Teaching Guide
What makes a successful community? What has shaped Holland, Michigan, for over 170 years?
We know some of the ingredients: traditions of hard work, entrepreneurial drive, community cooperation and strong, positive values. The mix began with immigrants 170 years ago and has been enhanced by subsequent waves of immigrants and newcomers.
The Documentary
This history is told in this documentary. Produced by a group that included highly regarded historians and educators, it operated with the belief that it is important for future generations to know and understand what characteristics can help shape place, people, possibilities. Today, the film is available through this online portal for use, in whole or in part, by teachers in classroom settings.
Role of Teachers
Teachers can explore the historical experiences of communities, compare and contrast these experiences with those around the country and throughout the world, and model “historical inquiry,” the actual work of historians, for young learners.
Important national standards and themes identified in Michigan’s DOE documents (K–12 Social Studies), The College Board curricula and course descriptions (AP courses), the College, Career and Civic Life (C3) framework, and other substantive national curricula (Geography, Civics, Economics) find application through use of this documentary.
Within each section of the documentary (an introduction followed by eight thematic focuses), teachers may:
Identify key vocabulary terms
Analyze quotations
Pose questions of inquiry
Click on the curriculum button below to open in a new window and download the PDF. Time stamp locations for each section are indicated in parentheses.