Context
As humanities teachers we use sources as the primary means to help students understand the contours of human history and events. Many a times, the process can be academic, syntax laden and procedural. It challenges those who may find the semantics difficult to breakdown. This is especially so when some of these events and related materials are worlds apart from where our kids are; difference of timeframe, culture, relevance etc.
Hence, I thought of using a technique in drama that activates our innate emotive and physiological appreciation of a given scene to help students "feel" for the moment in humanity, rather than attack a source directly. You can access the attached slides below for your own use.
Preparation and Flow
Start by relating to a particular scene or source, giving them some background. Next, depending on the temperament, disposition and physical lay of the class, decide on whether you want to appoint a few students in advance, or be spontaneous.
Tell the student actors to jump into the scene and take on a role e.g. an onlooker, a victim etc. Have them freeze their pose.
Have the other students take photos of the scene and selected actors. And have them note their thoughts.
As the teacher, then ask the actors a set of questions:
You can then take this on as part of the source unpacking we do in class ever so often from here.
Possible Extension
They are many ways this could be the start of getting students more involved in the material they are accessing. The key in humanities education is such that students become more acutely aware of the qualities of being human and how every so often they play a big part in shaping our place in this world. Have them produce the scene, do an art commentary or podcast to take this further.
From the LearnGrowCreate Team
Main author: Thomas
July 17, 2025 .
English
Fantastic integration of technology and learning! I love the Tableau activity that promotes action, activity and photography. I work with history and social studies teachers and Tableau is a favorite activity. But you have added a helpful twist to telling the story with the Keynote template and roles for the whole class. Great way for students to pull apart a historic scene for analysis and discussion.
ThIs would fit in so well in Social Studies classes. Consider adding the tag History, Social Studies, and Keynote to the post so we can all find it easily! There is also a Social Studies section in the Community.
This action is unavailable while under moderation.
This action is unavailable while under moderation.