The readings for this class period were extremely helpful and gave me a lot to think about as I walked into class on Tuesday. The first reading was about integrating the arts with social studies. Before this, my only idea would have been to have students look at a painting. Now, I am extremely curious and hopeful that I can integrate aspects of art like theater into the classroom. I have said time and time again that I believe one of the most important ways to teach history is as a story. Growing up in musical theater, I see the value of acting things out and giving life to otherwise dull textbook pages that can seem detached from real life. I wonder if I could use this technique in my classroom when talking about significant events in history. How long would this take? Are there any examples of people using this in their classrooms today? If so, are there scripts ready for teachers to access online? The other concern that I would have with this otherwise completely engaging activity is how to make it work in a smaller time frame. What might this look like?
The Shoob and Stout chapters provided different knowledge and ideas about a similar topic. They talked about the importance of dramatization but also music which is something that had not even crossed my mind. However, I understand why it would work so well. Music not only gives a peek at cultural realms of history but things like lyrics can hint to certain aspects of that time period. I could have students listen to a song and hand them the lyrics to it and ask them things like what stands out about the song, what did they notice about the background music, and what do the lyrics tell us about the people in this time period/ what did they value. I also liked how the chapter talked about creating a biography unit. In my classroom I could do this by having students write letters to that person, create a commemorative mini monument using art or a play or song depicting an important moment in that persons life. I think that incorporating art into social studies makes it extremely engaging.