Here's the thing...I carry around a bunny. Yes, I am in my late 30's. Yes, it's a stuffed bunny. No, I don't care what I look like with it. Yes, my family is occasionally embarrassed by the bunny. Yes, he's kind of a part of my family. His name is Moffat (think Flat Stanley, … Continue reading Meet Moffat – #BLOG365 Day 86
History Education
When a Museum Gets It – #BLOG365 Day 83
I am a picky museum-goer. It happens when you have a graduate degree in Museum Studies and have spent years analyzing and critiquing exhibition strategies. It doesn't help that I also used to teach Museum Studies. My family and friends sometimes get annoyed with me when we visit museums because I point out faults. Too … Continue reading When a Museum Gets It – #BLOG365 Day 83
Museum Monday: Howe Grain Scale – #BLOG365 Day 82
Yesterday we took our time driving up to Tennessee through Alabama. We stopped in Selma and crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge then had lunch at the Wallace State Community College cafeteria (if you are from the south you will get cafeteria food...epic). We spent some time in Birmingham visiting my family at the cemetery too. … Continue reading Museum Monday: Howe Grain Scale – #BLOG365 Day 82
Taking a Walk – #BLOG365 Day 81
Today we took a walk. We have been planning a holiday trip to Tennessee for a few months. But about a week ago I decided we needed to make a detour to Selma. I am determined to give my son experiences that will help him understand the past and why it is so important for … Continue reading Taking a Walk – #BLOG365 Day 81
Museum Monday: Our Not So Pretty History Through Objects- #BLOG365 Day 72
Go ahead, take a guess at this Monday's object. Where do you think they came from? What time period? Have they been modified or changed? Do they represent something? I came upon these objects by accident this morning while looking for objects to help a friend with an object-based lesson. Although I just called this … Continue reading Museum Monday: Our Not So Pretty History Through Objects- #BLOG365 Day 72
The Value of Learning History – #BLOG365 #sschat Day 70
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
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
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 