I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with history. While I find it fascinating, I have trouble remembering the specifics of things so I tend to shut it out. Taking the Elem. Ed Content Knowledge: Social Studies Praxis forced me to bring that knowledge back out, but upon doing so, I realized the new ways in which I remembered history.
I don’t have much time for television, but I make the time to stay caught up with a select few, “Outlander” being one of those few. Well wouldn’t you know, I answered 3 questions on that test based off of historical facts I remembered from that show? I can’t even count how many times I read a question and was able to answer based on my having memorized every lyric to the musical “Hamilton.”
After finally passing that darned test, I started thinking about my future students. Sure, I’ll have those who can name off dates, people, places, etc., as required by the VDOE, but what about those like me? What about those who need to learn a different way? That’s when it hit me, to teach Social Studies, I have got to be inventive and bring interesting things to the table. I have got to get these students engaged and show them how to be active learners in a tough (in my opinion) subject.
My hope for this course is that I can learn how to be that inventive teacher my students need. I definitely plan on incorporating music and theatre (don’t worry, no Outlander…definitely not appropriate), but want to learn other ways to help history stick.
I’m looking forward to a fantastic semester!
I’m terrible with names and dates, so I feel your pain. While I know content is important, I often wonder “which content?” when I think about social studies. I love the focus on skills and process in the new standards. I want students to look deeper into events and make meaning from documents. It’s cliche, but I do want them to see the “story” in hiSTORY. Lynne mentioned in class that she loves digging into cause and effect. This makes so much more sense to me than memorizing battles and dates.
I am a Hamilton fan as well, and think that there must be other vehicles like this to engage kids in the study of history. While I don’t see us rapping for you, I can tell you we will model and share many strategies for instruction. Hopefully, you’ll leave with a toolbox full of new ideas.
Hi Sarah,
I enjoyed your “It’s complicated” commentary! There is not doubt in my mind that you will make history come alive for your students! Many of your classmates have had similar experiences. Recognizing what you do not like is the first step to making things better! I look forward to seeing you learn new and engaging ways to teach history this semester. Based on the flow of your “commentary” in this blog, I can’t wait to read the rest of them.
See you tomorrow, Lynne