Lesson Plan: A Glimpse into West Point: Exploring the First Day Experience of New Army Cadets
Lesson Plan: A Glimpse into West Point: Exploring the First Day Experience of New Army Cadets
Grade Level: 9-12
Subject: Social Studies, History, Leadership
Duration: 90 minutes
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rigorous training and preparation required of new Army cadets at West Point
- Explore the history and significance of West Point as a prestigious military academy
- Analyze the challenges and expectations faced by new cadets on their first day
- Reflect on the importance of discipline, leadership, and teamwork in the military context
Common Core Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.3: Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1.C: Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger ideas; actively incorporate others into the discussion; and clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.2: Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2.B: Develop the topic with well-chosen, relevant, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience's knowledge of the topic.
Materials:
- Article: "Inside West Point: The First Day Experience of New Army Cadets" (print or digital copies)
- Computers or tablets with internet access (optional)
- Writing materials: paper, pens, or pencils
Procedure:
1. Warm-up (5 minutes):
- Display the title: "What New Army Cadets Go Through on Their First Day at West Point."
- Ask students if they have heard of or are familiar with West Point and its role as a military academy.
- Facilitate a brief discussion about the expectations and challenges that might accompany the first day at such a prestigious institution.
2. Introduction (10 minutes):
- Distribute the article "Inside West Point: The First Day Experience of New Army Cadets."
- Instruct students to read the article individually and highlight or underline important details about the first-day experience.
3. Group Discussion (15 minutes):
- Divide students into small groups and provide them with discussion questions:
a. What did you find most surprising or interesting about the first-day experience at West Point?
b. How do you think this intense training and preparation contribute to the development of future military leaders?
c. What challenges do you think new cadets face on their first day, and how might they overcome them?
d. What qualities or skills do you think are essential for success at West Point?
4. Research Activity (20 minutes):
- Ask students to conduct additional research about the history and significance of West Point as a military academy.
- Provide a list of reliable online resources or books for students to use.
- Instruct students to take notes on key points and prepare to share their findings with the class.
5. Class Sharing (20 minutes):
- Allow students to share their research findings and insights about West Point's history and significance.
- Facilitate a class discussion on the importance of institutions like West Point in training future military leaders.
6. Reflective Writing (15 minutes):
- Have students individually reflect on the following prompts:
a. What qualities do you think are necessary to succeed at West Point or in the military?
b. How might the first-day experience at West Point impact a cadet's mindset and attitude towards their training?
c. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from the experience?
7. Whole-class Discussion (10 minutes):
- Engage students in a whole-class discussion by sharing and discussing their reflections.
- Encourage students to actively listen, respond, and ask follow-up questions to promote a meaningful dialogue.
Assessment:
- Participation in group discussions and whole-class discussions
- Completion and thoughtfulness of reflection prompts
- Accuracy and relevance of research findings
We got an inside look at what it's like on the first day for new cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Over 1,200 cadet candidates arrived on campus on a sweltering July morning for "Reception Day." After an emotional farewell with their families, the new cadets took the first steps of a rigorous six-weeks-long basic training regimen. MORE MILITARY CONTENT:Tracking Drug Smugglers And Unauthorized Migrants With The Coast Guard In Miamihttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8Jp3xhUfWwWhat It Takes To Survive Coast Guard Boot Camphttps://www.youtube.com/watch?....v=jBtJet6kmZ0Busines Insider tells you all you need to know about business, finance, tech, science, retail, and more.Subscribe to our channel and visit us at: http://www.businessinsider.com/BI on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/businessinsider/BI on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessinsider/BI on Twitter: https://twitter.com/businessinsiderWhat New Army Cadets Go Through On Their First Day At West Point | Boot Camp | Business Insider
