At Slaton Jr. High, we're all about helping students make meaningful connections across their subjects, and our 8th-grade Tigers are showing just how powerful that can be! Recently, in their social studies class, students took a hands-on approach to learning by acting out a historical dilemma. This activity wasn’t just about memorizing facts or timelines—it was a chance to bring history to life and make it personal.

What made this experience even richer is that the students had recently explored drama and stage directions in their reading class. With a foundation in dramatic techniques, they were ready to dive into character roles and settings, using what they’d learned in reading to fully embrace the stories of the past. From understanding historical perspectives to interpreting characters’ emotions, they put their skills to the test—and had a great time doing it!

This crossover between social studies and reading is a fantastic example of how cooperative learning boosts understanding. When students are happy and engaged, they absorb more, make stronger connections, and retain knowledge longer. By blending history with elements of drama, we’re empowering our students to see how knowledge applies across subjects, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and empathy for others.

Hats off to our 8th-grade Tigers for their hard work and enthusiasm! This cross-curricular experience is a true celebration of learning, and we’re so proud to see them bring history—and their own skills—to life.