Facing History Workshop

So, I missed one of the classes, but I did attend a workshop about teaching "Red Scarf Girl" with Facing History and ourselves.

I taught the cultural revolution in China and was able to incorporate readings from the text and the background material with my instruction. I enjoy teaching this topic because tweens and teens were the targets of the revolution. Mao's ability to discredit the character of everyone who would typically assume a role of authority was what made the revolution so successful, but also what made it socially unstable.

This really provides an intimate look at the effects of propaganda campaigns and the instability created by constant propaganda.

The conflict between loyalties was something that really resonated with my students. Some began the unit thinking they would never be capable of violence, and by the end of the unit many of them understood the power of propaganda campaigns. Overall Ji Li was a character they could relate to, her experiences personalized the effects of the cultural revolution for my students.

The lesson plans and chapter guides have great lessons, and the book itself is an easy read. I was able to pull out pieces that really illustrated the character's experience, while tying in all of the factual data about the Great Leap Forward, the Red Guard, the little Red book, and ultimately the support for stability and more moderate politics after the death of Mao.

Check out the resources at Facing History and Ourselves

The workshop it self was great and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to personalize this topic for students.[Edit by="jbotelho on Jun 23, 7:09:38 PM"][/Edit]