Similarly the teacher might give a type lesson on Sir Francis Drake to form the basis for the English explorations of the sixteenth century. Marquette might be selected to represent the French missionary activity.
For the period of colonization one typical colony in each of the three groups could easily be selected. Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts at once suggest themselves. For the period of the intercolonial wars a typical battle or two might be taught intensively and realistically. Maps, pictures, literary descriptions will all help to vivify the picture so that the resulting concept may form a type or pattern for the comprehension of all other battles to which reference may subsequently be made.
The instance just cited will indicate the way in which the teacher of history in any particular grade may make a choice of topics for type lessons. More important, however, than the choosing of the topics will be the actual planning of the lessons so that they may be type lessons indeed. This department of the History Teacher’s Magazine will from time to time publish illustrative type lessons in history which it is hoped may be found of practical value. While the method is not put forward as something entirely novel, nor as by any means a panacea for all the troubles of the history teacher, it is our earnest hope that the lessons to be outlined in subsequent issues may contain some suggestions which teachers of history in the grades may find applicable in their daily work.
A LIBRARY OF
History and Exploration
Invaluable for Every School.
The Trail Makers
Prof. JOHN BACH McMASTER, Consulting Editor. Each Volume Small 12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. With Introductions, Illustrations and Maps. 17 volumes. Each $1.00 net.
The Journey of Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, and his companions from Florida to the Pacific, 1528-1536.
Translated by Fanny Bandelier. Edited with an Introduction by Ad. F. Bandelier.
Narratives of the Career of Hernando De Soto in the Conquest of Florida, 1539-1542, as told by a gentleman of Elvas, by Luys Hernandez De Biedma and by Rodrigo Ranjel.