I did my lesson on Constitution Day. I developed the lesson into a grade level go around. Each teacher took a topic and taught a lesson then we circulated the classes so each 2nd grade class would have an opportunity to explore each lesson.
The biggest benefit of the treasure box is it gives you tools to use with the students. I included many of the items that were supplied to us in June. The students really enjoyed all the hands-on activities such as looking at the tea bars. I also supplied the students with feathers so they could understand how difficult it is to use. I had the students write one sentence about why freedom is important to them and sign their name. The students had made numerous comments about how difficult it must have been to write items like the constitution using a quill. I also had the play games from colonial times and they really enjoyed that.
I would say my biggest obstacle with treasure boxes is spacing. I don't have a lot of space to store things so that is a challenge. I think you could use them in many subjects but, I would be afraid of not having any place to keep them.
When I read excerpts from books like Signing their Lives Away and Signing their Rights Away, I tried to emphasize the fact that many of the men who were involved with these moments were just average men. They were not perfect and they had flaws. I do believe that many children think that major impacts on the world were created by perfect human beings. It gave my students an opportunity to have some connection with these men. Since I teach 2nd grade I was very careful what information I gave to the students. For example, I did tell the students that Benjamin Franklin was the son of a candlestick maker however, I did not point out his experience with women. There were many topics that were not suitable for a second grader however, there was also a lot of information that was suitable and I used that.
The National Archives site was interesting even though I found it difficult to use with this age. Much of the information was above them and the writing from Colonial times was difficult for them to understand. The pictures were very helpful and I did use many pictures in the presentation.
Finally, I would have to say that I felt the lessons helped the students connect with a time that has been long gone. I do think it gave them connections and allowed them to feel like they were part of that timeframe, if even for just a little while.
Brian and Me
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9 comments:
Hello Kathy, It was a pleasure reading your blog. It sounds like a treasure box will work in your classroom as well. I do agree about the storage challenge. I have decided to decorate my box and keep it out for the students to use. I can just trade the books and activites each month if needed.
I think it is a good idea to let the students know that these men made mistakes, many came form nothing, and all had their flaws. Much of the info however is not appropriate for grade level.
I completely agree on the importance of showing students that these historical men had flaws and led very average lives like us. I know after I read the Signing their Rights away book, I was in shock with some of the things I read. I think I respected the men more being I learned about their flaws because it made them more human and realistic to me. Of course, some facts about Franklin aren't something to share with students haha
It was a great idea to move your students through the Treasure Box activities; I bet they really enjoyed the games and using the quill pens. You really enriched their understanding of the times surrounding the signing of the Constitution. Good Idea – giving them the PG version of the ‘Signing’ biographies!
Using objects is a great way to connect with students aren't yet at the reading level for cartoons or documents! If you don't have space for objects (reproductions, of course!), maybe you have room for images of objects?
Thanks for sharing all your hard work and effort with Second Grade! They always get excited when there are tactile experiences and when they are able to write with a quill!
Chris
Having your students sign their names with a quill pen must have been fun for them. I included a quill pen in my treasure box, too. I think the treasure boxes are great tools but like you've pointed out space becomes and issue.
i agree with you too, Kathy, about a lot of materials being too advanced for students in the the K-2 age group, although they do enjoy pretending the documents are real. Photographs are a big help. they become lessons within themselves. children are very quick with noticing the way people look and even the settings of these famous events in history. the treasure boxes helped with comparing and contrasting then and now.
Yes, you definitely have to pick and choose what you want to divulge from the "Signing" books. As always, it depends on the grade level you are working with. The fact that you were able to point out some of the strengths and flaws of the signers certainly made them seem more human.
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