Historical ComprehensionMonroe County School TAH Grant August 2011

• Technology• Entertainment Factor• Attention Disorders• Work Ethic Outside of Classroom• Can you name others?

How do we move students from boredom and confusion to genuine interest and understanding?

Historical narratives are believable accounts of human events, but more than that they have the power to disclose the intentions of the people involved, the difficulties they encountered and the complex world in which historical figures actually lived.

Students should develop the ability to read imaginatively.Students should develop the ability to take into account what the narrative reveals of the humanity of the individuals involved.Students develop the ability to describe the past on its terms

Identify the author or source of the historical document or narrative and assess its credibility.Reconstruct the literal meaning of the historical passage. Identify the central question the historical narrative seeks to answer.Define the purpose, perspective or point of view from which the narrative has been constructed.Read the historical explanations or analysis with meaning.

Recognize the rhetorical cues that signal how the author has organized the text.Draw upon data in historical maps.Utilize visual, mathematical and quantitative data.Draw upon visual, literary and musical sources.

http://www.pdmusic.org/civilwar.html http://www.pdmusic.org/civilwar2.html

Cappenter, D. Literature. Retrieved July 10, 2009 from www.cartoonstock.com.

Civil War Music. Retrieved July 9, 2009 from http://www.pdmusic.org/civilwar.html.

Crabtree, C., Nash, P., and Waugh, S. Approaching United States History: Foundations of Good Teaching – Rationale: Why Study History/The Case of History in our Schools. Lesson From History, Essential Understanding and Historical Perspectives Students Should Acquire. 1992. pp. 1-10. The National Center for History in Schools. L.A., CA.

Wood, J. 2007. Retrieved July 10, 2009. www.learninglaffs.com.

Miscellaneous Illustrations – www.clipart.com; www.patriciapolacco.com.