Last year I tried to figure out how to teach the remainder of
the social studies curriculum I had in a few short weeks. It dawned on me that
I did not have to stand up and teach it. Students would not want to be reading
out of our history text for the remainder of the year during social studies
lessons. I wanted to bring the American Revolution and Constitution alive! I
decided to create an experience that students would never forget because I
remember learning nothing about this time period in elementary school. I put
the binder of lessons away and pondered how I could put the students in the
driver’s seat. This would be a culmination of our voyage into student-centered
learning. Then an idea popped into my head that I shared with the students. I
told them I was excited for social studies tomorrow. I followed this
with one word, Hamilton. Students filled with excitement as many
were familiar with the Broadway musical.
Students listened to Guns and Ships from the musical, Hamilton (we
are connecting to popular culture this way). They analyzed the song,
discovering how lyrics can tell a historical story. Then we are going to take a
look in our book to see what made America into this great country. Students are
going to choose something they want to learn more about. They will be
responsible for reading the text and writing a song for our class
musical, Rocking Revolution. Students will
learn from each other. I have no idea who will choose what. I am not sure what
they will write. I just hope they are engaged, empowered, and excited to learn
about history. I cannot wait to see their performance at the Council on Aging
in June! Lin-Manuel Miranda started with an idea and look where it took him!
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