Bringing History to Life in the Classroom

History came to life in the classroom at Somers Middle School with a mock press conference with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Students in eighth grade have been studying the Great Depression and were ready to put their knowledge to the test in a new and engaging way. Some students volunteered to be President Roosevelt while the remaining students played members of the press.

“We knew everything about the new banking system changes,” said Delia Eagleton, one of the students who played the role of FDR. “But we were only allowed to say certain things at the press conference.”

Reviewing what they’d learned, the “President” presented his plan for topics important during the Great Depression, including his plan for bank recovery, introducing the FDIC, and creating bank holidays, all with the intended goal of restoring trust in the banking system. Throughout the conference, the students posing as journalists asked questions, challenging the President to defend his plan.

“I spoke about the FDIC,” said Andrew Wuench, another student who played FDR. “The journalists asked some tough questions that we couldn’t answer.”

“I tried asking about the FDIC and what would happen to the rest of my money because the FDIC only insures so much,” said Ian Wictor, one of the students playing a journalist. “How can I get compensated for the other money not insured?”

Once the press conference was over, each student had to complete a reflection project depending on their role. Students who played the journalist had to complete a mini project, while the FDR students had to answer questions about the press conference experience and current economic challenges.

“We had to write a radio broadcast or front-page newspaper article,” said Jack Quinn.

“You could also draw a cartoon about the press conference,” added Sienna Noboa.

Bringing history to life in the classroom also brings new life to learning. This activity allowed students to practice their International Baccalaureate learner profile attributes of being knowledgeable, communicative, and reflective.