The Library of Congress
Recreation Yesterday and Today

 

Overview
Swimming Hole

Students research entertainment and recreation in the early 20th century using the American Memory collections and From the Hidewood: Memories of a Dakota Neighborhood, a book by Robert Amerson reflecting life in Deuel County, South Dakota, during the late 1920s and 1930s. Students then compare the rural experience for this time period to the national experience and to their own experience. While this lesson is about recreational activities, it is also about being a teenager in the 1920s and 1930s.

Objectives

Students will:

  • learn the difference between primary and secondary sources;
  • understand and use research methodology, including online primary sources (expanded version);
  • identify key search terms and use synonyms in searching for other examples of recreation and entertainment in addition to those viewed in class (expanded version); and
  • express ideas in writing.

 

Time Required

 

3-5 days (7-10 days for the expanded version)

Recommended
Grade Level

 

11th grade

Curriculum Fit

Interdisciplinary - American History, Language Arts, Art, Music
Time period - 1920s through 1930s


Standards

 McREL 4th Edition Standards & Benchmarks

Historical Understanding
Standard 2. Understands the historical perspective

Language Arts
Standard 4. Gathers and uses information for research purposes
Standard 7. Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts
Standard 9. Uses viewing skills and strategies to understand and interpret visual media

Resources

Short Version
Expanded Version

 

Overview | Teacher's Guide | Homework | Resources

 

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Last updated 12/06/2004