Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Uncovering Loyalties is an engaging iCivics role-play game set in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1774. Students explore the town, interact with young people from different backgrounds, and walk in their shoes as Loyalists or Patriots. Throughout gameplay, students learn to explain connections in historical contexts; explore why individuals and groups held differing perspectives during the same period, and apply critical-thinking skills to organize and use information acquired from a variety of sources. The game also helps students understand how political, religious, and economic ideas and interests led to the American Revolutionary War. Teachers can enhance the experience using a free Extension Pack, complete with a lesson plan, student handouts, and Google Slides available from the iCivics "Teach" section.

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The Museum of the American Revolution's Virtual Museum Tour offers an immersive online experience featuring 360-degree panoramic views of its galleries, high-resolution images of artifacts, and optional guided audio narration. The tour is divided into themed sections, such as the Liberty Tree, Washington's Field Headquarters, and various exhibits that highlight diverse voices, including those of women, Native Americans, and both free and enslaved people. Students can explore detailed scenes and stories that trace the journey from the start of the Revolution to the founding of a new nation. However, since the tour includes embedded YouTube videos, any school district that blocks YouTube will prevent access to those video components.

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Read about the significant underrepresentation of Latino achievements in U.S. history education. A joint study by UnidosUS and Johns Hopkins University revealed that only 13% of essential topics related to the Latino experience are adequately covered in current textbooks. The article emphasizes the importance of integrating Latino narratives into the broader American story to provide a more accurate and inclusive historical perspective. It highlights notable figures such as Juan Garrido, the first documented Black person in North America, and Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to explore the West Coast. Educators are encouraged to incorporate these contributions into their curricula to enrich students' understanding of the nation's diverse heritage.

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The National Archives' Hispanic Heritage Month page offers educators a rich collection of primary sources and historical records to celebrate and explore the contributions of Hispanic Americans. The site features documents, photographs, and exhibits highlighting influential figures such as Justice Sonia Sotomayor, labor leaders Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, and astronaut Ellen Ochoa. Educators can access materials on immigration, civil rights, and cultural achievements, providing students with authentic insights into Hispanic and Latino experiences in U.S. history.

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The ISTE blog post "9 Resources for Teaching About Hispanic Heritage" offers a curated list of engaging digital tools and platforms to help educators meaningfully incorporate Hispanic Heritage Month into their classrooms. Each resource highlights the contributions, culture, and history of Hispanic and Latino communities through interactive activities, videos, virtual exhibits, and lesson plans. The article emphasizes culturally responsive teaching and provides teachers with practical ideas to foster inclusivity and deeper student understanding.

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This educational video from KidsKonnect provides an engaging overview of Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting its origins, significance, and the rich contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to U.S. culture and history. The video explains why the celebration runs from September 15 to October 15, ties it to Latin American independence days, and features notable figures like Sonia Sotomayor, Cesar Chavez, Rita Moreno, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. It is geared toward elementary and middle school learners. It also explores themes such as cultural identity, immigration, and community values, all while incorporating fun trivia--like a spotlight on Dora the Explorer as a cultural icon. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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The Biography.com feature "23 Influential Hispanic Americans Who Have Made History" offers an engaging overview of prominent Hispanic figures whose achievements have significantly impacted American society. The article highlights individuals across various fields, including politics, arts, science, and activism. Notable figures include Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic American on the U.S. Supreme Court; labor leader Cesar Chavez, who co-founded the United Farm Workers; and EGOT-winning performer Rita Moreno. This resource serves as an excellent tool for educators aiming to introduce students to the diverse contributions of Hispanic Americans.
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The AAPI History Hub is a valuable educational resource that provides lesson plans, primary sources, and interactive materials to help teachers incorporate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history into their curriculum. The site offers engaging content for various grade levels, including biographies, historical events, and cultural contributions that highlight the rich and diverse experiences of AAPI communities. With classroom-ready resources and discussion prompts, the AAPI History Hub supports educators in fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of U.S. history.

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The Congressional Medal of Honor Society's Character Development Program offers a powerful approach to teaching Memorial Day through the lens of courage, sacrifice, and integrity. This resource includes lesson plans, discussion prompts, and video stories featuring Medal of Honor recipients, helping students connect historical understanding with personal character growth. Aimed at upper elementary through high school levels, it allows teachers to guide students in meaningful conversations about service, patriotism, and remembrance, making Memorial Day more than just a date on the calendar, but a moment for reflection and gratitude.

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As Memorial Day approaches, educators have a unique opportunity to dive into the holiday's rich history and significance with their students. "Memorial Day in the Classroom: Resources for Teachers" offers a comprehensive collection of resources to facilitate meaningful discussions and activities surrounding this important day. The article provides a diverse array of materials suitable for various grade levels, aiming to deepen students' understanding of Memorial Day. The article features multimedia resources like the History Channel's brief video on the holiday's origins and Time's "7 Things You Didn't Know About Memorial Day," which can serve as engaging conversation starters. For interactive learning, virtual tours of institutions such as the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the National World War I Museum offer immersive experiences. Additionally, the article links to structured lesson plans from reputable sources like the National Education Association and TeachingHistory.org, catering to elementary through high school students.
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Transform Memorial Day from a mere date on the calendar into a profound learning experience with this comprehensive collection of lesson plans and activities. These resources are designed to help students understand the significance of honoring those who have served and sacrificed for the nation. Highlights include the "Shoebox Parade," where students create dioramas representing various U.S. conflicts, and "Graphing Our History of Sacrifice," which uses data visualization to reflect on military losses. The "Wall of Peace" activity encourages students to write essays honoring service members, culminating in a collaborative classroom display. Additionally, resources like the "Every-Day Edit" provide language arts integration, while the "Internet Treasure Hunt" engages students in researching Memorial Day's history. These thoughtfully crafted lessons not only commemorate the holiday but also promote critical thinking, creativity, and civic awareness among students.
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Memorial Day offers a profound opportunity for students to connect with American history and honor the sacrifices of military personnel. The National Education Association (NEA) provides a curated collection of lesson plans and activities designed to help educators bring the significance of this day into the classroom. The resources encompass a variety of educational materials suitable for grades K-8. For younger students, the collection includes printable coloring pages, word searches, and simple crafts that introduce the symbols and traditions associated with Memorial Day. Older students can engage with more in-depth activities, such as using online graphing tools to analyze historical data on America's war casualties, fostering a deeper understanding of the holiday's origins and evolution. Additionally, the NEA provides access to historical speeches, such as Frederick Douglass's 1871 address at Arlington National Cemetery, and booklists that offer narratives to further explore the themes of service and sacrifice.

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View this blog post that presents nine thoughtfully designed activities to help students in grades 3-8 explore the significance of Memorial Day. From designing Revolutionary War memorials to crafting poster poems and analyzing the shapes within the U.S. flag, these activities blend social studies, literacy, and art. Each task encourages critical thinking and personal reflection, making the holiday's history and symbolism accessible and impactful for young learners. With accompanying student handouts and adaptable lesson plans, this resource is a valuable tool for educators aiming to foster a deeper understanding of Memorial Day in their classrooms.

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This educational video explores the significance of Memorial Day, focusing on how Americans honor fallen soldiers through parades, writing thank-you letters to active service members, and visiting military cemeteries like Arlington and Gettysburg. It explains important symbols such as the American flag, lowered to half-staff until noon, and the red poppy, which became a remembrance flower thanks to Moina Michael's 1915 poem. The video also highlights the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. and includes an informative quiz reviewing key facts, like the holiday's original name ("Decoration Day") and its Civil War origins. The video is a great resource to help young learners connect with this solemn day respectfully and memorably. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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The Jewish American Heritage Month website is a valuable resource for educators looking to integrate Jewish American history and culture into their curriculum. It provides access to primary sources, lesson plans, videos, and exhibits from institutions like the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian. Teachers can use these materials to explore Jewish contributions to American society, discuss historical events, and engage students in activities that promote cultural understanding. The site also includes virtual exhibits and suggested readings, making it a versatile tool for classroom learning.

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The Holocaust Museum Houston's Educators page provides a comprehensive collection of resources tailored for teachers at both elementary and secondary levels. It offers specialized lesson plans, classroom activities, and professional development opportunities to enhance Holocaust education. These materials are designed to support educators in delivering accurate and engaging content about the Holocaust, fostering critical thinking and empathy among students. Additionally, the museum provides contact information and avenues for further assistance, ensuring educators can access the support they need. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

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The Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) Toolkit, provided by the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, offers educators a variety of downloadable resources to celebrate and raise awareness of JAHM each May. The toolkit includes social media posts, posters, a resource guide, and logos. Additionally, companion resources are available for the poster series featuring notable Jewish Americans. Educators seeking professional development opportunities and further teaching materials can find them through the toolkit. For specific needs, the JAHM team is available year-round to assist schools and organizations in finding appropriate resources.

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