Does it seem appropriate for teachers to use Ances... - Page 2

Puppy Lips · ‎05-09-2010

I agree that I don't think a student's personal family history has any place in the classroom. That is for families to learn and discover about themselves, not for teachers or other classmates to know about them. Hopefully that is not what is being done - sharing with the class about other student's histories.

That aside, I don't really see the big deal about one's family history. Beyond my great grandparents, I don't really care to learn beyond that - who they were, what they did or where they came from. Their achievements, or lack thereof, is no reflection on me. I don't care if I am a distant relative of some famous person. Beyond great grandparents, I don't feel much of a family connection at all.

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. Margaret Mead

Harpa · ‎03-10-2010

I've got to give this more than just a casual thought. There is always potential for misuse or misinterpretation or misunderstanding or misapplication.

I don't see how those are the tools to teach others about themselves. You are you; your mom is your mom; grandparent is grandparent; and you make decisions on your own every day, regardless of ancestry.

All I know is that I celebrate our differences (ethnicities & backgrounds) in my college classes, albeit through music. I think my students, do, too.

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

I went to a very poor school early in life, and I know a lot of wonderful kids who came from not wonderful homes. So based on that, I don't think a kid's family should be a topic for discussion in the classroom. Take a child for who they are, not who their family is!

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

What value would this have for a history class? Teachers should TEACH, not look up private information on websites. I'm 100% certain thst this doesn't happen at any school in my state.

lgfan · ‎10-19-2012

@Sooner" I went to a very poor school early in life, and I know a lot of wonderful kids who came from not wonderful homes. So based on that, I don't think a kid's family should be a topic for discussion in the classroom. Take a child for who they are, not who their family is!"

I agree with you. I believe in the adage "It is not where you come from but where you are going that counts". I remember when I was in school nosy teachers asking how our parents met and why were you given your name, etc.

occasionalrain · ‎03-10-2010

Since parents have the right to opt out if they don't want their child to participate, I don't see a problem in making it available to students who would benefit from it. Classroom history is lacking and boring. It doesn't have to be dates, significant battles, and generals. How many know that our national anthem was written on a merchant ship in Baltimore harbor during the battle for Fort McHenry?

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

To bring up the subject of who your ancestors are and get kids thinking about it is nothing but "who'se your mama?" Something very hurtful to many children. Kids need to learn that they make their life and choices.

goldensrbest · ‎03-10-2010

What if they are looking up family history of men and women in history books?

When you lose some one you L~O~V~E, that Memory of them, becomes a TREASURE.

liliblu · ‎09-06-2011

@occasionalrain wrote:
Since parents have the right to opt out if they don't want their child to participate, I don't see a problem in making it available to students who would benefit from it. Classroom history is lacking and boring. It doesn't have to be dates, significant battles, and generals. How many know that our national anthem was written on a merchant ship in Baltimore harbor during the battle for Fort McHenry?

How many have read the "The Star Spangled Banner"? The full poem?

mspatmac · ‎06-10-2015

@occasionalrain

@occasionalrain wrote:
Since parents have the right to opt out if they don't want their child to participate, I don't see a problem in making it available to students who would benefit from it. Classroom history is lacking and boring. It doesn't have to be dates, significant battles, and generals. How many know that our national anthem was written on a merchant ship in Baltimore harbor during the battle for Fort McHenry?

What you brought up is History not the child's personal family information! A good History teacher can make it interesting and relatable but not at a personal family level.