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 [...]
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.
We have just finished and produced our first formal debates in 5th grade, 2012. We held our first Loyalists v. Patriots debate on Thursday, April 5th with my homeroom group. It all started out very polite, and the students appeared uncharacteristically shy and reserved. Well, that didn’t last long. As you will see, both [...]