Where were the textbooks like this when I was a kid???? Joy Hakim isn't just jotting down cold dates and facts, but is telling a true story - which is what history is. One part of history leads directly into the next and I don't remember thinking that history books ever told a story. The three "firebrands" were pretty much losers before they did something great??? King George was likely a mental midget who became mentally ill as his reign went on? Who knew??? I read the chapter called, "A Taxing King," to my 4th graders and by the time they got to the Boston Tea Party, they were chomping at the bit to find out what it was and why it was called the BTP. These are the kids who asked me "Social Studies is boring; when do we do Science again?" a few months ago. They didn't even complain a little when I told them they were to become citizens of the Colonies in 1774 just before the First Continental Congress and write a letter to their delegate, stating their opinion, backed up with three solid reasons, why they should either vote to separate from England or remain part of England.
I think that some people are more analytical and likely to appreciate facts and dates. Others, like me, want to have the same facts and dates have some sort of emotional connection, a person we can cheer on or dislike. I think that Hakim does a fabulous job of reaching both types of learners. The little interesting factoids on the sides of the pages make it even more interesting to read.
They were so interested that they came up with their own questions about what the people looked like whose names we were hearing. We searched the LOC site to find more pictures from the time. (I only wish they had archived the newspapers from that time electronically!)
I will be using this book as a resource for my kids every year. This time period is exactly what we cover in 4th grade!
What a great idea to use this with your fourth graders! I just finished the book today and hope to have time to "try it out"with my fourth graders, as you did. I wholeheartedly agree that this text addresses both learners. (RB/LB) This is truly a priceless resource and I look forward
ReplyDeleteto using it as a model as I develop my lessons
I laughed as I read your post. Your comments were quite similar to mine. Hakim brought it alive, didn't she? I, too, was amazed by the story telling involved with this nonfiction information. ...and the extra boxes and blurbs on the sides were awesome! I agree that there was an emotional connection with this text vs. most text books. History CAN be enjoyable!
ReplyDeleteI think it is a great text to use with your class and agree that this is more then just facts. It reminded me more of a story then a history which for me is easier to follow.
ReplyDeleteBridget, we have the same ideas about making history come alive - I was always that way with my students, and now through the past few years with the Keystones project, I have found a new interest in real history, as presented through people, their families, their stories, and events in their lives. Several times, I have found myself laughing aloud while reading Joy Hakim's books. It sounds like your students enjoyed it as well.
ReplyDeleteThey loved the part where King George was described as less than smart. If a textbook can make you laugh with true information, it's a winner in my book. :)
ReplyDeleteOn another blog I said that I was jealous of the students who would learn from this text, now you have me wishing I was a 4th grader in your class. What a great lesson you prepared! It was nice to hear the excitement and how much they enjoyed learning about history for a change. Never would have guessed that the Boston Tea Party could hold them in suspense. The book is great, no doubt and actually pulled me away from the last book in the Hunger Games trilogy, no kidding!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a compliment! Thank you!!!
DeleteI agree that we need to do more story telling in history lessons. I teach first grade and my students love stories. When you read to them you have their attention. Maybe if the content was more first grade speed I would have been more interested. I am looking to be a better history teacher in my first grade classroom. Anyone else agree with me??
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's not first grade material, for sure. The readability is not even 4th grade level - more like 6th or 7th, I'd guess. However, with a lot of guidance, and teacher reading much of it, it's usable with my kids. The ideas in it, the accessibility of the historical characters makes it much better than an average textbook, but for elementary teachers, it's more of a teacher resource than a text the kids can use easily.
DeleteI also plan on testing this out with my 4th and 5th graders. In the Intermediate school where I spend almost half my time, I have a free period here at the end of the year. I'm going to use parts of Hakim's book to entice or tease my 5th graders to look forward to their new library unit in 6th grade at the Middle school.
ReplyDeleteI also like the idea of sharing portions of Hakim's book with my class. My class is currently talking about Paul Revere, and I think that Hakim's presentation on Revere's famous ride will be so much more interesting than that in their textbook. I think that if the teacher uses this text in different ways according to the reading level of the student, it could work for a lot of age groups. With young learners it could be paraphrased or used as a read-aloud, while more advanced readers could use this as a text that they could read independently.
ReplyDeleteI agree Bridget, where was this book when we were students! I too like to make an emotional connection as I read and you are right, Hakim does a wonderful job carefully weaving her storytelling to elicit a response in the reader. What a great idea to have your students assume the role of a colonial citizen and write a letter to their delegate. Were their responses what you anticipated?
ReplyDeleteGreat write up! It sounds as though your students have discovered how exciting Social Studies is.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more with your first sentence. As I recall my history textbooks growing up, they were far from interesting for me. I sometimes feel the way those books were written with just facts caused me to not truly have an interest in something extremely important. Science has those fun, hands-on experiences that make students love it.... this book takes a major step in that direction just with the stories!
ReplyDeleteClearly your reflection hit a nerve with so many positive comments from other participants. I am so excited to hear how your students responded to the text. I believe that even those people who are the left-brainers (like me) are much more receptive to assimilating those facts and figures when they are connected to our common experiences and presented in a multi-faceted and engaging format. Great reflection on your part.
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