We worked on evaluating the composition of Vlad's next test on the American Revolution. Vlad has requested 20 multiple choice and two short answer questions. Since multiple choice questions have been a substantial challenge for Vlad, we are going to try open book for his test next Tuesday.

We continued to work on choosing the types of questions Vlad would like on the next test. Vlad is thoughtfully evaluating essay, short answer and other types of questions to provide feedback on how his next test should be constructed. I am excited to see the outcome of this new approach!

We concluded learning about the causes, damage, and end effects of the War of 1812. We also turned our focus to conflicts happening in the Midwest during this time period. Native Americans led by brothers Tecumseh and The Prophet fought for their land and existence in the Ohio Territory.

We have two periods to work on this today. We are trying something different...I am sharing the varieties of A.P. assessment/test questions for this chapter with Vlad. Vlad is working on choosing the types of questions he would like on the next test. Vlad is thoughtfully evaluating essay, short answer and other types of questions to provide feedback on how his next text should be constructed. I am excited to see the outcome of this new approach!

Review for impending test on the American Revolution. Once Vlad is comfortable with the material, we will schedule his next test date.

Today we began a review of the American Revolution/Chapter 5 to prep for the impending test. The test was originally scheduled for this Wed., 11/28. However, Vlad and I both agree that we need to allow more time for review following the week of Thanksgiving Break. The test is going to be rescheduled.

The British take New York. Interestingly, for 18th century Europeans, warfare was a seasonal activity. Fighting usually stopped in cold weather. This is how Washington was able to cross the Delaware with his troops on Christmas night 1776 and attack British troops at Princeton and Trenton. While the Continental Army was unable to hold these two towns, they did take refuge for the rest of the winter in the hills around Morristown, NJ where Washington established his winter headquarters. in 1777, the British captured Philadelphia and the Continental Congress had reassembled at York, PA. British general John Burgoyne surrenders 5,000 men to the Continental Army and their general, Horatio Gates at Saratoga. British General William Howe made many mistakes: he refrained from moving on for a final attack on the Continental Army when they were at Valley Forge, some critics think he didn't want Britain to win the war. Howe was an alcoholic and had a mistress in Philadelphia and these things may have distracted him. Some critics think he failed to understand the nature of the war he was fighting.
The 3-century old Iroquois Confederacy falls apart.
Phase 3: Congress dispatches representatives to Europe to negotiate treaties and cultivate new trading partners. The reps were called "militia diplomats." France, Spain, the Netherlands and Prussia all agreed to assist the U.S.
The Third phase of the Revolution: In 1778, the British replace General Howe. Benedict Arnold betrays the Americans. Patriot guerrilla warfare and tactics begin to weaken the British army. Washington relieves Horatio Gates and gives southern command to General Nathaniel Greene. The British surrender at Yorktown on Oct. 17, 1781, but the Treaty of Paris is not signed until Sept. 3, 1783.

Lexington and Concord
1775 - the "Olive Branch Petition" and the "Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms."
Prohibitory Act.
1775 - Congress creates a united, Continental army and appoints Gen. George Washington its Commander and Chief.
The first phase of the American Revolution: Bunker Hill, 1775 - 1776.
Thomas Paine and "Common Sense."
July 4, 1776 - The Declaration of Independence.
Loyalists/Tories.
March 17, 1776 -Evacuation Day - British troops left Boston for Nova Scotia.
Benedict Arnold, Benjamin Franklin and invasion of Canada in 1775/1776.
The 2nd Phase of the War: 1776 - 1778 when the British were in the best position to win. Formidable British war ships and 32,000 soldiers arrive under the command of British general William Howe.
1777 - The Articles of Confederation.
Other nations assist the colonists against Britain. The Marquis de Lafayette and Baron von Steuben...

Vlad completed the Chap. 4 Test. The test consisted of 34 multiple choice questions and 2 short answer questions. Vlad scored 71% which is an improvement from his last test score. Vlad seemed pleased with his performance. Keep up the good work, Vlad!

Chap. 4 Test - Vlad took his time evaluating the questions. This is the first time he has not raced through a history test. I encouraged him to continue to take his time and told him he can complete the remainder of the test (short answer, writing questions) tomorrow. When I asked Vlad what was different this time and why he took more time on the multiple choice questions, he said he honestly didn't know why he took more time.