Mrs. Slaviero's Blog

  Stretching the thinking in History education sometimes happens spontaneously. A few years ago I found a resource from the incredible iCivics site related to the role presidents play in government, featuring examples from the early years of the nation, and the first four presidents. It became a great review of the big picture events of these presidents, their roles in building a strong nation, as well as a review of the Three Branches of Government. Students read the scenarios and decided if the examples represented Stable Finances, Peaceful Politics, or Self-Defense. I decided to extend the learning on the moment and took a poll as to which of the three students felt was most important. The next task was to calculate the percentages and create a pie chart with the poll data. The result was a strong opportunity to strengthen students' learning in a different way. This year teaching hybrid (teaching students synchronously in-seat and virtually simultaneously) makes planning more ...

We wrapped up our National History Day projects this week and had our last in-class work days. I continually met with students, whether virtually in breakouts or talking to in-seat students to check in and see if they needed any assistance.  This year, more than any other, we truly worked on this project one piece at a time. I am so proud of this because my Historians needed a clear-cut approach more than ever.  As I introduced the main project I reminded students they already had completed all of the requirements, it was just a matter of putting it together, whether they create a documentary, website, or exhibit. (In a normal year I, truth be told, dissuade my students from completing an exhibit, unless they work in a group. The rules have changed and NHD this year is allowing digital exhibits, which essentially is a Powerpoint/Keynote. I have encouraged the vast majority of my classes to complete an exhibit this year.) Early in Second Quarter students developed a Context Org...