Civil Rights is an issue that must be addressed in schools today. To engage students in learning about the Civil Rights Movement and its lasting impact, I would begin by exploring the current civil rights issues in the U.S. today, such as racial justice, voting rights, police reform, and systemic inequalities in housing and education. By starting with these contemporary issues, students can immediately see the relevance of civil rights struggles in their own lives and communities. We would then examine what has changed since the 1960s—such as the progress made through legislative victories like the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act—and where challenges remain, such as ongoing racial disparities and the rollback of some protections.
From here, I would guide students in drawing parallels between the Civil Rights Movement of the past and today’s social justice movements, such as Black Lives Matter. Using primary sources from both eras—speeches, protests, and media coverage—students can critically analyze how strategies for achieving equality have evolved and where the fight for civil rights continues.
By facilitating thoughtful discussions, I would encourage students to explore how activism, both past and present, has shaped U.S. society. This approach not only connects historical movements to ongoing struggles but also empowers students to reflect on their own roles as active participants in shaping a more equitable future. Hands-on projects, guest speakers, and community connections would further deepen their understanding, helping students see how the Civil Rights Movement’s legacy remains alive today.
Does your school or district plan an open house prior to the first day of school, on the night of the first day of school, or sometime afterwards?
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To differentiate materials effectively for all students, you can offer various formats and levels of complexity.
What would this look like in a multi-age classroom?
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Does anyone have a Maker Space in your schools and how is it run? Do you incorporate Maker Space into your classroom spaces?
I started a leadership program through my district in January and one of the videos we had to watch is a Ted Talk called Embrace the Shake. Linked here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrZTho_o_is
One of my biggest take aways is that I don't necessarily have all of the tools, yet, to move into a coaching position, but there are many things I can leverage that I do have so that I can build my strengths. One of them is stepping outside my comfort zone to try new (and sometimes scary) things!
What are some ways you've stepped outside your comfort zone to be a leader inside your school building?
What end of the year activities does your school do?
My school likes to do ABC countdowns and field day.
What are some analogies you have used to make connections with the students? For example:
I am the Costco sampler person. I give you a little taste (the content limit of standards) and hopefully you will buy more (looking deeper into the subject)
I am an academic mechanic, I have to diagnose the issues and solve that problem.
In so many schools, play is dismissed as frivolous or not important to include in the day. How do you advocate for the inclusion of play?
What curriculum do you use for classroom circles? I like to introduce my students to a circle by using this book called the Sharing circle. The animals in the story help the students learn how to resolve conflicts. We don't have a curriculum in my district, but we do teach our students how to handle conflicts in a peaceful way. I also use my circles to discuss how we can improve as a class as far as treating each other with respect.
I'm having a lot of anxiety about starting the school year! What are some tactical things I should do over the summer to feel more prepared, and what can I deprioritize?
I wanted to share with you a lot of FREE early language and literacy resources for a program I designed - the goal behind it is to get it into the hands of as many families as possible! All of the downloadable/printable PDF resources are FREE on my website. I encourage you to check it out and think about ways you can write grants or secure sponsorship for families in your area! Check it out!
Ride and Read Program
Create meaningful opportunities for interactive shared language and literacy experiences anywhere you go! The Ride and Read Program provides families with engaging texts, activity cards, and storytelling props in a convenient travel tote so that they can build early literacy and language skills through joyful interactions. Knowing the importance of parental involvement in successful student learning, this program strives to provide families with the tools and resources they need to build a strong early language and literacy foundation.
As I was reading an educational article recently, I saw this idea, and I loved it! I will definitely implement it at the start of next year:
Have students write down (or tell you if they are little ones) what they want to hear on hard days. Collect those notes and hand them back out to students when you feel like they need to be reminded.
What are some ways you help students persevere on hard days?
I will be having a student teacher join my classroom in August. What do you wish you knew from your mentor teacher when you student taught?
We have our second progress monitoring next week. There are some strategies that I use to help the students prepare for the test. For example:
1. Arrange the seating beforehand so the students are not asking, "Why are the desks moved"
2. Give out 2 pencils everyday and collect them.
3. Have timed assignments. This helps pacing and focus.
4. Since we take the test on line, I email the students the link to the practice test so they can get used to navigating the program.
5. Lengthen a reading block so the students can build academic endurance of sustained reading.
6. Conference with the students to show them their first score and show a reasonable goal for the next test.
7. Use the dividers for the students during the weeks prior to the test.
8. Give test taking strategies for the students on how to "flag" and questions and go back to answer.
9. Email the parents with suggestions of foods, study habits and other tidbits to help them prepare their student.
10. Since my favorite animal is an elephant, I give the students a little elephant figuring to keep at their desk because they are part of my herd and they are special.
What foundational skills should I focus on to prepare students for success in algebra?
Students need to understand the foundational principles of algebra that include properties for each of the operations and the idea of substitution in variables. Order of operations is also a pivotal skill for Algebra. The key to understanding is knowing that algebra involves equivalencies. Because this can often be very abstract for most upper elementary students, providing as much context as possible makes it easier. I HIGHLY recommend https://borenson.com/product/the-hands-on-equations-learning-system/
It is well worth the investment to purchase this kit for your students to teach the parts of an equation and how to solve algebraic expressions.
I have students who are struggling with reading. What are some strategies that I can use to help them?
First, you need to determine the area of focus that the student is struggling with. This can be done by using various assessments. Gather data on different areas of reading: decoding, sight words, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Once you have determined the area(s) of concern, you can apply reading interventions to address these needs.
Word Study
Phonemic awareness
Decoding
High Frequency (sight words)
Syllabication
Spelling
Fluency
Modeled and assisted oral reading
Prosody development (pacing, intonation, volume, smoothness, phrasing, expression)
Guided reading
Partner reading
Vocabulary
Teacher models and explains
Technical
Content specific (using different genres)
Teaching word parts (roots, prefixes, suffixes)
