Classroom Connections to Washington, D.C.

Holocaust Museum

We have just finished reading Daniel's Story by Carol Matas  (book review). We read this as a part of a unit on Europe during the time of the Holocaust. When we are in Washington, D.C. in May, we will be going to the exhibit Remember the Children: Daniel's Story at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This is always a sobering look at this dark period of our world's history. Students were moved by the courage and tenacity of people who lived through that experience. Seeing the exhibit in person will help students gain a greater appreciation for the importance of kindness and respect.

World Cultures and World Architecture
Europe has given us many things....good food, breathtaking art, many of our fairy/folk tales, and some amazing architecture. One of the things we will be on the lookout for in D.C. is the Grecian influence on architecture. We will be taking note of the different kinds of pillars and columns used on the grandest buildings in our nation and recognizing that they had their roots in the great buildings and designs of Greece.

Rotunda of the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Parthenon in Athens, Greece

Embassy Row
Taking a ride down Embassy Row is an adventure for us. Students will be searching for the embassy of the country that they have researched, studied, and written a report about. It is here that they are able to begin to grasp the reality that Washington, D.C. is not just our nation's capital, but a city of great importance worldwide.
Take an online tour of Embassy Row.
List of Embassies in Washington, D. C., including photos of many of the buildings.

Embassy of Cameroon to the United States.

Located in Washington, D.C. on Massachusetts Avenue NW.

Washington, D.C. News

On the Washington, D.C. front, students are beginning to research various sights in the city that we are likely to visit. Everyone drew a number that corresponded with a particular sight. They are/will be given some time in school to work on this, but should certainly be working on it outside of school as well. The main questions I have asked them to consider are: What is the history of this point of interest? Why do you think we visit it? What other interesting information can you find about it? They do not have to write a formal report on it, but should be able to share their information with the class and answer questions about it.

(From 6th Grade News, April 1, 2010, by 6th grade teacher Amy Looman)

Washington, D.C. News

The students have chosen their landmark/monument/point of interest and the excitement has begun. Each student is responsible to research a sight in Washington, D.C. and become the class expert on that important place. Over the next month and a half, we will be examining some of the places we may encounter on our trip and learning all we can about them before we get to see them in person.

The itinerary is beginning to take shape. I am working together with the 6th grade teacher from Heath Elementary School to coordinate those places that we will visit together. Seeing our nation's capitol together will help students from both schools create some new friendships that will likely carry over as they enter Mohawk together.

At some point in late April or early May we will be having a mandatory meeting for all students and a parent to review all the rules and expectations of the trip. I will keep you posted as to when that will occur.

The countdown is on!

(From 6th Grade News, March 17, 2010, by 6th grade teacher Amy Looman)