A Home for Historical Thinking
Welcome to the Heimat
A home for historical, geographical, anthropological, and above all, critical thinkers
What's in a name?
Now, you may be asking yourself, what the heck is a Heimat? Technically speaking, heimat is simply the German word for home. Within a deeper cultural context, heimat does not simply mean the house in which you live, but rather is the deeper connection to a space and a sense of belonging. Recently, extreme nationalists in Germany have been trying to use the term Heimat as an act of exclusion against those not viewed as ethnically German. The title of this website is an act of reclamation for the word, as I hope to bring it back to its previous definition as a place where you feel your existence does not need justification.
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The feeling of this classroom is intended to create and foster a sense of belonging, for which this website is representative. Larsen's Social Studies Heimat is a place where students, parents, and fellow educators are welcome to come, learn, and share. Much like my classroom, this is a welcoming home for dreamers, creators, and critical thinkers.
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For more information:
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Students
If you're reading this, you're a student in Mr. Larsen's class. No matter the grade, no matter the topic, my classroom will run the same way.
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1) ’En Cha Huná is a Nak'azdli phrase meaning "He lives also." Also, the motto for UNBC, this message of respect serves as a reminder that every person and every life form is equally deserving of love and kindness. Empathy is an expectation. This class is a safe place for people to express themselves and live without fear of persecution, but it is also a place where your ideas will be debated and challenged. A person cannot grow in an echo chamber.
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2) My classroom is my home. I may not sleep there, but chances are pretty good that I spend more waking hours here than in my own house. As such, treat the classroom with respect. If you make a mess (and learning is often messy), clean it up. If you want to borrow a book, return it. If you want to have a meal in here, my door is open.
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3) If you need anything to help you on your learning journey, you are always welcome to ask me. A genuinely curious person cannot ask a stupid question, so I will always answer you. Put up your hand in class. Come visit me between classes or on breaks. Send me an email or tweet from my Contact page. I will reply as soon as possible.
Parents
If you're reading this, your child is probably in my classroom. This website is used as a basis of understanding for what goes on in our time together. In my class, your child will be learning skills beyond the historical literacy that you gained in high school. Social Studies is so much more than memorizing names, dates, and places.
Your child will learn to think critically. By the end of the semester, they should have worked toward looking at the world through a critical lens.
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Your child will begin to develop a sense of social advocacy. Together, we will look at human rights abuses throughout history, from Antiquity to the present day. By building a framework of understanding, your child will hopefully gain a voice against adversity and an ability to look after themselves and their fellow human beings.
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Your child will develop the foundations of citizenship. Together, we will discuss the importance of democracy, and they will learn the value of voting and making their voice heard. The voices of our youth are a force to be reckoned with.
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Your child will learn about themselves. By exploring Social Studies, a child has the opportunity to look deeper into their community, their family, and themselves. History is a tapestry, and students in my class are here to find their thread in the greater picture.
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Educators
Welcome comrades! This Heimat is not just for students and parents: it's for all of us!
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Ideas are meant to be shared. Feel free to go through my Courses and Resources and take what you like. Remember to give credit where credit is due!
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If you have anything you would like to share, please let me know through my Contact page! I would love to see your work, or collaborate with you. This profession is all about sharing ideas, not just with students, but with each other.
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Should I add something to my site? Let me know!