Hannah+Grace+Barnard-+1953

==== As we look back on our prosperous year of 1953, I can say that we are indeed a strong nation. This past January, I was inaugurated into the highest position of honor- being President of United States. During the course of 1953, our unemployment rate has decreased to only 2.9%, something I take great pride in! Our standard of living continues to increase, with the average price of a new home only $9,550 and a brand new car at a price of $1,650! Our households continue to flourish in every day technologies, with the introduction of color televisions at an affordable price for the average American! The First Lady and I have looked into color television, but we are still using our trustworthy transistor radio in most rooms of the White House. Within the United States, we have taken leaps in the medical field: this year alone, our people created a vaccine for Polio, and cigarette smoking was reported to be a leading cause of lung cancer. ====

==== Internationally, 1953 has proven to be a year of peace. Joseph Stalin, leader of the USSR, passed away in March. The Soviet Union has claims of creating a hydrogen bomb, but I have confidence in the safety of my country. The Korean War ended this year, as well, showing to be short lived and peace prevails! Alongside Asia, England is entering a new era. Queen Elizabeth II was crowned the Queen of England this year. As one of the leading countries in the world, I look forward to working closely with the British Parliament and collectively working towards the betterment of the world. ====

==== As we enter into a new year of greatness, I am proud to serve as your President of the United States. I have nothing but upmost confidence in the success of our nation and collaboration with those abroad. God bless the USA. ====

Before presenting this assignment to students, I feel that there a few crucial steps to scaffolding the lesson.

 * ==== For middle schoolers, this assignment would be best suited within a unit, rather than assigned as “pick any year.” ====
 * ==== Expectations and guidelines would be clearly outlined from the beginning of the assignment and throughout. I would be readily available for any questions or assistance students may need. ====
 * ==== Students should have a basis of background knowledge of the overarching topic, so that they are able to pick a proper year that has useful events. ====
 * ==== Initially, I would assign the project individually while they choose their years. ====
 * ==== Once they have chosen a year, I would have students come discuss what year they picked with me before continuing on the assignment. The goal would be to focus on a year where students could draw at least one significant event and one caustic event of another major event within the unit. ====
 * ==== Once an appropriate year is chosen, students will have similar choices as we had: write a letter, a TIME article, presidential speech, etc. However, in order to accommodate a variety of learners, students would also be given the option to make a short video of their choice, depicting the same message as they would in written format ====
 * ==== o Those doing a video would have the option to work with a partner. ====
 * ====Before submitting their final assignment, students would have the option to meet with me for any feedback or to have any questions answered.====