My daughter and I are big fans of History. On family road trips the sites that we pick are always historical. We are frequent visitors to Presidential homes and libraries. (Lincoln, Truman, Hoover, McKinley, Jackson so far.) Just being there is enough to spark our interest.
My son is just wired differently. There is no excitement and energy behind his visits to these places. History for history’s sake is not his cup of tea. Last week after leaving the Hermitage near Nashville Tennessee, he explained to me, “Dad, I’m just not a history guy. I’m a Legos and architecture person.” He then explained to me how the buildings were different and how they were built. He liked the log cabins and loved the idea that all of the bricks for the house were made on site. “Like if you could make your own Legos!”
As we walked through the house and grounds I was focused on the history and Andrew Jackson the man. My son, holding my hand was having a completely different experience. He liked learning about why the house had columns. He wondered at what life in the log slave quarters might be like. Once I realized this it was easy to draw him into the history. It became a two step process. Step 1: Notice the architecture. Step 2: Tie it to history.
Teaching History in class works exactly the same way. This is why we need to allow students to communicate their likes and dislikes in class. Sometimes it may feel like we are getting off topic but when we find what they value and care about, it is a doorway to help them connect with history. It is certainly not a waste of time.
As my son touched the building, walked the staircase and gazed into the slave quarters it became personal for him. He was connected. He was engaged. He wanted to learn.
Interesting point. I'm glad you tied this idea to the classroom. As a parent of four I find myself dealing with different learners daily. At home, it's easier to allow them to learn in their own way. At school, it's more challenging. Your article reminds me that all learners are someone's child and deserve the respect of someone wanting the best for them - even if it's just a different path to the same destination.
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