Social Studies Toolbox

Building a strong classroom community sets the foundation for a successful academic year.  I'd love to share a few of my favorite low-pressure first-day activities! 1. Collaborative Hexagonal Identity Map: Kickstart the community-building process with the Collaborative Hexagonal Identity Map activity. Provide each student with a hexagonal template.  Instruct students to write down various aspects of their identity, such as interests, strengths, and personal goals, on each section of their hexagon. Then, encourage students to connect their hexagons with those of their classmates, finding commonalities and shared experiences. This collaborative activity promotes self-reflection, empathy, and understanding within the classroom community. 2. Team Building Puzzle Challenge: Ignite teamwork and problem-solving skills with a Team Building Puzzle Challenge. Divide students into small groups and distribute puzzles or brainteasers that can be completed within the given time frame. Encou...

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, it's important to keep up with the latest trends and best practices in social studies education. In this blog post, I'll highlight some of the current trends in social studies education and provide several project suggestions that align with these trends. 1. Inquiry-Based Learning: Promoting Active Exploration Inquiry-based learning continues to be a leading trend in social studies education. This student-centered approach encourages students to ask questions, investigate primary sources, and develop critical thinking skills. By engaging in hands-on research projects and examining multiple perspectives, students develop a deeper understanding of historical events and their relevance to the present. Project suggestions: - Investigate a local historical event or figure and create a comprehensive research report, including primary sources and interviews with local experts. - Develop a museum-style exhibit or timeline that explores the ca...

Anderson Dock, Ephraim, Wisconsin As social studies educators, we strive to make history and geography come alive for our students. One powerful way to achieve this is by incorporating local history into our U.S. History or Geography courses. By connecting the past to the present and bringing the curriculum closer to home, we can engage our students and foster a sense of pride and belonging in their communities. In this blog post, I will share five strategies to help you infuse local history into your curriculum, even if you have limited time and resources. 1. Uncover Hidden Stories: Every community has its untold stories waiting to be discovered. Encourage your students to become local historians by assigning research projects that focus on uncovering lesser-known aspects of their town or region's history.  Inquiry-based learning in local history projects allows students to uncover lesser-known aspects of their community's heritage. By formulating thought-provoking questions,...