Ms. DiMaggio's 4th graders explore the essential but complex concepts of revolution, reaction, and reform. They begin with what she calls a "Quick Write", in which students independently write about anything they know about the three given words. Students then discuss what they've written in small groups.

Next, students rotate around the room in teams to analyze photos of historical events responding in writing with "I see. . . I think. . . I wonder. . .". Ms. DiMaggio was careful in selecting a wide variety of photos to post given the complexity of these concepts and to address possible misconceptions or limits to understanding. For example, some students initially focused on the word "revolution" being related to war or the 1800s. When they analyzed a photo of technology, they quickly realized a broader definition of "revolution."