New trimester and new time period in Social Studies! While we spent T1 looking at the development, fall, and continuation of Rome into the Byzantine Empire, T2 focuses primarily on the Middle Ages. Students have been spending time looking at major themes throughout the Middle Ages like war, religion, and power struggles.
This unit is unique in that it is broken into different simultaneous (as well as chronological!) geographic areas. For example, we will look at the Franks, the English, Vikings, the Islamic Empire, and other groups that have had a lasting legacy on our world. We will also explore how Rome has endured through this time period and into today as well as things like the English language, beginnings of religious freedom, and other lasting impacts.
This unit is fairly long and does include a lot more names, vocab terms, and dates than T1. This is introduced gradually, but some students can get overwhelmed and forget that our priority is still the big picture. Feel free to remind your son or daughter that the details are less important than the themes and 'big picture,' and feel free to email me with any questions or concerns. Stay tuned for student work as we dive deeper in the next couple of weeks.
The 8 Blue TEam