Historical Halloween Facts to Incorporate in the Elementary Classroom
Reading Time: 5 minutes Halloween is a time of costumes, candy, and spooky decorations, but its origins and history are rich with fascinating facts that can enhance students’ understanding of this beloved holiday. As educators, incorporating historical Halloween facts into lessons not only makes learning fun but also helps students develop a deeper appreciation for […]
The Anxious Generation: How Phones and Social Media Are Impacting Our Youth
Reading Time: 4 minutes I’ve been a proponent of using digital technology in schools for decades. For me, this included allowing students to use cell phones, especially in districts where students did not have 1:1 computer options. Technology can be a way to engage students and extend their access to the world of ideas so […]
Memes and More: Leveraging Social Media in the Social Studies Classroom
Reading Time: 4 minutes Social media: it’s frequently the object of students’ focus and the bane of our existence as teachers. How our students interact with texts is very different from how most of their teachers grew up interacting with texts, and it can be hard to see things like social media as beneficial. However, […]
Unearthing the Past: How Recent Archaeological Findings Are Bridging the Gap in Classrooms Today
Reading Time: 3 minutes Archaeology has always been a fascinating field, offering glimpses into the lives of our ancestors and the evolution of human civilization. Recent archaeological discoveries are not only rewriting history books, but also transforming the way educators teach about historical concepts in classrooms. These findings are making history more tangible and relatable, […]
Teaching Elections in Today’s Challenging Environment: The Storypath Approach
Reading Time: 4 minutes In today’s polarized political environment, teaching about elections can be a delicate challenge. Educators often face concerns from parents or administrators with strong political opinions, fearing backlash if the lessons are perceived as biased. Yet, civic education, especially about elections, is crucial for developing informed citizens. The key to navigating these […]
Empowerment Through Advocacy: A Brief History of the Disability Rights Movement
Reading Time: 4 minutes Throughout history, individuals with disabilities have faced societal barriers, discrimination, and marginalization. However, their resilience, determination, and advocacy efforts have led to significant advancements in securing equity in education and a multitude of job opportunities. The disability rights movement, born out of a collective desire for social justice and inclusion, has […]
Empowering Future Voters: Essential Resources for Teaching About Voting and Civic Responsibilities
Reading Time: 3 minutes In today’s rapidly evolving world, educating young minds about the importance of voting and their general responsibilities as citizens is more crucial than ever. As educators, parents, and mentors, we have the unique opportunity to shape informed, engaged, and responsible students. This blog aims to explore tools to use to cover […]
Every Minute Counts: Maximizing Instructional Time for Elementary Social Studies
Reading Time: 4 minutes I want to imagine that you are an elementary school teacher, and you just found a magic lamp with a genie. The genie says, “I can grant you one wish.” What would you wish for? Many educators across this nation would wish for more time. It often feels like there are […]
Power Basics: Empowering Diverse Learners in Social Studies
Reading Time: 3 minutes Teaching complex social studies topics like U.S. History, World History, Government, and World Geography can be a challenge, especially when addressing the needs of diverse learners. Power Basics offers a streamlined approach that makes these subjects accessible and engaging for all students, particularly those reading below grade level. This blog explores […]
Place-Based Learning in Action: A Geography Game for the Classroom
Reading Time: 4 minutes Social studies classrooms are the perfect place to incorporate hands-on and game-based learning to emphasize key place-based learning themes. Think about how the Oregon Trail game or Where in the World is Carmen San Diego? revolutionized how students were able to interact with and see the world! When students draw on […]