Once upon a time, in a small town, there lived a young boy named Andy. Andy was kind-hearted, adventurous, and always ready for a new challenge. He loved spending time outdoors, exploring new places, and making new friends. One sunny day, as he was playing in his backyard, Andy stumbled upon an old, dusty skateboard hidden behind some bushes. Curiosity sparked within him, and he knelt down to take a closer look. To his surprise, the skateboard had a magical glow to it.
George Burroughs, a minister, was one of the few men accused of witchcraft during the trials. This illustration shows him speaking at Witches Hill, the site of his execution.
As sleet and snow heaped higher outside their door, Betty Parris and her cousin Abigail began to twitch and twist their bodies into strange shapes, speaking in words that made no sense. There is simply no substitute for immersing students in the actual contexts they are studying, Ramsey noted, adding that such trips encourage student retention and help students feel more connected to the college, which helps build a strong cohort of current students in our majors in the present and more engaged alumni in the future as well.
To his surprise, the skateboard had a magical glow to it. Excitement filled Andy's eyes as he began to wonder what wonders this skateboard could bring. Without hesitation, he hopped on the skateboard and started to glide through his backyard.
Berks students visit Salem to study witch trials
Students engaged in an interactive mock witch trial of Bridget Bishop.
Credit: Penn State Expand October 25, 2017READING, Pa. — Would you dare to visit Salem, Massachusetts on Friday the 13th in October? Penn State Berks students majoring in communication arts and sciences (CAS) and criminal justice did just that, taking to the streets of Salem to study the witch trials of 1692. The students were enrolled in three different courses: "Gender Roles in Communication" and "Gender Roles in Storytelling," both part of the CAS curriculum, and the criminal justice course "Courts and the Prosecution Process."
The 22 students on the trip learned about the history of the witch trials, gender and race as they relate to who was declared to be a “witch,” the construction of our public memory about the witch trials, and the processes surrounding the trials in some of our nation’s first courts. The students visited the Salem Witch Museum, participated in a “witch walk” through the city, visited the witch trial memorial and corresponding cemetery, and toured the city on a historical trolley tour. They also had an opportunity to engage in an interactive “trial” of Bridget Bishop, a victim of the witch trials.
This is the third student trip to Salem that has been coordinated by Michele Ramsey, associate professor of communication arts and sciences and women’s studies. She notes that these kinds of trips are important to students for two primary reasons — the opportunity to engage course content outside of the classroom and the relationships students build with their classmates and faculty on such trips.
“There is simply no substitute for immersing students in the actual contexts they are studying,” Ramsey noted, adding that such trips “encourage student retention and help students feel more connected to the college, which helps build a strong cohort of current students in our majors in the present and more engaged alumni in the future as well.”
In addition to Ramsey, faculty members Cheryl Nicholas, associate professor of communication arts and sciences and global studies, and Jennifer Murphy, associate professor of criminal justice, accompanied the students.
The field trip was made possible by the Mrs. Harold Mcl. Grout and Mrs. C. Glenn Kauffman Endowment for the Arts at Berks College.
For additional information, contact Ramsey at 610-396-6148 or [email protected] .
As soon as his feet touched the skateboard, it zipped forward with a burst of energy, launching him into an amazing adventure. The magic skateboard took Andy to places he had only dreamed of. It whisked him away to enchanted forests where fairies danced among the shimmering leaves. It soared him high above the clouds, offering him a breathtaking view of the world below. With each twist and turn, he embarked on thrilling rollercoaster rides, feeling the wind rush through his hair. But the magic of the skateboard didn't stop there. It also granted him the ability to communicate with animals. Andy found himself talking to squirrels, rabbits, and birds, hearing their unique stories and wisdom. They became his loyal companions, guiding him through new lands and teaching him valuable life lessons along the way. Andy's magical journeys on the skateboard allowed him to make new friends from different cultures and backgrounds. He met a young artist in Paris who taught him the beauty of creativity, a wise monk in the mountains of Tibet who taught him the importance of inner peace, and a fearless explorer in the Amazon rainforest who taught him to appreciate the wonders of nature. Through his adventures, Andy discovered that the magic skateboard wasn't just a means of transportation; it was a symbol of the limitless possibilities that lay within each of us. It taught him to believe in himself, to embrace new experiences, and to embrace the unknown. As the years passed, Andy's adventures with the magic skateboard continued, but he also realized that magic could be found even in the simplest everyday moments. Whether it was watching a sunset, sharing a laugh with friends, or helping someone in need, Andy learned to cherish these moments as much as his grand adventures. And so, with the magic skateboard as his guide, Andy's backyard became a gateway to endless possibilities, reminding him that the magic of life is always within reach if we are willing to take a leap of faith..
Reviews for "Skateboard your way into a World of Fantasy with the Backyardigans"
1. Janet - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Backyardigans the magic skateboard". The storyline was weak and confusing, and the characters lacked depth. It felt like they were trying too hard to be funny and engaging, but it just fell flat for me. The animation quality was also subpar, making it even harder to enjoy. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this film to anyone looking for a captivating and well-developed story.
2. Steven - 1 star - "Backyardigans the magic skateboard" was a complete waste of my time. The plot was unimaginative and predictable, and the dialogue was cringe-worthy. The humor was aimed at a much younger audience, and as an adult, I found it incredibly boring. The animation was also subpar, with choppy transitions and lackluster visuals. I couldn't wait for it to end.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Backyardigans the magic skateboard," but it left me disappointed. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real personality. The storyline felt rushed and poorly executed, making it hard to connect or care about what was happening. Additionally, the animation quality was below average and didn't meet my expectations. Overall, I found this film to be forgettable and not worth the watch.
4. Michael - 2 stars - As someone who enjoys animated films, I was let down by "Backyardigans the magic skateboard". The plot felt disjointed and lacked coherence, making it hard to follow or engage with the story. The animation quality was mediocre, with stiff movements and unimpressive visuals. The humor was also lacking, failing to elicit even a chuckle from me. I would recommend skipping this film and choosing something more entertaining and well-crafted.