Lesson Plan: Preserving Retail History: The Last Sears Walking Tour
Lesson Plan: Preserving Retail History: The Last Sears Walking Tour
Grade Level: 9-12
Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will gain a deeper understanding of the history and significance of Sears as a retail giant through a guided walking tour of the last remaining Sears store. Students will learn about the impact of Sears on American consumerism, the rise of e-commerce, and the importance of preserving historical landmarks while developing their critical thinking and research skills.
Common Core Standards:
- 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.WHST.11-12.1: Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.C: Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that probe reasoning and evidence.
Materials:
- Access to the internet or library resources
- Paper and pencils
Procedure:
1. Introduction (5 minutes):
- Begin the lesson by discussing the historical significance of Sears as a retail giant and its impact on American consumerism.
- Show images or videos of the last remaining Sears store to capture students' interest and curiosity.
2. Research and Discussion (15 minutes):
- Instruct students to research and find information about the history of Sears, its rise to prominence, and its decline in recent years.
- Encourage students to explore topics such as the Sears catalog, the company's innovative marketing strategies, and the challenges it faced in the era of e-commerce.
- Allow students to discuss their findings in small groups or pairs.
3. Walking Tour Preparation (15 minutes):
- Explain the logistics of the walking tour, including the route, safety precautions, and the importance of respecting the historical value of the remaining Sears store.
- Provide students with a guidebook or handout that includes historical information and discussion questions for each point of interest along the tour.
4. Guided Walking Tour (60 minutes):
- Conduct the guided walking tour of the last remaining Sears store, pointing out significant features and discussing the impact of the company's history.
- At each designated stop, encourage students to discuss the information provided in the guidebook, ask questions, and share their observations.
- Prompt students to think critically about the future of brick-and-mortar retail and the importance of preserving historical landmarks.
5. Reflective Writing and Discussion (10 minutes):
- After completing the walking tour, have students individually write a short reflection on their experience.
- Prompt students to reflect on what they've learned about Sears, the significance of the remaining store, and the impact of e-commerce on traditional retail.
- Allow students to share their reflections with the class and engage in a group discussion on the importance of preserving historical landmarks and adapting to changing consumer trends.
Common Core Labels Correlations:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.3
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.1
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.C
I wanted to document my local Sears before it's gone forever. One day people will wonder what is was like to shop at Sears and hopefully this video can help to fulfill that curiousity.
