Social Studies ..

Have you ever had one of those classes that seem to ease the day?  A class that is full of information yet the information is given to you in such a way that it is actually FUN to learn it?  A class where you walk away with all of this new knowledge and these amazing new ideas, yet you still feel refreshed ... like this super ton of pressure that is on you from other classes isn't added to?  Well, Dr. Meier's social studies class is that kind of class for me this semester.  In the few meetings we've had so far ... I have learned soooo many new ideas!  The taxation "game" we played last week was a new experience for me.  Heck, all these games we're doing in class are new for me.  I come from a small town out in the country, with a small school.  We didn't do any type of activities like this ... ever.  Social studies and History are the two main subjects that, when I graduated High School, I felt the least prepared for coming to college because they were so looked over in my school system.  It was all book, note, and lecture.  My favorite idea i've had come out of the class so far, though, is the classroom "pledge" activity we saw earlier in the semester.  The one where they agreed upon the rules, the teacher wrote it up, the students signed it, then they hung it in the hall.  I LOVED that!!  I'm also pretty excited that we have been/are discussing diversity in the classroom this week because, as mentioned when we had to bring the baggies of stuff the represent us that one day, I really like the Think. Live. Respect. campaign on campus.  As a Preview/Orientation Leader, we support the program to the fullest and wear their T-Shirt as one of our work shirts.  If you have never heard of it, you should look it up.  It is an amazing program that focuses on becoming a more understanding, accepting, respectful campus, creating an enclusive environment where everyone is valued.  I hope to carry that with me into my classroom :)