Picture this – 40 thoughtful 5th graders read an excerpt of, observe artwork, and listen to commentaries on Arizona’s Anti-Immigration Senate Bill 1070 and compare the results of this piece of legislation to issues in immigration and civil rights throughout US History. Imagine, now, their shock when these 10 and 11-year-olds realize that civil rights [...]
This year’s debate between 5th grade Loyalists and Patriots was phenomenal. Not only did the kids demonstrate a deep understanding of concepts, but they added their own understanding of relationships to their reenactments. I am proud to say that our Little Longhorns brought their Peace Keeper strategies to the table, literally. I will let their [...]
Just a quick note of thanks to NCSS 2012 for a wonderful learning experience here in Seattle. Being chosen as the Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year has been one of the most rewarding and inspiring experiences in my 23 years as an educator. Thank you to all of the teachers and educators who [...]
On the 11th anniversary of September 11th, our UTES 5th graders learned about themselves and the world while becoming thoughtful citizens with a heart for service learning and social justice. When 10-year-olds discuss history, they need to be able to put it in context with their lives. Since most of them were born just before [...]
Happy 2012 School Year! What a great time to teach social studies. With the upcoming presidential election and all of the events surrounding it and Constitution Day right around the corner, opportunities for integrated social studies and language arts are everywhere. In our first 2 weeks at UT Elementary, each and every classroom has established [...]
What are your thoughts? Is the value of historical simulations worth the extra effort it takes to plan, inform, prepare, adapt, and navigate the needs of students, parents, and school?
When and how do you use simulations, and how do you ensure that they are done with the care and sensitivity that they require?
It’s summertime and, as all teachers know, it’s PD time as well. I am excited and honored to get to return to Tyler ISD and share more ways that social studies can be integrated into language arts. I am updating my presentation to include the cool technology and performance strategies we piloted this year at UTES. As always, the kids are the stars and I’m the director of their learning.
Please visit our kidblogs! http://kidblog.org/LittleLonghorn5thGrade2012/meledbetter/dear-fifth-graders/ I’ve written a letter to our students and their blogs about school are a hoot! Have a great summer, ml