Amanda Gorman's Poem, "The Hill We Climb" and the Importance of Studying our Past.

Amanda Gorman's unforgettable poem, "The Hill We Climb," resonated deeply with millions of Americans, myself included. One line from her poem that stood out, in particular, was this one: "Being an American is more than a pride we inherit. It's the past we step into and how we repair it."

These words speak to the essence of why history matters.

Amanda Gorman's poem, "The Hill We Climb," not only resonates with us on a personal level but also holds immense relevance and value within the context of Social Studies and ELA classrooms.

Now, let's explore why Gorman's poem is a perfect fit for most Social Studies and ELA classrooms:

1. Connecting to the Past:

While students may not remember every detail of our lectures, assignments, and class discussions, what truly matters is that they grasp their connection to the past and recognize their role in shaping the future as engaged and informed citizens. Understanding their place in the human story and the imperative of active participation is paramount. Gorman's poetry serves as a catalyst to ignite this understanding and inspire students to embrace their responsibility.

2. Nurturing Cherished Ideals:

In our ever-changing world, it is crucial that we never take our cherished ideals of democracy, freedom, justice, and equality for granted. As educators, we bear the vital responsibility of nurturing these ideals in our students. We must teach students the skills necessary to safeguard and uphold these principles. Incorporating historical thinking skills into our lessons, discussions, and assessments allows us to empower students to critically analyze the past and apply its lessons to the present.

3. The Power of Poetry in the Curriculum:

By incorporating poetry into our lessons, we can introduce students to the beauty and power of language. Gorman's words provide a gateway to discuss complex historical and social concepts while engaging students on both an intellectual and emotional level. Her poetry can spark meaningful conversations about identity, history, and the power of words to effect change.

What are your thoughts on Amanda Gorman's poem? Do you plan to incorporate her poetry into your curriculum? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below.

Learn more about my digital hexagonal thinking activity based on Amanda Gorman's poem, The Hill We Climb HERE.

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