School closures have made learning more challenging. For students without access to technology, this challenge might seem insurmountable. Tan Huynh looks at some ways teachers are reaching language learners who donβt have regular access to tech tools or the internet.
Lauren Brown and Sarah Cooper conclude their 3-part exploration of what it means to teach U.S. History in 2020. With fall elections just ahead, they consider how to balance historical narrative and current events in classes that frequently reflect our divided nation.
Nearly 20 years ago Jennifer Smith began having her fifth grade social studies students track hurricanes as part of their geography unit. Middle grades kids are excited to learn material that impacts their daily lives and spurs a sense of service and empathy for victims.
Whatever grade you teach, you will find lots to use in Berit Gordonβs The Joyful Teacher, says reviewer Linda Biondi. Her expertly chosen resources, complete lessons, ideas for class environment, independent practice, assessment and more will help you and your students thrive.
Boosting Learning / Heart of the School
by Rita Platt · Published 08/04/2020 · Last modified 04/13/2024
For a fresh, fun way to quickly assess student progress, try having them βTap Out!β in person or online. Kids can think about their efforts toward meeting a learning target, and teachers get ongoing formative assessment data, writes NBCT Rita Platt. Lots of tips and tools!
The slow burn of racial injustice has once again erupted in a blaze of protests β illuminating long-standing social, economic, and educational disparities and divisions. Only this time is different, writes Vernita Mayfield. And it demands cultural competency from every educator.
Future of History / History & Current Events
by MiddleWeb · Published 07/22/2020 · Last modified 08/12/2020
How can social studies teachers sufficiently teach about systemic racism and oppression without making this lens the only way students see history and its connections to current events? Sarah Cooper and Lauren Brown continue their chat about teaching U.S. History in 2020.
When co-planning is an efficient use of time and in the service of our colleaguesβ responsibilities, fellow teachers will see co-planning less like a job they have to do and more of a step they want to do. Tan Huynh shares detailed strategies for co-planning success.
Reading teachers work hard to meet the needs of individual students in small groups. Yet many students struggle while reading self-selected books. Meghan Duermit and Sunday Cummins offer ways to build stronger bridges of support from guided instruction to joyful independent reading.
How might you bring the 2020 presidential election into your fall classes? Learn how Emily DeRiso transformed her 4th grade social studies curriculum into a successful election immersion experience in 2016, setting clear boundaries in support of participatory democracy.
