| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | History |
| What age group | Year or Grade 10 |
| What topic | Bellringer foundations of conflict in the colonies |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
To engage students in thinking critically about the foundational conflicts that arose among the colonies in America during the 17th and 18th centuries.
1. Setting the Scene: Begin the lesson by dimming the lights and playing a brief audio clip (1-2 minutes) of sounds that evoke life in the colonies—maybe the sounds of people bustling in a marketplace, farm animals, or whispers of unrest. This auditory backdrop will help students immerse themselves in the historical setting.
2. Thought-Provoking Quote: Display the following quote on the board or projector:
“War is merely the continuation of policy by other means.”
—Carl von Clausewitz
3. Reflection Questions: Ask the students to think about the quote as they listen to the audio. Then, pose the following questions for them to consider and write down their thoughts on paper:
Give students about 5 minutes to reflect and write their answers. Encourage them to be as specific as possible, noting any terms they recall from previous lessons or discussions.
After the reflection time:
Pair Up: Have students pair up for 3-4 minutes to share their thoughts with a partner. Encourage them to listen actively and build on each other’s ideas.
Class Discussion: Bring the class back together and facilitate a discussion, inviting a few pairs to share their insights. This sets the stage for the day’s lesson, drawing connections between the personal experiences students discuss and the broader historical context of conflict in the colonies.
Conclude the bellringer by explaining that today's lesson will delve into the specific policies and events that led to conflict in the colonies, helping them uncover the “echoes of the past” that continue to resonate in today's society.