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	How does history shape our societies and the way we think of ourselves? bellringer
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Bellringer Activity: The Echoes of History

Objective:

To engage students in thinking critically about the influence of history on our identities and societies.

Instructions:

Time: 5-10 minutes
Materials Needed:

• Whiteboard or chart paper
• Markers
• Sticky notes (optional)

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Step 1: Thought-Provoking Quote

Write the following quote on the board or display it prominently:

"We are not makers of history. We are made by history."
— Martin Luther King Jr.

Step 2: Reflection Question

Ask students to take a moment to think about the quote. Then, pose the following question:

"In what ways do you think our understanding of history shapes who we are today?"

Step 3: Quick Write

Give students 2-3 minutes to jot down their thoughts in their notebooks. They should consider:

• Specific historical events or figures that have influenced their lives or communities.
• How these events alter perceptions of identity, culture, etc.
• Examples from their own lives or experiences that connect to broader historical movements.

Step 4: Share and Discuss

After the reflection time, divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students. In their groups:

• Share their quick write responses.
• Discuss common themes or unique perspectives they noticed.

Step 5: Group Summary

Ask one representative from each group to share a key insight or interesting point from their discussions with the class. This will help set the stage for a deeper exploration of how history impacts our societies and our self-perception.

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Transition to Lesson

Conclude the bellringer by saying:

"Today, we will dive deeper into how various historical events have shaped our societies, our beliefs, and ultimately, our identities. Let’s explore how understanding our history can help us understand ourselves."

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By starting with this reflective and collaborative activity, students will engage with the topic personally and meaningfully, setting a thoughtful tone for the rest of the lesson.