Amy Rogers Portfolio
I have been teaching in Chatham County for 21 years. I have taught all grades from 2nd-8th. Currently, I am the AIG teacher between two schools. I am originally from Texas but North Carolina has been home for 25 years. I love to travel and learn about new cultures while participating in mission trips. I believe that life is all about perspective.
I have been teaching in Chatham County for 21 years. I have taught all grades from 2nd-8th. Currently, I am the AIG teacher between two schools. I am originally from Texas but North Carolina has been home for 25 years. I love to travel and learn about new cultures while participating in mission trips. I believe that life is all about perspective.
Cultural Connections Project 1: Global Collaborative Project (Video Synopsis)
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Cultural Connections Project 2: Scripted Duologue Based on Meetup Group or AirBnb City Experience (GoAnimate)
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Cultural Connections Project 3: Experience-Based Travel Writing Based on Meetup Group or AirBnb City Experience (Post on Travel Blog)
Cultural Collections Project 1: Mapping Culture (Google Maps)
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Cultural Collections Project 2: Timelining Culture (MyHistro)
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Cultural Collections Project 3: Curating Cultural Objects (Voicethread)
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Cultural Reflections Project 1: The Last Word, Czech education articles
After reading the assigned articles and discussing with my small group, I found it very interesting that Czech Republic has many similarities with America in education. My group discussed the ways in which American schools and the common core curriculum are so focused on getting students college and career ready and how that also seems to be the case in Czech Republic except that in Czech Republic, students are given more choices such as technical school, vocational schools, or gymnasiums. In my experience, American schools seem to push the fact that a 4 year college degree is the only way to be successful. Another major aspect of education that we discussed is the fact that college is so expensive in the United States and it is free to students in the Czech Republic. The acceptance to the universities is much more competitive which may force some students to choose a different option. I am looking forward to visiting Czech Republic and talking to the locals to learn more about their education system.
After reading the assigned articles and discussing with my small group, I found it very interesting that Czech Republic has many similarities with America in education. My group discussed the ways in which American schools and the common core curriculum are so focused on getting students college and career ready and how that also seems to be the case in Czech Republic except that in Czech Republic, students are given more choices such as technical school, vocational schools, or gymnasiums. In my experience, American schools seem to push the fact that a 4 year college degree is the only way to be successful. Another major aspect of education that we discussed is the fact that college is so expensive in the United States and it is free to students in the Czech Republic. The acceptance to the universities is much more competitive which may force some students to choose a different option. I am looking forward to visiting Czech Republic and talking to the locals to learn more about their education system.
Cultural Reflections Project 2: Czech Book Club
SOMEONE NAMED EVA
Someone Named Eva by Joan M. Wolf! Wow!! What a wonderful read.
I have often looked for young adult historical fiction books based on true stories during the Holocaust. Most of the books that I have to offer my students are told from the perspective of victims living in concentration camps. Someone Named Eva takes a different twist.
Eleven year old MIlada remembers the night the Nazis pounded on her door. She remembers the night her family was whisked away. Milada remembers her grandmother giving her a special pin to tuck away so that she will always remember who she is and where she comes from. Milada begins an inner struggle as she is forcibly removed from her family and taken to the Lebensborn center where she is noticed for her shiny blue eyes and blonde hair. What she doesn't understand is why is the system taking her away and trying so hard to "germanize" her. Milada is quickly renamed as Eva and is taught the evils of the Jews, the glory of Hitler and the joys of being adopted into a German family. Based on the events after the destruction of Lidice, Czechoslovakia, Joan M. Wolf, describes the Lebensborn center and what it did to countless young girls and their families during World War II. Throughout its entirety, the novel carries a strong theme of what it takes to stay true to ones heritage.
SOMEONE NAMED EVA
Someone Named Eva by Joan M. Wolf! Wow!! What a wonderful read.
I have often looked for young adult historical fiction books based on true stories during the Holocaust. Most of the books that I have to offer my students are told from the perspective of victims living in concentration camps. Someone Named Eva takes a different twist.
Eleven year old MIlada remembers the night the Nazis pounded on her door. She remembers the night her family was whisked away. Milada remembers her grandmother giving her a special pin to tuck away so that she will always remember who she is and where she comes from. Milada begins an inner struggle as she is forcibly removed from her family and taken to the Lebensborn center where she is noticed for her shiny blue eyes and blonde hair. What she doesn't understand is why is the system taking her away and trying so hard to "germanize" her. Milada is quickly renamed as Eva and is taught the evils of the Jews, the glory of Hitler and the joys of being adopted into a German family. Based on the events after the destruction of Lidice, Czechoslovakia, Joan M. Wolf, describes the Lebensborn center and what it did to countless young girls and their families during World War II. Throughout its entirety, the novel carries a strong theme of what it takes to stay true to ones heritage.
Cultural Reflections Project 3: Czech Film Club
Anthropoid, a 2016 film by Sean Ellis, is based on a true story of two Czech soldiers (Cillian Murphy, Jamie Dornan) who parachute into their occupied homeland to assassinate Nazi officer Reinhard Heydrich (Detlef Bothe). This film had me sitting on the edge of my seat as I waited to see what these 2 young men would accomplish. From the very beginning, conflict is rife. As the film opens, Nazi spies have mapped out most of the movement’s members when Jan Kubis and Josef Gabcik — the Czech freedom fighters — parachute into a forest outside Prague with orders from their government. As they land among trees and bushes, Gabcik's leg is badly cut and they have to seek help. The cut leg upon landing is just a hint of what's to come. As Kubis and Gabcik move into town and plan their attack, they are careful- one doesn't know who can be trusted. This was one of the most authentic and nerve wrenching films with many scenes that will make you flinch. The film builds slowly in the beginning and works it way up to a gun battle in the cathedral. It's obvious that Kubis and Gabcik are fighting a losing battle but the film did a great job reminding us of the virtues of resistance. I kept asking myself, what is the value of one's life? Should the Czech freedom fighters have given themselves up to save others? Was it worth it in the end? Some battles are worth fighting for, not matter what the outcome.
I give this movie 3 out of 5 stars.
Anthropoid, a 2016 film by Sean Ellis, is based on a true story of two Czech soldiers (Cillian Murphy, Jamie Dornan) who parachute into their occupied homeland to assassinate Nazi officer Reinhard Heydrich (Detlef Bothe). This film had me sitting on the edge of my seat as I waited to see what these 2 young men would accomplish. From the very beginning, conflict is rife. As the film opens, Nazi spies have mapped out most of the movement’s members when Jan Kubis and Josef Gabcik — the Czech freedom fighters — parachute into a forest outside Prague with orders from their government. As they land among trees and bushes, Gabcik's leg is badly cut and they have to seek help. The cut leg upon landing is just a hint of what's to come. As Kubis and Gabcik move into town and plan their attack, they are careful- one doesn't know who can be trusted. This was one of the most authentic and nerve wrenching films with many scenes that will make you flinch. The film builds slowly in the beginning and works it way up to a gun battle in the cathedral. It's obvious that Kubis and Gabcik are fighting a losing battle but the film did a great job reminding us of the virtues of resistance. I kept asking myself, what is the value of one's life? Should the Czech freedom fighters have given themselves up to save others? Was it worth it in the end? Some battles are worth fighting for, not matter what the outcome.
I give this movie 3 out of 5 stars.
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Cultural Reflections Project 5: Urban Neighborhood Analysis (from Field Research)
Zizkov-Parah 3 was a an interesting neigborhood to explore. We didn’t have much time and didn’t go very far into the neighborhood, but as we stepped off the metro we came right in front of a beautiful corner flower shop. As we crossed the street, I noticed a lot more automobiles in this area. We quickly came upon a very old cemetery- The New Jewish Cemetery. It was built in the late 1800s in neo-Renaissance style. Many important representatives of Jewish communities in Bohemia, along with Rabbis, businessmen and industrialists are laid to rest here. Franz Kafka is also laid to rest here. As we left the cemetery, we noticed a building that seemed to be a bit more modern. It looked like it could be apartments. Adjacent from the modern building was what seemed to be a multi-purpose building that contained a gym. There also was a large hotel with a conference center. This neighborhood seemed to be more business than residential. I chose to explore it because of the New Jewish Cemetery and how it relates to my theme. The cemetery was a bit creepy as the trees were huge with ivy hanging off of them. The trees lined the pathways as we strolled along and read all of the memorial plaques that hung on the back brick wall. |
Cultural Reflections Project 6: Czech Education Analysis (from Field Research)
Post your analysis here...
Post your analysis here...
Cultural Reflections Project 7: Czech Literature Analysis (from Field Research)
The 3 Little Pigs (Retold in Kafka style.....or at least attempted)
There once were three little pigs that were sent out into the world by their mother to "seek out their fortune". They each went on their way to build their house. They each knew what they wanted and quickly got busy. The first little pig built his house out of straw because it was a summer's dream. The straw was as yellow as the sun's beam on the hottest day in July. One day while he was eating his bacon for breakfast, the humongous, hairy, violent, ravenous wolf pounded on the pig's door with his monstrous fists and said, "let me in or I will blow your house down!" The pig choked on his bacon and couldn't answer quickly enough. With one breath, the wolf blew the straw house down and the first pig perished. The second and third little pigs saw this happen right in front of them and couldn't believe their own eyes. What had just become of their little brother? They discussed building another house out of brick and decided that it would just take too long. They started building anyway. As they laid each brick, they worried themselves sick thinking the big, hairy, ravenous wolf would come knocking any minute. Every time something made a noise they screamed and jumped with anxiety. Both little piggies would not leave their house to get groceries or visit their own mother for fear they would meet the wolf. Weeks passed and they had no more bacon and were running low on sausage. The only thing they had left to eat were a few pork rinds that were becoming very stale. One little pig became so weak with hunger, he could no longer walk. He quickly passed. The third little pig was now all alone in the world. He was too scared to go see his mom. The house of brick was only half finished. He decided to just make a house of sticks because it was much faster. Three more weeks passed after being locked up in his house from fear of the big bad wolf. When the last little pig finally ventured out to see his mother and get some food, he learned that the ravenous wolf had moved away over 2 months earlier. As he continued his feeble walk to his mother's house he pondered why he was alone and where his fortune laid?
The 3 Little Pigs (Retold in Kafka style.....or at least attempted)
There once were three little pigs that were sent out into the world by their mother to "seek out their fortune". They each went on their way to build their house. They each knew what they wanted and quickly got busy. The first little pig built his house out of straw because it was a summer's dream. The straw was as yellow as the sun's beam on the hottest day in July. One day while he was eating his bacon for breakfast, the humongous, hairy, violent, ravenous wolf pounded on the pig's door with his monstrous fists and said, "let me in or I will blow your house down!" The pig choked on his bacon and couldn't answer quickly enough. With one breath, the wolf blew the straw house down and the first pig perished. The second and third little pigs saw this happen right in front of them and couldn't believe their own eyes. What had just become of their little brother? They discussed building another house out of brick and decided that it would just take too long. They started building anyway. As they laid each brick, they worried themselves sick thinking the big, hairy, ravenous wolf would come knocking any minute. Every time something made a noise they screamed and jumped with anxiety. Both little piggies would not leave their house to get groceries or visit their own mother for fear they would meet the wolf. Weeks passed and they had no more bacon and were running low on sausage. The only thing they had left to eat were a few pork rinds that were becoming very stale. One little pig became so weak with hunger, he could no longer walk. He quickly passed. The third little pig was now all alone in the world. He was too scared to go see his mom. The house of brick was only half finished. He decided to just make a house of sticks because it was much faster. Three more weeks passed after being locked up in his house from fear of the big bad wolf. When the last little pig finally ventured out to see his mother and get some food, he learned that the ravenous wolf had moved away over 2 months earlier. As he continued his feeble walk to his mother's house he pondered why he was alone and where his fortune laid?
Cultural Reflections Project 8: Czech Art/Visual Analysis (from Field Research)
We visited the Kampa Museum and looked at several artists. I focused on Otto Guthfruend and his sculpture called Concert. At first when I looked at the sculpture I wasn't sure at all what I was seeing. I saw one dark color with a bunch of swirls that were going in different directions. I honestly could not make sense of it. After reading the name of it, I began to analyze it and decided that I might recognize something that looked like a trumpet. Other people in my group thought it symbolized movement and possibly emotions. I do agree that the piece looked lively and very interesting after I heard other people make comments about it. We can possibly say that the Czech culture is into music and showing their emotions through it.
The second artist that I focused on was Jiri Kolar in 1964. I analyzed a collage called Garden Party. I saw a black and white collage that was on a pretty large backing. The entire collage looked like it was made from postcards, magazines clippings, and old photographs. There was no empty space in this collage. I think it was probably black and white because it was to make it have a historical appeal. The collage had many different images like a man's legs with a woman's middle and a lightbulb for a head. Most of the images were made from 2 or 3 overlays working together to form a new image. I think that this art may reveal something about all of the changes that have taken place in Czech Republic and possibly the fact that they don't really know who they are.
We visited the Kampa Museum and looked at several artists. I focused on Otto Guthfruend and his sculpture called Concert. At first when I looked at the sculpture I wasn't sure at all what I was seeing. I saw one dark color with a bunch of swirls that were going in different directions. I honestly could not make sense of it. After reading the name of it, I began to analyze it and decided that I might recognize something that looked like a trumpet. Other people in my group thought it symbolized movement and possibly emotions. I do agree that the piece looked lively and very interesting after I heard other people make comments about it. We can possibly say that the Czech culture is into music and showing their emotions through it.
The second artist that I focused on was Jiri Kolar in 1964. I analyzed a collage called Garden Party. I saw a black and white collage that was on a pretty large backing. The entire collage looked like it was made from postcards, magazines clippings, and old photographs. There was no empty space in this collage. I think it was probably black and white because it was to make it have a historical appeal. The collage had many different images like a man's legs with a woman's middle and a lightbulb for a head. Most of the images were made from 2 or 3 overlays working together to form a new image. I think that this art may reveal something about all of the changes that have taken place in Czech Republic and possibly the fact that they don't really know who they are.
Cultural Reflections Project 9: Czech Site Analysis, Site-Based Travel Writing (Post on Travel Blog)
A Walk Through Terezin
As a teacher I have read many books with my students about the Holocaust and we have looked at many pictures. The pictures that played in my mind all these years didn’t come close to seeing the real conditions of a concentration camp right under my own two feet. We arrived at Terezn, a concentration camp that is located 30 miles outside of Prague. More than 150,00 Jews were sent here and over 33,000 died. As we got off the bus and made our way into the entrance we immediately saw a cemetery for the victims of Terezin. A Jewish star stood at the far end with a huge cross in the middle. I couldn’t help but be overcome with emotion. As we walked through the cemetery, we noticed many graves were only marked with a number. To me the numbers were very dejecting as the Jews were branded with a number in the camp, and they are still a number in the grave. I longed for each grave to have a name.
As we continued walking we came to a gate with “Arbeit Macht Frei” above it. This was just like the pictures I had seen in movies and in books, but what a somber moment to be standing under it. I found myself imagining that it was me living in the concentration camp and was moved to tears. As the guide continued talking, I could hardly focus. I was now standing right in the middle of a small room filled with wooden bunks. I again couldn’t imagine myself sleeping on the hard wooden planks while starving and freezing through the night in a harsh Czech winter. The guide continued to tell us how thousands died from diseases, starvation, and other ailments.
The question I kept asking myself was, if so many people died here in Terezin, why isn’t it called a death camp? I guess I will never understand the answer to that question.
We kept walking and entered a showering room. As I touched the cold wooden benches, I again imagined myself entering and wondering if they were showers or “gases”. We then moved into the “barber shop”. This was a long narrow room with no windows and about 12 sinks down the side of each wall. Each sink had a scratched mirror hanging above it.
Showered, shaved, and then branded….I can’t imagine the horror these defenseless people went through.
Towards the end of the tour, we stood at the spot where the Nazis executed people –sometimes 15 at a time. The guide explained how they would stand the Jews up against the brick wall and fire away. This was about all I could handle. The stories that I have read over the years were coming alive right in front of me. Although our day at Terezin was very heavy, I don’t regret visiting this concentration camp.
There were no selfies taken this day, but instead somber pictures that I can bring back to my students and explain to them the importance of learning from history so we don’t make the same mistakes again.
A Walk Through Terezin
As a teacher I have read many books with my students about the Holocaust and we have looked at many pictures. The pictures that played in my mind all these years didn’t come close to seeing the real conditions of a concentration camp right under my own two feet. We arrived at Terezn, a concentration camp that is located 30 miles outside of Prague. More than 150,00 Jews were sent here and over 33,000 died. As we got off the bus and made our way into the entrance we immediately saw a cemetery for the victims of Terezin. A Jewish star stood at the far end with a huge cross in the middle. I couldn’t help but be overcome with emotion. As we walked through the cemetery, we noticed many graves were only marked with a number. To me the numbers were very dejecting as the Jews were branded with a number in the camp, and they are still a number in the grave. I longed for each grave to have a name.
As we continued walking we came to a gate with “Arbeit Macht Frei” above it. This was just like the pictures I had seen in movies and in books, but what a somber moment to be standing under it. I found myself imagining that it was me living in the concentration camp and was moved to tears. As the guide continued talking, I could hardly focus. I was now standing right in the middle of a small room filled with wooden bunks. I again couldn’t imagine myself sleeping on the hard wooden planks while starving and freezing through the night in a harsh Czech winter. The guide continued to tell us how thousands died from diseases, starvation, and other ailments.
The question I kept asking myself was, if so many people died here in Terezin, why isn’t it called a death camp? I guess I will never understand the answer to that question.
We kept walking and entered a showering room. As I touched the cold wooden benches, I again imagined myself entering and wondering if they were showers or “gases”. We then moved into the “barber shop”. This was a long narrow room with no windows and about 12 sinks down the side of each wall. Each sink had a scratched mirror hanging above it.
Showered, shaved, and then branded….I can’t imagine the horror these defenseless people went through.
Towards the end of the tour, we stood at the spot where the Nazis executed people –sometimes 15 at a time. The guide explained how they would stand the Jews up against the brick wall and fire away. This was about all I could handle. The stories that I have read over the years were coming alive right in front of me. Although our day at Terezin was very heavy, I don’t regret visiting this concentration camp.
There were no selfies taken this day, but instead somber pictures that I can bring back to my students and explain to them the importance of learning from history so we don’t make the same mistakes again.