Grades 7 and 8: Inauguration Day
Students in Grades 7 and 8 studied Inauguration Day in advance of this year’s historic transfer of power. They learned about the history of the event and why it matters. Led by Grade 7 History Teacher Emma Simmons and Grade 8 History Teacher Jane Maslanka, students delved into questions like, “Why is democracy so hard?” and “Why is it so messy?”
Students soon understood they had been witnesses to a historic election season that was a stress test for democracy. Teachers lead a recap of the events of January 6, when Congress was interrupted during certification of the electoral college, and they discussed the consequences of the disruption. They also talked about how the pandemic added to the factors that made this year’s event unique.
On Inauguration Day, teachers carved out time from all four MESH classes to view the inauguration together and presented a few things for students to think about as they watched:
- You will be watching history in the making.
- The US has never before sworn in a woman and person who is of Indian and African American descent to the office of the Vice President. Vice President Harris and her family will make history today.
- Listen closely to what President Biden has to say in his first speech as a sitting president.
- Listen deeply to Amanda Gorman read her poem, “The Hill We Climb.” At 22, she will be the youngest inaugural poet in US history.
Follow-up discussions were held during Advisories in sections where students were interested.
In Grade 7 history class, student's explored Gorman's poem the day after the inauguration. They wrestled with questions like:
- What is the significance of the poem’s title? What might the “hill” signify in our democracy? Why
- What do you think is meant by the phrase “quiet isn’t always peace”?
- How does Gorman describe what “being American” is or isn’t? Why do you think she describes it in this way? What, if anything, might you change or add to her description?
In Grade 8 history during inauguration week, classes talked about the peaceful transfer of power and read George Washington’s farewell address. They also read two inaugural addresses: Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address and FDR’s first inaugural address. Students discussed and wrote about how these two speeches tried to unite and inspire Americans during times of crisis (Civil War and Great Depression).
Students and teachers alike will not soon forget the 2020 election season and the events that followed.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
