How do you know that? That’s the question we ask our students when they’re analyzing primary sources from the past. What if something else, something bigger, was going on here? We can break the sentence down and emphasize the how or the that, but that’s only part of the equation. Living in the western world,... Continue Reading →
A Journey in Teaching Philosophy
When I got my first job teaching ancient history, I was jumping into a cold pond. We all know how chaotic the beginning of the school year is. Add to that a new curriculum and you’ve got yourself a busy schedule. I was strapped in and ready to go. Decision time. I ended up starting... Continue Reading →
Happy New Year!
If you wait for something, it’ll go on sale. This is certainly one lesson I’ve picked up over the years, often the hard way. As teachers, we’re often the last group of people who have time, but if you’re willing to step back and wait not just for a sale, but for a great opportunity... Continue Reading →
Stick Up For Social Studies
Don’t worry about social studies, it’s not a tested subject. What elementary teacher hasn’t heard that? But the sad reality is social studies lack of priority stems largely from the subjects that are tested, aka math and reading. Look, we know math and reading are important. What often goes unthought of is that social studies... Continue Reading →
The Power of Primary Sources
"Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results." ~Machiavelli When most of... Continue Reading →
Feedback with DBQs
Assessing and reflecting on Document-Based Questions (DBQs) is a crucial step in the learning process. After students complete a DBQ, encourage them to take time to reflect on their experience. Start by asking them to identify what they found challenging. Did they struggle with analyzing the documents, understanding the historical context, or constructing their arguments?... Continue Reading →
Connecting DBQs
Connecting DBQs to the curriculum is essential for creating a cohesive and engaging learning experience. By selecting documents that align with your current unit of study, you can enhance the relevance and depth of students' understanding. For example, when teaching about the American Revolution, incorporating primary sources such as letters from soldiers, excerpts from the... Continue Reading →
Teach Students How To Use AI
Last week we looked at getting started with artificial intelligence, or AI. This week I want to show you something that’ll seem shocking. I want to show you how to teach students to use AI. I know it seems counterintuitive to teach students how to use something that many are already using to write papers,... Continue Reading →
Make AI Your Ally
“You just can't differentiate between a robot and the very best of humans.” Isaac Asimov penned these words in I, Robot over seven decades ago. Today, it seems like we’re increasingly moving towards that reality. Whether it’s an ad to write an entire book using AI or students using AI to complete homework for students,... Continue Reading →
Making A Map Come Alive
I can remember being a middle school student sitting in a social studies class looking at whatever map(s) went with the topic of the day. I was always fascinated with them. I know, I was weird. But seriously, exploring the world around me always piqued my interest. Even today, I still enjoy a good map.... Continue Reading →
