There's Trouble in the South
There are, of course, many accounts of the Revolution in the South. One part of the story is described in the Liberty's Kids episode (below right), while another is the account of the Swamp Fox, Francis Marion.
| His is a story that gets skipped in many American history courses. Francis Marion is considered by some to be one of the originators of the Army Rangers and the Special Forces (Green Berets), two very prestigious groups within our United States military community. Marion was given the nickname Swamp Fox when he repeatedly eluded the British in the wilderness of South Carolina, often attacking the British in unusual and unexpected ways. | Discussion Quote |
Read more about The Swamp Fox and be ready to discuss his exploits with the class.
Art Appreciation Analyze the painting shown here. Check out the details.
 Music Appreciation | Terrorist, Guerrilla, or Hero?With the short introduction to Francis Marion, one might classify him as a terrorist. More likely, he fits the category of guerrilla. Or might we call Marion a hero. After viewing this brief video, be ready to discuss this topic.  Random Attacks of KindnessMarion's Men often staged sneak attacks on the British army in South Carolina. Let's turn that concept around and ask, what kind of sneak attacks of kindness might we be able to enact in our school, this week? Maybe the Positive Behavior Conversation entitled 22 Random Acts of Kindness will give us some ideas. |
While We're On the Subject
| For more information and some interesting reading, check out these topics: |  |
Welcome to the Wetlands
There is a lot to be said for swampy areas, otherwise referred to as wetlands. Some explore these lands in much the same way as Francis Marion and his men, avoiding snakes, alligators, and leeches, fighting mosquitos and stagnated water. Others skate across the surfaces of swampy waterways by means of an airboat. Yes, there is much to be said for our wetlands.
As we transform our classroom into this ecosystem, we will need to study the flora and fauna through a series of activities. The Ducks Unlimited Teacher's Guide to Wetland Activities will provide us with some projects for this study.
As we transform our classroom into this ecosystem, we will need to study the flora and fauna through a series of activities. The Ducks Unlimited Teacher's Guide to Wetland Activities will provide us with some projects for this study.
Working together
Marion's men had to work together to maneuver the swamp. You will be divided into teams. The goal for your team is to get to the other end of the swamp without being chomped by the gators. Stay on the newspaper provided, or your team will have to start over. Note: I will give you one less newspaper page than members on your team.
Gullah
In the early 1700s, a different culture was brought to South Carolina shores. The Gullah culture still exists in pockets, but their unique experiences with slavery and survival are present in much of today's African American culture. It has been said that the Gullah people are the nearest link to Africa we have in the United States.
This culture was well established and still developing in the cotton and rice fields of South Carolina while Francis Marion was mounting his surprise attacks on the British during the latter half of the 18th century. Brought to the U.S. for their expertise in the rice fields, these people continued to survive in the islands for many years, but slowly the culture is dying out.
This culture was well established and still developing in the cotton and rice fields of South Carolina while Francis Marion was mounting his surprise attacks on the British during the latter half of the 18th century. Brought to the U.S. for their expertise in the rice fields, these people continued to survive in the islands for many years, but slowly the culture is dying out.
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Interested in learning more about this incredible culture? Check out the Ultimate Gullah website.
