Reading Enjoyment Unit

10:30-11:15AM
Today I completed the last mini-lesson in my reading enjoyment unit. I worked with the students on maps of the United States and a map of Virginia. We discussed the geography of the particular area of Virginia where the book "Ghost Cadet" takes place. We reread in the first chapter where it details the topography of the land. We then looked at a map of Virginia and made an educated guess as to where the town was located. I challenged them to find out its exact location over the weekend. Several of the students did try to find its location but had a hard time. A couple got really close!
On the United States map, we discussed where to find Virginia in relation to the rest of the country. We also discussed the states that made up the Union forces and the states that made up the Confederate forces. The students then colored their maps to reflect this discussion. As they worked, a student brought up a question about the border states, so we then took some time to discuss those states and the difficulties they faced.