| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | History |
| What age group | Year or Grade 7 |
| What topic | Andrew Jackson |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
To engage students in the historical context of Andrew Jackson and spark curiosity about his life and presidency.
Set the Scene: Begin the lesson by dimming the lights and playing soft background music reminiscent of the early 19th century. As students settle down, explore the idea of communication in history.
Introduce the Concept: Tell students that they will be stepping back in time to an era when letters were the primary form of communication. Inform them they will be writing a letter to a newspaper editor from the year 1830, during Jackson's presidency.
Writing Prompt: Write the following prompt on the board:
"Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my thoughts on President Andrew Jackson’s recent policies and actions. As a citizen of the United States, I am concerned about his approach to government and the lives of people like me. What do you think of Jackson's presidency? Should he be praised or criticized?"
Guided Writing: Allow 10 minutes for students to respond to the prompt. Encourage them to consider different perspectives—supporters who admire Jackson's populism and critics who oppose his policies, especially regarding Native American removal.
Share and Discuss: After writing, invite a few students to share their letters with the class. Lead a discussion on their varying viewpoints and how these concerns reflect the complexities of Jackson's presidency.
Transition: Transition into the main lesson by stating that today’s discussion will explore Andrew Jackson's life, his rise to power, and his influence on American history, touching on themes of democracy, equality, and controversy.
This writing activity not only encourages creativity and critical thinking but also helps students connect with the historical figure of Andrew Jackson in a personal and engaging way. It sets the stage for a deep dive into his presidency.
By beginning the lesson with a thoughtful and creative activity, students are more likely to engage with the content and develop a well-rounded understanding of Andrew Jackson's significance in American history.