US History Mysteries
One of the most effective ways to spark curiosity in a history classroom is through investigation. That is exactly why using US History Mysteries has become one of our favorite tools for increasing engagement. Let’s be honest, some topics naturally hook students, while others can feel a bit harder to bring to life. When that […]
Primary Source Activities to Bring History to Life
As social studies teachers, we know how important it is to incorporate primary sources whenever we can. Primary sources allow students to explore history in a much deeper way. Rather than reading a summary in a textbook, students are able to interact with real accounts, documents, images, and artifacts from the time period they are […]
Bringing Philosophy to Life: Engaging Age of Reason Activities
The Enlightenment can be one of the toughest units to teach. How do you make eighteenth-century political theory and philosophy interesting to teenagers? If the unit relies entirely on lectures, it is easy to lose students quickly. While direct instruction absolutely has its place, most teachers know that students engage more deeply when lessons include […]
Engaging Ancient and Medieval China Unit Activities
Teaching ancient and medieval China can feel like a daunting task. Unless you have studied the topic in depth, you may feel unsure about where to start. These topics are rich in history, innovation, cultural development, and fascinating stories that students truly enjoy learning about. Teaching ancient and medieval China truly is important! The good […]
Religion Project Based Learning for Teaching World Religions
Teaching world religions can be a big undertaking. However, shedding light on religion around the world is extremely important. Religion has shaped civilizations, belief systems, political structures, conflicts, and cultural traditions across the globe. Because of this, teaching world religions in a way that is engaging, accurate, and comprehensive truly matters. We believe that using […]
Ancient Civilizations Curriculum Unit
Teaching about the ancient world is one of the most exciting parts of the Social Studies curriculum. Learning about ancient civilizations seems to spark curiosity and inspire big questions. These units help students make connections between the past and the world they live in today. As a teacher, it is neat to see them make […]
Using CNN in the Classroom
We all know teaching current events is important for many reasons. For most of our classes, we are teaching about the past; however, learning about what is going on in the world today is crucial. This gives students context, and usually piques their interest. These are the things that are impacting them right now. Today, […]
Engaging Activities for Teaching the Medieval World
Teaching students about the medieval world is one of my favorite subjects to teach. The Medieval times feel so different from the world we live in today, and it’s fascinating to see students imagine what life might have been like centuries ago. It’s also fun when they notice the surprising similarities that still exist! This […]
Hero or Hype: Making History Biography Assignments Engaging
When it comes to helping students understand historical figures, it’s easy to see them simply as just characters in a timeline. The truth, however, as we know, is far more complex. Historical figures were real people with strengths, flaws, and contradictions. That’s where ourHero or Hype history biography assignments come in. These projects are designed […]
Engaging Resources for Teaching Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome is one of the most well-known civilizations in history, and for good reason. The Romans were far ahead of their time in many ways. They laid the foundation for much of what still shapes our world today. I love teaching Ancient Rome because it allows us to draw meaningful parallels to other societies […]
Teaching Vocab in the Classroom: Making Vocabulary Meaningful
It’s no secret that when it comes to learning something new, mastering the vocabulary is a crucial part of the process. While it may not always be the flashiest part of a lesson, teaching vocabulary in the classroom plays a vital role. Vocabulary helps students access, understand, and engage effectively with the content. Without a […]
Full Year History Courses That Save You Time and Money
We hope you’re soaking up your summer break and finding time to relax and recharge. But if your thoughts are starting to drift toward the upcoming school year, you’re not alone. We know how overwhelming it can feel to think about planning an entire year’s worth of content. Creating engaging lessons, organizing assessments, and aligning […]
Current Events: 3 Creative Ways to Teach Secondary Students
Current events are significant incidents that occur in the world. They happen both locally and globally. They include political, economic, and social issues that usually have the potential for broader impact. Current events are particularly important because they help citizens stay informed and make better decisions. Why is Learning Current Events Important for Students? […]
Doodle Style Notes
Are you always looking for ways to engage your students? Honestly, no teacher wants to stand and lecture all day. However, talking is a key way to share information. The most important aspect to remember is having balance. Students need time to listen and time to work on activities. Thankfully, doodle style notes provide exactly […]
Biography Project
Biographies can be a powerful tool for engaging middle school students in history lessons. By focusing on the lives of historical figures, educators can make past events more relatable. Additionally, reading biographies can inspire critical thinking and provide a view of the past. Ultimately, a biography is a fantastic way to show students the hard […]
Mini Lessons with History Bell Ringers
There is nothing like the sound of students working hard on an assignment the minute class has begun. What is that sound? Silence! Accomplishing peace at the beginning of class is easy with the Investigation History Bell Ringers. The bell ringers are skill-based and content-rich, making them the perfect mini lessons! Each history bell ringer […]