Journey Through History

The EASTCONN Teaching American History Project, headed by Dan Coughlin, was the best professional development I have participated in as a teacher.  Through workshops, seminars, field trips, and a summer institute, I expanded my knowledge of history and I learned interesting new teaching strategies.  Best of all, I was able to work with a dedicated group of teachers intent on improving their craft.  I highly recommend that teachers get involved in a Teaching American History Project, and teachers in Northeastern Connecticut need look no further than the EASTCONN region TAHP.

Here are three of the lessons I wrote for the TAHP.

The Media and the Spanish American War

In this lesson, students examine various Connecticut newspapers to determine why the US went to war against Spain, and to evaluate the role of the media in the US entering into war with Spain.  Just how “yellow” were Connecticut newspapers?  The lesson and materials can be found at:

• http://www.eastconn.org/tah/LessonMediaInTheWarSpAm.pdf
• http://www.eastconn.org/tah/SpanishAmWarArticles.htm

The 7 “Hats” of the President

Using the inquiry process, students define the jobs of the president and find current examples.

http://www.eastconn.org/tah/SevenHatsofthePresidentLesson.pdf

Hitler’s Rise to Power

Students work in groups to analyze primary and secondary sources and draw conclusions about why Hitler was able to come to power.

http://www.eastconn.org/tah/HitlersRiseToPower.pdf

I heard about the “walking debate” from the luncheon speaker at the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies 2009 conference, and I tried it out soon after.  In a walking debate, students must gauge the persuasiveness of each other’s arguments and move accordingly.   First, students choose sides on an issue by going to one side of the classroom.  Then, each side has to make its case.  If, at any point, someone is persuaded by an argument made by the other side, they are free to move over to the other side.  It’s a great way to get kids listening to each other and moving around the classroom!

Introduction: As the map below indicates, the Puritans had an enormous influence on the development of New England, including Connecticut. The purpose of this Webquest is for you to learn about these influential settlers and to practice your research, cooperative, and oral presentation skills.

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