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Looking to move beyond the outdated social studies textbook?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...
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Michelle McDonald
Mar 1, 2022
6 Helpful Strategies for Discussing Current Events in the Classroom
When scary things are happening in the world around us, sometimes we may want to just get into the classroom and teach like nothing has...
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
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 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
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If you want to move away from an outdated textbook or are in the process of piecing together lessons from the lack of a social studies...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
May 20, 2021
5 Helpful Resources for Discussing the Israeli-Gaza Conflict in the Classroom
Teachers share that there is some level of uncertainty discussing sensitive topics, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is no doubt an...
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 20, 2020
3 Reasons Why You Need to Add Virtual Field Trips to Your Lessons
I am always on the lookout for ways to bring social studies education to life, and I am strongly convinced through student and teacher...
Michelle McDonald
Aug 25, 2020
What is History and Why Does it Matter: Video Demo
If you hear the complaint "history is so boring," or "who cares about history?" Then this lesson can help. If students don't yet...
Michelle McDonald
Aug 18, 2020
History: What is It? & Why Does it Matter?
One social studies question I get quite often at the start of the year is: "Where do I begin?" I believe that before we dive into our...
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
Jun 6, 2020
Anti-Racism Resources for Teachers
It's been a heartbreaking time in America. The death of George Floyd and the many other tragedies of BIPOC leaves me feeling angry,...
Michelle McDonald
Jun 1, 2020
10 Interactive Notebook Tips for Your Social Studies Class
Do you want to try interactive notebooks in your social studies classroom but are worried about the cutting and gluing getting out hand...
Michelle McDonald
Mar 17, 2020
How to Use Analyses of Historical Photos in Your Social Studies Units
Providing students with a high-quality social studies education is non-negotiable. You may have just a textbook or maybe without a...
Michelle McDonald
Jul 22, 2019
5 Learning Game Websites for Your Social Studies Class
I'm always on the lookout for ways to utilize technology in my classroom in a meaningful way. Today, classrooms are moving into more tech...
Michelle McDonald
Jul 16, 2019
How to Take Inventory of Your Classroom Library to Add More Diverse Books
If you were to sort the books in your classroom library and take an inventory, what would you find? Do the books in your classroom...
Michelle McDonald
Feb 27, 2019
5 Ways to add Primary Source Analysis to your Social Studies Lessons
Bring history to life in your classroom! Instead of just reading through a textbook or lecturing, allow your students to become...
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