Herding educators together for one-size-fits-all professional development often misses the mark of teachersβ real work, says Emily Vickery. Teachers now have tools to tailor their own professional learning βto maximize our growth.β Helpful resources included!
Current Events / Future of History
by Sarah Cooper Β· Published 05/31/2015 Β· Last modified 12/03/2019
Social studies teacher Sarah Cooper has found it βheartening to talk about the news every dayβ with history students this school year and wonders about activities that might engage next yearβs kids even more deeply in the important questions facing the world.
STEM by Design blogger Anne Jolly knows summer time can be productive learning time. In this letter to parents and caregivers, she shares fun ideas about Maker projects that encourage curiosity, creativity, persistence and teamwork. Resource links included.
Although βYou Can Do Thisβ is targeted to 1st year teachers, experienced educators & new administrators can also benefit from reading about a novice teacherβs experiences through the lens of an accomplished instructional leader, says reviewer Jason Gordon.
Future of History / Student Speaking
by MiddleWeb Β· Published 05/18/2015 Β· Last modified 12/03/2019
Most public school students take a US History course at least three times during their K12 careers. So why donβt they know more about Americaβs story? History educator Lauren S. Brown offers three ideas to help better focus teachers and engage students.
Every day news images flood our print publications, digital spaces and social media apps. Why do some become iconic and unforgettable? Media literacy expert Frank Baker suggests ways that students can explore this question through close reading & research.
Kate Messner was a veteran middle grades teacher when she began to write books for children and often shared work in progress with students as part her teaching process. This article includes advice from her new book for educators who want to be authors.
In todayβs budget-conscious and time-stressed schools, virtual field trips are a great way to excite students without leaving the classroom. Teaching expert Barbara Blackburn shares a sample lesson idea and some good places to hunt for relevant field trips.
Media literacy educator Frank Baker wants βto help todayβs media-saturated students realize the lengths that political consultants will go to get (and keep) our attention.β As the βpoliopticβ presidential race begins, Baker shares insights and lesson ideas.
Future of History / Teaching strategies
by Sarah Cooper Β· Published 04/19/2015 Β· Last modified 01/12/2023
What do middle school students gain and lose in a thematic history curriculum? Sarah Cooper relays her experiences with both theme and chronology approaches, finding strengths in each, as national standards shift from facts and dates to skills and big questions.
