Bringing History to Life
Last week Mr. Geoffrey Cooper visited the eighth grade boys to share stories of his experiences in World War II. This visit is one of the many ways in which Dr. Feerrar uses primary sources in his history curriculum. Besides hearing guest speakers on both the world wars, the 8th graders have read letters, journals and biographies of local men and women who were in the wars. The boys have already given a presentation on the letters from First World War; this year and have plans to give another presentation at Cairnwood Village on their Second World War collection. Through this exposure to first accounts the students are able to add an invaluable personal perspective to their history curriculum. They are also gaining insight on their community, and in some cases their own family. These history units are great examples of how our teachers connect their students’ affections to the content and bring life to their teaching.
Greg Henderson