The inauguration as learning tool
Finally, students all over Philadelphia are being encouraged to watch television! Hoping to turn tomorrow into a "teachable moment," the school district has created an inauguration curriculum that includes having students watch President-elect Barack Obama's swearing-in and his address to the nation.
Finally, students all over Philadelphia are being encouraged to watch television!
Hoping to turn tomorrow into a "teachable moment," the school district has created an inauguration curriculum that includes having students watch President-elect Barack Obama's swearing-in and his address to the nation.
"It's an opportunity that we didn't want to miss to make sure that our young people were engaged in this really important event," said schools Superintendent Arlene Ackerman, who is in Washington for the festivities.
The last time the school district created a special curriculum was after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Ackerman said.
The inauguration curriculum is tied to school district standards in the core academic subjects and gives teachers a broad selection of activities to do before, during and after the inauguration.
In kindergarten through second grade, teachers may discuss with students the meaning of taking an oath, and as a shared activity write a class oath. The class will read its oath together, discuss its meaning and identify Obama's promises to the country.
Teachers also may lead their students in writing and sending a letter to congratulate the new president.
In third through fifth grades, before the inauguration, teachers could read to students a biography about a former president or have them read a variety of presidential biographies in small groups. As a class or in small groups, a class then would discuss what it means to be president.
After listening to Obama, a class may brainstorm likes and dislikes about his speech in small groups. A teacher then may have students brainstorm what they would like to see Obama do as president and then discuss why it is important for citizens to express opinions. With these ideas in mind, students will be instructed in writing and sending a letter to Obama.
In grades six through eight, before the Inauguration, teachers could have students interview parents, teachers, students or family members to find out why they think Obama's election is significant. Teachers also could have students read or listen to past inaugural addresses.
While watching the ceremony, a teacher my assign students different roles or perspectives to track. For example: listen for information about the economy, urban communities, the environment, energy.
In grades nine through 12, teachers could ask students, prior to the Inauguration, to research biographical information about Obama to identify events and experiences that might have prepared him for the presidency.
Teachers also may ask students to trace the transfer of power in the United States, asking them to brainstorm the pros and cons of the process.
After watching the Inauguration, students may create a blog or join a blog to discuss the events and to see what others are saying and to compare it to their own thoughts.
Students also may make a list of the day's events and explain the significance of each event.
To see the school district's complete Inauguration curriculum for teachers and parents, go to: www.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/curriculum/Once there, click on the Inauguration icon.
