social studies Archives - A Lesson Plan for Teachers

10 Great Ways to Use Scavenger Hunts in the Classroom

Posted on September 18, 2023September 3, 2023 by Michele Luck

This generation of students has been raised playing games. They play them for fun, to keep distracted or entertained, and even to help them complete chores or fall asleep. Gaming is a way of life. So why not use games...Read More

5 Tips for Fostering Great Student Collaboration in the New Year

Posted on June 21, 2023March 19, 2023 by Michele Luck

As teachers, we know that the beginning of the school year can set the tone for the rest of the academic year. It's essential to establish a positive classroom environment that fosters collaboration, communication, and teamwork. By starting the school...Read More

Teaching with Primary Sources and Being Fearless

Posted on August 22, 2022December 18, 2022 by Michele Luck

Teaching in a Social Studies classroom right now can be a bit scary. Not only are we the subject area often neglected when it comes to resources, we are also the target of underserved anger from those afraid the content...Read More

Teaching Your Students The Important Supreme Court Cases

Posted on May 6, 2022May 8, 2022 by Michele Luck

Teaching Supreme Court cases is typically done in Government classes where students learn about the Constitution and the role of each governmental branch. Important cases are sometimes included in U.S. History classes to emphasize key events or eras in history,...Read More

Make Learning Inquiry Easy for Your Elementary Students

Posted on March 7, 2022February 18, 2022 by Michele Luck

With so many states adding Inquiry-Based Learning to the standards, it is imperative that we start teaching in ways that will facilitate this skill for our students. But it seems like a hard task to take on, especially in the...Read More

5 Tips for First Year Teachers: How to Make Your First Year Amazing

Posted on May 25, 2020July 25, 2020 by Michele Luck

As a first year teacher, you may be feeling a plethora of negative emotions: scared, nervous, anxious, inferior, or even unprepared. But you shouldn't! Your education and training have prepared you for this! Remind yourself that you are competent, knowledgeable,...Read More

I Have a Dream: Teaching Unity for Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month

Posted on January 17, 2020July 25, 2020 by Michele Luck

Over five decades ago, the inspiring Martin Luther King, Jr., summed up our purpose as teachers. "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of...Read More

Creating an Interest in History in the Elementary Classroom

Posted on July 5, 2019July 25, 2020 by Michele Luck

In today’s technology-centered society, sparking an interest in anything that isn’t the latest app or gadget is difficult. Further, with Social Studies programs being cut around the country and History departments consistently underfunded and understaffed, many of our children are...Read More

Why Teaching Black History is not just a February Thing

Posted on February 5, 2019July 25, 2020 by Michele Luck

If you flip through any history textbook, you’re sure to find African American faces throughout. Many of America’s important leaders and historic figures are black - so why do we only spend one month learning about them? The biggest favor...Read More

How to Plan a World Religions Lesson in 5 Minutes or Less

Posted on January 22, 2019July 25, 2020 by Michele Luck

Let's face it. Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned educator, lesson planning can be a time-consuming, dreaded activity. Core content, standards, modifications, learning styles, diversification; there is just so much... well, planning. In the modern age of the...Read More