History Learner

a quick update! I have seen the Great Wall–we were the only group on the wall–went to a very remote section of it–awesome! saw the Peking Opera–not so good, sorry. and today I experienced Tiananmen Square–quite amazing to be where so much history has happened! saw Mao’s corpse–I don’t think it is him–too orangy! Then went to the Forbidden City–amazing! structures were over 700 years old! I touched the very stones the emperor supposedly touched! and saw the golden dragon throne!

I met Yu Hua tonight–he is the writer of To Live—remember the movie? He is such a humble, terrific human being. I assumed he would be great but had no idea he would be so gracious and wonderful! I got to give him a gift! a big deal in China! His first visit to the US was to Iowa so it made sense that I give it to him…it was Grant Wood’s stone City painting–very cool!

the people here are amazing! so lively and curious! I have had my picture taken several times with people because of my blonde hair–people like to touch me too–I guess I’m good luck or something?!?

Hope you are all having a great summer! will post more next week! MRs. S.

Hi students! I know I asked you to check out this website over the summer for WHAP summer readings or if you are a previous student for my China updates! Today I’m heading out to San Fran and then to Beijing tomorrow. I should arrive in Beijing Friday morning around 2am–about 1pm CST (Thursday). If you would like, you can check out a short interview of my trip on www.radioiowa.com Thursday afternoon! Hope you are all doing well!

PS WHAP summer reading directions posted below!

I hope you all had a chance to pick up your textbooks already; if not, they are in the office at the Wallace Homestead Building with your name labeled on them. You will also need the book by Jared Diamond, Guns, Germs and Steel. To begin, please register for this site. Once that has been completed, please answer these questions in your first post:

1. Why did you decide to take this course?

2. What is your favorite part about studying history?

3. What is the best book you have read in the last 6 months?

Please respond soon and make sure your username is your real name so we can all identify each other.

Read the WHAP introduction under the class title on the right of this page. Next, your summer reading assignment is also posted–please note due dates and expectations. Enjoy the readings!

Hello WHAP students! I hope your first full week off has been relaxing for you! I have a few items I would like you to read over the summer and consider. I would like you all to stop by the Academy next week Tuesday, June 16 between 8:30-10:40am to pick up your textbook. I am in room 2007. If you would like, you can pick up a book for a friend who is in the class so you don’t all have to come separately. This may be the only time I’ll have for you to do this so please make arrangements now. I am posting the class roster as of last week under “WHAP” on the right side of this page…take a look at it and talk to others to make sure they have received this information too.

Next, please click on “register” at the bottom right of this page and follow directions to register for this website. You will need an email account–they are free and can you sign up for one at hotmail if you don’t have one. Please select a username that involves your real name so I know who you are when you eventually post on this site.

That is all for now! You can contact me at canada.snyder@dmps.k12.ia.us if you have questions.

Hello everyone! I just wanted to take a moment and say “thank you” for a great school year! This is my 11th year teaching and have to say it was one of the best! You (my students) are what make a great year possible! I hope you all have a great, enjoyable, relaxing summer–even if you have summer reading assignments! I will be headed to China for 3 weeks for a teacher study tour through Teaching about Asia so I am really excited for the trip! I may try to post updates on history learner from China if I can–you can read them if you wish! Stop by next fall to say hello or for a quick chat! Much happiness and cheer! Mrs. Snyder

I have posted our KC trip pictures under AP US History! Enjoy! I had a great time-hope you did as well!

APUSH and World Civ. semester 2 reviews are posted under corresponding titles to the right. Use as you wish, it is not required.

The dbq that is due on Monday is located under “Iron Jawed Angels dbq.”

Congratulations to all of my students who took the AP test! It really demonstrates your dedication to the class and your education when you proceed with taking the test as part of this class! I hope you felt very prepared for the test! Now relax, and have a good weekend!

In other news, we are finalizing our field trip plans. We will be departing from Central on Thursday, May 21st at 7am. We are taking 3 charter buses. Buses 1 and 2 (Snyder and Iannone) will attend the Truman Museum from 10am to 12pm. You MUST BRING A SACK LUNCH. The fee for Truman museum is due the day of the trip and it $2/person–EXACT amount required. Then, we will eat our lunches at Union Station and meet up with bus 3 (Kimble) at 1:00pm at the WWI Museum. We will have a 2.5 hour guided experience! The fee for WWI Museum is due the day of the trip and is $3/student–EXACT amount required. We will depart WWI Museum at 3:30 and be back home at 6:30. Parents will need to pick you up at Central. Bus fees are $20/student–this fee is due ASAP-cash or check to Des Moines Schools. There will be other papers parents will need to sign coming to you next week.

I am very excited for this trip! This trip is also funded through a generous grant from the Central Campus Foundation.

Hello Everyone! This post is to notify you of a  field trip during the 3rd week of May for APUSH! We will be traveling to Kansas City to visit the Harry S. Truman museum and library in addition to the World War I National Museum. The exact trip date is still unknown but will either be May 19, 20, or 22. The cost to students is $20. This trip has also been funded through a generous grant from the Central Campus Foundation. Students will need to bring a sack lunch-we will eat at Union Station (across from the WWI Museum).  110 students will be able to take advantage of this opportunity-Mrs. Snyder’s classes will sign up first.  Approximate departure time will be 7am and arrival back home is 6:30pm. Money will be due by May 15th. Please speak with me personally if you need financial assistance to attend. What a great way to celebrate the schoolyear together!

Parents-I may also need 1 or 2 chaperones-email me if interested.