Freedom Lesson: A Slice of History

Groups of students can take a powerful slice of their country's or the world's history and enact a dramatic scene related to freedom. This can be done in conjunction with a relevant history or social studies lesson on slavery, independence, establishment of a new country, civil rights, etc. At relevant points during the regular social studies or history unit, generate discussion.  

• Identify the rights that people felt denied of.

• What kinds of freedom did they want?

• Why did they want those kinds of freedom?

• How did the group denying them those kinds of freedom benefit?  

At the end of the history unit, divide the students into cooperative groups. Give the groups a couple of sessions to develop a presentation: a skit/drama, a song from each perspective, or a poem. This will require more than one period of time.  

Another lesson: After the skit/drama (or presentation), the class can participate in further discussion about the freedoms those people desired.

Ask:  

• How did the people on each of the two sides feel?

• Which of these kinds of freedom do we have now?

• What other kinds of freedom do we have?

• What kinds of freedom do you think all people should have?

Follow-up activities:  

• Depending upon the age of the students, these latter questions can form themes for study, debate, or essays.

• Write a story or essay from the perspective of a historical character.

• Write about what kinds of freedoms you want all people to have now.

• Teams of students could plan and paint a freedom mural about the era of history they are studying.

 
Freedom Lesson: Favorite Famous Freedom Lines

Ask students to choose their favorite famous sayings about freedom. For younger students, the teacher will want to select materials from which to choose. Folk tales on freedom could be read. They might choose a line from The Universal Declaration of Human Rights ? An Adaptation for Students. Older students could browse the quote section of the Internet or WorldWide Web if that is available, or study the essays of their country?s champions of freedom. The teacher may also use such material to help build vocabulary as well as to teach students new concepts.  

Once students identify their favorite freedom line or quote about freedom, ask them to write a story about it, a letter to the government about it, or a make a journal entry on why they like that particular freedom. As a concluding activity, ask the students to stand in a circle, each child stating his or her one-line quote. Go around the circle once more, asking each to repeat the root phrase, "I feel lucky I have the freedom to . . .? and to add his or her own statement. Or they can complete the sentence, "I wish all people had the freedom to . . ."  

Free song

Starting from common sounds, each one sings his/her own melody. ? Contributed by Dominique Ache

 
Freedom Lesson: Symbols of Inner Freedom

8?10 Activity:  Instruct each student to make a puppet symbolizing inner freedom, perhaps a bird, a kite, or a butterfly. Play music and suggest that their puppet moves to what inner freedom feels like. Or, create a puppet show on inner freedom.  

11?14 Activity:  Create the opportunity for each student to make a symbol of inner freedom. Ask them to write the thoughts that create that experience as part of their symbol. ? Contributed by Encarnaci? Royo Costa

Play and spend time with your children every day. Enjoy them and yourself!

Think about age-appropriate tasks for your children. Assign a couple tasks if they do not have any regular task to do. Positively affirm their efforts and contributions. When they want more rights, assign appropriate responsibility. If they let go of a responsibility to which they had committed, calmly have a chat. Discuss alternatives, listen while they share feelings, and share your own feelings. Make a plan together that meets both your needs.

Enjoy a day with the family.