What are your reactions or experiences with point of view, perspectives, biases in history?  How will you assist a child with disabilities or an English as a Second Language learner in your classroom?

Bias in History

For a long time, I didn't like history.  History as a child was pure memorization with little construction.  But as I entered college, it came alive.  I had a professor who would say to us that, "History is about the winners and the losers."  History has two stories -- the one we know from history books.  And the one that is forgotten.  The winners won the war, the battle, the power to tell their story, their side of the story.  But what about the side that lost?  Who has told their story?  He encouraged us to find that story.  

Where was I going with all of this?

We see the bias.  We know it exists.  As we approach the texts and resources we will provide our students we have to be cognizant that history has multiple view points, and we only know one or two.  For me, I see a constructivist Social Studies class as one where the students see history as a puzzle that they are piecing together, through primary resources, stories, and their best education decision.  History isn't one fact (although there are some things that can be 'proven'), it is a story meant to be explored.  And we can help our students explore it!  How exciting is that?  I hope that I can make history engaging for students, that they find it interesting as they discover it for themselves.

ELL and Students with disabilities

As I consider that there are multiple view points, with "winners and losers" in history, I consider English Language Learners a HUGE asset to have in the classroom.  The English Language Learners can talk about what they know of our history, our geography, etc from their experience.  They can discuss what was going on in their country.  They can help us fill in the gaps from the other view points.  What primary sources could they bring to the table?  What resources do they have in general?  They bring so much to the table!  As a teacher, I may have to use the parents, but they are an asset to history and social studies in general.

However, ELL students and students with disabilities also bring a unique challenge with them.  These diverse learners need extra support to learn at their ability level.  They are able!  But support is needed.  As a teacher I would differentiation content, process and product to help these students learn at their ability level.

Specifically, I would differentiate in the following ways:

Students with learning disabilities:

• Graphic Organizers
• Allow them to use multiple modes of expression
• Present information verbally and visually

Students learning English as a second language:

• Detailed vocabulary instruction
• Realia/ visuals
• Collaboration
• Use of role play, and other modes of expression

Of course, I am nervous about teaching social studies, and just teaching in general.  As a perfectionist I want to teach well from day one.  However, I know that it takes time to be an effective teacher, and I hope to learn, to be flexible, and to be open to various methods to reach all of my students, especially as we construct social studies together!