then at his/hers. We will continue until everyone has had a

turn!

The purpose of the game is to get to know each other and learn everybody’s names. While your classmates are talking you

should be:– Sitting quietly– Looking at the speaker– Making hand motions for your animal!

Please walk calmly back to your assigned seat!

What does walking calmly look like?

1. Quietly stand up2. Leave your area clean3. Move quickly and calmly through the

classroom4. Sit down and listen for instructions

Where is everything in the classroom?

1. Homework board

2. Weekly schedule

3. History Notebook Table of Contents

4. Art Supplies

Break Spot

There may be times during class when I ask you to take a break.

The break spot is for someone who has made a mistake, broken a rule, or simply needs a few minutes to collet

his/herself. It is NOT a punishment!

If you are sent to the break spot, you will have time to think about:

– Why am I here?– What should I do differently when I return?

Once you have gathered your thoughts you will be welcomed back into the group.

Class Overview:

Listen closely and follow along on your paper!

*If you have a question, raise your hand and I will call on

you*

Passing out and collecting papers:

Each week I will ask two students to help with passing out and collecting papers. I will randomly choose your desk number

Please quickly distribute or collect papers to each table.

Paper passers/collectors: #1 and #27!

Class Description:

In this class, we will explore the early history of America. You will develop and understanding of the regions of the United States and how geography impacts where people

live. You will learn about the earliest Americans and discuss how their lives changed when Europeans landed

in America. You will explain the importance of inventions and innovative thinkers in the development of

the country. You will look at historical shifts of power that resulted from the American Revolution and Civil

War. Throughout the year, you will learn the stories of individual people who worked to change the story of the

United States.

Essential Questions:

1. What is culture?

2. How does a culture develop?

3. How did different cultures interact with one another?

Curriculum Outline: 1. Geography

2. Native Americans

3. Explorers

4. Colonies

5. Revolutionary War/ Early Government

6. Manifest Destiny

7. Women’s Suffrage

8. Abolition

9. Civil War

What supplies do I need?

Spiral notebook: 150 pages or more!

2 rolls of clear tapeColored pencils

What if I am absent?

YOU are responsible for picking up, completing and turning in any missed assignments or

work due to an absence. All handouts will be posted on the class website. They will also be

available in the classroom.

Participation

You are expected to come to class prepared to learn and to contribute to the learning

environment. Make sure you come to class with all required materials, complete your

assignments on time, and are actively engaged in class discussions and activities.

Late Assignments:

It is YOUR responsibility to turn your work on time; however, if you are unable to meet the

deadline, you have a responsibility to complete your work. All late work will be

accepted for two class periods. All missing work will be entered into the grade book as

a 50%.

Grading:

The grading scale is a 10-point scale: A 100-93 A- 92-90 B+ 89-87 B 86-8 B- 82-80

C+ 79-77 C 76-73 C- 72-70 D 69-60 F 59 and below 

Grades will be calculated on a point system and will incorporate the following:

1. Tests and Quizzes 2. Daily Tasks (class assignments and homework)

3. Essays, Projects and Presentations4. Notebook Checks

Classroom Expectations

You are expected to come to class ready to participate and be respectful of the teacher,

students, and school materials.

We will create more specific classroom rules in the next couple of classes

Baskin-Robbins 31:

We will go around the circle counting to 31. You can say 1 number, 2 numbers, or 3

numbers. The person who says 31 is out!

Questions/Concerns?

1. On the small square of paper, write down one question or concern you have about middle school.

2. Put your square in the hat. I will put them out one by one and we will discuss them!