Too often, students can list the five W’s of the American Civil War: who, what, when, where, and why, but still struggle to truly understand the people who lived through it. They can tell you that Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president or that the Civil War lasted from 1861 to 1865, but they can’t always imagine what daily life was like for a soldier, a nurse, or an enslaved person during that time. That’s why bringing history to life matters. When students experience the pas

’Tis the season of giving , and what better way to spread a little joy than by surprising the social studies teacher in your life with something thoughtful and practical? Whether you’re a colleague, partner, or friend, this 2025 Gift Guide includes ideas that teachers will love—both in and out of the classroom. If you can find meaningful gifts by thrift shopping (my personal favorite), I believe that's always a great place to start, but here are some ideas. Every item featur

The days leading up to Thanksgiving break can be hectic for teachers. Between shortened schedules, assemblies, and excited students, finding something meaningful yet low-prep  can feel like a challenge. I've created a ready-to-go virtual field trip experience that lets students travel back in time to the early 1600s to learn the history and significance of Plymouth colony from multiple perspectives. In this Plymouth Colony virtual field trip, your students will visit historic

Teachers make so many decisions each and every day. Some say that teachers make more decisions in a day than a brain surgeon. With teachers wearing many different hats and needing to make split-second decisions, it can easily lead to decision fatigue. I can think of one year in particular--my fifth year of teaching that led to burnout. After a full day of teaching, I just wanted to come home and lie on the couch. Between being in a new school and learning the ropes of new sys

As we approach the season of giving-thanks and reflect on the story of Thanksgiving and Plymouth Colony, it’s vital that educators take time to teach this chapter of American history with accuracy, nuance, and respect. The popular narrative of Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a meal and being friends, while appealing, often leaves out deeper truths, multiple voices, and the complexity of what truly happened. Here is how you can use a virtual field trip to teach Thanksgi