Thursday, November 21, 2013

Speakeasy Simulation: Bringing the 1920s to Life

On Halloween, I turned my classroom into a 1920s speakeasy to teach my students about Prohibition. I made sure students had a secret password the day before and as they entered my class, I asked them for it. It was fun to see students saying, "Joe sent me" and wondering why. I greeted them at the door, dressed as a flapper and asking for the password. As they entered my classroom, Charleston music was playing (courtesy of Pandora radio). I had a sign in front that said, "Welcome to the Haunted Speakeasy." On one table in the back were small cups of apple juice and Halloween candy. The room was decorated with pumpkins and orange lights. On the tables were black table cloths made out of butcher paper. And on the wall in the back were pictures from the 1920s.The first activity was for students to assume the roles of 17 different individuals associated with Prohibition. Their task was to circulate around the room and meet as many people as they could, each time finding out more and more about Prohibition. 
I also gave students bonus participation points for dressing in period attire. Here are some of them: 
I had one of the most enjoyable days of teaching in a long time and I heard my students talking about how much fun it had been. Even many of my most reluctant participants were up and talking to others and getting into the lesson. My brain is already spinning with ideas. Maybe a 1950s sock hop or a Vietnam War Sit In?