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This Teacher Looks To The Past To Teach Civics Today

by Bill of Rights Institute on

By Stephanie Walsh

It seems many civics teachers believe teaching civics today is more difficult than ever before, and I was one of them. However, my grandfather’s American Government textbook from 1934 made me think differently.

At the beginning of the text, suggestions for teachers included subscribing their students to a current events magazine; having all students read the U.S. Constitution; studying local conditions to add value to their courses; inviting their congressman, state legislators, county officials, or city officials to their class; and lastly, for enhanced interests in civics, take their students on a trip to Washington, D.C., their state capital, their county courthouse or to City Hall.

I agree that all these activities are essential to teaching civics today and giving students the reality of how government works and how politics affect government. Teaching the truth and understanding the difference between government structure and politics is essential in today’s classroom.

The Magruder 1934 American Government textbook included 32 chapters, most of which follow my Aurora Public Schools Civics Pacing Guide. The exception is the former War, Navy, Justice, and Post Office departments, the Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, and Labor departments, and boards and commissions. Today, we call this bureaucracy – giving these departments complete chapters would be difficult.

When teaching civics today, we value voices and make sure the U.S. Constitution is front and center. I know the difference between 1934, my grandfather’s American Government class, and my classroom – technology changed. Social media and working with both facts and fake information is how I spend my time now.

I might start using the textbook from 1934 next semester because I think it would be a great way to increase student engagement. Social media is a danger when not part of a civics curriculum in today’s classrooms. Discussions must happen regarding media literacy – this is what teaching civics today means.

Stephanie Walsh teaches civics at Rangeview High School in Aurora, CO, and is a member of the Bill of Rights Institute National Teacher Council.