How can we get kids to engage with historical content – beyond memorizing dates and names? What if they could step into the minds of early suffragists, explore documents, and advocate for change themselves? On this week’s episode of The Planning Period, we explore an interactive learning experience that brings history to life. Plus, media challenges that empower students to become creators and not just consumers. And with March Madness ramping up, we take a look at how competition and gamification can supercharge student engagement.
Interactive Learning for Women’s History Month
March marks the beginning of Women’s History Month, and we have an engaging, interactive experience to help your students connect with the past while reflecting on its impact on their future.
Exploring the Declaration of Sentiments
Many students are familiar with the Declaration of Independence, but have they encountered the Declaration of Sentiments from 1848? Drafted at the first Women’s Rights Convention, this pivotal document outlined the grievances and demands of early suffragists. A new PBS LearningMedia interactive activity allows students to analyze this document, compare it to the Declaration of Independence, and reflect on its historical significance.
Here’s what makes this a powerful learning experience:
- Historical Rights Comparison: A detailed chart breaks down the rights women had (or didn’t have) in the early 19th century, with distinctions between married and unmarried women. This visual representation prompts discussion and critical thinking about societal values tied to gender and marriage.
- Side-by-Side Analysis: By juxtaposing the Declaration of Independence and the Declaration of Sentiments, students can explore differences in purpose, language, and argumentation—an excellent exercise for history and ELA integration.
- Essential Question & Digital Mural: The activity concludes with a thought-provoking essential question, perfect for sparking discussions on the enduring fight for women’s rights. Students can extend their learning by creating a digital mural that highlights local leaders advocating for gender equity today.
Media Challenges to Deepen Learning
Our MLC media activity deck includes two engaging media challenges that align with this lesson:
- Record a Dedication Students research a local monument, uncovering its history and significance, then write and record a dedication speech. This could be a monument related to women’s rights, or students could propose and imagine a new one, encouraging creativity and historical analysis.
- Advocate for Change Students produce a short video highlighting a social or environmental issue, crafting a persuasive narrative that drives change. This challenge is particularly relevant for students reflecting on the suffrage movement’s legacy and the work still needed for gender equity today.
March Madness & Game-Based Learning
Every March, Tomek-Eastern Elementary School in Fenton hosts March Book Madness, a bracket-style competition where students debate and vote on their favorite books. This interactive literacy event fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and enthusiasm for reading.
Educators across subjects can adapt this approach:
- Science: Rank and debate influential discoveries or natural laws.
- Social Studies: Compare historical figures or pivotal events.
- Music: Discuss and defend favorite artists or songs.
Why gamification works:
- Enhances learning through play: Encourages imagination, creativity, and cognitive flexibility.
- Boosts motivation and engagement: Students respond to competition and group dynamics.
- Develops key life skills: Collaboration, adaptability, and resilience in the face of “graceful failure.”
Simple strategies like leaderboards, book-based challenges, or even food-related competitions for National Nutrition Month can reinvigorate the classroom experience.
Bonus Media Challenge: Nourishing Narratives Film Contest
The Mosaic Film Experience, in partnership with the Newman’s Own Foundation, invites students to create short films on food justice through the Nourishing Narratives contest. The challenge encourages students to explore innovative solutions, highlight impactful individuals, or reimagine a just food system.
This Michigan-based opportunity emphasizes youth voice and storytelling, using mobile devices for accessible and authentic filmmaking.
Our MLC team is here to support educators and students with:
- Film exemplars and media creation guides
- Free equipment rentals
- Personalized coaching on digital storytelling
Michigan is at the forefront of many food justice initiatives—consider integrating this contest into your curriculum!
What’s On: Women’s History Programming
Looking for discussion-worthy content? This week on MLC, we’re featuring “A Single Mom’s Story” from Road Trip Nation. This documentary follows three single mothers as they seek meaningful careers, meeting inspiring women in fields like microbiology, academia, and literature.
This film is an excellent discussion starter for social studies or leadership classes, encouraging students to ideate and design solutions to support single mothers in their communities.
