I've been so incredibly fortunate during the past few weeks to attend great professional development workshops and network with some fabulous Social Studies teachers! Don't you love when you get to learn with and from "your people"?! One of my (many) goals for this school year has been to increase my focus on vocabulary, especially in my Government classes. It was so great to hear other teachers ... Read More about Government Vocabulary Day!
How I’m Covering Election Results In My Classroom
Well, friends, it's over! No more mudslinging campaign commercials! Hallelujah! Last month, Alexandra Pannoni from US News and World Report tweeted asking high school teachers to share how they would cover the results of the presidential election. I immediately responded with my initial idea and thought I would share the rest of my post-election plan, as well as what I shared with my students ... Read More about How I’m Covering Election Results In My Classroom
2016 Election Day Activity
It's almost over, friends! The crazy, mudslinging, snarky campaign season that has seemingly gone on FOREVER is nearly at an end! Hooray! On this Election Day Eve, I'm sharing my Election Day activity! It's safe to say that this campaign season has not been "normal," so to speak. While candidates seem to take digs at each other and have created negative campaign ads in previous elections, the ... Read More about 2016 Election Day Activity
Creating a Government – Gamified Project
One of the first topics we discuss in my American Government classes is "what is government and why do we need it?" Answers range from "government protects us" to "government takes away our freedoms!" to "government is stupid!" In order to have a better understanding of the role of government and the responsibilities that rest upon its shoulders, I assign one of my favorite activities: Create Your ... Read More about Creating a Government – Gamified Project
Teaching with a Structured Academic Controversy
One of the many perks of teaching Social Studies classes during an election year is the amazing opportunity we have to connect current events to the content we are teaching. It's fabulous! This year, however, it's no secret that the presidential campaigns, specifically the mudslinging, name-calling, and less than PG rated debates are not characteristic of modern presidential races. Sure, Andrew ... Read More about Teaching with a Structured Academic Controversy