For two days last spring, my 8th grade U.S. history class had been studying the challenges of refugees, in history and in the present. In class discussions, I had been trying to balance the difficulties governments encounter… Continue reading
Category: Social Justice
“‘Not Light, But Fire’: Talking Race in Class,” MiddleWeb
While I was reading it, Matthew R. Kay’s Not Light, But Fire inspired me to change in real time the way I framed conversations about current events and history – which very often involve race, ethnicity, religion, politics… Continue reading
“Be the Change: Teach Social Comprehension,” MiddleWeb
When I browse the new books shelf at the library, usually I’ll look for titles on history, cooking or biography – such as the brief yet profound… Continue reading
“My Must-Listen Podcast: ‘Teaching Hard History,'” MiddleWeb
I was way late to the podcast party. For a long time I had what I thought were good reasons: I don’t commute far. I like to listen to music, not words, while I exercise. I had a wonky old phone without enough memory… Continue reading
“‘Rhythm and Resistance: Teaching Poetry for Social Justice,'” MiddleWeb
Linda Christensen and Dyan Watson’s Rhythm and Resistance: Teaching Poetry for Social Justice had me at its title, which promises the perfect blend of art and activism. After I read the introduction to the first chapter, I realized this book might promise even more than that… Continue reading
“Inspiring Active Citizenship Across Disciplines,” NAIS Independent Ideas Blog
A recent one-day professional growth workshop epitomized what I hope students will take away from my classes: a sense that their well-informed communication can change the world. The event, Poetic Convergence, was on a Saturday, and it took more than an hour… Continue reading