As an important part of United States history, the New Deal is an essential topic that students must learn and understand. There are many ways to create student engagement through interactive and hands-on activities. In this article, we will discuss some of the activities teachers can use to teach their students about the New Deal.
Simulation Games
Simulation games are excellent exercises for students to learn about the New Deal. A good example of such games is “Depression Quest.” Students take on different roles, representing various stakeholders like farmers, workers, businessmen, and politicians, to understand what life was like in the United States during the Great Depression. The game simulates economic and social policies of the New Deal, including programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA), and the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA).
Document Analysis
Teachers can assign document analysis tasks for students to evaluate primary and secondary sources about the New Deal. Students can examine speeches by Franklin D. Roosevelt, evaluate photographs of people living with new deal programs like the Works Progress Administration (WPA), and read newspaper articles discussing the New Deal’s effects on the United States.
Role-Play
Role-plays are an exciting and effective learning tool to teach a period in history like the New Deal. A fun idea would be to assign students to play fictional characters who meet with President Roosevelt or a governor to persuade them to support a particular New Deal policy. This activity enables students to reenact political conversations, understanding how lobbyists sway decisions.
Art and Music
The art and music of a given period are often reflective of people’s mood and experiences, and the 1930s were no different. Teachers can play Depression-era music for students and ask them to identify what the songs convey about people’s experiences. Students can also create visual arts inspired by works created during the New Deal period, such as murals and posters.
Conclusion
These activities are not exhaustive, but they are a great starting point for teachers looking to teach their students about the New Deal. Learning about the New Deal can create engagement and critical thinking skills in students, as they examine the history and the policies behind the new deal. Whether it is a simulation game, document analysis, role-playing, or art and music, these activities provide a unique opportunity for students to experience and learn about a crucial period in United States history.
