Tour Of My High School Classroom

[Military Trader]

An lastly the work of art on the left was done a a very important artist over 20 years ago -- ME

[Steve P]

My friend, You should be justifiably proud of the rich, eclectic collection of history that you have displayed for the students here...It is so important to be able to touch and feel history, as a means of gaining a feeling and appreciation for that which otherwise may seem very transient and removed to those who have not yeyt lived long enough to realise their part in it or how close it is to us all. Good job! Cheers, S

P.S. I LOVE the caveman! Self Portrait??

[jacquesf]

Very impressive. I wish there were more people around with you obvious passion for history and teaching. Jacques

[Military Trader]

Actually the caveman is much better looking than me. Thanks for the kind comments but really most of the forum members here would have a classroom like this or better if given the opportunity

[armorrich]

As one who was inspired many years ago by just this sort of teacher, I'd like to say thanks. Its teachers like you who make history, or any subject for that matter, come alive. I wish my daughter was in your class!!! .....best, rich

[Bryant U.]

Great classroom setup. I also had a teacher who had great posters/items in the room and I always thought it made for a better learning environment. Good on you for doing the same for your students.

I'm a history major so maybe it made an impression on me!

-Bryant

[Capt. R]

some of those kids will remember your great displays for the rest of their lives! What a fantastic impression to leave in them. I know that I would have appreciated it as a young student.

Who is the artist of the Western art print in post#6?

[Military Trader]

These displays provide convenient teaching aids also. When talking about the evolution of the American helmet I can pull some out of the back. I have a "nesting doll" of the Soviet leaders from Lenin to Gorbechev that provides a fun way to review Russian leaders. Flags are really cool (especially the WWII era) to bring in and campare and contrast. I know many other teachers on this forum do the same thing and it is good to read your comments.


The artist is Thomas Hart Benton (died 1975) I do believe --sometimes I get him mixed up with the 19th century Western Painter George Caleb Bingham. Benton is known for his fluid style. many of his historical paintings are in Missouri public buidings and libraries.

[Military]

very interesting mix! i like the red indian bit. just fascinating.

[killerkatanas]

I envy you being able to do that. I am a High School History teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District and wouldn't dare leave anything in my classroom. I am sure your kids respect your items, but mine woulkd be tagged on, stolen, or destroyed.

[Military Trader]

I hear you -- I am waiting for something to be stolen but so far nothing of any consequence. I still lock some of the stuff up when I'm gone though. I teach college at night and one of the universities I teach for is a historically Black school. As such we get quite a few inner city kids from all over the country coming to our small town university. Now this is not a Black/ White issue at all but an inner city/ rural/ small town issue. Students from LA or Chicago sometimes want to go by different rules for sure. I respect the tenacity of all those who teach in the big districts.

About the Indian display -- I got the mask from a trading partner of mine who had it made 25 years ago. The eyes of the cat are what taxidermists use on real stuffed animals. The old bow at the top is a real one from a sellout at an old museum. the painting is an original watercolor of Fur traders.

Really though there are a lot of kids don't seem to care about this stuff. Sometimes I wonder if its worth the effort. But then it is pretty cool when they get "fired up" and even the prissy girls are landleing these grungy old artifacts. Medieval weapons (repros of course) and WWI items are always a crowd pleaser. Am. Civil War spent rounds and relic weapons always keep them awake (for a while ) I am amazed but almost none have ever seen a tintype (civilian or military) photograph. They like the Samurai swords a whole lot and "Nazi" items are allways of interest. These students actually have a more tolerant view (without glorifying the dark side) than a lot of adults and a whole lot more common sense that Ebay on the subject of historical TR artifacts.

[Dennis S]

In New Jersey, if you displayed any Nazi items( Rommel painting included) you would probably be tar and feathered in the newspapers and then sh!tcanned. The educational part is not important here.

Your Administrative hearing would look like a Frankenstein movie with the parents surrounding the building with pitchforks and torches. The whole scene would be surrounded by Television News Trucks. The sound bites of the interviews with the parents though would be most entertaining.

Oh! I forgot you would be suspended and arrested also for bring weapons into a school.

I appreciate you passion for teaching.

[AFF96]

Your students are very fortunate!
Great work!

[Bob Hartman]

As a retired history teacher I can identify with your classroom. I bought a couple of display cases to contain my "artifacts" and keep them from getting out into the general classroom population. When the kids were into a specific time period I'd bring out the "relics" and pass them out (when appropriate). I did have some awards and decorations stolen one holiday break....Air Medal, DFC, Silver Star etc. They knew the ones to take. Anyway, your classroom looks to be a fun place and I applaud you for your efforts. I'm sure your kids appreciate your dedication as well.