Do you have ideas for Soc. Std. class for senior citizens

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Social Studies Teachers Chatboard

Do you have ideas for Soc. Std. class for senior citizens

by Karlie

Dec 27, 2011

My mom is in an independent living facility.

The director knows I teach middle school social studies and she asked if I could do four thirty-minute "classes" in February.

She didn't give me much more direction than that.

Can anyone think of ideas that might interest seniors. I'd like something where it's more of a discussion of topics that interest them.

Thanks!

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Sara On 12/27/11, Karlie wrote: > My mom is in an independent living facility. > > The director knows I teach middle school social studies and > she asked if I could do four thirty-minute "classes" in > February. > > She didn't give me much more direction than that. > > Can anyone think of ideas that might interest seniors. I'...See MoreOn 12/27/11, Karlie wrote: > My mom is in an independent living facility. > > The director knows I teach middle school social studies and > she asked if I could do four thirty-minute "classes" in > February. > > She didn't give me much more direction than that. > > Can anyone think of ideas that might interest seniors. I'd > like something where it's more of a discussion of topics > that interest them. > > Thanks!

1. Great Presidents - who were America's greatest Presidents? Certainly that's worthy of debate but you could do a quick lesson - powerpoint - on the commonly thought to be great Presidents - Washington. Lincoln. Offer them facts to support that - they'll find it interesting. But then ask them - who do you believe was the greatest President in your lifetime or - who was your favorite President?

The ladies like that last question - my mother Loved Kennedy but she didn't necessarily think he was a good President - she just loved how young and handsome he looked.

2. Not-so-Great Presidents

Well, Buchanan was not so great - he did nothing for four years though it was a difficult time. Andrew Johnson made some mistakes for sure and was brought to trial. Harding's administration was corrupt to the core.

(don't ask them who they think was the worst President in their lifetime - that gets dicey)

3. America's Unknown Presidents or Most Interesting Presidents- Teddy Roosevelt would have to be one. Herbert Hoover was a mining engineer - how does a mining engineer get to be President? Harry Truman owned a haberdashery store that failed no less- how does he get to be President?

For unknown Presidents, I'd say most people have never heard of Franklin Pierce. Millard Fillmore. Why are they so unknown?

4. America's Great First Ladies

The portraits of all of these people are compelling - and lend themselves to a good powerpoint. Jackie Kennedy redid the White House - she found antique treasures in the basement and restored the White House - no easy task. Eleanor Roosevelt was amazing - she essentially had her own career. Woodrow Wilson had a stroke while in office and it's said his wife became President for the last months of his administration.

Hope that helps.

Dec 28, 2011

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Jack/AR/7-8 I would consider a local history discussion. Find some info on a local landmark, important person or building that they may not know had a story. Encourage them to journal their won stories for a roundtable discussion. They may teach you a thing or two! Jack

On 12/27/11, Karlie wrote: > My mom is in an independent living facility. > ...See More

Dec 28, 2011

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