Shoebox Activity

In Social Studies class, we were talking about how during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, people had to sometimes grab what they could fit in a box and move West. In order for us to fully understand how it felt to experience this, Syd asked us to do this. We had to grab a shoebox (or a reasonable sized box) and in just a few minutes put whatever stuff you would want to take you with you on your travels. She informed us that clothes and food were already going to be on the wagon, so those items were not something that we did not have to worry about. I immediately started wondering what I would put in my shoebox, but decided that it would be best to wait until I was actually home in order to get the full experience.

When I got home that night, I grabbed my shoebox and looked around at what to put in my box. The first things I grabbed were photographs. The pictures were of my family because I would want to have those memories with me wherever I went. I also grabbed a journal with a pen, so I could document my travels. I grabbed a book to read just in case to keep me occupied. I also decided I would take lotion and chapstick, since to me these are necessary. I grabbed my box of Minions Bandaids as well. Bandaids seemed kind of random, but I feel like I always need bandaids. The final things I tossed in my box were my phone and charger. Overall, I think I spent about 5 minutes grabbing the items I wanted and putting them in my box.

The next class we got into groups of four to share our shoeboxes. We took turns sharing the contents of our shoeboxes. Once we were done, we changed groups and once again shared the contents of our shoeboxes. What I noticed was that everyone has items in their shoeboxes that were important to them. Most people had pictures of family members and cellphones. I noticed a lot of religious items as well. There were also a number of people who brought items to keep the busy on the trip, like coloring books and colored pencils.

I think that this activity was a great way for us to fully understand what these people had to go through. We can talk about what life was like during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression; however, we do not gain a deep understanding of how these people felt. This activity allowed us to feel the way that these people felt during these hard times. I think that this a great, simple activity that can be used in the classroom. I think that this also will let us into our students lives because they will be bringing in items that are important to them.

 "The Dust Bowl and The Great Depression" by RuneHQVideos

Social Studies Blog Post #4