What do the decades look like?

Kids with picture books, 1938.

Journalist with photos, ca. 1947.

Teaching the Lesson

Introduction

Begin by telling students they will be using a photograph to find clues about an important moment in history. As a group, perform a detailed analysis of the photo entitled, "Unemployed Men Photo." Ask students to look at the picture carefully, as a detective or journalist might, for informative details. Guiding questions might include:

• What is going on here?
• Who is involved?
• Where was the photograph taken?
• When was the photograph taken?
• Why was the photograph taken?

As a group, compose a brief story to accompany the photograph. Describe the "who, what, when, where and why" (the "5 W’s") of the story, and try to imagine the picture from the viewpoint of one of its subjects, or the photographer.

Procedure

• Applied Photo Analysis. Divide students into groups and distribute remaining images. Lead students in an inquiry-based close reading of these historical photographs. Ask each group to write a brief accompanying story, to present with the photo to the class. Remind them that they must include "the 5 Ws" in these presentations. Students should present photos in chronological order, by decade.

• Homework Assignment. Distribute Historic Narratives. Advise students that they will become expert on one narrative, and they will be teaching each other in tomorrow’s lesson. Students may complete the attached Reading Guide (optional).

Evaluation

Have students submit their photo 'stories' for review. Use attached Photo Story Rubric for grading, if desired.

top of page