by California Casualty | Educators |
Our Education Blogger is a public school teacher with over a decade of experience. She’s an active NEA member and enjoys writing about her experiences in the classroom.
Are you struggling to find additional instructional materials to teach social studies? Textbooks don’t always cover all standards, so to supplement your instruction, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite, free social studies resources. We’ve made it easy for you by breaking them down by topic: Civics/Government, History, Economics, and Geography.
Civics/Government
iCivics – Free lesson plans and games for learning civics. Don’t just learn civics – play civics! Run for president. Pass new laws. Argue real cases. Play. Find free resources, tools, and support for informed and engaging civic learning!
Ben’s Guide to the U.S. Government – Ben’s Guide to the U.S. Government, a service of the Government Publishing Office (GPO), is designed to inform students, parents, and educators about the Federal Government, which issues the publications and information products disseminated by the GPO’s Federal Depository Library Program. It is our hope that Ben’s Guide to the U.S. Government fulfills that role.
History
Digital History – Make American history come alive with this free collection of historical documents, timelines, images, and textbook passages. Check out the classroom handouts, lesson plans, guides, and quizzes.
Big History Project – By sharing the big picture and challenging middle and high school students to look at the world from many different perspectives, we hope to inspire a greater love of learning and help them better understand how we got here, where we’re going, and how they fit in.
Hip Hughes History – HipHughes History is run by Keith Hughes who offers students and teachers free video history lectures. View over 300 instructional videos on topics including U.S. History, World History, The Constitution, Current Events, Elections, Politics, and even Teaching and Learning videos for educators.
Economics
Econedlink – EconEdLink provides a premier source of classroom-tested, Internet-based economic and personal finance lesson materials for K-12 teachers and their students. With over 435 lessons to choose from, teachers can use as many of the lessons as they would like and as often as they would like.
We The Economy – Using animation, music, comedy and more, 20 acclaimed filmmakers demystify important aspects of the economy in this engaging collection of shorts. Be sure to sign up for Program and Discussion Guides.
Geography
TerraFly – TerraFly is a large database of digital aerial and satellite images of the entire United States provided by the U.S. Geological Survey.
National Geographic – Classroom materials are designed in a modular system, with activities as the base unit. An activity will fill one class period, while a lesson (a collection of activities) can fill up to a week of class time. Units (collections of lessons) are designed for longer periods of time. Explore games, create maps, and become immersed in GeoStories.
General Social Studies
Crash Course – Crash Course is an educational YouTube channel started by the Green brothers, Hank Green and John Green, who are notable for their VlogBrothers channel. A variety of educational topics are represented, including U.S. History, World History, Big History, Economics, Government, and Politics.
We want to hear from you! If you have a favorite, free social studies resource, let us know! Use the comment section to share.
by California Casualty | Educators |
Our Education Blogger is a public school teacher with over a decade of experience. She’s an active NEA member and enjoys writing about her experiences in the classroom.
We’ve scoured the internet to find Halloween costume ideas especially for teachers. Check out our favorite educationally themed get-ups. They’re fun and simple to pull off!
- Geoboard
- Pumpkin “Pi”
- Calculator
- Artist
- Paintbrush
- If You Give a Mouse A Cookie
- Pete the Cat
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar
- The Rainbow Fish
- Professor Trelawnley (Harry Potter)
- Geography
- Bill Nye the Science Guy
- The Solar System
- Grammar Police
- Paper
- Bookworm
- Crayons
- Koo Koo Kangaroo (GoNoodle)
- Word Wall
- Dominoes
- Weather
- Idioms (raining cats and dogs, kick the bucket, wear your heart on your sleeve, butterflies in my stomach, hold your horses, not made of money, chip on my shoulder, when pigs fly, jumping through hoops, read between the lines, pulled a rabbit out of a hat, and smartie pants)
by California Casualty | Educators |
Our Education Blogger is a public school teacher with over a decade of experience. She’s an active NEA member and enjoys writing about her experiences in the classroom.
You’ve probably heard a lot about coding lately. It’s become a sort-of buzz word among the education community. But what is it, why should our students learn it, and how do we teach it?
What is coding?
Here’s the short version: Coding allows for the creation of computer software, apps, and websites. It is a sequential, set of instructions that computers understand. Anything you do on your digital devices is possible because of code. Operating systems, apps, browsers, and websites are all made using code. Anyone can learn to code.
Why is it important to teach students to code?
Coding will quickly become one of the most important job skills of the future. It should be taught as a basic academic skill in school, just like reading and math. Learning to code allows students to develop problem-solving strategies, creatively design projects, communicate ideas effectively, and helps lay a foundation for success in other academic areas. Students will learn vital skills that are essential for future job success. In the next decade, it is believed that there will be more jobs in computer sciences than there are qualified people to fill them.
How Do I Teach It?
Using the following FREE online resources, teaching code to your students will be cinch!
Google’s Made With Code – Geared toward girls and young women, Google’s Made With Code offers coding projects for all comfort levels.
Code.org – Try a one-hour tutorial designed for all ages in over 45 languages. Choose from a variety of fun, interactive, game-like coding activities for all grade and experience levels.
Scratch – Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations. Scratch targets students ages 8-16.
Thimble from Mozilla – Thimble is an online code editor that makes it easy to create and publish your own web pages while learning HTML, CSS & JavaScript.
Tynker Coding For Kids – Tynker is a complete learning system that teaches kids to code. Kids begin experimenting with visual blocks, then progress to JavaScript and Python as they design games, build apps, and make incredible projects.
Khan Academy Hour of Code – Hour of Drawing with Code. Learn how to program drawings using JavaScript by designing your very own snowman. Try it on your own or with your class!
We’d love to hear from you! What resources do you use to teach code to students? Leave your comment below.
by California Casualty | Educators |
Having students set their own academic and behavior goals allow students to take ownership and control of their accomplishments in the classroom. Students are more likely to succeed at a task or assignment if they have a self-created target in mind. Here are some tips to help students set their own goals.
- Set Attainable Goals: Setting attainable goals allows students to feel a sense of accomplishment when the goal is met. If the goal is too lofty, students may never reach it which can be a big hit to the student’s confidence. Students may need coaching in this area. Each goal can, and should be, challenging yet reachable.
- Write Goals In A Positive Way: Instead of “don’t get any wrong” the goal should be expressed as “score 100%.” It just sounds better.
- Be Specific: Focus on one task or assignment. My students like to use weekly spelling tests, vocabulary quizzes, math fact tests, and so forth. “Get better” won’t suffice. Students should provide an exact score or percentage and a date by which the goal should be completed. For example, a student might write a goal like this: I will score at least 90% on all weekly spelling tests during the 3rd quarter.
- Discuss How: Students should describe how they will meet their goal. Will they write their spelling words three times each night or study math flashcards for 15 minutes every other day?
- Document Goals in Writing: I have students keep their written goals in data folders. This way students “accidentally” see their goals at least twice a week when they record test and quiz scores. Written goals can also be posted in a visible place in the classroom.
At the beginning of each quarter, I have students set new math, reading, and behavior goals. If you feel like this might be too much work, start small, having students set just one goal per semester. Every other week, I conference with each student about their goals. If you can’t conference weekly, find time in your schedule when you can periodically discuss student progress toward goals.
Goal setting can help students be successful and build confidence in the classroom.
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by California Casualty | Educators |
According to Kidshealth.org, suicide is the third-leading cause of death for teens. Every day, about 12 young people across America take their own lives.
Educators play an important role in combating this epidemic: know the warning signs, be aware of the risk factors, and know what you can do to help.
Warning Signs
- talking about suicide or death in general
- talking about “going away”
- referring to things they “won’t be needing,” and giving away possessions
- talking about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty
- pulling away from friends or family and losing the desire to go out
- having no desire to take part in favorite things or activities
- having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
- experiencing changes in eating habits (loss of appetite, weight loss, overeating)
- experiencing changes in sleeping habits (insomnia, oversleeping, nightmares)
- engaging in self-destructive behavior (drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or cutting, for example)
- changes in personality: sadness, withdrawal, irritability, anxiety, exhaustion, indecision
- deterioration in school and/or work performance
- fear of losing control: erratic behavior, harming self or others
Risk Factors
- mental health disorders (depression, anxiety)
- previous suicide attempt(s)
- alcohol and other substance abuse
- feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, guilt, loneliness, worthlessness, low self-esteem
- loss of interest in friends, hobbies, or activities previously enjoyed
- aggressive behavior
- bullying or being a bully at school or in social settings
- disruptive behavior, including disciplinary problems at school or at home
- high risk behaviors (drinking and driving, poor decision-making)
- recent/serious loss (death, divorce, separation, broken romantic relationship,)
- family history of suicide
- family violence (domestic violence, child abuse or neglect)
- sexual orientation and identity confusion (lack of support or bullying during the coming out process)
- access to lethal means like firearms, pills, knives or illegal drugs
- stigma associated with seeking mental health services
- barriers to accessing mental health services (lack of bilingual service providers, unreliable transportation, financial costs)
What Can Teachers Do?
- build strong relationships with at-risk students
- create positive interactions with students through compliments and other positive feedback
- encourage student participation in positive, extracurricular activities
- communicate with parents/guardians frequently
- directly talk to at-risk students about your concern for them
When talking with a student about suicide, speak in a calm, non-accusatory manner. Show concern for the student and remain focused on their well-being. Express the importance the student has in your life and at school. Empathize with the student regarding triggers or stresses they may be experiencing. Encourage the student to seek help and provide them with resources. Most importantly, do not ignore warning signs!
Suicide Prevention Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8225
American Psychological Association
https://www.apa.org
Life Crisis Services 24/7 Hotline: 314-647-HELP (4357) / 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
National Mental Health Association
https://www.nmha.org
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
https://www.afsp.org
National Institute of Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov
by California Casualty | Educators |
Digital Literacy
Our students know technology. They’ve used it their entire lives. However, just because they can operate and use digital devices such as smart phones, tablets, and video games, doesn’t mean they are digitally literate. Students, no matter how digitally experienced they may seem, should understand safety risks and best practices. A digitally literate student should be able to:
- Understand and use computing devices and networks
- Behave responsibly while engaged in social networks and other online communities
- Locate, evaluate, share, and create content using information, images, and data found online
- Think critically, particularly about how technology may contribute to social issues
- Communicate respectfully and purposefully
- Utilize above skills in real-world situations
Online Etiquette
When speaking with someone face-to-face or on the phone, we tend to err on the side of politeness and respectfulness. So, wouldn’t the same go for communicating with others online? Teaching students online “manners” will help students to become responsible digital citizens.
Here are 10 guidelines for being polite online:
- Check Before You Send – Are there blatant misspellings or grammar mistakes? Could someone misinterpret what was written? Is the message hurtful? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please don’t send your message.
- Don’t Get Involved In Anything Negative – If a conversation begins to turn negative, politely remove yourself. If you start to become upset, you don’t want to send something you’ll later regret.
- Respect Others and Their Opinions – Even if your view differs from someone else’s, it is important to respect their opinion.
- Be Precise – Communicate clearly, purposefully, and get to your point quickly.
- Know Your Audience – Abbreviations, acronyms, and emoticons are fine when communicating with friends, but are not appropriate when communicating formally with someone.
- Avoid All Caps – All capital letters makes it seem like you are shouting.
- Ask Permission Before Posting Anything About Your Friends – You may embarrass your friend or get them in trouble.
- Try To Avoid Humor and Sarcasm – Picking up on humor and sarcasm without seeing the sender’s facial expressions and body language can be difficult. It may cause confusion and hurt feelings.
- Don’t Over Share – Don’t share more than is necessary. If you wouldn’t share it in real life with your classmates, teachers, or family members, then it’s probably not okay to share online.
- Be Kind and Positive – this one is self-explanatory!
Learning to be good digital citizens will prepare our students for life in the “real world.” By becoming digitally literate and practicing online etiquette, students will learn to survive and succeed in an ever-changing, internet-dominated society.
Resources
digitalliteracy.us – a teacher-created website helping educators teach students best and safe practices as they use the Internet and record their digital footprint.
digitalliteracy.gov – the Digital Literacy portal organizes content conveniently, enables valuable discussion and collaboration among users and elevates best practices to improve the quality of digital literacy offerings.
ThinkB4U – provides teachers with videos, resources, and other sources for the classroom.
Interland – Interland is an adventure-packed game that lets kids put fundamental lessons of digital safety into practice to help them ‘Be Internet Awesome’.
Digizen – Internet Social Networking advice and guidance for young people, parents and teachers.
InCtrl – Learn how to be safe and secure and how to make smart choices to remain InCtrl of your digital reputation!
Teacher’s Guide to Digital Citizenship – a brief introduction to Digital Citizenship for teachers by Edudemic.com
CyberWise – Learn about digital citizenship, Internet safety, security, privacy, sexting, cyberbullying, reputation management and more so you can help kids embrace technology safely and wisely.
Digital Passport – The interactive, fun, and effective way to teach and test the basics of digital citizenship to 3rd-5th grade.
