#sschat Archive
#sschat is a network of educators, resources, and ideas that started on Twitter, but has expanded to Facebook, an annual NCSS unconference, and more. Join us to chat asynchronously on Twitter or Facebook, or chat with us live on Mondays from 7-8pm EST.
Monday June 20, 2016
and...we're off for please introduce yourself! Hope there'll be some educators online tonight!
Welcome to tonight's on Fun & Engaging Classroom Activities for SS hosted by Looking forward to learning from everyone!
Hello - Amanda Hensley, 6th grade teacher from Oakdale, California here.
Hey Doug, 7th grade SS teacher from NY
Hi Amanda, welcome to ! Hope you're having a nice summer :)
Hi , this is Bill Chapman, a retired secondary social studies teacher, checking in from very sunny Berkeley, CA.
Hi Doug! Welcome to , having a nice summer?
Hey gang -at an archery competition so I'll be in & out. I teach HS social studies w/comics:graphic novels https://t.co/t9p4Q9A8tZ
Hi Bill, nice to see you back on !
Kevin, 7th/8th history from Socal
Hi Brittany from NJ, 6th grade ancient civ, last sschat of the school year!
Hi Emily from TN- 7th grade SS. Traveling (passenger) so will be in & out :-)
Evan from PA - relatively new to teaching SS and
Q#1 I have started putting my textbook in first person on hstry timelines with video and pics
Kate from Swansboro and I teach 9th grade World Hist
A1 - I've just started getting my feet wet with MinecraftEDU (changing soon) to get Ss excited about history. Do any of you use it?
I don't but I know there have been some sessions/demos on it at NCSS the last few years.
Hi 5th grade teacher from Utah and joining you for a little while :)
Hi Joanne! Welcome to tonight!
A1) I found simulations to be engaging & fun while also contributing to higher level learning.
A1 gearing lessons where Ss "do" history and create stimulates engagement
A1: Make it relevant. Give Ss choice & voice
A1: story, choice and mystery! (also cult of personality, being human goes a looon way.)
When history is alive, the students dive into learning.
A1: I use lots of images, especially 360° ones that make the students ask lots of questions/engage them
Simulations are about my favorite thing to do for soc. studies- brings it to life!
Real life simulations. Have students play the role of certain people in history.
Our parents are often surprised that kids love history. Why not? We don't teach it as dates, names, and battles.
Images are so powerful! And there are so many resources for finding great images. Trouble is narrowing down which to use.
A1 Vary the product. Give students choices.
Haven't used minecraft. But have tried it out myself. So much potential bc students love it.
Do something similar. Ss realize we do not have everything figured out
Sorry, I scrolled and can't find the questions:( help!
A1: looong* way too, although being a loon helps with middle school too!
Sometimes the solution is to provide tons of images and let the students find the one to inspire themselves
Agree. It's all about giving options and providing a variety of resources for them to choose from. Kids learn differently!
Yes! https://t.co/zbKxQv43m9
Our parents are often surprised that kids love history. Why not? We don't teach it as dates, names, and battles.
A1: also creating my first BreakoutEDU based on Washington's Spy Ring - have no doubt that will be engaging.
Images can be great hooks to get Ss interested in learning more & then turn them loose to find more visuals & info.
A1: was a game changer this year. So much engagement… but took lots of time to develop ones to hit learning goals
A1 annotating graphic novels and hip hop
Hi Kevin- I've "followed" you for years via Nice to connect with you here! :)
Curricula has to evolve. When we need to stop and address an issue, we do and connect historically.
Hi folks Tina M public high school Special Ed/Social Studies teacher in lower Westchester County
I think the comic book idea is super interesting - never really heard of it.
Maybe you can work w/ folks online (ahem, PLN) to break up the work?
Hi Tina! Welcome to ! Happy to have you here!
I did two Breakouts this year. One for Canadian Culture and one for pre-Columbian civilizations. They were a success
is something that I want to learn more about for sure
A1 Sometimes sparks their interest, other times picture books
I discovered tons of Pinterest boards with ideas. The first one was the hardest to develop and collaboration always helps
Application of ideas works best when students can relate history to current events. So many global issues go back in time.
Thanks for all your tweets tonight - question 2 coming up in a couple of minutes!
Hey, the Washington's Spy Ring sounds intriguing! Hope you share!
is a recent fascination. Haven't had a chance to try SS games yet. What do you like?
A1: connecting past w/current issues via documents, images, and vignettes, tap into curiosity let them create the product.
Absolutely! And really helps take care of the "why do we have to learn this?" question.
I wanted to to find a topic that lent itself to learning while Breakout Out. Spies seem perfect https://t.co/hsqLDgN9D2
I love that they enthusiastically search for history instead of half-heartedly listening to me
it seems like primary documents offer opportunities for students to make their own meaning.
Right, many learned history that way. That's why history repeats itself. Gotta teach kids to question. https://t.co/3QP3kNjLtV
I like the idea of searching for history.
I created it. Search for Revenge of Montezuma and Friends - it is in the Sandbox, but all parts are there
Definitely helps them appreciate the fact that there is not just one narrative of the past.
A2 Google docs all the way!
A2: All Google Docs all day long for Ss collaboration
I also LUV your idea and would like to try it
A2 and by collaborate we also mean I collaborate by adding comments:)
Google docs etc. is about the only way I know for Ss to truly collaborate Others?
So true. We have students awe struck by the depth of conflict. https://t.co/LpQrl8tVkE
Absolutely! And really helps take care of the "why do we have to learn this?" question.
Wonderful! Will definitely use it next year. Thanks!
Hey Chris...Just happened to see Twitter and figured I'd hop on! Matt from ATL here, 8th Gr. US Hist T
A2 We use Google Docs and Smart amp for collaboration
A2) I teach online & asynchronously. Ss do work in GDocs & have discussions via comments. Some great convos this sem.
A2: We discuss every question asked at least in pairs if not small groups. Can't have a discussion without collaboration.
A2 Ss used to communicate. Just went to 1:1. Intrigued by but a bit confusing
Padlet could be useful as well as VoiceThread.
A2: Ss are in a 1 to 1 environment in class, so they all take pics of notes on board, upload to Google Doc, and comment on them
Hi Matt, welcome to tonight!
A2 Todaysmeet is a fav of mine to use
A2 Yes, they collaborate. Often. Encourage them to use the tools they feel comfortable with. Google Hangouts. Docs. Etc.
A2: Google Everything, which allows them to plan collaborative iMovies, green screen, photo stories, etc
Yes, I second this! Esp for older Ss.
True! I've used Padlet just didn't think about it. Haven't used VoiceThread a whole lot-need more time to play
A2: I've also taught my kids to collaborate while working on different assignments from one another. That's been a game-changer.
Hey there! Glad to be here for a little! Hope y'all are all having a great summer so far
We build many collaborative projects and try to make them interdisciplinary. Tech is always there; it's seamless.
with the right set up to spark interest, student are compelled to learn with needing to push
Hi Matt! Great to see ya!
A2: Looking forward to reading your responses on this one. Hoping to add more collaboration this year via docs, etc.
A2: Gonna use a few more apps this yr. & experiment with more projects to see more collab, but keep it simple w/ notes & projects
Used it for first time a few weeks ago at a conf - session presenters had us use for backchannel.
I have done a lot of inservice with padlet but never made it a part of my classroom
A2: A collaborative review game students love Live. Other tools also adding Team element like and
👍Google docs & my students w/Autism had great discussions w/each other via "questions" on Google classroom
Embedded Padlet wall for each lesson where Ss put links to their work so other Ss can read & comment.
Students want to matter. They want to participate in history.
A2) group collaboration through OneNote and Office 365 PowerPoints
is pretty easy I think of it more as curating resources rather than collaboration-need to rethink :)
Don't we all participate in history with each breath we take?
set up/ "on boarding" is huge with any type of learning. Wind them up then let them go.
Refraining for implying certainly about any one narrative. Multiple perspectives and room for more.
Think it could be great for Ss to collaborate on image analysis - make image background & Ss post.
We're fortunate to allow students to use social media for current events, and they are good at it.
Yes! I tried Dotstorming but before voting update. Need to re-explore.
A2: schoology for collaboration and sharing, paddler was new for me this year, kids felt comfortable with it and I enjoyed it.
A2) I've seen a few T's use Padlet as well & 4-corners in the room to encourage discussion/collaboration
A2 my students always sit in tables of four -they are always allowed to pair/share - help each other before asking me - independence
Yes, but that often isn't obvious to Ss, in my experience.
Let SnapChat, Instagram, etc. into the world of learning. They use it anyway, make it count and contribute.
Same. My class is set up in pods of 4-6 & Ss actually inadvertently work together on stuff in the pods Muahaha
When they see their own interpretations entertained,they buy into process even if it leads to some error https://t.co/4VvrmnmNpl
yes, love that they can interpret docs differently but still be correct because of their own personal experiences.
A2 We use Google Docs, Prezi, Padlet to collab. Students also use and
True, but I think that is because they think of history as only what is written in history books.
Question 3 coming up ....
Absolutely. Hard to see selves in history textbook.
Same here- class in groups of 4. Only rows for test. Ss in subject not testing always do a double take. https://t.co/yCpc7Oa8gF
A2 my students always sit in tables of four -they are always allowed to pair/share - help each other before asking me - independence
On boarding. Wind up. Intrigue. Hook. https://t.co/3je7Y0IHh2
set up/ "on boarding" is huge with any type of learning. Wind them up then let them go.
Yes, and that is why we should not censor and restrict in schools. Tear down the firewall!
Ha ha ha! I did same w/ room always in diff configs - only rows for test days. :)
Q3. In an ideal world, how would students interact with primary sources to engage with history? https://t.co/FvSgB2MWzk
We also go no tech with small whiteboard & butcher paper at times.
My tests were cheat proof.
Yes, Ss are going to be on social media anyway. Why not use & provide learning, guidance?
A3 Google Newspapers was a great resource for primary sources in teaching - some go way back! https://t.co/s0GAVYus52
Appreciate going low/no tech sometimes I'm 1:1 and love it but sometimes kids just want to hold a marker
A3: With a very specific purpose and question to answer, not just the words "analyze this."
A3: In our classroom (which is perfect btw LOL) we read em, break down the words/language, and try to make it sound "8th grade" chat
A3: Almost like a 360° image with pathways to related documents from a different perspective
A3 analyzing historical pics
A3) Collaboratively w/ several options for annotating (digitally, on paper, etc.) - hoping to use VoiceThread next year for this.
Not in our classes. We want our students to know about historiography and secondary reporting.
A3 Visiting them at the dig site where they were first found!
A3 Have them create and use primary source mind maps.
butcher paper and DBQ docs for a group essay and walk through has become my favorite lesson. Collaboration, movement
A3) cont. Tried using GDocs this sem so Ss could annotate collaboratively & use built in dictionary but still struggle.
A3 In an ideal world, students would research and interpret primary sources they find.
Amen! https://t.co/jLcKTJoXBm
Yes, Ss are going to be on social media anyway. Why not use & provide learning, guidance?
Most def! LOVE me some polt cartoons, primary images in history, & visuals. We live in a visual world, analyze it
Great to tie in famous paintings (norman rockwell etc) with docs/discussions/drama
A3 use docs (written/image) to analyze, discuss, question historical events, people, ideas, etc
Oooh! Kind of like a hyperdoc experience?
A3 Ideal- most class material would be ps. Love getting docs with some challenging others or popular POV
A3 we need to let hem interpret them - just like poetry, song lyrics. Be open minded to interpretation - they just might surprise u
In an ideal world, students want to analyze primary sources that relate to their lives.
That sounds great! Lots of power in butcher paper & markers!
yes! Powerful to allow students to ask questions and pick out evidence on pics
Yes- I have a new roll for next school year!
A3 analyze the document and then create an updated version
If we want students to better understand primary sources, we should start w/ current events. Start w/ what they relate to.
I need to spend more time creating some of these next year. https://t.co/VwLqO5d7H5
Oooh! Kind of like a hyperdoc experience?
Interpret yes. Translate - no. Spending time to figure out archaic text and handwriting often misses the point.
A3: mashups have worked to provide context. Curriculum worked too, until they shut down :(
A3: spent time this year on students finding primary sources that supported/contrasted an idea of the period.
Yes - what primary sources exist from our lives & significant happenings.
Compare historical/current primary documents to engage kids to question and analyze.
we used menus, songs, Twitter beefs worked well to get them comfortable with each other and the mechanics.
Great resource current events multiple reading levels bc we're ALL reading teachers Love too!
To empower questioning of news, media, and history - kids need to look thru the current events lens.
Yes, all of this! https://t.co/npcOUsmK8L
Great resource current events multiple reading levels bc we're ALL reading teachers Love too!
Nice- I had students do this w/ APUSH. Going to have students curate their own magazines by APGov topic
Hoping to incorporate Newsela next year. Thanks for reminder.
A3:Good point.Important to give multiple views &perspectives.Good old-fashioned compare/contrast is easy place to start
That sounds like a cool idea. Should add that to my curation tool Padlet for my courses.
A3: Ss would be able to explain how these documents affect their lives in present day
my AP Ss said it was super helpful & suggested I use it to introduce the DBQ, so that's how we do it now. 😊
That's awesome! Definitely makes it less intimidating.
We love Newsela. We also use Smithsonian TweenTribune and Our LIttle Earth for the young ones. https://t.co/IwpA08GXsc
Great resource current events multiple reading levels bc we're ALL reading teachers Love too!
You can also collect Ss mags w/GForm, share w/Ss & have them comment on the articles for disc.
Preach!!! Love this comment https://t.co/y13cl6A1zN
If we want students to better understand primary sources, we should start w/ current events. Start w/ what they relate to.
Question 4 coming up in a minute!
Ss enjoyed the Election 2016 sections.
Love as well! Haven't heard of Our Little Earth
I understand the argument. I don't agree with it. If SHEG is down with it, so am I.
A4: Higher resolution images. PLEASE INTERNET!
A4) Would love tool to allow easy differentiation of reading levels for PS docs. There's probably one out there, right? Right?
One reason I don't like SHEG. Sam Wineberg is a psychologist, not a historian.
Yes- Checkology from has a great resource to introduce the students and have guided practice. https://t.co/RvGlRpnU7E
To empower questioning of news, media, and history - kids need to look thru the current events lens.
It's true, some of the written docs are on a high level or in a confusing style
A4 For ancient, images of artifacts. Lots of them.
We are fortunate as teachers to live in the digital age w/ access to an array of primary sources for learning.
Oooooh! I see some world history stuff on there. Thank you SO MUCH!!!
This would be fabulous!!! https://t.co/ea8dBcyVtx
A4) Would love tool to allow easy differentiation of reading levels for PS docs. There's probably one out there, right? Right?
ABSOLUTELY! has some, but mostly limited to primary sources in US https://t.co/kHkcH9jilC
A4: Higher resolution images. PLEASE INTERNET!
A4 leveled primary texts are saving me loads of time. Just need to keep adding to available sources
Tap those librarians for historical resources and primary sources to use in the classroom.
Amen. I started in mid90s and still had to use dittos. Dittos, people!!!
I agree - lucky to be in digital age - finding sources easy - problem is narrowing down choices!
SO many resources for US. Would like more ps easily accessibile for modern/hs World.
that can get sketchy and things are Mis "translated" always check first - just like with google translate
YES! I struggle w/ that so much. So many great sources but trying to choose best ones almost paralyzes me at times.
In this day and age, digitized primary sources are accessible.
It is pretty cool. I have my Ss use it when researching. Why I did not think to use with ps?!
How about getting a Scanner app for your phone, then visiting great research libraries & scanning your own?
A4: more and more museums are putting collections online, we used these weekly.
Teaching w/ primary sources could not be easier today.
Question 5 is coming right up!
greatest feeling when you get a pic from a student on vacation w/artifact or landmark!
We love when our students come in w/ their SnapChat feeds to question what is in the news. That's engagement!
Yes- I love using Front Pages for this. Every region has papers in English. https://t.co/42yufsA1Uh
I have my students read European newspapers online. Many sources available - search by country and English
Have to go - if folks are interested in comics, here are some of my lessons https://t.co/fkUXOJNuS9 - I love to collaborate
Thanks Tim for your resources :)
Also like using https://t.co/9y01V2KzS9 to show Ss trending stories for current events. Can narrow by subject on the bottom.
A5 I'm looking forward to introducing to my staff and students!
A5) Probably collaborative doc analysis using VoiceThread. Will try it and see what happens.
A5: BreakoutEDU for sure, still considering Genius Hour.
A5 We bought the Looking forward to using their collection of resources & student activities to support my lessons
We should constantly revise and update curricula to meet the needs of learners. Stagnant is not their world.
A5 Looking fwd to and Google Expeditions. Only tried them once last yr- Ss enjoyed them.
A4: more elements from Big History and more cross-curricular with Science/Math.
A5 Looking to do more C3 Inquiry & get my Ss asking better Qs. Going to this weekend.
Learning should never be about the game of school. It's about tapping learners to challenge knowledge. Isn't that college discourse?
A5: more elements of Big History and cross-curricular with Sci/Math.
A5: and of course whatever else going 1 to 1 allows. We're going from 35 computers to 1,270. Yikes. I mean woo hoo.
Thank you for an engaging tonight. It's always good to push the educator's boundaries as well!
A5: Lots! More + more + more + newbie to coding, Google Classroom but ready to try
We did that this year. Lots of growing pains. We survived. :]
A6) Super pumped for our trip to England a bit later this summer. Kids want to see Harry Potter everything. :)
A6: this week and quality time relaxing and spending time with friends and family
A6 - Vacation to Maui with friends & family! Can't wait to recharge.
A6 Hitting both WA & DC and the beach next month!
Google Classroom was perfect for me since I use so many GoogleDocs to have students collaborate. Love it!
