As Social Studies teachers, it is easy for us to justify why studying history is so important and vital to one's education. We are "story tellers" of the past and encourage our students to look a historical events from multiple lenses and perspectives. Students enter our classes with a variety of prior knowledge, bias and similarities. Even our terminology & culture dates back to our ancestors. Terms like "wide ride" and "wings with blue cheese" are shared understandings within our region. We are fortunate to live in Buffalo, a city that is rich with history. From the Erie Canal, Old Fort Niagara, being on the Pan-Am exposition route & so many others--exposure to this history and historic landmarks are eye opening for students. By analyzing narratives from multiple perspectives, we can gain a better understanding of the past and the present and make connections to today.
We make decisions about the present using stories of the past. We try to provide students with facts and skills in order for them to make informed judgements in the future. This information can influence how we act and think in the present and future.
We make decisions about the present using stories of the past. We try to provide students with facts and skills in order for them to make informed judgements in the future. This information can influence how we act and think in the present and future.