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.

Senator Lee visits my classroom

Today my students were so lucky and honored to have our 9th District State Senator, Abby Lee, visit us.  Senator Lee spoke to my middle and high schoolers about the importance of civic virtue and why voting is important.

Senator Lee gave a captivating lesson on the importance political involvement and civic virtue plays in our society.  The students were fully engaged as the senator gave personal examples of civic virtue, explained her job in Boise, and why she entered politics.  Then the students followed up her presentation with questions.

Senator Lee speaking to Mr. Moran's students

Thank you Senator Lee for taking time out of your schedule to visit our classroom!

Also, after her visit, I reflected upon some benefits visitors bring to a classroom.

1) You can't beat practical experience.  As a government teacher I can talk about politics, but students can hear first hand about how important their vote is from an elected representative.  Senator Lee brings the abstract ideas of politics to life with her stories; VERY COOL!

2) Sometimes it helps to have another person say the same thing.  Even though I have taught many of the concepts covered by Senator Lee, it helpful to hear it again through another person.  They put a different spin or a unique way of explaining a concept which students will remember.

3) A visitor will make their day.  I heard several students say after Senator Lee left the school, "Wow! I can't believe she took her time to visit us."  My response to my students was, "Yes, this is how government works.  Our representatives want to share their ideas with you and hear your ideas."

4) Finally, let's face it, everybody likes variety, and my student are no different.  Having a "new" person in the class breaks up the routine.  Thanks again Senator Lee for your civic virtue!

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.