Fourth and fifth graders are well into the start of their unit, Courage. In this unit students will learn about the different types of courage and the various ways it has been, and can be, shown. While we will look at different time periods in American history, we will not be looking at the same aspects covered in the regular education curriculum. We began with an attempt to form a personalized definition of what courage is. Next, we took a look at the courage shown by those choosing to come to America from Europe. This choice, the reasons for it, and the actual crossing of the Atlantic were subjects of our focus. Throughout the unit there will be an attempt (through reenactments, role playing, reading, and discussion) to try to put the students in the position of those people living during the times and events of our focus. Empathizing with and understanding the situation others have been in will help give a greater appreciation for the courage shown in our past, and will, hopefully, allow your children to act courageously in the future. In addition, students will learn that courage can be shown on a much smaller scale, and that their lives are filled with opportunities for them to act with courage, or at least recognize it in other's actions.
Because of this unit's nature, your child will likely "get" much more from it if they actively participate in class discussions. Please encourage them to do this by asking what they did in class, what ideas they contributed to the class (or small group), and what impressions they came away with. Perhaps your family could continue a discussion started in your child's class.
