LTH

What in the world is my child doing in social studies?!

As I mentioned in my "Who am I?" section, I emphasized that a major part of my philosophy is simple...Learning should be fun! I sure hope that as the year progresses that no one has the feeling that school is something we have to do. Rather, we hope to create an environment that school is something we want to do and be a part of. I feel that "Living Through History" will be a major component for us to accomplish that task!

What is it? "Living Through History" (LTH) was a social studies curriculum developed by a Michigan State professor who believed that children are more capable learners when learning is a step by step process that they can take part in. Therefore, the easiest way to make that possible is to re-enact through a simulation of similar events.

Throughout the entire year we will be using (LTH) to support our online text, Internet resources, primary source documents, and more, to bring our country's history to life!

Early on, students (voluntarily, never forced!) will take part in skits and activities that mirror the exploration and colonization of our nation. Our classroom will be referred to as "Saari Land" with the teacher as the acting "King", much like England ruled the colonies in colonial times. Eventually, the dynamic will shift as the colonies gain leadership and ultimately, independence! Sound familiar?!

Throughout our year we will spend time going back and forth between LTH and the textbook to make connections, predictions, etc.

By using LTH, your child will be exposed to far more than just social studies:

*Use of a money system - we learn to "budget our money" and make economic decisions for our own good, and the good of our group.

*Moral decision making - A good example is slavery...Many early plantation owners used slaves for economic prosperity and did not intend harsh treatment. However, with so much power, many of their beliefs changed. We will examine our own beliefs and values if the decision was in our hands.

*Teamwork - to be a successful colony/country everyone must work together for it to prosper.

*Jobs/Roles - everyone will play a role and contribute in some way. Those who complete their task will be rewarded (pay day).

*Disease, Diagnosis, Research- one of the biggest problems of colonial America and sure to be a problem in LTH as well...!

*Warfare/Peace - moments of conflict and peaceful relations with the Native Americans affected the success of colonial America.

*Public Relations - later in the year elections and voting take stage, which is very exciting in an election year!

*Writing - rather than simply read about the "Declaration of Independence", it will be essential to write one for the colonies to break from the rule of "King Saari".

*...and much, much more...*

Personally, one of my biggest fears in class was speaking in front of others. I was always quiet, reserved, thought to myself, but still had an opinion. No fear if that sounds like your child too!!! With LTH I will never make a student speak or act if they do not wish to. Learning is not possible if a student feels uncomfortable. However, I guarantee over time many students will see the value of doing so and may be willing to break out of their shell!

So, to summarize, LTH is a hands-on learning approach that your child may describe to you as "a fun game" if you ask them what they learned in school today. That is partially right, but it is so much of what I described above with our nation's history as the main foundation of the curriculum. Once LTH begins, ask your child what type of skit, activity, or crazy thing Mr. Saari did in class...THEN...ask them if/how that was like an event that happened in our country long ago! If they can do that, they get it, and that is the goal.

Enjoy!