Geography: The FAST FOUR reasons why it is important

As a social studies teacher for almost twenty years, many times during open house I had to justify to parents the importance of social studies in our schools.  But when I was asked about the subject of geography here are my FAST FOUR reasons why kids should be learn geography.


1) Geography is key to all other subjects! Econ, government, and history are all rooted in geography.   A nation's economy is based upon the nature resources, which are directly related to geography.  Governments, there successes and failures are based upon geography.  Also, representation in many democratic nations are directly tied to geography.  Finally, history - wins and losses based upon geography.

2) Geography is most relevant!  It's the most likely social science my students will deal with after high school.  Let's face it. As a government teacher, I want all my students to be well informed and participate in our government.  But, statically speaking, they will not vote, let alone write their congressional leader.  Sadly, the same might be said for their historical skills.  But, how likely will they be to use a map?  No matter if that map is printed on paper or on a GPS.  How many of our students will deliver pizza, or need to read a bus route map?  I think most of our students will.

3) Geography helps me understand the world!  Geography is so much more than memorization of capitals and the place of a nation on a map.  It's the understanding of cultures, religions, and languages.  Geography will give my students the basic tools to unlocking the world outside their culture.  It allows the to understanding how people across this huge globe survive.

4) It's the BEST tasting  subject!  Okay, I love history and I love government.  But, how often do I get eat totally different foods when teaching government or history.  Yes, sometimes in history.  But, in geography the opportunities for new foods abound.   What better way to a student's heart (and mind) than through their stomach...

Also, if you are looking for some great geography lessons, check them out here: Social Studies Super Store

I can save you time!

As a  classroom teacher, I know there are some activities or lesson you wished you had time to revamp or redesign.  But to do this will take time away from your family, or staying up late in the evenings. It's not that you are not dedicated or care; it's just there is only so many hours in a day... I know this first hand.

But, that's what I am here for.  The Social Studies Super Store will save you time.  So, you can have the valuable family time, or time to put your feet up as you watch your favorite Netflix show, or just go to bed a decent time!

So, let me hear it.  What are some of those social studies lesson you've always wanted to spice up, or redo but haven't started.  Tell me, and I will revise it for you.  And if I pick your lesson or activity, I will give it to you for FREE!

Please leave your suggests in the comment box.

Cartoons in the high school classroom? Really? YES!

Wait, just not any cartoon.  Rather, these are specific, educational cartoons.  One series comes to mind for US history teachers; Liberty's Kids.

These cartoons, originally aired on PBS and they follow three teenagers named Sara, James, and Henri as they muddle through the major historical events of the American Revolution.  These teens seem to bump into all the American history heavy hitters.  But, the creators of this cartoon easily weave the characters lives into real situations. 

But, what is even better is the content this cartoon series delivers.  For example in episode 23 James is captured by Hessian soldiers as he stumbles into the enemy hands.  But, the story easily dives deep into content as James discovers the not all Hessians are the same. As some of the "Hessians"are really  from Brunswick, and many were pressed into serve. If they refused, they would have been shot.  Meanwhile the same episode easily explores the frustration of General Benedict Arnold as he and General Gates clash.  Heavy and historically very deep for each cartoon is only 22 minutes in length!

Another example was episode 16, that explores the capture and the execution of Nathan Hale.  Yes, the same Nathan Hale who stated, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."  Again, the cartoons gets many of the historical details correct. Also the depth of information is amazing, while taking on the historical subjects tastefully.

So, I urge my American history colleagues to give this series an opportunity in your high school classes.  Added bonus: you can view these cartoons free online. 

Finally, to help keep students on track I have some awesome video guides.  All video guides include fill-in and short answer questions, key, teacher resources, and extension activities.  Each video guide is reasonably priced at $2.00 each.  The price drops if you purchase bundle packs.

Check them out at Video Guide #23  and Bundle pack 1 - 10,

CHRISTMAS CLASSROOM BLUES? THIS MIGHT HELP....

As a long time classroom teacher, I know this time of the year is very difficult.  Student are crazed with the snow falling (for those of us in the north), and their minds have already shifted into winter break mode...

So, here is an engaging activity that is fitting for the time of the year: The 1914 Christmas Day truce.

 Just think; in the middle of heated a war, two enemies emerged from their trenches to exchange Christmas wishes, treats, and play soccer.  That's what happened on Christmas Day, 1914. 

An incredibly story that grabs students attentions and opens the way for timely discussion about current conflicts in the world.

This timely assignment always grabs the students' attention - the 1914 Christmas Truce from World War One.

This includes a short reading assignment, text dependent questions, and extended internet activities.

You can purchase this lesson right now from my TpT store by clicking on the following link: 1914 Christmas Truce.

differentiation instruction - as easy as 1-2-3!

So, I've received an email from a teacher that use my movie guides and they asked me to create some easy differentiation lessons for some of her students that struggle with multi-tasking or might struggle with keeping up with other students while using the movie guides.

I thought, "Hey, that's a great idea!"  But, then I thought there was nothing to create.  After all they already have everything with my movie guides.

So, every movie guide I create include the times when the questions or concept occurs in the movie/video.  But, this information is only located on the KEY.  This being the case, here is the first easy solution for differentiation for those students who struggle.

#1 - Simply write in the time next to the question appears in the video. 

From the Liberty's Kids Episode 16 Video Guide

#2  Easy solution- Write in the first letter of each answer in the blank of the statement.

From the Liberty's Kids Episode 18 Video Guide.

Here you can see how I include each letter for the each part of the answer.  For number three, the answer is General Washington.  So, I have written the letter G and W.

#3 Easy solution - If you look closely, you can see there are a few short answer questions on these video guides.  Short answer questions are important to keep the students engaged with the video. It moves them into thinking mode, from the "search and destroy" mode for answers.  When I have these, I make sure I stop the video so all the students will understand those important concepts.  But for those students who struggle to keep up, why not just hold a "one-on-one" with them.  A "one-on-one" is when you check for understanding and debrief the video with them.  Then, at this time, this is an excellent time review those short answer questions with them.

• Please check out some of the movies guides at my store: Libertys Kids Video Guide-The Battle of Bunker Hill
•  All Quiet On The Western Front 
•  Thirteen Days - Movie Guide 

Thank you for your interest in my blog.  Please take a minute to check out the Social Studies Super Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Social-Studies-Super-Store.