Thomas Starr King Middle School - Echoes Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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One Hundred Two si' cafion Conie Lo Planning a

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Self-Directed Activity

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GROWING TOGETHER ln many of the rooms at our school the work is arranged in units. Incorporated with each unit opportunities are offered for creative activity. The activities suggested have all been original contributions of children in past classes and the variety increases from term to term as groups and indi- vidual members make their contributions. Among the many things that have been done is the writing of a text book by the pupils themselves. The following foreword presents the object of the class. This type of work is a class project. FOREWORD FROM THE PATH OF PROGRESS fl Wforla' I-Iistory textbook now being compiled from the best stories written by ninth grade pupils over a period of three years. In writing this book we have tried to show the progress of mankind, beginning at the dawn of civilization and tracing the various epochs of history up to the present time. We have endeavored to outline the intense struggle of people for civilizationg their strivings for homes, for food, and for all of life's necessities. Our chief object has been to show the develop- ment of mankind and the growth of these people who were our ancestors. We hope it will stimulate an increased admiration for the great fortitude of our ancestors. lit has been our attempt to tell a connected story of the great races and their progress from period to period, by making clear the manner in which each age of humanity profited by the experience of the one preceding it, so that those who read the book may see the necessity of studying the life of mankind as it has gone before them. We hope that we have made our book sufficiently interesting that it may attract as a story. History is often referred to as dry. Our ambition is that this volume will not be so characterized. Helen Shipley, A9 INFORMAL ACTIVITIES Graphic representations with charts and graphs are used by many. Innumerable maps are made showing practically all phases of life. Animated and picture maps are very popular. Dolls are dressed to represent the cos- tumes of different people in different periods. Many times these dolls are used in puppet shows and the one who demonstrates them tells the story in song or drama. Seventh grade children enjoy pantomiming incidents and presenting charades while eighth and ninth grade classes dramatize events in books and it is not uncommon for them to make their own dramas. Entertainments and programs of an endless variety find their place in different rooms. Original compositions in Music, stories in original rhythms and dances are presented. Holiday dinners and special period dinners make the past live. Debates, oratory and current events have their place. Original pageants are often given. Radio talks are presented from make-believe radio stations and sometimes talented pupils broadcast from real stations. Games and contests make locations an interesting entertainment. U One Hundred Three