Let's talk about the Colonization of Texas. This time period includes empresarios, the Father of Texas, and the beginning of many modern cities. Students are sure to get excited! For our colonization unit we start out by discussing why people wanted to come to Texas. There are usually a few misconceptions with this one. For example, did you … [Read more...] about Colonization of Texas – Texas History
Remembering September 11th in the Classroom
Every beginning of September I feel it start to weigh on my mind. How am I going to talk to my students about September 11th? While this day, frozen in time, still feels fresh and raw to me, I have to recognize that the students I have now were not alive. The reality is that some students may not even have heard of it before. While it is a … [Read more...] about Remembering September 11th in the Classroom
Texas History: When Do I Teach That?
Hello Texas History teaching friends! Recently I have had several people ask me when I teach each unit, and about how long I take to teach it. Enough people have asked that I decided to make a post about it, so that it would be easier for all of us to refer to it. Disclaimer time: Most districts have a scope and sequence that they would like … [Read more...] about Texas History: When Do I Teach That?
More Vocabulary Games
This is the second edition of vocabulary games that I have used in my classroom that are student loved. For the first group of games, check out this post. Just as with the first few games we use the box of word cards with these games that have an index card with each word that also has a definition, the word used in context, synonyms, and … [Read more...] about More Vocabulary Games
Check for Understanding with Cooperative Learning Structures
The following are four cooperative learning structures are my favorite ways to get students up and moving while I check for understanding. I use all four of these structures in my classroom almost daily! Take-Off Touchdown This cooperative learning structure is so easy to pull out at a moment's notice that it just might be your new favorite. … [Read more...] about Check for Understanding with Cooperative Learning Structures