I have to admit, a few years ago I thought George Washington was overrated. I was unimpressed with the Founding Era, didn't give a lot of thought to the Declaration of Independence, the Bill or Rights, or the Constitution. Then I went to a Teacher Institute at Mount Vernon and the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute … Continue reading The Value of Learning History – #BLOG365 #sschat Day 70
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What This Election Has Taught Me – #BLOG365 Day 69
After a sleepless night I awoke to the realization that our job as educators is more important than ever. Yes, I knew this before. But, today every educator should be reflecting on their responsibility to facilitate the kind of learning that leads to civic responsibility and critical thinking. Education breeds open mindedness, understanding, and empathy. When … Continue reading What This Election Has Taught Me – #BLOG365 Day 69
Museum Monday: Coal Hod Obsession – #BLOG365 Day 68
So, I have a new obsession. Well, it's been brewing for a few years. When you buy a 19th century home with 7 fireplaces you need fireplace accessories. We started with fire pokers, andirons, and 3 small coal hods. Now we have 8 variations of coal hods and scuttle bins. This is our newest baby, … Continue reading Museum Monday: Coal Hod Obsession – #BLOG365 Day 68
If You Only Ask – #BLOG365 Day 67
Yesterday I was working on a project at work and was looking for some artifacts to share with our teachers. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I am one of those people that purge pretty frequently. I know it is shocking given my obsession with antiquing and ephemera. But, when it comes to every day stuff I clean … Continue reading If You Only Ask – #BLOG365 Day 67
Using Art to Teach Reading – #BLOG365 Day 65
Over the last few days I have shared Picturing America a few times with colleagues. It's funny how resources float in and out of your mind. I don't think I had thought about Picturing America for months. But, yesterday I asked a friend "do you ever using art to teach history?" Today I have … Continue reading Using Art to Teach Reading – #BLOG365 Day 65
Sometimes You Just Need to Reset – #BLOG Day 64
Yesterday was a rough day. My husband has been traveling for 2 weeks. My son had a camping trip and basketball try outs and it was Halloween. Last week was Homecoming so we had to dress up by theme each day (a.k.a. extra work for overworked mamas). Couple all that with some difficult conversations at … Continue reading Sometimes You Just Need to Reset – #BLOG Day 64
Author of Clarity – #BLOG365 Day 63
Today, I heard one of my colleagues say he didn't want to be an author of confusion. It's an idea from 1 Corinthians and while I am not religious at all, I really like this idea as it pertains to our work within educational institutions. Making sure that we build clarity around vision in the … Continue reading Author of Clarity – #BLOG365 Day 63
Let It Go! And I’m Not Talking About Frozen – #BLOG365 Day 61
I am part of a few professional learning networks on blogging. It helps me stay focused on #BLOG365 and be positively accountable to a group. One challenge that many of us sometimes face is the need for perfection in blogging, the feeling that we can’t post until our writing is perfect. I definitely felt like this … Continue reading Let It Go! And I’m Not Talking About Frozen – #BLOG365 Day 61
Museum Monday: Object Stories – #BLOG365 Day 60
I have written a few times about using object stories in the classroom. Most recently in this blog post for ASCD Inservice. One of my favorite apps to do this with is Voicethread. There are plenty of apps (Chatterpix and Explain Everything), but I like Voicethread because it allows people to comment on the object … Continue reading Museum Monday: Object Stories – #BLOG365 Day 60
The Beauty of #civicparticipation – #BLOG365 Day 58
I couldn't help but tear up a bit when I voted yesterday. It's the history buff in me. The result of perspective and understanding of the moments that have lead me and every other voter to this moment. I felt the rush of all those moments. The signing of the Declaration of Independence. Seneca Falls. … Continue reading The Beauty of #civicparticipation – #BLOG365 Day 58
Jill Cross 