Thinking Like a....

I've been working with Kim this week.  We've been trying to anchor her students to a bit of Middleton History before they leap into Idaho History this year.  We've been telling stories and thinking about the big questions.  We know this is important work, but can we name why?  Along with that, I'm previewing and giving thoughts to Dr. Wilhelm on a new book he's writing (what an honor to be asked) and he's got me thinking about the work that people do when they read and write and think.  I'm a teacher.  I read and write and think...like a teacher.  But, not all of our students will go on to be teachers.  Do I introduce them to the ways that historians, scientists, mathematicians, artists and others from various disciplines read and write and think about the world?  Instead of sharing knowledge, maybe I need to consider more how I design lessons with teachers so that more kids think and wrestle and come to discover.  I can never share enough "information" with them to help this survive in this digital world cloud, or whatever we are currently calling it.  But, maybe, because I think like a teacher, I can find a way to help them think and question and understand in ways that will be of use to them no matter the data.

Deep thought for tonight.  :-)  I'm going to now finish those chapters I've promised for Dr. Wilhelm, but below you'll find a couple of cool links for thinking like historians with primary sources.  Let me know if you need help finding some.

Angie

Stanford University
http://sheg.stanford.edu/?q=node/45

Library of Congress
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/tps/