Nope I ain't looked in a text book since my children got outta school, I doubt little has changed. I do however read children's books to my Grandchildren when they visit' , Emma and JC are the bright spot in my life, and time spent reading to them is time well spent. When they get a little older I'm gonna read em some Uncle Remus.
So Dave, please tell me why you think that textbooks would include this little antidote of Civil War history. I am sure it means something to you...and that is great...but why would you think it belongs in a textbook?
I never said it belongs in a text book, but it wouldn't hurt. Troop movements, and battle strategies are fine but they are a bit abstract. When you can show some one that the soldiers were real people who laughed and cried, fought battles and played games it seems like you could have students relate to the soldiers. Most students have never fought in a battle so the concept is abstract, However many students have played jokes on each other so there is a connection.
"Having defended Fort Sumter for thirty-four hours, until the quarters were entirely burned, the main gates destroyed by fire,....the magazine surrounded by flames...four barrels and three cartridges of power only being available, and no provisions but porn remaining, I accepted terms of evacuation...and marched out of the fort...with colors flying and drums beating...and saluting my flag with fifty guns." - Major Robert Anderson (p. 338)
"The die was cast; war was declared.....and we were all afraid it would be over and we [would] not be in the fight." - Sam Watkins (p.340)
"I saw officers....-majors and colonels who had deserted their commands- pass me galloping as if for dear life....For three miles, hosts of Federal troops....all mingled in one disorderly rout. Wounded men lying along the banks...appealed with raised hands to those who rode horses, begging to be lifted behind, but few regarded such petitions." - New York World, July 21, 1861 (p. 342)
That just the first couple of the pages on the Chapter specifically about the Civil War. The quotes go on and on.
I can't remember if he is or not. It is usually something I mention though. Textbooks are supposed to give general narrative histories. These will have a few primary sources to bring home the point. It is the teacher's job to use more primary sources if that is what will foster growth. Regardless, the overall objective of teaching U.S. history in a public school is not to create an expert in any era, but to help students develop modes of critical thinking and understand their national identity.
yep!
ReplyDeleteDave, it sure does sound right up your alley.
ReplyDeleteGee can't imagine why they did not put this in the textbooks Dave...you haven't looked in a textbook lately have you.
ReplyDeleteNope I ain't looked in a text book since my children got outta school, I doubt little has changed.
DeleteI do however read children's books to my Grandchildren when they visit'
, Emma and JC are the bright spot in my life, and time spent reading to them is time well spent.
When they get a little older I'm gonna read em some Uncle Remus.
So Dave, please tell me why you think that textbooks would include this little antidote of Civil War history. I am sure it means something to you...and that is great...but why would you think it belongs in a textbook?
ReplyDeleteI never said it belongs in a text book, but it wouldn't hurt.
DeleteTroop movements, and battle strategies are fine but they are a bit abstract.
When you can show some one that the soldiers were real people who laughed and cried, fought battles and played games it seems like you could have students relate to the soldiers. Most students have never fought in a battle so the concept is abstract, However many students have played jokes on each other so there is a connection.
Ooops Rob I deleted your comment by accident---
ReplyDeleteRob Baker----
The Americans(McDougal Littell)
"Having defended Fort Sumter for thirty-four hours, until the quarters were entirely burned, the main gates destroyed by fire,....the magazine surrounded by flames...four barrels and three cartridges of power only being available, and no provisions but porn remaining, I accepted terms of evacuation...and marched out of the fort...with colors flying and drums beating...and saluting my flag with fifty guns." - Major Robert Anderson (p. 338)
"The die was cast; war was declared.....and we were all afraid it would be over and we [would] not be in the fight." - Sam Watkins (p.340)
"I saw officers....-majors and colonels who had deserted their commands- pass me galloping as if for dear life....For three miles, hosts of Federal troops....all mingled in one disorderly rout. Wounded men lying along the banks...appealed with raised hands to those who rode horses, begging to be lifted behind, but few regarded such petitions." - New York World, July 21, 1861 (p. 342)
That just the first couple of the pages on the Chapter specifically about the Civil War. The quotes go on and on.
It's a shame Anderson did not mention - Private Daniel Hough from Tipperary.
DeleteOr did he ?
I can't remember if he is or not. It is usually something I mention though. Textbooks are supposed to give general narrative histories. These will have a few primary sources to bring home the point. It is the teacher's job to use more primary sources if that is what will foster growth. Regardless, the overall objective of teaching U.S. history in a public school is not to create an expert in any era, but to help students develop modes of critical thinking and understand their national identity.
ReplyDelete