Fostering an Inclusive Classroom: 10 Educator Resources for Pride Month
History is multifaceted. It is an exploration of the past while building an understanding of people, cultures, and the connections to our...
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Michelle McDonald
Apr 19, 2022
A Helpful Best Practices Checklist for Social Studies Classroom Materials
Are you hanging onto some of those outdated resources that were left behind by the previous teacher? You know the ones. It’s spring...
Michelle McDonald
Mar 8, 2022
8 Helpful Primary Source Websites for Teaching World History
Looking to move beyond the outdated social studies textbook? Using primary sources in your World History class provides so many...
Michelle McDonald
Feb 22, 2022
Spark Curiosity and Interest in Your Social Studies Lesson Plans
Do you hear the grumble and complaints that social studies is so boring? It's most likely that your students haven't yet experienced...
Michelle McDonald
Dec 28, 2021
New Years Resolutions No Prep Activities to Get Ready for 2022
When my students return from winter break, I like to take class time to reflect and set New Years Resolutions. The start of a new year is...
Michelle McDonald
Nov 9, 2021
5 Helpful Tips to Overcoming Teacher Overwhelm
How will I make it to the end of the year? This was a question I often asked myself when I felt completely overwhelmed, inadequate, and...
Michelle McDonald
Oct 5, 2021
What Stuck? Exit Ticket Idea for Your Social Studies Class
Exit tickets are a purposeful and reflective way to end class. If you teach bell-to-bell, add in this quick and easy informal assessment...
Michelle McDonald
Sep 14, 2021
5 Fun Social Studies Teacher Back to School Items
If you are a social studies teacher, bring this core subject to the forefront with some fun back-to-school items. 1. Social Studies...
Michelle McDonald
Sep 8, 2021
5 Tips for Fostering a Collaborative and Safe Social Studies Class
One of the most important steps we can take at the beginning of the year is time to build a positive classroom environment where all...
Michelle McDonald
Aug 17, 2021
4 Must-Have Back to School Supplies for Every Classroom
Preparing for the school year can be daunting, especially if you are just beginning your teaching journey, or if you are switching grade...
Michelle McDonald
Aug 10, 2021
World History and Geography Virtual Field Trips for the Entire School Year
If you are looking for a way to spark curiosity, infuse technology, and integrate critical thinking skills into your World History class...
Michelle McDonald
Jul 6, 2021
8 Helpful Primary Source Websites for Teaching American History
If you want to move away from an outdated textbook or are in the process of piecing together lessons from the lack of a social studies...
Michelle McDonald
Mar 9, 2021
Infusing Technology into Social Studies to Stimulate the Brain
I was on a long road trip recently and had quite a bit of time for teacher PD. I have loved listening and learning from Zaretta Hammond,...
Michelle McDonald
Nov 23, 2020
How to Make Significant Reading Gains in Elementary
This might sound counterintuitive, but if we want to see real reading improvement, then we need to cut back on ELA and make more room for...
Michelle McDonald
Oct 12, 2020
How to Batch Your Lesson Plans and Get Ahead
During my first year of teaching, I always felt like my head was barely above water. I was usually just one step ahead of the students....
Michelle McDonald
Sep 17, 2020
How to Make Self-Care a Priority: Tips for New Teachers
During my first year of teaching, I stayed late at school most days of the week. I hate to admit it, but sometimes I was at school as...
Michelle McDonald
Sep 6, 2020
5 Back to School Technology Tips for Virtual Learning
If you find yourself overwhelmed by learning new technology, are in the process of revamping your lessons and entire daily schedule for...
Michelle McDonald
Aug 18, 2020
5 Reasons to use Google Voice for Parent Communication
If you are looking for an effective way to communicate with parents that doesn't involve tons of set up or parents signing up for one...
Michelle McDonald
Aug 1, 2020
Advocating for Social Studies This Year
The other day, I asked those who follow me on Instagram to share their biggest concerns and struggles when it comes to teaching social...
Michelle McDonald
Jul 6, 2020
New Teacher Back to School Checklists
Back to school is an especially busy time. From prepping bulletin boards, laminating activities, analyzing your scope and sequence, plus...
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