📚 The Second Day of School: Teaching Students to Think Differently

The second day of class is when I share my teaching philosophy with students. Yes, we’ll cover U.S. history from the 1600s to the 1800s — but I want my students to gain more than just facts.

🛑 It’s Not About Memorizing Dates

• Students can find historical dates in seconds on their phones.

• My focus is not just on “what happened,” but why it happened and what it means.

⚖️ Life Isn’t Always Black and White

• Many topics in history (and in life) have “gray areas.”

• We discuss real examples — from ethics to everyday choices — to see how perspectives can differ.

🤔 Do You Really Believe What You Say You Believe?

• I challenge students to think about their values.

• We explore situations that test those values, helping them decide what they truly believe.

🔍 Looking at Ourselves Differently

• Through activities like the “Nacirema” reading, students examine American culture from an outsider’s view.

• This teaches them to step back and see familiar things in new ways.

💡 The Goal

By the end of the year, my hope is that students:

• Understand the basic story of America

• Think deeply about right and wrong

• Question assumptions and form their own beliefs

History isn’t just about the past — it’s a tool for learning how to think, question, and grow.

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