#sschat is a network of educators, resources, and ideas that started on Twitter, but has expanded to Facebook, an annual NCSS unconference, and more. Join us to chat asynchronously on Twitter or Facebook, or chat with us live on Mondays from 7-8pm EST.
Hey #sschat, Dwight from the beautiful Adirondacks where I teach 7th grade social studies. I've been making YouTube videos to update students recently, the latest: 9 ways to protect yourself from fake news & the Boston Massacre is here: https://t.co/9dnovlLe97
Chris from Bloomington, IN. Teach world history for private online HS affiliated w/ Indiana Univ. Started teaching in 1995 but had few years off when kids were young. Guess I'm an old-timer. ;) #sschat
Hello #sschat friends from Mary in CO. Just spent the weekend with a friend who is facing Agent Orange related lymphoma & bladder cancer. Sure makes it real.
It has been a while since last time I participated in #sschat! I'm Darren and I'm a social studies teacher at @csdriverside. I'll just lurk tonight as I'm occupied at this hour.
I have taught HS social studies since 9/10/01 - yep. My second day was a doozy! #sschat I integrate comics and pop culture in my classroom - comics as historical artifacts.
Very true. We have lost several of our veterans we have interviewed from Agent Orange-related illnesses. Important legacy of the war to communicate to students #sschat
Hi, #sschat friends. Dan Krutka checking in for the chat. I teach teachers @UNT_COE & have been doing that for 6 years now, but taught high school the six years before that. ᴸᵒᵒᵏᶦⁿᵍ ᶠᵒʳʷᵃʳᵈ ᵗᵒ ᵗʰᵉ ᶜʰᵃᵗ.
A1) I tend to focus more on the causes. How the conflict was rooted in imperialism, nationalism, and the Cold War. Never felt I had time to do it justice, though. #sschat
A1 - I put the focus on the controversy b/c there's still a shroud of controversy about the war. We look at the facts and timelines and then consider what could've been; contingencies, etc. #sschat
A1: When I taught the #VietnamWar the first time it was a task to get all the details right, but as I went on I focused more on differing perspectives of the war on the homefront & abroad. #sschat
Q1 #sschat When teaching the Vietnam War, I try to focus on the Human Element - The People. I try to tell their stories through photos and primary source materials. #nhcschat@jeannietimken
#sschat Hello everyone! My name is Nicole and I am a junior studying Early Childhood and Special Education at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. #SSEDMETHODS
A1 - I also continue to emphasize on a clear and consistent understanding of the terms. I think this unit, more than any other since Reconstruction, has terms that are really foreign to Ss. #sschat
So many years to cover and facts disagreed upon...to try to cover everything can be daunting with time as a scarce resource for history teachers #sschat
As history, though, I liked Ss to see the war from different perspectives - US soldiers on front lines, Vietnamese people, US politicians, US command, etc. #sschat
I found that allowing students to work individually or in small groups on different aspects of the war, then sharing their product with the whole class, helped a lot. #sschat
A1 I know we say to make history relevant and pull in current events. I'm not sure it gets more real than @johnsonmaryj's example of Agent Orange. I think Ss would want to learn about this. Sense of empathy is strong @BusbinsClassAHS#sschat
A1 #sschat to try to keep that legacy local, we begin and end with the picture and story of Jack Smith - an alum that was lost on the conflict - and we visit his name when we go to DC - that offers relevance right away https://t.co/XVS83aIQAR
Not having taught yet I do not have the pervious experience, but I agree with your point of getting all the details right and including different perspectives. Teaching perspectives can incorporate social and emotional development as well as empathy. #sschat#SSMETHODS
I haven't had the opportunity to teach Vietnam from a more home based perspective, but oh the potential it has for an incredible exploration of the American culture of the era. #sschat
Glad you brought up Wall of Faces. A very powerful tool for all teachers to connect students to fallen members of their school, community, etc. #sschat
A1 When teaching Vietnam , I like to bring in the human stories. I had a vet on staff talk to my classes and we'd also try to step back and connect proxy war/conflict to current events #sschat
Hundreds of primary sources from our Vietnam War exhibit at the @USNatArchives, plus several new teaching activities -- all on our Vietnam War topic page: https://t.co/DKlKq2ecgI#sschat
A1: I begin with a short timeline of events from 1945-1960 to show the students that the war didn’t just happen. French involvement predated US involvement.#sschat
Great point about teaching students about proxy wars and their role in the Cold War-help students understand that Cold War was "hot" for many people #sschat
A1 When teaching Vietnam , I like to bring in the human stories. I had a vet on staff talk to my classes and we'd also try to step back and connect proxy war/conflict to current events #sschat
A2: The “how” from the French to the US involvement is complicated. But just as complicated are the multitudes of changing views toward the war in the US. #sschat
We could teach an entire semester on 1968, using all of the TLAH avenues - cause and effect, turning points, change and continuity, through their eyes, using the past - all with primary sources (especially news footage and music!) #sschat
A2 - US gov supporting a corrupt gov in Vietnam; policy vs. practice; theory vs. reality; cold war policies with USSR didn't apply to cold war policies in Vietnam #sschat
A2: In this subject & others it seems to be a struggle for students accept failure of US policy. They want the US to be 'right' & keep trying to justify all actions as OK. #sschat
#sschat A1: During my time at @EtownCollege, Kim Phuc, also known as "The Girl in the Picture" came to my school and spoke. I have read her book as well. With that said, I would teach about her and how the war affected women and children, the common people, not just soldiers
A2 the hubris - why would the US get involved in such a complicated place after what happened to the French? Why did we stay so long? How did we lose if we didn’t lose? Why so many rules stopping a “real” war from happening - why not just use all our weapons, etc #sschat
Agreed! Students struggle to see how politics could lead to such devastation decisions despite evidence to stop/get out-bringing in domestic political forces is a must ("Another China" "McCarthyism" etc.) #sschat
A2: I think that the whole Cold War binary is difficult - how foreign policy was shaped using containment/domino theories and how what happened in Asia could/should/would impact the US. Going back to review the 1890’s Imperialism unit helps a bit. #sschat
A2 #sschat the nuances of where this fits in the geopolitics of the time ... and that it can be traced back to before WWI and after the fall of Saigon - not as clear cut as many Ss would like (which makes it even more fascinating)
#sschat A2 - I think issues of race and class distinction are difficult to teach, but provide the opportunity to understand how deeply these two factors continue to remain embedded in American institutions.
Local repositories often have oral history programs too, so it may be worthwhile to check your state archives, nearby university libraries, or public libraries for materials. #sschat
Hot, yes; and not just in places like Southeast Asia (Laos and Cambodia in addition to Vietnam). We had a mini war at UC Santa Barbara in 1970 after the Kent State massacre. https://t.co/D3ONPUv33d#sschat
A2 My middle school Ss always struggled with grasping how messy both capitalism and communism are in practice, not to mention how those are related to two super powers duking it out over the differences. #sschat
Planning to teach the elementary level, not quite sure if I will teach Vietnam War, but know I will have to explain war to my students. I’m unsure of how to justify war to younger students who only see good in the world. #sschat#SSMETHODS
"Embers of War" is great read for those needing some more context to causes of US involvement in Truman-Eisenhower years https://t.co/aABi2la1u9#sschat
A2: Students have often been taught a rather sanitized, nationalistic history. Teaching US foreign policy warts & all is difficult for students and teachers. #sschat
Jumping in late tonight. I teach thematically so hit Vietnam War 4x from different lens. For A2 the one that is the hardest for Ss is understanding the foreign policy goals; the 2nd hardest is MLK's vocal opposition. Both don't fit the typical narratives Ss are used to #sschat
A2: The most difficult part to teach would be the brutality of the war, thinking about our younger students. If I teach about Kim Phuc, I would have to be careful showing pictures because of the burns she got from the napalm. #sschat
A2: I think understanding that the US did some really horrific things can be hard for students to grasp, specifically when it comes to civilians. The image of Kim Phuc is always one that sticks out to me. #sschat#SSEDMETHODS
I think students often get hung up on the economic definitions and not as much as the other values these systems represented during the period-to them, the economic differences make justifying hostility difficult #sschat
Q2 #sschat Different aspects of the war are difficult for students - Understanding that the war had roots going back to French Indochina; the use of such violence (My Lai); how/why attitudes toward the war changed over time; the foreign policy aspects #NCHCchat@jeannietimken
A2 When I taught American studies, we would pose the question --Was Vietnam a just war? Ss would compare Vietnam to WWI and WWII, and even Civil War and Revolutionary War. Answering this question was difficult-- so many angles #sschat
A2) I think that it's hard for Ss to understand the different groups/governments involved and how/why the U.S. supported groups just b/c they were anti-communist even though had other issues. #sschat
Also, to show impact at home of these revelations, super-important to build up how much Americans trusted their gov't, military, etc. prior to the war #sschat
A2: I think understanding that the US did some really horrific things can be hard for students to grasp, specifically when it comes to civilians. The image of Kim Phuc is always one that sticks out to me. #sschat#SSEDMETHODS
It's a struggle for anyone. Pure communism & pure capitalism are both figments of imagination, yet both have the staunchest of supporters who claim superiority without acknowledging the elements of limitations & benefits of either. #sschat
A2 My middle school Ss always struggled with grasping how messy both capitalism and communism are in practice, not to mention how those are related to two super powers duking it out over the differences. #sschat
A2 Also hard for students to imagine the level of violence. We (the US) dropped more in tonnage of bombs during Vietnam, than all of the WWII combatants combined. #sschat
A2 - it's not my job as a teacher to be a cheerleader of US History, including Vietnam. I'm a patriot, yes, but doesn't mean I have the luxury to neglect the decisions made. #sschat
Teachers must balance how much to introduce in limited time-do you discuss Laos & Pathet Lao, Cambodia & Khmer Rouge? Must give considerable consideration to unit framework #sschat
A2) I think that it's hard for Ss to understand the different groups/governments involved and how/why the U.S. supported groups just b/c they were anti-communist even though had other issues. #sschat
Another acquaintance of mine (ex-CIA) died several years ago from various cancers due to exposure to Agent Orange. He told me when he was in Vietnam, soldiers took showers in the big barrels emptied of AO. #sschat
A2 I'd say one of the hardest parts about teaching Vietnam is remembering that many of the people the War still affects are in fact still alive...grandparents living in Vietnam, the U.S. and many countries. Sometimes easier to understand events as 'past history' #sschat
A2 Also hard for students to imagine the level of violence. We (the US) dropped more in tonnage of bombs during Vietnam, than all of the WWII combatants combined. #sschat
We used to have great discussions about the difference between patriotism and jingoism. To those who argue, "My country right or wrong." I countered, "My country right or wrong; when right to be kept right, when wrong to be put right." #sschat
Agree. If we stuck to American principles we would have been fighting for self-determination. Instead we reflected some of our darkest history. #sschat
Yes, of course; but they were free to challenge me as long as they could support any assertions they made with verifiable evidence. I encouraged them to do the same for me. #sschat
A3: This is where stories, writings & reflections can be very useful and powerful. Students analyzing these and discussing the anti-war movement means the arguments are stronger than reading in a textbook or hearing in a lecture. #sschat
#sschat A3 - I often start with the Free Speech protest at UC Berkeley, Mario Savio and other student leaders ala 1964. Film especially to show how clean cut everybody was. Not all hippies and dope.
#sschat A2 - I think issues of race and class distinction are difficult to teach, but provide the opportunity to understand how deeply these two factors continue to remain embedded in American institutions.
A3 - Acknowledge it head-on. I hope you guys can provide lots of good primary sources to help Ss make sense of justifying the anti-war / counterculture movement to 8th graders. But I do make it very clear that the anti-war movement was extremely significant. #sschat
A2: I teach it as part of a broader “rights” movement push in the “long 60’s” (1960-74). African American civil rights, women’s rights, war protests, farm workers, native Americans, etc. Marginalized voices straining to be heard - many people questioned the Gov. #sschat
Teaching war is difficult. Teaching the Vietnam war is especially difficult for many reasons, some of which are: the reasons we got involved, what happened during the war, and the visuals that are available (deciding what is and isn't appropriate for kids). #sschat
You got me thinking on this one ...some explanation of economic systems is necessary, right? Also idea of econ-political system being interconnected #sschat
With any anti-war movement, protest, etc. you need to make sure students know the reasoning behind why they are against the or movement they are protesting. Civil Rights Movement, Women's Rights, etc. We need to prove that our voices can be heard #SSEDMETHODS#sschat
A2: I teach it as part of a broader “rights” movement push in the “long 60’s” (1960-74). African American civil rights, women’s rights, war protests, farm workers, native Americans, etc. Marginalized voices straining to be heard - many people questioned the Gov. #sschat
In USII =1 theme ea term: 1 immigration, 2 foreign policy, 3 economics & social class, 4 power. Vietnam is taught as 1 push factor, 2 Cold War containment, 3 draft and ERA failure, and 4 protest movements and Pentagon Papers/power of press. Vietnam one of few topics a 4X #sschat
Since I can't add much to the teaching discussion, I may just throw some resources up in the chat. They'll likely be fairly NC related, but I'll take a look at other states as well. #sschat
A3 A great question to unveil the complexity of the anti-war movement was: What is patriotism?-- Obedience to the state no matter what it wants you to do? Loyalty to individual conscience and free expression? great discussions.. #sschat
A3: One of the important elements of any protest movement in US History is acknowledging the wings which played off one another. While some are championed (nonviolent) others are demonized (Black Panther Party), yet both were necessary for pushing the movement forward. #sschat
Might be interesting for students to compare protest images such as the one from 1971 below with Parkland student protests today. #sschathttps://t.co/agA5fHvwpV
A3: Allowing for open discussion supported with historical context in the classroom could be a method for analyzing diversity and anti-war movements. Allow students to form their own opinions and listening to their peers opinions creates a classroom climate for learning. #sschat
A3 Why not a simulation using a fake alien race and have it come out where one group sees someone as a terrorist and another sees them as freedom fighters and it turns out to be the same aliens? #sschat
Might be interesting for students to compare protest images such as the one from 1971 below with Parkland student protests today. #sschathttps://t.co/agA5fHvwpV
NPR had a really powerful story about the My Lai trial and reactions to it, especially with regards to Lt. Calley and support for him. https://t.co/eh6cgNuMRN#sschat
Context! Context! Context!
So important for students to see history as a woven thread, elements of what happened before tied to what happened after, even if at cursory glance seemingly unconnected. #sschat
A2: I teach it as part of a broader “rights” movement push in the “long 60’s” (1960-74). African American civil rights, women’s rights, war protests, farm workers, native Americans, etc. Marginalized voices straining to be heard - many people questioned the Gov. #sschat
Yes! I was just talking with someone about making a modern day connection for them to compare and evaluate historical events! This is a good one! #sschat
Students should not see the anti-war movement as one, but see for many different groups their motivations, strategies, etc.-compare/contrast, rank, spectrum, etc. #sschat
I'd recommend this book for the value of the policy perspective, of which there are many on Vietnam. But the author is leaving the White House, right? https://t.co/TuON6TXrcf#sschat
I also show clips from All in the Family for the Archie/Meathead debates! GenGap and Lib/Cons divide. So similar to social media smackdown we see today. #sschat
Students should not see the anti-war movement as one, but see for many different groups their motivations, strategies, etc.-compare/contrast, rank, spectrum, etc. #sschat
A3: Anti-war musicians' messages broke through regardless of race, & we highlight that fact in our class. From Edwin Starr and Jimi Hendrix to Neil Young and Pete Seeger, diversity is rampant. #sschat
Search for "vietnam war" in @dpla: https://t.co/ihxSFVlNQQ - there's over 24,000 results, so you might want to limit by type of item, subject heading, or location. #sschat
Ken from Western Oregon Univ & Center for Geography Ed in Oregon. Looks like I've missed most of #sschat. Have been inundated w/ work today before leaving for spring break next week
A4 - Leveraging community connections to those who may have experienced Vietnam, or its impact at home would be great to bring into the classroom. Oral history, stories of community members would be great for students to engage. #sschat
#sschat A4 - this is an easy one for me. Here in NoCal we have a very large Hmong population. I've asked these students to podcasts. They came through! https://t.co/xrWWvuCREL
A4: One assignment my students complete is to interview someone they know who lived in this era, to inquire about the music to which they listened at the time. #sschat
A4- I have been throwing around the idea of having local vets come in for interviews for a while. Any suggestions on how to make that successful?#sschat
A2: Planning to teach the elementary level, not quite sure if I will teach Vietnam War, but know I will have to explain war to my students. I’m unsure if my students will be able understand the justification of war. #sschat#SSMETHODS
A4: Living in a town with an old military fort, we have a local history museum and a vital veteran population. We also are trying to partner with our local Honor Flight group for welcome home parties at our airport. #sschat
.@VVMF has a powerful project, Wall of Faces, in which you can research and learn about those who fell in your community, school, etc. https://t.co/cTMfPdRdLu#sschat
A4: invite guest speakers to talk about their experiences, have students create something like a website to educate the community or younger peers learn about the war and its impact on Foreign policy today. #sschat
Q4 #sschat If you are lucky enough to find a Vietnam Vet that is willing to discuss his/her experiences, bring them in to the classroom and allow them to speak with students. Be mindful many Vets are still suffering PTSD when creating your environment #nchschat@jeannietimken
A4- Invite anyone who was involved to share experiences, emotions, etc. Anyone who can give "life" and "flesh" to what they're reading on the paper/screen. #sschat
I listened to the UCSB campus radio station - lots of Simon and Garfunkle and the Beatles. In Vietnam, I listened to Armed Forces Radio. Great movie about that was Good Morning, Vietnam! with Robin Williams. #sschat
A4: One assignment my students complete is to interview someone they know who lived in this era, to inquire about the music to which they listened at the time. #sschat
Four years in, 276 interviews later-oral history interviews are by far my students favorite project...here is our "how-to" page from our project https://t.co/bwiLVMVE3P#sschat
A3 primary sources, bring in music, political cartoons, photos, etc. but most importantly make sure the voices of the traditionally marginalized groups get heard #sschat
This is a great idea... even comparing it to the photo I posted earlier this week for the walkout. Definitely makes the content relevant. #sschat#SSEDMETHODS
Might be interesting for students to compare protest images such as the one from 1971 below with Parkland student protests today. #sschathttps://t.co/agA5fHvwpV
This lesson looks at how the war 50 years later continues to affect young people: Children of Vietnamese refugees return home #sschathttps://t.co/ZzinKRtody
A4: Guest speakers are always a great way to bring the community in. I would want to bring in speakers with varying perspectives and who played different parts in the war. #sschat#SSEDMETHODS
Important to train your students in proper oral history technique and generate a question script. Open-ended questions are best in which they allow veteran to choose what to share #sschat
Q4 #sschat If you are lucky enough to find a Vietnam Vet that is willing to discuss his/her experiences, bring them in to the classroom and allow them to speak with students. Be mindful many Vets are still suffering PTSD when creating your environment #nchschat@jeannietimken
Q4 #sschat If you are lucky enough to find a Vietnam Vet that is willing to discuss his/her experiences, bring them in to the classroom and allow them to speak with students. Be mindful many Vets are still suffering PTSD when creating your environment #nchschat@jeannietimken
A4: History teachers should find ways to get involved in community. Get vets into the classroom to relate experiences to students. Primary sources #sschat
There r plenty of VN vets that r willing to talk about their experiences- many have not spoken of it in so long, they will talk to students that want to hear. #sschat
I have used lesson from @activehistory that asks students to consider Vietnam Protests as stalling the Civil Rights Movement; Ss view videos of news broadcasts, campaign speeches, MLK, Nixon #sschat
In reply to
@HHS_Grillot, @BusbinsClassAHS, @activehistory
W/ 50th anniversary of #VietnamWar, hosting a special veterans event, like a "Welcome Home" ceremony, can truly build positive relations w/ veteran community #sschat
Q4 #sschat Have students interview Vets (neighbors, family, etc) and make a short video, collage, presentation, etc. of the information learned - Also, Honor vets in a school-wide Veterans Day celebration #NHCSchat@jeannietimken
#sschat A3 - here's a pic from Berkeley's 1964 Freedom of Speech movement. I begin here to show students that the anti-war movement had wide appeal, not just derelicts
W/ 50th anniversary of #VietnamWar, hosting a special veterans event, like a "Welcome Home" ceremony, can truly build positive relations w/ veteran community #sschat
A4 loved having our Vietnam speaker every year. It really helped open our kids eyes to the sacrifice and the stories were incredible. Lucky to preserve that history #sschat
Gotta go a bit early #sschat - but wanted to share a couple of experiences I had a few years ago - one, at the tunnels of Cu Chi - https://t.co/Gk2VxC22hx
I think @scottmpetri's point about parent buy-in is key, plus sometimes purpose of oral history projects/interviews (as opposed to traditional essay assignments) needs to be explained #sschat
not a picture book, but a good graphic novel about a vientnamese-american's refugee experience following the war is "The Best We Could Do" https://t.co/hZj9vwwePC#sschat
Don't forget that Gold Star families have a story to tell as well as they wish to ensure their loved ones are not forgotten-they may even join you on a local cemetery walk #sschat
I know there are vets who profoundly disagree with me, but the splits between pro and anti war vets and civilian groups are still alive and well. #sschat
#sschat and another, at the War Remnants Museum in Saigon - it's rare that we see the Vietnam conflict from the side of the Vietnamese (North and South) https://t.co/iwbmOv9RrP
And probably those groups share many common fissures in our current political landscape. I would just call it, a "50 Year Remembrance" and include all of the history. #sschat
Actually, I didn't mean to respond to your tweet, I think TweetDeck moved just before I clicked. I meant my reply to @BusbinsClassAHS comment about hosting a welcome back event. #sschat I totally support bringing vets and others into the classroom.
I just saw this chat and have been catching up on responses. Rutgers University in New Jersey has an extensive oral history archive on many wars/topics. A good resource and free https://t.co/hbrsTiR7TD#sschat
#sschat and another, at the War Remnants Museum in Saigon - it's rare that we see the Vietnam conflict from the side of the Vietnamese (North and South) https://t.co/iwbmOv9RrP
I think the entire endeavor in Vietnam was dishonorable. Not just geopolitically and morally, but even (maybe especially) the conduct I witnessed of most US troops towards the Vietnamese. It was the closest I can imagine coming to the treatment of slaves by whites. #sschat
Just wanted to reach out to all my fellow social studies teachers in #sschat tonight to let you know about the inaugural #APTeach on 4/4/18. All inside and outside the AP community are welcome!
I understand. We are having that reaction by some currently. Yet, we also have over 200 coming to an upcoming event. I think the dichotomy of responses makes it so clear how complex the war is seen by those who fought it.
I think the entire endeavor in Vietnam was dishonorable. Not just geopolitically and morally, but even (maybe especially) the conduct I witnessed of most US troops towards the Vietnamese. It was the closest I can imagine coming to the treatment of slaves by whites. #sschat
A5 I gotta stress this one again, esp because it shows how this is still a problem and affects the v youngest. Students will want to know about this #sschat Agent Orange puts a new generation at risk in Vietnam https://t.co/ePl87CnhtS
There are a lot of other institutions with collections that I haven't mentioned, but hopefully that short list will give everyone a couple of new resources to look at. #sschat
That would be great! We're coming to the end of a term & spring break next week, but I am going to make a note to myself to contact you about this. Thanks!! #sschat
In reply to
@classroomtools, @MsBuell, @BusbinsClassAHS
A5) Lynda Vandevanter's Home Before Morning (memoir) was powerful in illustrating an American woman's view of & experiences in the war (nurse). #sschat
