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Trench Warfare–my favourite military subject. Please give my your thought, insights and critiques.WillyD
Another experiential activity; after a build up on the causes of the war (my list is another thread) the kids come to class to find the desks piled to simulate the trenches and no-man's-land… darkened room, lots of noise from FX audio and 4 dozen nerf balls… pick your side.What I found was that the kids took it as a lark at first, then more seriously but about half way through the period they were winded. A truce just happened for 5-8 minutes and then they wopund back up. This was pretty much the norm for every group... strikinglysimilar to reports from WWI about how it really went.Their assignment was to write a letter home from the trenches explaining the causes of the war to a relative or friend. They had a choice of their character but they had to give appropriate background to flesh-out their letter. Got some that were amazingly good. I used this for about 9 years (same as FrRev simulation) 3-5 classes per year.Take a look...
They were supposed to as well. The ones that did learned more but didn't have any more fun… just had more info to write a good letter home. 😮
They were supposed to as well. The ones that did learned more but didn't have any more fun… just had more info to write a good letter home. Do yuo teach in a private school?
QuoteNope; i taught in a mall rural district... HS, then middle school.
Please note modifications to original post; I was working on TAXES (literally) all morning... am a bit punchy 😀
TAXES!!!!! UGHThere is a good deal here in New York--No State Taxes on pensions!!!HR Block does my Federal--takes about 15 minutes and cost about 60 dollars--I am fret free!WillyD
Does NY require a reduction your SocSec because you have another retirement? Ca does but not all states do, so I understand.
NO–NY State has nothing to do with SS as that is Federal. Perhaps you are thinking of what “Ronnie”did in 1980 when he reduced your SS benefits by half if you were receiving a Federal Pension. NY Statemay have some other fleecing technique, but I am unaware of it as I only worked for the State for three years, but collect a full Federal pension. I have more than 40 quarters, but thanks to "Ronnie" I amunable to receive my full SS benefits.
That is what I'm talking about… I paid in my quarters at a much reduced rate of pay so have a very small benefit anyway. As a retired teacher that will be reduced by 60%. How about No Senior Left Behind? >:(
I feel as though Ronnie was less than fair to us–but I can afford the loss and am willing to accept thefact that he had an animus toward Federal workers. This sort of deals with a former post in which I argued that SS payments ought to go only to those that need it--not to everyone. SS deductions ought to be levied on your full salary--not capped--that would raise lots of revenue and not hurt the surf and turf crowd with Der Grosser Mercedes in the driveway.
The thing is that only about 13 states actually still are victim to this; the others have somehow “fixed” the situation. BTW my retirement is state not federal and I'm a bit miffed that formers officials that term out of multiple offices get 100% benefit for each. 😮
