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.
I am working a university on revising/creating a M. Ed. program that is going to be offered for elementary classroom teachers who are interested in becoming master reading teachers. It would be more so for teachers that want to learn more about differentiation, assessments, RTI, MTSS - difficulties vs disabilities, rather than becoming a reading specialist. What areas, topics, competencies would you suggestion be considered?
How do you connect with your students prior to the school year beginning?
There are times when people have asked, "What keeps your going year after year?" I am a very fortunate individual who has a profession that is also a hobby. I love the aspect of understanding how the mind works. It is like a human puzzle. Each year I am blessed with a new bunch of students. Each year is different. I love planning the year with new activities to keep my mind fresh and the focus on the standards. There are some activities that I will keep, but I love the challenge of finding creative ways to explain the content. Working with a new class of students is always a challenge. I love the newness of learning opportunities and would not change my profession for the world!
Does your district operate on a schedule where you attend less than 5 days a week - i.e. 4 day school week? If so, what are the benefits for your school - community? If not, how would that benefit your school - community?
During Black History Month, I encourage the students to research other influential African- Americans than just the ones that are most studied. I ask the students to find local individuals who have made an impact. Florida has a rich history of African American contributions. To that, I also encourage the teachers to teach Black History all year long, after all, all the history of African Americans did not happen only in the month of February.
How do you organize your teaching materials?
Recently our district began professional training that focuses on Classroom 180 - Trauma informed classrooms. What professional training or resources are your favorites?
https://www.classroom180.com/
This golden doodle taught more about trauma-informed practice and nervous system regulation than any textbook ever could. Check out more at: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPonseLEYuE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== or https://www.buzzsprout.com/2019640/episodes/17222239
Who—or what—has been your most unexpected teacher?
What are some classroom management rituals or practices that you start at the beginning of the year?
.jpg)
What are some of your most effective methods for building a positive classroom community?
How do you teach opinion writing to 1st and 2nd graders? I like to use graphic organizers to help my students to organize their thoughts. I also like to introduce it with a book called Duck! Rabbit! This book really gets the students to think about why they see what they see. I also like to discuss the different seasons with my students and have them decide which one they like best. I tell them to think about what they can do, see ,eat and celebrate to help them decide on which season they like best.
What’s a good assessment for a standard about understanding the difference between perspectives within characters?
So, it has been a while since I have been on this platform as a coach. I did not want to seem like a hypocrite. I have been teaching a long time and this year seemed to be extremely difficult all around. I felt that if I were to give advice, it would be hollow and just mundane. However, while I was reflecting on my year and cleaning my room, I happened upon a box, a time capsule if you will. In it were my goals that I set as a first year teacher. There were also notes and cards from students and parents. One particular note was from a student who thanked me for listening. He wrote that he never felt heard until he was in my class. This letter renewed my spark into a flame.
As you reflect on your teaching, remember why you decided to teacher. My focus became about me and I reminded myself that the students are my focus. My goal should be to help at least one more.
Teaching is a tough job. But the rewards outweigh the struggle. I almost lost that hope. Stay strong teachers!
A lesson hook is a short opening to a lesson. It should grab your students’ attention and leave them wanting to learn more. Hooks can prepare your students for the content they will be learning.
A good lesson hook strategy can make all the difference when it comes to engaging students and maximizing their learning. You can use your lesson hook to establish connections between existing knowledge and the new content.
Any break from the ordinary can be exciting. Change your learning setting to get students engaged and excited for what’s to come.
There are tons of lesson hooks that you can use and find online. Here are some ideas:
Theme your classroom for the lesson (posters, learning centers, bulletin boards, etc.)
Use “feely” boxes or bags
Create a survey and graph the results
Use music
Guest speaker
