Teaching Activities

One of my fondest memories in my Indiana Studies classroom (grades 10-12) occurred when I was absent from it.
For some reason, I needed to have a substitute teacher... I always felt uncomfortable being gone--not that the
students were untrustworthy, but because trying to construct a meaningful activity for some other teacher to
follow was always a challenge to me. Often a sub was, well, fair game--fresh meat. Those students who have
had my classes know that I enjoy an inquiry type of approach which often means that the structure or foundation
of the learning centers around questions. My lesson plans were often just questions that I hoped to Socratically
guide them to discovery. That does not work well with planning a lesson for a substitute. Consequently, I attempted
to put some meaningful activities in place. When I returned, the sub's note said, "You forgot to assign some student to read
the journal. The students took care of it." I was elated! Every day from October 2nd to May 24th, we read about
the life along, Bain Road, Jefferson Township, Morgan County, Indiana 1880-81. After two decades of traveling
with William Gregory Harrison through the travails and pleasantries of life of that era, I felt a sort of kinship with
him. He has in fact caused me to be a lifelong journalist, although I must admit, I think folks will find his much more
interesting than mine-- I will also attest that his spelling is much better than mine!

For a final project one year, we loaded up the bus with sand, stiff plastic brushes and pry bars and
spent an enjoyable day straightening and cleaning the stones of Alvin, Fred and Mary and of course William
Gregory Harrison. (I took some restoration lessons before attempting this). We followed it up with a picnic cookout
here at "Bethel pond" One student even provided some venison for all of us to try. On the way back to school,
one student said to the group, "Does anyone feel good about themselves!"...and of course they all did. It was a
special day indeed. I am greatly indebted to William Gregory Harrison... and so are my students.

The simplest and most effective way to utilize this journal is to read it daily. It is a good way to start the class. David
McCullough reminds us that history is really about appreciation. That is what the journal can accomplish. One cannot
live with the Harrison's for those nine months and not experience appreciation-- a closeness and a sense of humanity that
is the beacon of good history.

Utilize the notes and please feel free to share your own knowledge about the events. I will be delighted to add and include
worthy contributions in the teaching notes...and note their source. The journal may be static, but the shared
reaction of teacher and learner is not-- it is synergy. You may contact me at bethelpond@gmail.com.

I am very much indebted for this opportunity to the contributor, William Ripley Harrison, the editor William Rogers, IMH
editor Eric Sandweiss, and especially that 25 year old farmer of 1880, William Gregory Harrison. All have afforded you
and me--- and my students ---and now you for this wonderful opportunity to appreciate.

Don Adams
January, 2008