Going to School During the Great Depression (Blue Earth Books: Going to School in History)
Going To School In History Series
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
Discusses school life during the Great Depression, including schools, lessons, books, and teachers, and addresses social and economic life during the time.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think going to school during the Great Depression was different from going to school today?
Can you imagine what challenges children faced during that time? What strengths do you think they needed to overcome those challenges?
What similarities and differences do you notice between your own school experiences and those described in the book?
How did the community and family roles impact a child's education during the Great Depression?
Why do you think learning about history, like the events in the Great Depression, is important for us today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own school experiences with your child, which can lead to a natural comparison and deeper discussion about the book's themes.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them how they would have felt and behaved in a similar historical setting.
Utilize illustrations or photographs from the period to help visualize the historical context and spur conversation.
After reading, ask your child to draw parallels between the book’s events and any current events that may be similar. This can help them understand the relevance and impact of history.
Praise your child’s insights and thoughts to build their confidence in expressing ideas and opinions about complex topics.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience through hardship
Explanation: The book showcases how children during the Great Depression managed to continue their education despite economic and social challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persistence and determination in tough times, understanding that obstacles can be overcome with perseverance.
Example Lesson: Value of education
Explanation: The story highlights how despite limited resources, the pursuit of education remained a priority.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate their own educational opportunities and motivates them to make the most of their learning environments.
Example Lesson: Community and Cooperation
Explanation: It illustrates how communities came together to support each other, including schools, during the depression era.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of teamwork and helping one another to achieve common goals, fostering a sense of community in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Creativity in Problem Solving
Explanation: The book depicts how teachers and students had to be innovative with their limited resources to facilitate learning.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively in solving problems and to be resourceful with what they have available.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Children in the story learn to understand the diverse backgrounds and struggles of their peers, promoting inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing empathy and kindness towards others who may be experiencing difficulties, fostering an inclusive environment.