Kansas History

Students in Mrs. DelToro’s 7th Grade Kansas History class have been diving into Girl of Kosovo by Alice Mead. This powerful book has sparked meaningful discussions and hands-on activities about important global topics such as NATO, UNICEF, and the United Nations. Each week, the class participates in a read-aloud session followed by activities designed to deepen their understanding.

A few weeks ago, students compared the geography of Kansas to Kosovo using Apple Maps. This activity opened the door to exploring local history as well—specifically, the wave of Slavic immigrants who came to Kansas in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many settled in the Kansas City livestock yard area and worked in the meatpacking industry. Today, their legacy lives on in the vibrant Strawberry Hill neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas. Students also learned about the cultural contributions of Slavic communities, including music, clothing, food, and traditions. To connect with their own heritage, students designed Family Crests that symbolized their families’ cultures.

Most recently, the class participated in a Kosovo Crisis simulation. Working in pairs, students took on the role of U.S. decision-makers in 1999, choosing between three options:

  1. Promote a diplomatic resolution

  2. Use military force

  3. Focus U.S. resources at home

Each group supported their choice with claims and three pieces of evidence from the reading, then presented their reasoning to the class. Following the discussion, students completed an individual writing assignment in which they selected one of five reflection questions to answer.

Through these activities, students are not only learning about history but also practicing critical thinking, problem-solving, and cultural awareness. Girl of Kosovo has truly brought history to life in Mrs. DelToro’s classroom.

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