Every generation writes its own history |
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-John L. Bowman
Every generation writes its own history |
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In a matter of five minutes could you fit all of your most prized possessions into a shoebox and leave everything else behind? When people migrated to the west they were limited to the amount of things they could bring on the trip. Could you imagine leaving your pet behind or your favorite toys? This activity is a great way for students to consider the facts, history, and information from another perspective. They begin to understand what life was like versus how we live today. This lesson goes beyond the text and encourages students to think outside, or rather inside, the box. What is important to you? What do you value? Do we all value things for the same reasons? Putting yourself in another's shoes is a great way make the content more relevant and concrete. It also helps build character by diving deeper. Was life peaceful then? Do you think the settlers faced obstacles or hardships? Students ask themselves these questions when faced with the predicament that comes along with this activity. What if I had to leave all of my things that I cherish and love behind and also face in addition to that sadness the wilderness which comes with its one set of disadvantages. TrappersWildWest is a blogger but also much more than that. Go on a journey discovering the purpose to his paintings and how he incorporates his passion for history. https://trapperswildwest.wordpress.com/
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This video explains what it means to have a democratic classroom. This social studies concept falls under the umbrella of civics.
Implementing rules, procedures, and a class motto that promotes an engaging, affirming, and democratic learning environment will help your class learn important skills that they can use in their everyday lives. The way people socialize with one another impacts education, home life, and position in the community. Here is a video that helps families understand the importance of having a democratic classroom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTGzPeXar5s Establishing a democratic classroom involves creating logical rules. You must only ask of students what you expect from yourself. Is it ok to talk in the bathroom? or while getting your coat? Must you always raise your hand to speak in the classroom? If you go into the year with a mentality that students have to be at level zero most of their day or not be allowed to fidget in their chair you will not be happy and students will not meet your expectations. Creating room for respect means respecting your students first. Once a democratic classroom has been established respect and gratitude blossom. Building a classroom community has many advantages and students enjoy it! First, students should collaborate about what their community/town needs. Does it need a doctor's office, dog park, library? After students have come up with a list, students will choose an item on the list that they will create. All students will also create their own house. Their house may be a replica of their actual dwelling or represent the house they wish to have one day. This activity will take a few weeks to complete and while your class is on this journey it is important for them to discover the value in doing such an activity.
Here is a great video of strangers sharing what they love most about community. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv7T23P9oS8 Discussing how people interact with their community should be stressed. Is there a way that students can influence and change their community? What is important to the students to have in their community? Ask students questions like this to get the discussion flowing. Once students have had enough time to work on creating the different areas of the town create a space in the classroom where the construction of the community can take place. Students work together communicating where certain buildings need to go, which layout makes sense, where pathways for roads and bikes should go, etc... The town should have certain elements that every community needs. |
QuoteLearn more about the author John L. Bowman at: http://www.johnlbowman.com/ Archives |