The People Speak

"I realized how little we learn about American history. It's just what they want you to know."
"If we can see the connections of how often this happens in history, we can stem the tide of these things happening again by speaking against them."
- Yuri Kochiyama

What Resonates:

• So many people's voices have been silenced throughout history. Imagine the contributions that could have been made if they had only been heard.
• Primary sources - actual speeches, thoughts, and commentary from people throughout history speak much louder than reading about history in only textbooks.

Three Take-Aways:

• Use primary sources such as speeches and quotes to integrate multiple perspectives in social studies content.
• Find ways to communicate with students in other places.
• Integrate music and poetry to appeal to the senses.

Primary Sources:

• Listening, viewing, or reading primary sources gives students a new perspective on social studies topics.
• I was moved by these speeches. If they kept my attention, I am sure they would pique students' interests as well.
• Help break away from "teaching to the text".

Primary Sources cont.

• In addition to creating more knowledgeable students, we are helping create informed citizens to better our society.

Primary Source Ideas:

• Present students with different perspectives. Have them respond to a partner, a group, or in a reading response or social studies journal.
• Involve students in a debate: which side of an issue do they most agree with and why?

Primary Source Ideas cont.

• After listening to a song or reading a poem from time era, have students create own song or poem on topic.
• Pros of Primary Sources: opportunities for an abundance of methods to assess students; integration of social studies and writing curriculum.

Perspective Examples from The People Speak:

• "The Meaning of July 4th for the Negro" - Frederick Douglas: July 5th, 1852
• "Ain't I a Woman?" - Sojourner Truth: 1851
• Speech to the Veteran's for Peace Convention - Cindy Sheehan
• "Patriotism: A Menace to Liberty" - Emma Goldman, 1908

Student Communication:

• "We are all kids, curious about other kids." - Rachel Corrie
• Connecting with other students and talking about our similarities and differences brings history and social studies to life.

Ideas for Student Communication:

• Skype or other video chat resources
• Email
• Class blog
• Pen pals

Appeal to the Senses:

• Use music and poetry to help students emphathize with others.
• Have students create their own poem or song - make learning about the process, not the product.
• Examples from The People Speak: "A Change is Gonna Come" - Sam Cooke; "Ballad of Roosevelt" - Langston Hughes

References:

• Moore, C., Zinn, H., & Arnove, A. (Directors). (2009). The People Speak [Video File]. United States: Howard Zinn. Retrieved June 23, 2016, from www.thepeoplespeak.com