When I embarked on my teaching career as a fourth grade teacher in Verrado, Arizona, the vast desert landscape was a far cry from the familiar surroundings of my hometown in Detroit, Michigan. The transition from a state surrounded by lakes to a scattered desert evoked a deep appreciation for the resilience of the land and the communities that flourished in this seemingly inhospitable terrain.
Today is Pretend to be a time traveler one day (December 8, 2023). Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day whimsically celebrates the appeal of time travel, sparking curiosity and reflection on the mysteries of time exploration in popular culture. Seeing this day on my calendar reminds me of a special memory from my first days as a teacher. It was a time when I, like my students, became a time traveler of sorts. We delved into a fascinating project to celebrate the 100 years of our town, a project that left an indelible mark on my teaching philosophy.
The concept was simple but powerful: students could choose any time period, past or future, and create a time capsule that represented that era. This not only celebrated the rich history of our community, but also allowed students to explore the spirit of change over time. Today I see on my calendar Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day, a day that may not seem very important, and it brings back memories of the happiness and positive impact such projects had on students and teachers.
Application for Teachers
For fellow educators, consider channeling the spirit of time travel into your classrooms. Encourage students to take pride in their local history by assigning them a time capsule project. Share the project process on digital screens throughout the school campus to engage everyone in the school community. Connecting with the community's past not only fosters a deeper appreciation of the present but also creates lasting memories that stand the test of time.
Join me as we revisit the magic of time travel in the classroom and make Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day a celebration of meaningful connections and shared experiences.
Explore innovative and dynamic educational technology tools and training support. Gonna www.boxlight.com.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)(0);
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1&status=0”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
