Using Historical Speeches as Primary Sources

One of my absolute favorite types of primary sources to explore with my students is historical speeches. There's something so powerful about reading the actual words spoken by real people from the past! It gives us an amazing opportunity to see how they expressed themselves and to truly feel the emotions they poured into their speeches. Of course, the language and length of some of these speeches can feel a bit overwhelming for our students. I’m sharing a fantastic graphic organizer to help guide your students through analyzing historical speeches in a way that makes them manageable and engaging!

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How to Use Political Cartoons as Primary Sources

One of my main goals as a history teacher is to make learning as authentic and engaging as possible for my students. Let’s be honest. They aren’t interested in all the nitty-gritty details. What really captures their attention is getting a sense of what life was like in previous time periods and how people reacted to the events of the time. When my students can connect with those reactions or understand what individuals from the past felt, history becomes so much more alive than simply reading from a textbook. Today, I’m sharing how I use political cartoons as primary sources to help bring history to life in my classroom!

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Back to School Activities for Older Students

Back to school season is here! As we savor those final moments of summer vacation, it's hard not to start thinking about how we'll welcome our students back. With so many ideas swirling around, it's exciting to plan back to school activities that not only engage our students but also set the tone for a successful year ahead. Today, I'm sharing some of my favorite back to school activities that are perfect for older students and sure to make a positive impact!

Importance of Back to School Activities in Middle and High School

When it comes to back to school activities, we often think of them as something just for the younger kids. I’m here to tell you that they’re just as important for our older students in middle and high school. At this age, our students are navigating so much from new classes, different teachers, and all the social dynamics that come with being a teen. Back to school activities provide a way to ease them into the school year, helping to break the ice, build connections, and set the tone for a positive classroom environment.

Even though they might not show it, our older students appreciate a chance to reconnect with friends, meet new classmates, and establish routines in a way that’s low-pressure and fun. These activities help them feel more comfortable and confident as they dive into the more serious academic work ahead. Plus, it’s a great way for us as teachers to get a glimpse into their personalities, learning styles, and group dynamics. So, don’t underestimate the power of back to school activities. They’re essential for getting our older students off to a great start!

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How to Teach the Election Process to Middle Schoolers and High Schoolers

Teaching about presidential elections can definitely feel overwhelming. With so many components and steps, it's easy for students to feel lost or uninterested. I totally get it because I know sometimes the topic can seem pretty dry. Since the election process is crucial to our rights as citizens, I work to make learning about the process as engaging and approachable as possible. Today, I'm sharing some of the resources I use with my students to bring the election process to life!

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Presidential Election Game: Do You Have What It Takes to Be President?

Becoming the President of the United States is not quite as easy as just being on the ballot in November. There are multiple stages and steps to the process. Helping our students understand this process also gives them some insight into the democratic process and politics in general. But how exactly do teach all the ins and outs of becoming the President? I have just the thing! I'm so excited to share with you a new digital resource that I have made to help you and your students. Let's explore what the Presidential Election Simulation Game has to offer! Whether you are teaching a government unit or diving into the election process during an election year, this game is going to put your students right in the middle of the action.

Benefits of Gamifying Learning

When it comes to gamifying learning, there are several benefits, especially for our middle and high schoolers. Students are full of curiosity but often need a little extra motivation to stay engaged. That's where gamifying learning comes in, and trust me, it can make a world of difference! 

Gamification simply makes learning fun. When our students are having fun, they're more likely to stay focused and retain information. Games naturally encourage participation, which means students are more engaged and active in their learning process. This is particularly beneficial for secondary students who are at an age where keeping attention is challenging. 

Games also provide immediate feedback. In a traditional classroom activity, students might have to wait days to find out how they did on an assignment. With a game, they get instant feedback on their choices and actions, which helps them learn and adjust. This immediate reinforcement is essential for developing a deeper understanding of the material. 

It also encourages problem-solving and critical thinking. Games often present scenarios that require them to think strategically and make decisions based on the information they have. This kind of active learning helps develop important skills that our students can take beyond the classroom. 

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Memorable End of Year Activities for Middle & High School Students

As the end of the school year approaches, it's a whirlwind of emotions for both students and teachers. We're all eagerly anticipating the upcoming summer break, counting down the days until we can kick back and relax. Amidst the excitement, there's a tinge of bittersweetness, especially for teachers. 

As you glance around the classroom during these last few weeks, you'll likely feel a surge of pride seeing your students working, chatting with their friends, or sharing a moment of laughter together as a class. It's incredible to witness how much they've grown since the beginning of the year. I know sometimes it can feel like we are spinning wheels when we are in the thick of it, but these moments make me realize just how far they've come. 

Nine months may seem like a short time, but within the school year, so much can happen. That's why it's essential to pause and reflect on all the achievements, big and small, that our students have accomplished. Today, I'm sharing a few ways I celebrate the end of the year with my students to make these final days memorable! 

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The Power of Primary Source Letters in History Class

As educators, we're always on the lookout for innovative ways to breathe life into history lessons. If you're like me, you understand the thrill of transporting students back in time to allow them to experience the past firsthand. However, sometimes our students perceive people from the past as distant or unrelatable. They easily dismiss their relevance because, before they know them, they are just random people who lived in times so different from our own. That's where primary source letters come into play! Today, we're exploring the captivating world of primary source letters and how they can transform your history lessons to engage your students! These letters bridge the gap between the past and the present. While doing so, they reveal how people from history are actually quite similar to us.

Discovering Primary Source Letters

Let's kick things off by diving deeper into the wealth of knowledge held by primary source letters. These letters are authentic documents penned by individuals from the past. They offer us a direct line to their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. 

Primary source letters are not just pieces of paper meant to collect dust. They're time capsules brimming with the hopes, fears, and dreams of their authors. From soldiers scribbling their thoughts on the battlefield to pioneers chronicling their journeys westwards, these letters capture what was happening during their eras. Whether it's an immigrant writing to family back home or a politician penning their next speech, each document offers us a different perspective of the past. They weave a tapestry of human experiences that cross continents and centuries. 

In a world where history books often focus on the big names and major events, primary source letters offer our young historians a change of pace. These letters shine a light on the everyday people whose stories might go untold—the unsung heroes and heroines who shaped history in their own small, but significant ways. 

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Using Primary Source Photos in the Secondary History Classroom

Ever feel like you're putting on a circus act to grab your students' attention? I'm right there with you, especially in history class. It can be difficult to bring history to life in a way that makes it seem real and not just a "story" in a textbook. A total game-changer in my classroom has been using primary source photos. These photos are my secret to transporting my students back in time and making history memorable! They help to ignite curiosity and bring those history lessons to life, creating buy-in from my students. Today, I'm thrilled to share with you what primary source photos are, why they're beneficial, and where you can find some for your next class. 

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