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Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The History Edition

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Kathryn deBros November 17, 2014

Learning doesn’t have to be limited to the classroom. Supplement your child’s knowledge with these activities. She’ll go head over heels for history.

In this course, participants learn core principles, concepts, and methods of continuous improvement and explore the history of continuous improvement efforts. In a series of lectures, Master Black Belt in Six Sigma Shane Wentz, Ph.D., enables learners to enhance, optimize, and stabilize business processes and to augment quality control through varied methodologies. Participants gain the skills and knowledge to reimagine internal processes, engage in advanced problem-solving, and empower employees. The course covers high-level foundational principles of Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC processes before diving deep into Lean Six Sigma methods. Learners will analyze the tools of process mapping, Kaizen (a continuous improvement method/tool deemed a prerequisite for Lean transformation success), Lean (a continuous improvement philosophy that emphasizes streamlined workflows and reducing waste), and the process improvement methodology driving DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Entrepreneurs fostering new ventures outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley face significant challenges. These markets are unlike Silicon Valley, and they will likely remain so. That doesn't mean they can't nurture and sustain new businesses. In transitioning markets that lack abundant private sector financing, creative approaches from government officials, donors, and business leaders can fill the void to support entrepreneurial activity. Northeast Ohio (where Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University are located) has become a laboratory for such innovative solutions. During our time together in this course, we will explore some of these creative approaches to promoting regional entrepreneurship. Northeast Ohio has seen a massive infusion of government and donor resources for over ten years. In that time, Northeast Ohio has promoted regional development (including job creation and follow-on funding) through alternative methods of financing startups. It has not been easy. The region has made progress, but it remains to be seen whether it has struck upon an enduring formula. A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem takes many years, even decades, to develop. Government policymakers and donors typically seek quicker returns on their support programs, which makes long-term support for entrepreneurship challenging. This course includes case studies and first-person testimonials from entrepreneurs who have launched products and services ranging from medical devices to LED lights to whiskey. You will learn how these entrepreneurs discovered and procured resources from various programs and intermediary organizations. You will hear from business people still in the process of developing their companies as well as those whose ventures have flourished. Our focus will extend beyond Cleveland to selected markets around the world, including Greece, Vietnam, Tunisia, Argentina, Rwanda and China. You will learn about international incentives and other supports available to developing startups and small businesses across the globe. This course examines how different communities around the world approach implementing strategies and methods to support businesses. I will ask you to reflect on how to apply the principles we learn to growing entrepreneurship where you live. The social interactive features of the online platform will enable students from around the world to share ideas and learn from one another. Most MOOCs rebroadcast professors’ lectures; this course is different. Don’t expect to see me standing in front of the camera, talking and lecturing every module. Instead, the lectures will be relatively short in length. They have more of the feel of an engaging documentary than a static classroom setting. ## __What type of person takes the *Beyond Silicon Valley* course?__ - Active and aspiring businesspeople in communities looking to initiate new startup ecosystems or bolster existing ones - Current and prospective entrepreneurs who want to learn about funding sources, risk management, and the lifecycle of startups - Professionals who work in government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic institutions, and various private funds that fund startups - Anyone curious about how to create and grow startup ecosystems outside the major tech hubs - The principles Beyond Silicon Valley teaches have been drawn from and applied to startups worldwide, from small villages to megalopolises. You'll study success stories spanning the globe from Vietnam to Kosovo to Botswana. ## __What will you learn in *Beyond Silicon Valley*?__ - How and where startups can find funding to get their businesses off the ground - What role government can play in encouraging startups and a healthy startup ecosystem - How anchor institutions such as universities and healthcare systems participate in startup ecosystems - How nongovernmental organizations support startups - How to raise funds from venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators - How to navigate challenging periods in the startup lifecycle - The importance of mentoring in successful startups

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The kids who are successful in school are those who remain curious even after the last bell rings, who notice the world around them, and who make connections among subjects and ideas. There are millions of ways to keep minds of all ages active and engaged outside the classroom.

The following article is part of a Noodle series about how to integrate learning into everyday life in order to instill a love of knowledge in your kids.

The History Edition

Some of the world’s best stories are based in truth, and what is history if not lived stories? Teach kids about people, culture, and how we got here by engaging in these thought-provoking, everyday history activities.

# Keep a calendar.

For young children, tracking the day on a calendar is a great way to discuss the passage of time. Practice naming the day, month, and year. Use each month as an opportunity to talk about history. For instance, February is a chance to discuss Black History Month, and December is a good time to talk about the origins of different holidays.

You can also keep short calendar entries about events that happened in your child’s life. By turning back to these from time to time, you teach that history is comprised of real events that happened to real people.

# Learn about the history of everyday objects.

“At Home," by Bill Bryson, is an engaging and informative history of common objects in your house. It answers questions like, “Why does a fork always have four tines?" and “Why is a cupboard called a cupboard?"

Mental Floss is another great resource for odd, historical tidbits from lists of words that started off as mistakes, to facial reconstructions of historical figures. For elementary children and tweens, you can share facts you gleaned. Teens may find it fun to read the same article (or book) and discuss it later.

# Talk about movies and books.

How might the story of Cinderella change if it was set in modern society? Who would Robin Hood help if he lived in the 21st century? This is a fun conversation for kids of every age to compare the values and priorities of different time periods, as well as the progression of technology.

# Get your dose of daily history.

Check out the New York Times’ On This Day, which shares past headlines from each day in history. Seeing the actual headlines can really bring history to life for older kids and teens, since they see how much has changed and what was important in other eras.

# Bring it home.

Find out unusual facts about your region. Real life can be far more ridiculous than fiction. Books like “Weird New England" tell stories about amazing, local people and include beautiful pictures. Take a walk around your hometown and find historical landmarks, monuments, cemeteries, or anything else quirky and fascinating.

# Look up your heritage.

Kids are fascinated by where they came from. Go on an Internet search with your child to explore your origins. Try to find pictures and maps of your ancestors’ hometowns. You can even use Google Images to search for your family crest, if you have one, and draw it onto a banner or a shield together. As you color, tell your child stories about your family.

Explore websites like Ancestry.com. For a monthly subscription fee, you have access to dozens of resources — like birth certificates, passenger lists, and researchers — to help discover your family’s past. You can also buy a DNA test to learn more about your unique ethnic origin.

The Internet doesn’t have to be your only time machine. Invite relatives over to tell your children their individual stories. They can bring old pictures and items to make it a hands-on experience.

# Look to the stars.

The skies inspired countless stories in different cultures. Discover astronomy together, and use the constellations to learn about Greek mythology and history.

Want more ideas on how to cultivate a love of learning in your child? Check out other parts of this series:

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Civics Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Geography Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Language Arts Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Math Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Music Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Nutrition Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Science Edition

Sneak Learning into Everyday Life: The Visual Art Edition