Washing Machines? Is it really that simple???

Lately, there has been a chatter online about Whirlpool's program of giving washer and dryers to schools in an effort to boost student attendance.

And, it seems to have worked!

Here is link to a video about the program: Whirlpool Care Counts.

As a teacher for nearly 20 years, this is common sense. Students are very conscience about their appearance.  They want to be accepted by their peers.  So, why won't they care about wearing smelly clothes to school?

As a student teacher working at an alternative middle school in Spokane, Washington, I saw this first hand.  I overheard some of the eighth grade students making disparaging comments about another students because he smelled.

So, being perplexed about how to handle this situation, I took it up to my master teacher.  He's answer was simple, but was not easy...just talk to him about the smelly issue.  Boy! Speaking to a teenager about his body order? I did not look forward to this task...But, being an obedient and trusting student teacher, I did just that.

The problem was this student and his mother were kicked out of their apartment and living in a car. They had no washing machine, let alone money to wash clothes.  My solution was to have the student with his parent arrive at school on a Saturday.  I opened the school laundry facility (used by the gym for washing towels), and all was better.  Better yet, since I was there with the student, I used some of this time to give him some extra help on his school work!

Washing clothes can WORK for students!

Please spread the word.  See if your school can do this!!!

Also, looking for lessons or activities to spice up your classroom check out Social Studies Super Store!

Top 5 Teacher Inspiring Must See Movies

For many teachers school is about to start and summer is coming to an end.  So, to help motivate my fellow educators I've created a TOP FIVE must watch movies to help motivate you for the coming school year.  Some of these movies are oldies but goodies, and some movies you may not have ever seen or associated with teaching...

#1 McFarland, USA - What teacher would not love this heart warming movie?   This movie is based upon actual events of teacher Jim White, played by Kevin Costner, who restarted a cross county team at McFarland High School.  White's passion for the running and teaching is demonstrated as he works across racial lines to inspire his latino runners to become not only better athletes, but better people.  

#2 The Dead Poet Society -  Robin Williams played an English teacher in a fictional 1959 conservative boarding school.  Williams' character, John Keating, is eventually removed from his teaching position, but not before leaving his mark on his students.  A truly inspiring movie remind us why we teach!

#3 Mr. Holland's Opus - This 1995 teacher flick centers upon the story of Glenn Holland, a high school music teacher who aspires to compose one great piece of music. But the plot twist turns out when Mr. Holland's great piece is not a single piece of music...At the same time, this movie is story of devotion of love of family, teaching, and music. Like number two, this movie will help us forget the long hours we devote to our students.

#4 The Reading Room - This is a teacher movie that not many teachers have seen, but really should!  James Earl Jones plays as widower who opens a reading room in a poorer section of town.  But despite his goodwill, problems in the neighborhood threatens the safe place for young people to learn.  Jones' character address the problems head-on. I will leave so as not to give any spoilers.

#5 The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: Alright, this is not your typical teacher movie, but hear me out.  Ben Stiller plays the outsider and odd Walter Mitty who is being picked upon by his supervisors.  So, think of the student who struggles socially, but has a good heart.  I think of these students when I watch Walter Mitty. and how teaching is so much more than academics as my students struggle to find themselves.  Also, the movie demonstrates perseverance in the face of difficult situations...similarly to what teaching is about.

Also, if you are needing quick sub activities, movie guides, or something to spice up your classroom teaching please check out Social Studies Super Store for quick solutions.

AWESOME CUBAN RESOURCES

Lately there has been an increase in news stories about Cuba.  And why not?  Big, historical changes have occurred.  So, you might have students with some questions about what is going on, or how did we get there.

Here are some SUPER internet resources I want to share with you about Cuba.

• This is a short video created by a college student named Breanna Hagerman.  First off, Breanna has created a wonderful and insightful video about racial issues in Cuba.  I think most Americans would be suprised by what Breanna says in her video.  Also, the video is short, so it can be added any time in your class.  In the beginning, as a ticket out, where ever! The URL is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGMPIDkUnZQ.

• Want to show your students the "real" Cuba and the "new" Cuba - then I have a resources for you!  Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown in Cuba.  The video is on Netflix now.  It is great for the high school crowd as it includes the more hip parts of Cuba, as he interviews a Cuban hiphop artist.  And there is so much more.  Also, to help your students get the most out of this video here is an EXCELLENT video guide.  Check it out at Social Studies SuperStore.

• Lastly, this is a very interesting interactivity from the Kennedy Presidential Library.  It's an online simulation of the Cuban Missile Crisis.  It tells the story day by day with primary source. With your time to review.  The URL is http://microsites.jfklibrary.org/cmc/oct16/.

Finally looking for any social studies activities or lessons, please visit the Store/Social-Studies-Super-Store for all your needs.