Top Ten Texts and Strategies
High School History
TEXTS
1. The Declaration of Independence
a. Thomas Jefferson
b. United States Declaration of Independence
c. July 4, 1776 (signed)
d. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
e. N/A
The Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed to declare that the original thirteen colonies would become separate from Great Britain and their intentions to become a new union, the United States of America. Thomas Jefferson was selected to author the document, nearly a year after the Revolutionary War broke out in America. Congress had agreed, at the request of John Adams that the document be ratified and signed on July 2nd. However, it was not until two days later (the American Independence Day) that 56 Continental Congress delegates signed the Declaration, making the colonies' intentions to leave the British Empire formal and final.
This document is vital to an American History course. It explains why the USA left Great Britain and what the new country intended to do with new freedom. This text is why America is what it is today and how this country was founded. Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams are the Founding Fathers and it's important to know how they accomplished what they did with this one document.
2. The King's Speech (movie)
a. Tom Hooper (directed). David Seidler (screenplay).
b. The King's Speech
c. 2010
d. N/A
e. Momentum Pictures and The Weinstein Company
This British historical drama captures England in the mid-1920's. George V is the King of England and is an eloquent, masterful speaker. His two sons, Prince Albert, Duke of York and Edward, Prince of Wales are next in line for his throne. The eldest Edward does indeed take over when George dies, but gives up his crown to marry an American that constitutionally was illegal. Albert then steps in as King George VI as a stammering young man that is known worldwide for his unfortunate stuttering problem. His wife seeks the help of an Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue and his condition gradually improves. In September 1939 George must address the entire nation that Germany has declared war on Britain and with the aid of Logue he delivers a strong speech and earns the support and adoration of England.
This would be a very interesting, attention getting background story leading into World War I. While the movie arguably isn't 100% historically accurate! this was a real issue that King George VI suffered with for most of his adult life. The ending is wonderful as it really united England and Britain ahead a very difficult five years in their struggles with Nazi Germany.
The Pillars of the Earth
a. Ken Follett
b. The Pillars of Earth
c. 1989
d. United Kingdom
e. Macmillan
When the White Ship sinks in 1120 in leaves no heir to the throne of King Henry I of England. Tom builder and his young pregnant wife have two children and he's then fired from work. As they search for work his wife dies while in labor. Tom abandons the new son to continue his search for work. Tom settles his family in Kingbridge to work on the construction of a new cathedral. A local bishop wants stone for the new cathedral and another local merchant wants the stone for a castle. Tom's eldest son becomes known as a bully in town and gets the bishops son, Jack expelled from the town for attempting to attack him. He leaves and goes to Spain to try and learn a better masonry technique. When Tom tries to marry a new woman name Ellen she is also expelled from the town. When she is allowed to return they marry. A local girl had become infatuated with the expelled Jack and has followed him in his quest throughout Western Europe. When they return together they are accused of fornication and having the abandoned son that is actually Tom's. As years and years of hunger and bleakness pass the cathedral is completed and The Pope makes Henry repent for all of the immoralities that have taken place in Kingbridge.
This is a novel that is very deep with twists and turns. While maybe obscure in the chronicles of time, this time period is well known for its development of architecture. Also encapsulated in this novel are themes of religious struggle and a brewing civil war. While this would only be recommended for high level and high honors readers, critical thinking would certainly be tested here.
STRATEGIES
1. Probable Passage. This teaching method provided a scaffold of information before students read a text. PP identifies characters, dates, key locations, etc. that allows students key ideas and points without giving them details and specific happenings. I'd like to use this ahead of a particular challenging subject or text. I'd identify general people, dates, times, locations, events in advance and let students attempt to appropriately chart them.
a. This would be very beneficial for struggling readers. This would give them basics and a foundation before diving into a text. Having the "dots" before they connect would be a great help.
b. Assessment would be saved for after the reading. Students would certainly know if this method helped them or not.
c. You'd like to think this would help reading comprehension, maybe simplify the passage or text.
d. This would be done in small groups of three or four with a variety of students. Everyone would benefit from this exercise.
e. Were students better able to recall specific characters, dates, themes, etc. in the text? Hopefully students were better able to connect the material together.
2. Say Something. This is a small group activity that allows readers to read and then stop in order to "think aloud" and speak about the material. Requiring a student to interrupt their reading and recant or recall what they've just gone over is a fantastic way to allow them understanding and hopeful comprehension of material. Allowing fellow students to take turns in this exercise would also allow for beneficial learning.
a. This exercise is 100% for struggling readers. Having them stop and talk aloud about what they've just read encourages thinking and being cerebral about the material.
b. Assessment could be given immediately. Stopping students and having them immediately discuss what they've just read is a great way to know and tell if they've gotten the information.
c. Doing this on a regular basis will only help comprehension. This isn't great way to think about and consider material.
d. Again, this would take place in a group and facilitate an environment for ALL students to be active in discussion.
e. The goal of this method is to encourage critical thinking. Stopping after reading a passage then speaking aloud about what you've just read is a great way to help comprehension and recall.
