One and only one comment about the weather…WTH!
Okay, now we arrived at the APS (American Philosophical Society) at 9:00 am and I was already questioning the reason for a shower this morning. Ursula was delightful in the 2nd tour. She gave us a humorous account of the history of the APS.
Sometimes I think historians are a tad too serious. Lighten up – have fun. History is the best soap opera around. You couldn’t make up some of this stuff if you tried. I think that’s the key. Get kids sucked into history like Days of our Lives! I have really been giving this a lot of thought. I can’t tell you how jazzed I get when my kids are engaged. I would jump through hoops and set my hair on fire if I could guarantee 100% on task. The problem is that I am dealing with 25 very distinct personalities and what gets one reved up doesn’t do it for the next. I am enthusiastic about teaching history. I am lucky in the fact that I love our adopted curriculum – History Alive. It’s the best history lessons I have seen yet and to top that, my students like it.
Today, after visting the Atwater Kent Museum, I will be able to add so much to their lessons on slavery by discussing the role of abololitionists. Without these people, both black and white, the horrendous trade would have likely continued for many more years. The picture of those shackles and the Freedom document should illustrate the point perfectly.
I completely agree with your philosophy of getting kids excited about history, Kelsey! If we don’t get them to love it early Jonathan and Matt will eventually be out of a job. Seriously, I think the stories hook the little guys and lead to a lifetime love of the subject.
By: Marie on June 11, 2008
at 12:01 am
Kelsey,
I totally agree about your comment re: having fun with history. Heck fire !! They already think we’re geeks, so let’s have a little less boring and a little more storying (ok,that was bad)….you get it! My kids love the stories, the real people, the kids – that’s what they can relate to! I think there’s a little realization in that that our own existence isn’t meaningless and may some day matter.
Loved it!
Kelli
By: Kelli on June 11, 2008
at 9:55 pm
Kelsey:
What makes you think historians are too serious?
By: Jonathan Rees on June 12, 2008
at 2:44 am
You…among others. You’re very passionate about your craft and that can be intimidating for the casual traveler. When you show the humaness of the founders, it makes the students realize they are like everyone else with stengths and weakness, talents and flaws.
By: kelseymoore on June 13, 2008
at 1:22 am