Lesson Plan #: CC-0081

Lesson 2: Growing Up in the 1950s Can Be Compared and Contrasted to Growing Up Today.


Objectives: The student will be able to:

1. describe the lifestyles of the American people in the 1950s with regard to family life, scientific and technological progress, and fads in music and recreation.

2. compare the lifestyles of a child growing up in the 1950s to today's child.


Description of lesson/activity:

1. Students should read about lifestyles of the 1950s in such resources as "Amazing Century: 1945-1960".

2. Students could also explore books and old magazines to become acquainted with the lifestyle of the 1950s. Particular attention should be given to the types of advertisements shown in the magazine. Excellent resources would be "National Geographic", "Life", and "Women's Day" magazines. Teachers might check local libraries for copies of old magazines.

3. Students should watch a movie or television re-run from the 1950s-60s era. Some excellent choices would be "Father Know Best", "Leave It to Beaver", or "The Donna Reed Show" Discuss family structure, emphasizing the idea of a nuclear family living in the suburbs. Students should keep a list of ideas about the show which look or seem different from today.

4. Students should interview a friend or relative who grew up in the 1950s. Students should complete the accompanying worksheet entitled "Interview: The 1950s."

5. Students should present interviews to the class. This is a good time to also enjoy some music from the 1950s. A possible activity would allow students to host a "sock hop" for parents or peers.


Resource for Lesson 2:

Amazing Century: 1945-1960. (Chicago: Contemporary Books, 1992).