Who Tells the Story? Defining History.

By Susan Haynes, 2007 Governor-General’s Award Recipient

INTENDED GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT AREA

Grade 7, History

CONCEPTS

This first class set the tone for exploring perspective for the entire year. Following day one, each person, place or event we uncovered in our examination of Canada from 1600 to 1850 was examined with an eye to perspective. From whose perspective was this written, whose perspective was not heard, where is the evidence of this voice, how did that voice influence the perspective of others, might that same voice be heard in the same way today? In the end, students had to choose the 3 people, places and events they believed were essential to understanding Canada from 1600 to 1850. Each student had to defend their own perspective with evidence.

INSTRUCTIONAL OUTCOMES

Students will:

• define the term history as "History is the story of people, places, and events that shapes the way we live in the world today."
• understand the terms point of view and perspective
• begin to explore the big idea that history is a narrative and who tells the story dictates the narrative
• proofread and correct their final drafts

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

This project stems out of Susan Haynes' first class in which students define the term "history" as it refers to "History is the story of people, places and events in the past that shapes the way we live in the world today." Using placemats they explore what history means and who tells the story. Students explore different perspectives through a story about a pioneer and fawn. Linking what the story would be like in the past and what would be look like if the descendents of the pioneer and fawn were to write a story about this event.