In this unit students apply historical inquiry within the context of families and schools. The unit begins with a focus on chronology, or time. In the first lesson students explore the terms ‘past’, ‘present’ and ‘future’ by using their own personal experiences and then applying the terms to two picture books which explore the past of a child. Next, students explore different ways we learn about history as the teacher shares a story, an artifact, a photo, and a written record of their own past. Students then bring in a family photograph from the past to share with the class and write a short descriptive narrative about the photograph. The idea that families have a past is then further explored through the book When I Was Young in the Mountain or a similar book. Students learn that evidence of the past can be gathered from the words and illustrations of a book. As a summary activity, the class creates a “Past/Present” T-chart showing how family life has changed. Students explore photographs and information about the history of their school and then explore informational text showing how school life has changed. In a final lesson connected to , students learn that national holidays are often celebrations of events and people from the past that made a difference in the United States.
Stage One - Desired Results
How can people and places affect our families?
artifactcalendarchronologycountryfamilyhistorical evidencehistorymonthnational holidayschool
BrainstormingMaking comparisons
Stage Two - Assessment Evidence
Stage Three - Learning Plan