In a recent conversation with an instructional coach she pointed out that a continuing challenge is getting administrators to understand that social studies instruction is not just memorization of dates, places, people, and events. ThisContinue reading
Category: Elementary
It’s Been A While
Yes, we are back. I’ll save you the details and excuses for the gap in posts. Hope you all are enjoying the exhilaration of the new school year. Our summer was interspersed with a conference,Continue reading
Time for a Shoutout
We are reaching that “light at the end of the tunnel” time. Both in terms of the school year coming to a close and the restoration of post-pandemic life. How educators have adapted, sacrificed, andContinue reading
Tough TEKS SE 3.3A
Some time ago we received feedback about the specificity in the Grade 3 TEKS Clarification Document (TCD) for 3.3A. This brought to our attention the problematic nature of this particular student expectation(SE). Here is 3.3A Continue reading
Single Point Rubrics for Performance Assessments
While single point rubrics are not new they are growing in popularity. Not surprising since these rubrics have a lot less text and provide clearer expectations to students. If you are new to using singleContinue reading
Making Mental Maps
It comes as no surprise to teachers that students generally lack a spatial understanding of the world. So how can we help our students build this skill? Practice creating mental maps. The TEKS Resource SystemContinue reading
Civics Center Stage
A quick look at the mission statements of a few schools in my area provides some interesting insights about the connection between the mission of schools and civic engagement. Here are just a few ofContinue reading
Inquiry=thinking
It has been my experience that most teachers want students to be thinking. So what would that look like in a social studies classroom? Reflecting on that question could be pretty revealing. I say itContinue reading
FREE Elementary SS Resources
It was really a pleasure to have so many elementary teachers attend the TEKS Con session about elementary social studies resources this past summer. Obviously, not everyone using the TEKS Resource System gets to attendContinue reading