Let’s Talk About: African Americans and the Vote

Each year the Association for the Study of African American History (ASALH) announces a theme for Black History Month. The theme serves as a spotlight for historical issues and developments that are important for race relations in America.  ASALH encourages those with interest in black history to use the month of February as a time … read more »

African American History, Not Just for February!

 African American history is celebrated every year during February. Why not all year long? African American history has existed as long as America. If you are looking to add more African American History in your classroom, there are a multitude of resources available. No matter whether you are looking for general African American history … read more »

Celebrate African American History Month!

 African American History Month began when Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week in 1926.  It is always celebrated in February. According to the Library of Congress, it “celebrates the contributions that African Americans have made to American history in their struggles for freedom and equality and deepens our understanding of our Nation’s history.” … read more »

Digging Deeper: Using Thinking Routines to Build Empathy During African-American History Month

As we celebrate and observe African-American History Month in February, we must recognize the importance of making this topic relevant to students beyond just learning about famous African Americans and their contributions to this country’s history. Including specific activities that promote deeper thinking allows us to deepen understanding while building empathy for others. Developing empathy … read more »

Celebrating Juneteenth!

Why do we celebrate Juneteenth? On June 19th 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and freed enslaved African Americans—two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This historic moment marked the beginning of Juneteenth, a holiday long celebrated by African American communities and officially recognized as a federal holiday … read more »

Making Space for Juneteenth: Creative Ways to Celebrate and Educate

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the end of slavery in the United States and commemorates the announcement of freedom to enslaved African Americans in Texas, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It offers a profound opportunity to delve into the complexities of American history and the ongoing journey toward … read more »

Juneteenth in the Classroom: Exploring History Through Timelines, Stories, and Student Projects

On June 19, 1895, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with life-changing news: the Civil War had ended two years prior, and all enslaved individuals were now free. Despite the belated announcement, the city erupted in joyous celebrations filled with prayers, feasting, and lively singing and dancing. June 19 is an annual commemoration within the … read more »

Let’s Talk About: Oral Language Development

Oral language development is a crucial part of the Science of Reading. The science tells us that while phonics, decoding, and sight recognition (the lower strands on Scarborough’s Reading Rope) are foundational, students will only become fluent readers with appropriate language development. Language skills help students to understand and discuss texts. Weaving oral language development … read more »

Celebrating Juneteenth in the Classroom: Commemorating Freedom and Celebrating Resilience

Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do. Barack Obama As educators, you have the honor of imparting knowledge … read more »

Happy 223rd Birthday, Library of Congress!

April 24th is the 223rd birthday of the Library of Congress! The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library and an agency of the legislative branch of the U.S. government. It serves as the main research arm of the U.S. Congress, is recognized as the national library of the United States, and is the … read more »