Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

To all the hard-working teachers, paraprofessionals, and other critical support staff doing all you can day in and day out to lift up the next generation - thanks for all you do. We know it's not easy, and we know we often don't get to see the full fruits of our efforts - but we know there's a big harvest, nonetheless.

My entry into the profession came seven years ago, in 2018, after working for a number of years in private sector business and industry. I got my start working as a paraprofessional in special education at Whitnall High School, located in the greater Milwaukee area. My time at WHS laid a solid foundation for the educator I've been blessed to become.

Thanks again for all you do! I know it's not easy. God bless!

All the Best,

Aaron

Mimetic teaching and learning

A comprehensive essay on what it means and looks like to teach and learn mimetically, specifically in the context of teaching and learning in a classical education environment.

Teaching and learning mimetically in classical education

Introduction

Classical education, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Greco-Roman world, aims to cultivate wisdom and virtue through rigorous study and character formation. Within this educational framework, the concept of mimetic learning - learning by imitation - is central, offering a unique approach to the acquisition of knowledge, the shaping of virtue, and the refinement of skills. Mimetic learning stands in contrast to the more contemporary emphasis on innovation and self-discovery, focusing instead on emulating great works, models, and instructors. This essay explores the concept of mimetic learning, examining its roots in classical pedagogy, its implementation in classical education, and the impact it has on both teachers and students.

Understanding mimetic learning

Mimetic learning, derived from the Greek word mimesis, means imitation or emulation. This educational approach asserts that students best learn and internalize skills, virtues, and knowledge by imitating the works and behaviors of masters. Mimetic learning takes as its foundation the understanding that certain ideals - whether in art, literature, science, or character - are worth striving toward and that students benefit from the wisdom of those who have come before them. Rather than focusing on constructing knowledge from scratch, students in a mimetic framework adopt an initial posture of humility, recognizing their need for guidance and modeling.

Mimetic learning relies on three principles: modeling, imitation, and assimilation:

1. Modeling: Instructors and sources of study provide concrete examples of excellence, from historical figures to timeless literary works.
2. Imitation: Students actively attempt to replicate the style, approach, or thought processes of these models, learning through practice and engagement.
3. Assimilation: Over time, through repeated imitation, students internalize and personalize what they have learned, eventually making it their own.

In a classical education setting, mimetic learning is thus more than rote memorization; it is a deep engagement with works and practices that have been proven valuable over generations.

Mimetic teaching in classical education

In classical education, the teacher is not only a conveyor of information but also a model for intellectual and moral formation. The role of the teacher in a mimetic framework is both directive and participatory. Rather than simply presenting information, teachers embody the values and habits they wish to instill. They demonstrate a disciplined approach to reading, thinking, and questioning, encouraging students to follow suit. Mimetic teaching is rooted in mentorship, where the teacher’s example becomes a living curriculum.

1. Modeling classical virtues
In classical education, teaching virtues like temperance, courage, wisdom, and justice is integral to the curriculum. Teachers who embrace mimetic methods do so by first exemplifying these virtues themselves, showing students what it means to live virtuously rather than merely describing it. For instance, a teacher might demonstrate intellectual courage by respectfully engaging with challenging material, encouraging students to do the same without fear. This modeling forms a natural bridge between theory and practice, inviting students to mirror the behaviors they observe.

2. Providing exemplary works
The classical curriculum places a high value on canonical texts and works of art that reflect ideals of beauty, truth, and goodness. These works serve as models for students, inviting them to imitate the styles, ideas, and values they embody. Reading Shakespeare, for example, is more than an exercise in language and plot; it is an opportunity for students to imitate the eloquence, moral complexity, and keen insight into human nature that characterize his works. Teachers encourage students to read, write, and think in dialogue with these models, gradually cultivating a refined and informed intellect.

3. Structured imitation through practice
Mimetic teaching in classical education also involves structured exercises in imitation. Students may be asked to copy famous passages, write in the style of a classical author, or practice the argumentation of historical figures. In subjects like rhetoric, for example, students might study the speeches of Cicero, then attempt to craft their own orations following his methods and techniques. This practice fosters discipline, attention to detail, and an appreciation for the craft of writing and speaking.

Mimetic learning for students

In mimetic learning, students take on the role of apprentices, learning by emulating models rather than by attempting to forge new paths prematurely. This mode of learning cultivates patience and discipline as students work toward mastery. Mimetic learning in classical education is thus both rigorous and holistic, shaping not only the intellect but also the character.

1. Imitating great thinkers and writers
Mimetic learning in classical education frequently involves engagement with the thoughts and styles of great thinkers, including Aristotle, Aquinas, and Shakespeare. Through the imitation of these intellectual giants, students learn to think deeply and develop clarity in expressing ideas. When a student tries to write in the balanced, rhetorical style of Cicero or to reason through a philosophical question with the systematic rigor of Aquinas, they internalize methods of thinking that transcend the exercise itself. This process encourages humility, as students recognize their place within a tradition of knowledge and inquiry that predates them.

2. Practicing virtues through emulation
Classical education aspires to shape both the mind and character. Mimetic learning aids this goal by allowing students to practice virtues through repeated imitation. For instance, through the consistent study of virtuous figures in history and literature, students are encouraged to adopt similar virtues in their lives. Studying Socrates’ commitment to truth and justice inspires students to value truthfulness, while reading about the humility and perseverance of figures like Saint Augustine challenges them to develop similar virtues.

3. The role of repetition and refinement
Mimetic learning emphasizes the importance of repetition in mastery. Just as classical musicians perfect their craft through practice, classical students refine their intellect through repeated exposure to and engagement with the same works and ideas. By working through Euclid’s proofs or reciting passages from Homer, students build an enduring foundation of knowledge and skills. Repetition is not seen as redundancy but as a process of honing understanding, where each encounter with a work or concept reveals new depth and insight.

The transformative power of mimetic learning

Mimetic learning is transformative because it combines intellectual and moral formation. By imitating the best of human thought and character, students learn to approach life with a sense of wonder and responsibility, understanding that they are part of a broader cultural and intellectual inheritance. As students advance, they gradually develop their unique insights and ideas, informed by the models they have studied.

Moreover, this learning approach fosters community. By studying the same works and following the same practices, students form bonds with one another, as well as with the authors and thinkers they encounter. This shared pursuit of wisdom and virtue fosters a sense of solidarity and respect, enriching the learning experience.

Conclusion

Teaching and learning mimetically in a classical education environment is an endeavor rooted in reverence for tradition, excellence, and moral integrity. It embraces the wisdom of past generations and sees value in modeling and imitating exemplary works and individuals. For teachers, mimetic education means embodying the values and skills they wish to impart, leading by example, and providing students with models worth imitating. For students, mimetic learning is a journey of growth and self-discovery that deepens their understanding and shapes their character.

By adopting a mimetic approach, classical education emphasizes that wisdom and virtue are cultivated not in isolation but in the context of a rich intellectual heritage. This process not only prepares students to think critically and act virtuously but also instills a profound respect for the cultural inheritance they are privileged to engage with. Through mimetic learning, the classical education system creates not only scholars but also individuals of character who appreciate the interconnectedness of knowledge, tradition, and virtue.

The Middle Colonies

Explaining the Middle Colonies of what is now the United States for fifth and sixth grade social studies students. What were the names of the Middle Colonies? Who were the key countries or individuals who founded the Middle Colonies? What were the main industries and ways of making a living in the Middle Colonies? What natural resources did they have?



The Middle Colonies:

The Middle Colonies were a group of colonies in what is now the United States that were located in the middle of the Atlantic Coast. There were four main middle colonies:

• New York
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Delaware

Founding of the Middle Colonies:

The Middle Colonies were founded by different countries and individuals:

• New York was originally settled by the Dutch and later taken over by the English.
• New Jersey was initially owned by the Dutch and later given to two English noblemen.
• Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn, who was given land by the English king to create a colony where people could practice their religion freely.
• Delaware was initially part of Pennsylvania but later became its own colony.

Industries and ways of making a living:

The Middle Colonies had a diverse economy, which means people made a living in many different ways:

• Farming: Farmers grew crops like wheat, corn, oats, and barley. The fertile soil and mild climate made farming successful in the Middle Colonies.
• Trade: Because the Middle Colonies were located between the New England and the Southern colonies, they became important centers for trade. People traded goods like furs, lumber, and agricultural products.
• Manufacturing: The Middle Colonies had thriving industries like shipbuilding, ironworks, and textile manufacturing. Skilled craftsmen and artisans produced goods like tools, cloth, and pottery.

Natural resources in the Middle Colonies:

The Middle Colonies were rich in natural resources, which helped support their economy:

• Fertile soil: The soil in the Middle Colonies was ideal for farming, allowing farmers to grow large quantities of crops.
• Forests: The region had abundant forests, providing a ready supply of timber for building houses, ships, and furniture.
• Rivers: Rivers like the Delaware and Hudson provided transportation routes for trade and access to water for farming and manufacturing.

Overall, the Middle Colonies were known for their diversity, thriving economy, and abundant natural resources, which helped them become important centers of commerce and industry during the colonial period.

Free lesson plan on the original 13 colonies

By Aaron S. Robertson

Here's a comprehensive lesson plan for a fifth grade social studies class focused on the original 13 colonies. The lesson is designed to be engaging and informative, exploring key aspects such as regional distinctions, economies, leadership, events, and international relations.

Lesson Title: The Original 13 Colonies

Grade: 5
Duration: 70 minutes
Lesson Objectives:

Understand the regions of the 13 colonies. Describe the geographical and cultural distinctions between the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies. Analyze their economies by exploring the primary economic activities in each region and how they influenced the development of the colonies. Identify key leaders and events by highlighting significant figures and happenings that shaped the colonies. Discuss colonial rule by explaining the relationship between the colonies and the countries that ruled them, particularly Britain.

Materials Needed:

• Textbooks: Social studies textbooks covering the 13 colonies
• Handouts: Maps, charts, and timelines
• Visual Aids: PowerPoint/Google Slides presentation with images of leaders, economies, and key events
• Art Supplies: For optional poster project
• Whiteboard & Markers

Lesson Structure:

Introduction (10 minutes):

• Warm-Up: Ask students what they already know about the 13 colonies and list their responses on the whiteboard.
• Overview: Introduce the topic, explaining how the 13 colonies formed the foundation of the United States.

Regions of the 13 Colonies (15 minutes):

• New England Colonies: Describe the states in this region, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Discuss the harsh climate; their focus on shipbuilding, fishing, and trade; and the cultural emphasis on religion and education.
• Middle Colonies: Cover New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Highlight the region's diverse population, fertile land, and agricultural focus on grains; as well as its role as a hub for trade and commerce.
• Southern Colonies: Detail Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Discuss the warm climate, agricultural economy based on cash crops like tobacco and cotton, and reliance on slave labor.

Economies of the Colonies (10 minutes):

• Discuss how each region's geography influenced its economy, leading to specialization in areas like shipbuilding, agriculture, and commerce.
• Compare and contrast the economies, highlighting how they shaped the development of each region.

Leaders and Events (10 minutes):

• New England: Discuss leaders like John Winthrop and events like the Salem Witch Trials.
• Middle Colonies: Highlight William Penn's role in founding Pennsylvania and promoting religious tolerance.
• Southern Colonies: Introduce figures like John Smith and events such as Bacon's Rebellion.

Colonial Rule (10 minutes):

• Discuss how the colonies were ruled by Britain, touching on taxation, governance, and the role of the British monarchy.
• Explore how these factors led to growing tensions and eventually the American Revolution.

Activity (10 minutes):

• Group Poster Project: Divide students into three groups, each assigned a region. Have them create a poster summarizing key aspects of their region, including economy, leaders, and notable events.
• Presentation: Allow each group to present its poster to the rest of the class.

Wrap-Up (5 minutes):

• Recap: Summarize the key points covered in the lesson.
• Q&A: Allow students to ask questions and clarify any doubts.
• Assignment: Assign a short homework task for students to write a paragraph on how the colonial economies impacted the development of each region.

Assessment:

• Class Participation: Monitor student engagement during discussions and group activities.
• Poster Presentation: Assess students' understanding through their group poster project.
• Homework: Evaluate the homework assignment for comprehension and analytical skills.

This lesson plan provides a balanced approach by integrating geography, economy, leadership, and international relations; thereby presenting students with a robust, holistic view of the original 13 colonies. It combines visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning methods, ensuring all students stay engaged and grasp the topic thoroughly.