Using Justin Beiber to Teach WWII - the Ultimate Way to Hook Your Middle Schoolers

When you can connect WWII, President Obama's trip to Asia, Japanese / Chinese relations, the US occupation of Japan, US troops in Afghanistan AND Justin Bieber all in one class period it makes for a fun day of Social Studies.  We watched a news clip of the President's trip and they mentioned a couple of small islands that have been an issue of contention between China and Japan for a few years now.  When they mentioned that the US is siding with Japan in this dispute, many students inquired, "why?".

I directed them to some further reading (Obama sides with Japan) and this led to more questions. We had a 15 minute discussion (and more research) about US/ Japan relations including the Pearl Harbor and the nuclear bombings of 1945.  Most were aware of these events, but did not know about our occupation of Japan and the our involvement in the rebuilding of the country.

We went further and discussed similar plans the US has had for Iraq and Afghanistan.  If we can turn enemies into allies, that would be a good thing.  Most Americans would never have dreamed that we would be allies with Japan 60 years ago - can the same thing happen with Afghanistan?  Time will tell.  But history gives us hope.  If it had failed with Japan, the US's plans with  Afghanistan most likely would be different.  We learn from history!

I also remembered that Justin Bieber was in the midst of yet another controversy during his trip to Japan a few days earlier.  This led to the discussion and more research about war crimes and the relationship between Japan and China.  This was a lot to digest for the students, but that was the point.  Our relationships with other countries are important.  Knowing our past history, and the history countries share with others in crucial to understand if we want to keep these relationships positive.  It is one thing for the Biebs to not be aware of Japanese war crimes of the 1930s and 40s, but hopefully our President and ambassadors know this stuff.  Hopefully, it was taught to them and they understood the importance of learning it.  That is our job as Social Studies teachers.  I tell them that I am preparing them to be a future President of the US - I want them to be more aware of history that Justin Beiber if they get elected.  I hope we can expect that in our future.

No Shortcuts in Social Studies - Hard Work, Knowledge,and Experience Necessary

Last week we discussed the ebola outbreak in the country of Guinea.  The students were not sure where this country was so we did some research.  We found that the country's motto and anthem are in French even though most of the people of the country are from African tribes (Fula, Maninka,..).  This led to more questions and research about the history of Africa - the colonization by the British in the 1800s, independence in the 1900s for many countries, and the current issues facing much of Africa today (diseases, wars, famine, poverty, hunger).
I showed them a few maps and charts showing the countries that colonized Africa and the dates of independence for many of the countries.  Another map showed the distribution of many African tribes.  Many questions were raised by these maps, including "What is the purpose of having colonies?"It really turned into a good lesson.  We connected US History, current events, African history, civics, economics, and European history - quite a bit for one class period.
I really felt there was good learning going on that day.  I've taught African colonization before, but the students this year seemed to be more interested and involved in the lesson this year.  I really believe by starting with current events (real world relevance) the students are more receptive to the historical connections - things are happening now because of things that happened before.
The toughest part of doing this is preparation and flexibility.  I teach the colonization of Africa each year, but instead of an ordered checklist given to the students on the same day each year ("Why do we have to learn this?"), teachers need to have the freedom to connect these lessons to world events.  This is not easy.  It takes knowledge, planning and work.  It can be stressful at times not knowing what direction you may be heading each day.  But when the students really start making connections and are engaged in the classroom, it is worth the effort and time.  Students see that historical events do have relevance for us today.
I don't think I could have taught this way early in my career.  I did not know the content well enough, I was not as aware of current events as I am now, and did not have the confidence as a teacher that comes with experience.  Hard work is necessary, experience is invaluable and knowledge is priceless in the teaching profession.