Summer vacations are here, and I have to admit that I am curious if my vacation time with the family is the same or different from other Social Studies teachers.My children didn’t really know what a theme park was as far as the ‘vacation concept’ was involved. We would – when we could travel – visit battlefields, President’s homes, museums, historic sites. Places like Williamsburg, Kings Mountain, Plymouth Plantation, Gettysburg, Washington DC, Smithsonian, Antietam, the Natchez Trace, National Air Museum, etc., fill our log book of places seen. Fortunately, I married a woman of similar interests....
That process continues today. In my current position, I have a five-day ‘vacation’ during the summer. I’ve already had mine, although I have to admit I’ve gotten a little more flexible in my old age – we actually visited a theme park of sorts - Rock City.
Of course, the kids add their own twists to the visits. We are now (and have been for several years) accompanied by Rebecca the pet rock. She's in the pictures... see if you can find her.
Rock City, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Point Park, atop Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee
The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson’s home, Nashville, Tennessee.
What kind of vacation are you planning?
Essential Question: How does visiting historic sites enhance the ability of the teacher to better understand and present the historicity of the locale/event?
