Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to explore and understand American history through the lens of American Girl dolls.
Materials and Prep
- American Girl doll or a picture of one
- Access to the American Girl website or books
- Pen and paper for note-taking
No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.
Activities
- Choose an American Girl doll that interests you the most.
- Research the historical background of your chosen doll.
- Write a short story or create a presentation.
- Share your story or presentation.
Take a moment to look at the doll or a picture of it. Observe its clothing, accessories, and any other details that catch your attention.
Visit the American Girl website or read books about your doll to learn about the time period and setting in which the doll's story takes place. Take notes on important details.
Using the information you gathered, write a short story or create a presentation that introduces your doll and her historical context. Include details about her daily life, challenges, and any significant events happening during that time period.
Present your story or presentation to a family member or a friend. Explain why you find this doll and her historical background interesting.
Seventh Grade Talking Points
- "American Girl dolls provide a unique way to learn about history. They represent different time periods and cultures in American history."
- "By researching the historical background of your chosen doll, you will gain a deeper understanding of the time period and the challenges people faced during that era."
- "Writing a short story or creating a presentation will help you organize your thoughts and reinforce your knowledge about the doll's historical context."
- "Sharing your story or presentation will allow you to practice your communication skills and help others learn about a different time in American history."