Welcome to Ms. Chandler's
home page
Social Studies
Check back here for links to various helpful websites, and to find additional information to the facts we'll be studying in class.
At the History Alive Website, you will find online information about the eras and events we are studying in class, as well as projects that you might be interested in pursuing on your own.
The following links will be extremely helpful in researching your group's background, and formulating your opinions on whether slavery should be abolished and women should gain the right to vote:
Philadelphia Convention Look carefully through this page, as you scroll down to the bottom you'll find tons of helpful links.
PBS- History Detectives - Again, many types of information here. Check the list of eras on the right, and check out the many question shown. Many of these will help you with background information for your peron.
Indentured servants:
And of course, you can try searches using the phrase key words, or the names of political figures as part of your search.
Language Arts
In teaching Language Arts we use many methods and ideas from Nancie Atwell, a fabulously inspiring teacher and author who runs a private school in Maine. Her books In the Middle, Lessons That Change Writers, and The Reading Zone, as well as others, have very much shaped the way in which I teach writing and reading today.
One of her main beliefs is that we must find ways to make both reading and writing more engaging for students. Part of this comes from letting students read books of their choosing.Students will be sharing what they get out of their reading, both with me, and with other students. This will happen through book talks, as well as letter/essays that they submit on a regular basis.
Nancie teaches at the Center for Teaching and Learning, and her students regularly submit book recommendations that students and parents may find helpful.
In writing we study a variety of genres, including memoir, essays, poetry, and short stories. Much of this comes from studying good writing, analyzing it, and using what we learn in our own writing.
A little about me
This is my sixth year as a teacher, and I have spent all of that time at WMS, primarily teaching 6th grade block, although I've also taught health, P.E., and math. I am excited to be in an eighth grade block position. I'm looking forward to teaching U.S. history, advanced writing, as well as getting to teach some former students.
I am also the director of the annual school play, and the advisor to the diversity club.
I received my BA from The Evergreen State College, and both my K-8 teaching certificate and my Master's Degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks Northwest. I recently finished my Professional Certification through Evergreen. I'm looking forward to having a summer where I don't have to go to school. (I've only had one so far in the last six years.)
I'm very busy outside of school as I serve on the Board of Directors of The Olympia Food Co-op, and am the managing director of The Olympia Family Theater.