The human brain was wired for organization. It’s the reason the sports page is organized by different sets of statistics and a business presentation features colorful charts. We all have our own way of doing things, or in the case of putting up laundry, of not doing things. Nevertheless, our brain looks for patterns in... Continue Reading →
Public Speaking Practice
You’ve heard it said that public speaking is one of the most feared activities for adults. Very few volunteer to share their work in front of their colleagues, or worse, present to a large audience. I think the equivalent of this for students is more than just sharing in front of their class. I believe... Continue Reading →
Multiple Viewpoints From The Past
Last time we talked about how to change up how you structure your discussions of primary source documents. I want to expand that trajectory in a way that will help your students put the past in perspective. There’s nothing wrong with a linear, evidence based approach to understanding the past. What I’m suggesting doesn’t replace... Continue Reading →
The Power of the Hook
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 →
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 →
Lyceum of History 