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 [...]
Last year’s Little Longhorn Walk4Water was such a success that a non-profit organization, Students of the World, joined our Little Longhorns and made a Public Service Announcement that will be featured on a world-wide scale. So exciting! Go Lil’ Longhorns, H2O for Life, P&G, and service learning! Check it out! http://vimeo.com/47625824
Let’s just say that being recognized by the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) as the 2012 Elementary Teacher of the Year is one of the most exciting things that has happened in my professional career. I am so thankful. This recognition would never have been possible if it weren’t for the opportunities I’ve had [...]
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.
Last week our UTES Little Longhorn 4th and 5th graders were the first elementary school students to see the documentary movie on energy, Switch, by Dr. Scott Tinker. http://www.switchenergyproject.com/screenings.html. This was a terrific culmination of 5th grade science and social studies units on energy and natural resources, and economics driven by supply and demand. Not only [...]
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