In this installment of the Civic Education Series, we look at the impact of standardized testing on social studies and civics curriculum. How Did We Get Here? (or, “Yay, History!”) The first half of the 20th century saw several major education “reform” efforts. The federal government inserted itself several times with major legislation, including Eisenhower’s […]
Instruction & Curriculum
Posted inClassroom Management, Instruction & Curriculum, Technology
"No," Cico said, "it’s just a game." Bringing Gaming to Education
The spear whistled through the air, but the aim was low. The huge tail swished and contemptuously flipped it aside. Then the black form dropped into the foaming waters. “Missed,” Cico groaned. He retrieved his line slowly… “Are you sorry you missed?” I asked as we slid our feet into the cool water. “No,” Cico […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, New Teacher Bootcamp, Uncategorized
Teacher Evaluations: 5 Steps For Ensuring Your Rights!
The following article is from the “New Teacher Bootcamp” archives from the site. Each article is meant to not only empower new teachers but to let them know they are not alone in their struggles. Join us each week for new articles dealing with everything a new teacher would want to know. Every […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Social Studies
Freedom on the Edge: Civic Education's Role in Preserving Democracy
This article starts a series of columns that will examine the importance of Civic Education for American students and a variety of ideas on how to teach Civics, even outside the Social Studies classroom. The General Election two weeks ago once again reminded Americans both of the thrill of democratic participation, and the frustration […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Uncategorized
Think, Thought, Thunk: Teaching and Encouraging Students to Think Creatively
If I were to ask you “What two days of the week begin with the letter T?,” what would you answer? If you said “Tuesday and Thursday,” then congratulations! You may now give yourself a pat on the back for being correct. But what if another person responded “today and tomorrow,” would that individual be […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Middle School
Shall We Debate? An Approach to Writing!
Four weeks ago, my students took the practice for the new Tennessee State Writing Assessment. We had no way of preparing for this test because we were told that it would change in a major way. A week before the practice test, I received an email with a link to a sample test. Instead of […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Opinion
Reading Strategies – By Kids, For Kids
One of my favorite things to do is read. Before bed each night, I crawl under my big cozy covers, grab whatever current novel I’m reading and disappear for at least thirty minutes into a different world. Usually I lose track of my thirty minutes and I’m shaken back into the real world by my […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Uncategorized
Questions Please! An Approach to Higher Learning
“To every answer, you can find a new questions” –Yiddish Proverb. It starts when children can talk, “Why?” Sometimes it can seem endless, “What would happen…?” But it is one of the most important tools we can use in a classroom. Teachers ask questions to engage, motivate, teach, lead, expand, understand and challenge. For such […]