5 alternatives to the traditional professional development.

YEA SUMMER TIME!  Time to relax, put your feet up, and sleep in....Ya right....

As many educators know this is the time of the year to review what went right and what went wrong in our classes.  Also, it's the time of the year for some professional development.

What?  You haven't signed up for any because it's too late?!  Well, here are 5 easy (and cheap) alternatives to the traditional professional development.


#1 - EdX - Wow!  This is not your normal free college course resource.  I once tried a course based upon comic book heroes. The course include video lectures, discussion boards, short self graded tests, and peer feedback.  These courses are very engaging.  The pool of universities are limited to a small number. Some of these include MIT, Harvard, UC Berkley, and Boston University. Finally, as with most online classes they are all on demand.Click here to learn more about EdX

#2 - Read a book- I love this option.  It's not only the simplistic, but most convenient.  You can complete this any place. While on the sunny beach, on that long flight to paradise, or just snuggling in bed.  Also, you get to focus on the subject you want.  This summer I plan on reading about the war of 1812.

#3 -  Open Educational Database- This is the Costco of EdX.  Nearly every kind of course you can image can be found.  And like EdX, all courses are free, and each include videos. Click here to learn more about Open Educational Database.

#4 -  Free Social Studies webinars with the American Institute for History Education (AIHE).  These are top-notch Social Studies webinars.  The webinars are both content and methods webinars.  Once you have completed viewing some of the recorded webinars, you may take a short quiz and then receive a certificate of completion.  If you are a history teacher, these are awesome webinars.  The speakers are experts in their field, and I ALWAYS learn something new from every webinar. Click here for more information about the AIHE webinars.

#5 - EXPLORE:  Turn a family vacation into a family field trip.  When visiting San Francisco take sometime to visit the old Nike Missile sites.  When in any state capital, take an hour or two to tour the capital buildings.  All the kids will love this tour. Check out the architecture, learn about the state and their history. With a little planning, you can always learn something new to take back with you to your class while relaxing with the family!

LOOKING for the best social studies resources/ activities on the Internet?  Check out the Social-Studies-Super-Store. 

What is a Mix-Match?

My students really enjoy using Mix-Matches in my classes.  And why not?  This review strategy is total student centered.  Please check out this short video to learn more!

FREE HISTORY/FOOTBALL LESSON

FREE! Yes, this is correct, a free activity.  In honor of the end of the football season, I am giving away my Presidential Football Players mini-research activity.

This lesson engages those learners as they make the connection between the American Presidency and Football.
WHAT FUN ACTIVITY and it's FREE!  But only for a limited time....


CLICK FOR THIS FREE ACTIVITY

Preparing for Martin Luther King Day

As I returned from Christmas break, my mind is pondering about our school's annual MLK Celebration.  It's a time when I try to make Dr. King's message relate to my student's life in a meaningful way.  To get my students understand, in a world so full of hated and yelling, that Dr. King's message is POWERFUL today.

To help me remember Dr. King's message I have been listening to his Methodist Student Leadership Conference Address.  Unlike his I Have A Dream speech, this speech is more lengthy.  So, I've been listening to it on my lunch breaks and on my prep.  Yes, more than once.

In this speech Dr King explains the success of the non-violence movement and the power of love. He explains why as a society we must care of each other.

Also, this speech addresses why I am a teacher (maybe you too).  Why it is important to help ALL my students succeed.  Why public education is so important to our society.  Finally, if you listen carefully to this speech, we can hear the whispers of the I Have A Dream Speech and his Mountain Top speech in this speech.

As a fellow educator, I know how busy your day is and how you have so much to accomplish...But take a few minutes and listen to this speech. MLK's Methodist Student Leadership Conference Address

Also, if you are looking for some engaging MLK Day lessons, check out the Social Studies Super Store.  Here is one lesson you might want to review.  MLK Lesson

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.

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.

Multiple Intelligence-Spatial kids!

Multiple Intelligence - Spatial

I have to honest?...This is my favorite MI learning style.  Why?  Because  while I took the in MI assessment I scored the highest in the spatial intelligence.  Also, in the area of Social Studies, there are so many opportunities for students to learn using this learning style.

WHAT IS SPATIAL?

Spatial intelligence is the ability to think in three dimensions.  This intelligence includes the ability to "see" mental imagery in the spatial forms. Students can image manipulation, graphic and artistic skills, and an active imagination.  Some students who excel in this area might enjoy drawing, reading maps, watching movies (making short videos), or mazes.

Below are a few examples of lessons and assessments that are focused upon spatial intelligence.  I have include a link to these lessons/assignments so please feel free to check them out!

Pictograms:  This is a wonderful activity that allows students to draw small pictures to represent vocabulary words. Students are engaged in this assignment.


Commemorative Postage Stamps assignment:  For this assignment, students create their own postage stamp based upon a historical event or a historical significant person.  Then, students write a short paragraph explaining the picture and the historical significant.




Third Party Candidate Brochure: The spacial learner loves this assignment-creating a brochure.  Sometime students create this using computer programs or by hand.  But spacial learners become focused as work to create engaging political brochures. 

WWI - Propaganda Poster Analysis:  This is a colorful assignment.  Students enjoy examining and analyzing these primary source documents from World War I.  Please feel free to check out the details of this assignment.

Do you love exit tickets? I do!

I love exit tickets!

Why?  There are quick a way and easy way to check for understanding from my students.  And, then I can reteach the concept, idea as way to review the next day.  This helps to make lessons seamless! So here are a few methods to use this formative assessment.

#1- Simply have the students write their answers on a sheet of paper.  Then with a two minutes remaining have them share their thoughts or ideas with a partner.  As the students walk out the door, collect their answers. 

#2 - Twitter ticket:  Students answer the exit ticket prompt in 140 characters or less.

#3 - Simply simile:  Use a simile to have students demonstrate what they learned you learned today.   If students are struggling I might give an example such as "Imperialism is like an octopus; it causes a nation to be stretch out its' arms and power all over the world."

#4 - Just have them talk.  Have them explain it to their partner what they learned or what they are confused about.  Not all exit tickets need to be formal, sometimes simply have students share their ideas, frustrations, or confusions is great!  While students are talking, I roam around the room listening to their responses.  I do not interpret to correct them if I hear any incorrect information. Why not?  A) I want to see if their partner will correct them.  B)  This gives me an opportunity to review the exercise with the students the next day and review the information.

#5 - Rank it!  I start every lesson with learning targets, so for the student's exit ticket, they will rank what they believed was the most important learning target.  Number one is the highest, and number ten the lowest. Then, the students create a short answer question based upon the highest ranked learning target.  Sometimes the students create some very good questions!
 
Finally, the best part of the exit ticket is the next day.  Reviewing the information with the class.  Getting a quick understanding of their learning, then linking the new lesson with the previous lesson.

A Call to Arms: Protect History Classes In Our Schools

A Call To Arms: Protect History Classes In Our Schools:

In 2012 Marine Corps scout snipers were seen in a photo standing around a logo identical to the one used by an elite Nazi military unit.  The Marines were the Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion from Camp Pendleton, California.  This Battalion was deployed in Afghanistan when a photo emerged showing the Marines standing in front a blue flag with two large “SS” emblazoned upon it, and an American flag above it.  The shape of the Marines' “SS” was identical to the infamous Nazi Schutzstaffel.

 

History teaches us the Nazi SS assumed a leading responsibility for security, identification of ethnicity, and control of the concentration camp system.  In short the SS played a key role in the deaths of six million jews and another five million “undesirables” during the Holocaust.

Not only did the SS play an important role in the concentration camps, but members of this unit were very carefully chosen.  SS candidates were required to complete a rigorous selection process where their “racial” ancestry was carefully traced.  Once chosen, an SS soldier was deemed the best German because of their racial heritage.  Also, members of the SS swore an undying loyalty towards Adolf Hitler.

Again, history teaches us how the SS committed other dastardly war crimes during World War II.  Such as impersonating American soldiers during the Battle of Bulge.  During this battle, the SS not only wore American uniforms, but spoke near perfect English, drove confiscated American jeeps, and redirected badly needed supplies and support troops to bogus destinations.  Then after the SS captured Americans soldiers they killed them.  This is what history teaches us about the SS.  The SS were not heroes, but cold blooded, cowardly thugs who killed old women and babies in concentration camps.  Then, breaking the soldiers creed and military codes they killed American POWs in cold blood.  This is what the “SS” truly represents.

Do Marines today really want to compare themselves murderous cowards?  I don’t think so…

In fact a Marine official stated that “We don’t believe these Marine Corps snipers had a historical appreciation for what this symbol meant.”  I agree.  I know many current and former United States Marines, some of my former students are currently serving in the Corps.  I have never questioned their loyalty.  But how did this happen?  Might this be the result of schools across the nation butchering history classes and graduation requirements to almost zero?  I say yes.  Clearly these young Americans did not remember or know their history when the identical “SS” appeared on a blue flag they posed for in their picture.

Secondly, this is not only a blaring example where the lack of historical understanding has proven itself.  But also, history allows us to learn and appreciate from past mistakes and successes others have made.  What worked, and what did not work.  History is what strings our customs and traditions together a nation.  History can, and often does serve as a guide.  After all, if you don’t know where you have been, how do you know where you are going?  

But as a history teacher I am deathly concern for my future Americans.  Will the next generation remember the causes of World War I, or the how our government was sucked into the quagmire known as the Vietnam War?  Will future politicians forget these important lessons because school districts across the nation continue the assault on history?  I do believe this will be true.  

The “SS” flag incident should serve as a warning and urge us to a call to arms.  What will you do to save history in your local school? Will you contact your local school board members tell them the important history plays in the future of America?  Write letters to the editor.  Talk to your neighbors. Let your state leaders know about stories like this can serve as an example of why history is important.