Amber Schumaker

We used the role play Reconstructing the South to launch our study of Reconstruction.

One of my students was inspired to do further research on the 13th Amendment and the role it played in mass incarcerations. She presented her findings to the class and led a discussion about why it is important to study these historical challenges and how knowledge of them can be used to impact the future.

As the lesson ended, we looked at the guiding question for Reconstruction, “What kind of country is this going to be?” We also asked, how can we do our part to impact current racial disparities and divisions. Student creativity was evident during this lesson and students always enjoy the opportunities and challenges of a role playing lesson.