'Outlines' of History: Measured Spaces and Kinesthetics

What would happen if social studies student used spaces marked out on the floor and physical movement to learn social studies? Would such a lesson conform with the Vision of Powerful Teaching and Learning in the Social Studies? Students get out of their chairs and away from their desks to perform events within a defined space elsewhere in the room or outside. An outline refers to a carefully measured space that matchers or maps the dimensions of a thing or place from the past, such as a ship or a land claim. Kinesthetics are movements that involve the "big muscles" of the body. The use of outlines and kinesthetics can allow students engaged in concept development--to play with time and space, and to learn about human events. In these lessons, fourth grade students help to create an outline and then use kinesthetics to acquire knowledge, skills, and values. (Contains 19 notes.)