Note: If you have not read Historical thinking skills in the classroom, Part 1: Shifting your mindset, do that before reading this article! We've finally made it to the portion of this series where I detail what the skills are and how to teach them in the classroom! As always, this has come a year... Continue Reading →
Teaching about January 6th in a polarized world
It's no secret that us Social Studies teachers have felt like we're walking on eggshells for the last few years: calls to ban books, raging debates around the teaching of Critical Race Theory, and the numerous "divisive concepts" laws that have had the unintended outcome of making us targets. Whether you're in a liberal, conservative,... Continue Reading →
In defense of history, not Columbus
Let me pose a question: What were you taught about Columbus?
Why I Teach
Wednesday was a tough day. Of course, going to school the day after a mass school shooting always is. Compounding that, our school had a student-planned mental health assembly, and the keynote speaker, unbeknownst to us, just happened to be the mother of a Sandy Hook victim. As I sat there listening to her presentation... Continue Reading →
The Importance of Teaching and Applying Historical Thinking Skills
ATTENTION: While still worth the read, this article is outdated. Please read Historical thinking skills in the classroom, Part 1: Shifting your mindset for the most updated ideas on historical thinking skills in the classroom. We've all been there before: after reading a section in your history book and answering the comprehension questions the night... Continue Reading →