Teaching History to Youngsters: Is There A Proper Method?

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

Good Evening,

So, I REALLY wanted to post this cute, kind, warm-hearted letter that one student wrote to me after I went in to do a Living History presentation for my father's fifth grade class. Of course, when I drove into the school parking lot the audience of 10-12 kids turned out to be, "Oh, there's about fifty or so..."

Anways, it just made me realize the importance of our most honourable and important hobby. The after effects are always soo rewarding to me.

But on that note, here's my question: Has anyone produced a "program" or method on presenting to young children? There are obviously several differences with teaching to younger audiences than say teenagers or adults. What do you think is the most effective? Can anyone redirect me to a source?

Thanks for any input and or generated discussion!

[Robert A Mosher]

I'm afraid I don't have much to offer to help on this one, but I would like to share an idea I got from another forum I participate in - the Napoleon Series. That Forum recently decided to present Lesson Plans prepared by a group of Forum members who are teachers and educators themselves. As I understand their plan, the lesson plans will be included in the online material at the Forum website for the free use of interested teachers.

There must be several teachers who are members of this forum who would be knowledgeable about format for a proper lesson plan and about what would actually be useful by way of content and presentation ideas. Me, I dropped out of the education program before it got that far! But I thought it might be a useful idea for the AC Forum.

Robert A. Mosher

[13thnhv]

I've done numerous talks to groups of young people, and 5th graders are ideal. They're old enough to comprehend most of what you tell them, but not wisea--es as they tend to become at the middle and high school levels sometimes. They are interested in the GUN more than anything. Make sure everyone has a chance to handle and aim it.

Next, keep it relatively short (as the attention span will inevitably wane), and animated. No one wants to hear droning. Pick a narrow focus of subject matter.....one battle, life in camp, what a soldier wore and carried, etc.

Tell them interesting things the classroom teacher might not touch on, or even know: why the triangular bayonet was designed that way, various uses for same, the myriad ways a shelter half could be erected. Browse through Hardtack and Coffee to give yourself a refresher and take notes. Keep it light. Realistically, most of your audience will never carry an interest for the Civil War too much beyond your presentation, but TWICE I have given talks at public schools, and each time we managed to pick up a new recruit for our unit. One was the head custodian who took a break from his work to listen in, and the other was the high school history teacher who called us in.

Remember to keep it light and pass around some tangible goods. A minie ball, utensils, poke sack, etc. can go a long way to make it more real, same as us reenactors who can't get everything we want out of just books or lectures. Have fun, and good luck!

[Chris Suppelsa]

I know someone else will post this, but DON'T let students handle your weapon.

I am trying to do a presentation for a middle school this spring, but I'm catching a bunch of flak about how I can't carry a weapon since I'm a student of the district. Anyone else gone through this?

[13thnhv]

It's really district-specific, so you need to ENSURE that you will be able to bring your long arm onto school property. I was always able to in Massachusetts, of all places, which next to NJ is probably the most prohibitive. Provided you get the clearance you need, and the close supervisory presence of the school administration, it is perfectly acceptable. I've never had a problem with this issue. Make sure you check first.

[DJCasey]

Chris,

I had the same problem with my weapon when I was in High School. I was able to get a note from the Superintedent to use it in presentations. It had to be escorted to and locked in the office along with my bayonet when I was not giving a presentation (I still had my own classes to go to). Of course that was pre 9/11 and Columbine.

[Micah Trent]

I know someone else will post this, but DON'T let students handle your weapon.

I am trying to do a presentation for a middle school this spring, but I'm catching a bunch of flak about how I can't carry a weapon since I'm a student of the district. Anyone else gone through this?

I'm not a student, but I can relate. I do presentations with school kids, mainly elementary. Because of certain rules and safety issues, I never let a child handle the gun, I have a hard enough time trying to get the gun in the school or museum without asking twenty-twenty questions. Sometimes I can get in with it, sometimes I can't. It really ruins the presentation though without the rifle...I mean, I understand why they are asking what my purpose is with the musket, but it is difficult. The rifle is the attention getter. I've learned to always have a plan B ready, so no matter the situation, you can always be prepared to give the best presentaton you can.

[Micah Trent]

Remember to keep it light and pass around some tangible goods. A minie ball, utensils, poke sack, etc. can go a long way to make it more real, same as us reenactors who can't get everything we want out of just books or lectures. Have fun, and good luck!

Good point! Also, if you have some hardtack, pass it around. At times I have had some with me in my haversack, so the kids could sample it if they want. The reaction to it and telling them about it is priceless!

[coastaltrash]

Jason,
According to that letter, looks like you found a pretty good method.

[ephraim_zook]

On furlough! I wrote to my friend Miss Teacher and told her I'd be passing through her town on my way home and she invited me to visit. I've used that reason to explain why I was at the school sans weapons.

At the sixth grade level, that in itself was worth a few minutes of discussion. Kids understand "vacation". How often did a soldier go on vacation? How did they choose who could go? Even without telling them, the kids realize that the whole army can't leave at once. How long was furlough? Etc.

Comparisons between common activities of 186X to 200X are good; they relate to eating, bathing etc because they do it too. What did we eat? How did we prepare it? What happened if you got sick? Where did you bathe? Relieve yourself? Do laundry?

As others here have suggested, have "stuff" to hand around. Canteen, mess furniture, can of essence of coffee perhaps, period currency, especially a couple of fractionals. A paper "dime" is quite a novelty to them. The possibilities are endless.

Bring along a couple of extra hats and coats -- one for a "sergeant" and one for a "corporal". Get them out of their seats and have them form the company. They'll have a blast doing it.

If you are able to bring your rifle, then you can speak about Soldier As Weapons Delivery System, to put it in modern terms.

However you approach it, have fun with it.

regards
Ron Myzie