What Stuck? Exit Ticket Idea for Your Social Studies Class
Exit tickets are a purposeful and reflective way to end class. If you teach bell-to-bell, add in this quick and easy informal assessment...
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Michelle McDonald
- Sep 14, 2021
5 Fun Social Studies Teacher Back to School Items
If you are a social studies teacher, bring this core subject to the forefront with some fun back-to-school items. 1. Social Studies...
Michelle McDonald
- Sep 8, 2021
5 Tips for Fostering a Collaborative and Safe Social Studies Class
One of the most important steps we can take at the beginning of the year is time to build a positive classroom environment where all...
Michelle McDonald
- Aug 17, 2021
4 Must-Have Back to School Supplies for Every Classroom
Preparing for the school year can be daunting, especially if you are just beginning your teaching journey, or if you are switching grade...
Michelle McDonald
- Aug 10, 2021
World History and Geography Virtual Field Trips for the Entire School Year
If you are looking for a way to spark curiosity, infuse technology, and integrate critical thinking skills into your World History class...
Michelle McDonald
- Jul 6, 2021
8 Helpful Primary Source Websites for Teaching American History
If you want to move away from an outdated textbook or are in the process of piecing together lessons from the lack of a social studies...
Michelle McDonald
- Mar 9, 2021
Infusing Technology into Social Studies to Stimulate the Brain
I was on a long road trip recently and had quite a bit of time for teacher PD. I have loved listening and learning from Zaretta Hammond,...
Michelle McDonald
- Nov 23, 2020
How to Make Significant Reading Gains in Elementary
This might sound counterintuitive, but if we want to see real reading improvement, then we need to cut back on ELA and make more room for...
Michelle McDonald
- Oct 12, 2020
How to Batch Your Lesson Plans and Get Ahead
During my first year of teaching, I always felt like my head was barely above water. I was usually just one step ahead of the students....
Michelle McDonald
- Sep 17, 2020
How to Make Self-Care a Priority: Tips for New Teachers
During my first year of teaching, I stayed late at school most days of the week. I hate to admit it, but sometimes I was at school as...
Michelle McDonald
- Sep 6, 2020
5 Back to School Technology Tips for Virtual Learning
If you find yourself overwhelmed by learning new technology, are in the process of revamping your lessons and entire daily schedule for...
Michelle McDonald
- Aug 18, 2020
5 Reasons to use Google Voice for Parent Communication
If you are looking for an effective way to communicate with parents that doesn't involve tons of set up or parents signing up for one...
Michelle McDonald
- Aug 1, 2020
Advocating for Social Studies This Year
The other day, I asked those who follow me on Instagram to share their biggest concerns and struggles when it comes to teaching social...
Michelle McDonald
- Jul 6, 2020
New Teacher Back to School Checklists
Back to school is an especially busy time. From prepping bulletin boards, laminating activities, analyzing your scope and sequence, plus...
Michelle McDonald
- Jun 1, 2020
10 Interactive Notebook Tips for Your Social Studies Class
Do you want to try interactive notebooks in your social studies classroom but are worried about the cutting and gluing getting out hand...
Michelle McDonald
- Aug 13, 2019
200+ Countries of the World Daily Bell Ringer for your World Geography Class
I recognized that my students really didn't have a solid understanding of the difference between continents, countries, and cities and...
Michelle McDonald
- Jun 20, 2019
Setting up Your First Classroom with Focus
When I accepted my first teaching job, I couldn’t wait to get keys to my classroom. I had so many ideas spinning around in my head of...
Michelle McDonald
- Feb 22, 2019
3 Ways to Embrace Social Studies in the Elementary Classroom
“You don’t need to teach social studies in first grade. They’ll learn all that stuff when they get to middle school.” I absolutely cringe...
Michelle McDonald
- Feb 18, 2019
Practical Ways to Better Teach Social Studies in Elementary
Carving out time for social studies in the elementary classroom can seem daunting. With all of the standards, continual testing, and more...
Michelle McDonald
- Feb 18, 2019
The Importance of Teaching Social Studies in K-8
Maybe you're in a situation like what I've experienced, where social studies is not seen as a priority. I was teaching in one of the...
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