#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 January 11, 2016
Join in 1 hour! Don't miss us at 8PM est.
I’m Laurie Walczak, teaching partner of , 8th gr American Studies in MKE WI. LOVE little-known histories!
Chris from Bloomington, IN. Teach world history for online HS affiliated w/ IU. One of the co-leaders. Looking forward to the chat.
Have students noticed headlines w/ the term “refugee” in recent months? Our unit covers the topic in depth: https://t.co/6JkoR4USgn
Hi ! I'm Emily from NY. 11th and 12th grade US history, government and econ.
Hey there folks! I'm Andrew, 8th grade US History teacher in Massachusetts, long-time fan of the obscure & apparently insignificant
Annie from Cville VA! Instr. Coach, VA Geog Alliance Co-Coordinator, & NatGeo Certified Teacher -- happy to be w/ in the New Year!
Hi Dennis from Seekonk MA checking in...6th grade World Geography
hi everyone! Been awhile.Tim from PA huge fan of using comics/graphic novels in the history classroom -AP Econ, AP Euro,Global Hist
Scott Petri, HS WH Teacher. We call Secret Histories culturally-relevant pedagogy out here on the left coast.
I am getting hooked on these Twitter chats. Kyle from CA. 10th grade World History.
Hey Doug from Clifton Springs, NY. Teach 7th and 8th grade Social Studied
I found a new one! Do this one for History teachers
On the east coast we suspect them as witchcraft
Hi Michael from New Jersey, former SS teacher, current SS Supervisor
I'm Michael. I teach World History. A little known fact about me is that I scored a hole in 1 on the 5th hole (shooting for the 4th)
... and what do you do with witches?
I hope I can add something. I am here more to learn from the experienced ones
Ken from Western Oregon Univ. Teach social studies pedagogy, coordinate MAT program, & co-cordinate Oregon's geo alliance
ballet night for daughter, so here for as long as I can :)
A1) Makes history far more interesting. Hopefully helps students connect themselves to history in a way.
Bruce from NC 8th grade SS
A1 - we are all unsung heroes - history is not about the "great" men
Hello ! Amy from Frederick, MD 7th grade medieval history :)
A1: It shows Ss that not every story gets told in the "traditional" narrative and people outside have an impact too
Yes can be habit forming! :)
A1 make curriculum relatable to diverse Ss. Also allows Ss to see the mult perspectives in history, which drives critical thinking
Dave from jumping in when I can... I teach 5th grade all subjects
Great point! https://t.co/sAJGPzmrD1
A1: It shows Ss that not every story gets told in the "traditional" narrative and people outside have an impact too
A1: unfamiliar stories can capture Ss attention/interest -- even better if they have a local connection!
It's ML, US history teacher from MA, checking in to for a little bit tonight. Monday nights have been busy these past few weeks!
Yes! Such a good point - potential to reach diversity of students. https://t.co/ziv35Xs3IQ
A1 make curriculum relatable to diverse Ss. Also allows Ss to see the mult perspectives in history, which drives critical thinking
A1: connecting to local history can help S's connect to larger themes in Social Studies.
A1 those are usually the stories that are most interested in hearing! They help them connect and remember history better!
A1 Secret Histories help us fulfill our obligation of looking at History through multiple lenses & fun @ parties
A1 These stories add to/complicate common narratives and show Ss there is so much more history to explore/learn
And form long-lasting connections! I’ll have to explain my “snowy owl effect”… Life-long interest in topic. https://t.co/yVGmlrT4pL
A1) Makes history far more interesting. Hopefully helps students connect themselves to history in a way.
A1) When you give Ss little tidbits they like to show off what they know to others. Some remember small info better than big info
A1 Gives Ss the opportunity to see that we all shape our history - not just a few.
Great point! Connect to LOCAL history! https://t.co/Tvpum2AiET
A1: connecting to local history can help S's connect to larger themes in Social Studies.
Great point, it can also make it come alive when the history is right next door
A1 Little known histories are the rich colors & textures in our American story, our global quilt sewn of squares of these gems!
A1: it gives a voice to the unsung heroes. It gives a new wrinkle in old stories.
A1 -- last year's students were more interested in "regular guys" like John Glover & Joseph Plumb Martin than GWash
What a great way to say it: “new wrinkle in old stories.” https://t.co/DdomLT09by
A1: it gives a voice to the unsung heroes. It gives a new wrinkle in old stories.
A1: It also shows that small events can be very important and can shape much larger events.
Adding these names to list of people/topics I must look up after tonight’s ! https://t.co/5baZ8HewtT
A1 -- last year's students were more interested in "regular guys" like John Glover & Joseph Plumb Martin than GWash
A1 I love focusing on a soldier in a battle - reading a letter or diary - so much more real than Patton bio
A1) And who really wants to learn just the stuff that "everyone" learns anyway? The "secret" stuff is much more cool.
Q2 coming up in a few moments!
A1 Sullivan Ballou > pretty much everything else
Yes, esp. in subjects that we repeat over the grade levels (like US history). Ss are excited by something new
Hey . Quinn, Salt Lake City. Jumping in. Traffic.
Hey, Quinn! Glad you could join us.
^^ proof of the importance of punctuation, especially the period between the last 2 words
Really great point. We teach American history in 4th, 8th, and 11th!
Poetic, Annie -- love it!
Agreed! Not sure if that was a deliberate or subconscious reason for me to seek the less-famous tales
Um, can we get this printed on a t-shirt?! , you are indeed a poet. https://t.co/dNsqIbfaxm
A1 Little known histories are the rich colors & textures in our American story, our global quilt sewn of squares of these gems!
A2) I actually just told the story of how Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated. Everyone knows it happened, but not always how
A2 Indigenous peoples' & their stories!!
A2: Sgt. Kirkland The Angel of Marye Heights
A2 The Battle of Golden Hill 1770 in NYC is often forgotten, colonists were attacked 3 months before Boston Massacre
He’s the BEST! We Skype w him every year! I LOVE
A2 Lewis Lattimer, Isreal Bissel, just off the top. Sure more will develop
A2 (I love that as these tweets are scrolling up, I'm thinking "who???" -- this is perfect)
A1 Local art/architecture are terrific inquiry pieces, tell great stories, e.g.Beacon Hill's purple glass https://t.co/3eMmPOibqN
A2: tmrw's topic: the Jersey militia who harassed Hessians at Princeton for 2 weeks -- the Germans were tired & nervous, not drunk!
Q2: “Snowy Owl Effect”: study topic in school & develop life-long connect to it. Me w snowy owls in 2nd grd. Others?
The is in full swing! Join the discussion until 8pm EST! https://t.co/UNWYVNoOyP https://t.co/xEBMCe0Ywj
Deadline for this week's entertainment section - Ticket in the Sun Journal - is noon Tuesday. Email Charlie.hall@newbernsj.com
Great answers to Q2! Need to make a master list! BETTER YET, add yours to our collaborative notes! https://t.co/gMGZcBLccf
A2 (cont) Minoru Yasui - OR resident started 1st Supreme Court case testing constitutionality of Japanese internment during WWII
Plus he's one of ours - a teacher for many years.
A2 Would John Brown be considered under-recognized? If so, definitely him! Or the story of Joseph Warren during American Revolution
me too, must scour the archive later!
VA's own "Paul Revere," Jack Jouett, rode farther, alone, and saved TJ, and many others from the Red Coats! https://t.co/h4JecCI2tC
A2) Back in late 90s/early 2000s, most Ss hadn't heard of Aung San Suu Kyi so we did some exploring of her work.
Q2: w Andy Warhol, Alaskan Malamutes, Charlotte Perkins Gilman. My sister’s is grey whales.
And wasn't there also the daughter of one of the revolutionaries who made a pretty wild ride to notify others?
First time checking in. Been following for a bit. 7th gr civics/8th us history from Florida
Yes, J-Dubs definitely deserves more attention, esp after I read Mr. Philbrick's book Bunker Hill this summer!
There’s a episode on her!
Q2: Fiance’s w DDay and Kennedy assassination. Says he remembers his dad helping him w both!
Students hear about Harper's Ferry, but very little else in his life. I think he counts
A2 this is a broader topic, but Japanese Internment Camps are undertaught, unless you happen to have one in your backyard.
A2 I wish we could spend time teaching about the lives of the people, not just events. There's always more to the story.
You guys were pretty tight eh?
though I'm a Mass. resident, I whole-heartedly support this effort. Paul Revere is vastly overrated!! :)
Q2: Now developing w Ss projects! Joshua Chamberlain & Bletchley Circle -
projects I helped w!
John Brown. Great figure for histography/bias
A2 Harriett Beecher Stowe's father, Lyman Beecher. What are the roots of people in the history books?
I think it was Sybil Ludington
A2 RE: teaching lives; I love assigning a broad theme (Civil Rights) and having Ss do research & mini-bios on multiple characters.
and I focus on “America’s story and stories.” Agreed-always looking for story behind events, people, etc…
Q2: Betty Brown, 15 yr old girl who believes she heard final transmissions of Amelia Earhart. Fascinating! https://t.co/WKvUiiXM5i
Sorry I'm late. Rebecca from B'ham.
love these stories. Shows colonists really had no idea what was going to happen
A2 everyone knows MLK, Rosa, and they should. But they should expand and see the multiple ppl and events that made it a MOVEMENT
One of my former co-workers used to do a ton with Joshua Chamberlain w/ her middle schoolers.
& I have done trading cards, Facebook, meet & greet events, etc. in character of mini-bio subjects.
Too bad we can't show episodes in class....
A2) Corrie Ten Boom is another grey one
I use George Takei all the time as my nerdy example - his words on the subject are awesome
A2 Though a founding father James Madison gets forgotten around GW and Franklin, how he overcame his anxiety attacks is amazing
Amen to that. Same with Epic Rap Battles of History.
yeah, finding alternate ways of doing it is key. If they're just doing reports...meh.
Yes! Added both to the collab doc for tonight!
YES! Emmet Till, Vernon Dahmer, Diane Nash, Daisy Bates, etc. Soooo many people.
I have not seen that episode! Sybil Ludington lives!
A3 add depth and nuance to historic events. That includes diversity of race, gender, social class; lets Ss see themselves in history
Jumping into late..A1: Little known histories offer opp to consider whats included&left out of official canon & why?
Gets us into discussion of DOING history! https://t.co/NUX0fTKa9u
Jumping into late..A1: Little known histories offer opp to consider whats included&left out of official canon & why?
A3 I ask my students and families to feel free to share - love what comes in. One was a direct descendent of a lover of Napoleon
A3: You can use these little histories to show depth/perspective of a topic. This can encourage S's todo more research on their own.
A3) Creates webs of interconnectivity between big events and little-known histories. Makes history interesting
A3) Always good to ask Ss why they think we don't hear about these folks as much. What does that say about what we value?
Yes! Gets Ss DOING history! https://t.co/6yvk0lt6b0
A3: You can use these little histories to show depth/perspective of a topic. This can encourage S's todo more research on their own.
A3 also shows that events don't spring out of nowhere, but there are smaller events happening before/after/other places
A3 Provide inquiry opportunities... Who else is missing from the story? Why are the missing? How to get out new info
Fantastic opportunity for critical thinking! Question everything (except your mother). https://t.co/yV9RcJZhGx
A3) Always good to ask Ss why they think we don't hear about these folks as much. What does that say about what we value?
When I'm watching Hist movies I'm always looking for characters' paths to cross, meet, connect. So fun.
A3: allows the students to drill deeper into the content.
Sometimes the forgotten past teaches more about ourselves than the remember past
A3 An Oregon MS class did inspiring service learning video letter project on Minoru Yasui. Here's link https://t.co/XXictUyzir
Nat Turner is a great example - as is Malcolm X - why do they receive less room in texts than safer figures?
A3: I've used scenes Henry Lewis Gates' "Faces of America" to bring in personal stories. (Texas Annexation, Japanese Internment)
A3: I see them as additional ways to illustrate broad themes, answer essential Qs, demonstrate political/social concepts, etc
Yes! Would make great connections with some current events as well.
A2: Some imp. unrecognized people/events: Tulsa Race Riot, Alice Paul (Happy b-day!), Charles Houston, Raphael Lemkin, Bayard Rustin
A3 fave picture book last yr was Friends for Freedom: how Susan B Anthony & Frederick Douglass were tight. https://t.co/wgPn4qOQey
When I'm watching Hist movies I'm always looking for characters' paths to cross, meet, connect. So fun.
A3 for history mystery labs, to help give ideas for journal writing, encourage Ss to talk to family members and find out history!
hero, terrorist, or freedom fighter?
We have a poet and a philosopher with us tonight! https://t.co/WyZyTERZnt
Sometimes the forgotten past teaches more about ourselves than the remember past
Exactly! Could also ask what their stances would likely be toward events going on today.
yeah, the Nat Turner graphic novel by blew my damn mind. We should be doing that w kids.
Love this idea! “History mystery labs!” Tell us more!
Hate to do this but have to help my kids with homework. Great as always. Keep your powder dry.
(sounded more violent than I intended it)
A3 Taking many individual or forgotten histories of an event and having Ss try to weave a broader theme of the time with them
Hey, everyone! Cheryl in Florida joining late
Students learn the stories of prominent 19th century abolitionists w/ videos adapted from . https://t.co/pdOpJBtQt3
Great story. Did an grant on this last year. Fast friends, but also complicated during 15th amendment
Q4 will be posted in a minute!
Hey all Joel from TN joining late.
LOVE history graphic novels. More recommendations?
A3: I've used sticky notes to address errors/omissions/misinformation in a class textbook. Class can write open letter to publisher.
Uhhhh yeah. Laurie, I have lists of lists. Talk later.
Great idea! Something I can do for Gilded Age/Progressive Era! Thoughts?
A3 This lends itself to NHD explorations/inquiry with hidden histories!
And just to plug, Ken's books are a master resource for finding these lesser known stories of history. https://t.co/qKMIomxcXP
A4) Prototypical answer: Google, collaboration, reading books, etc. I am more interested in what others share about this
any graphic novel by Joe Sacco
look at how Hamiltons forgotten history inspired -Manuel and now how he's revitalized it.
Awesome idea! Great for “taking informed action” in ! https://t.co/9qsTZZjmCw
A3: I've used sticky notes to address errors/omissions/misinformation in a class textbook. Class can write open letter to publisher.
A2: Recently watched ' Prohibition, how can you not include George Remus' crazy life: https://t.co/cW1c5XsTMU Little known?
A4: Local museums and historian talks - great for regional history
We should talk to students about who wrote a textbook & what influenced them before starting to read it.
for younger students (big kids love em' too!) check out !
Q4: Not for Ss, but great for Ts! & - So smart and hysterical. NSFS but super-entertaining for Ts!
A4 Love connecting to local history - Great resources: local libraries/archives, local historical/genealogical societies
LOVING all the great topics, people, and book recommendations! Keep ‘em coming! Feel free to add to notes & I’ll capture in storify.
Hoping mention of the helps that history gain attention. Check out Stolen Lives from
Q4: Recently out to dinner explaining Clara Harris & Henry Rathbone tragedy. Partner said, “It’s like I’m watching .”
is also a great Author Skype friend to our students in Cville VA!
A4 our town (Chattanooga) has several local history websites. Seems many towns do
Every year we go to Gettysburg, I get choked up on Little Round Top thinking of Chamberlain! He was a teacher, too!
A4: Classrooms should have copies of diverse histories as resources: ' Lies My Teacher.., Zinn's People's History, etc.
A4 podcast is my current favorite.
A4) Find some great ideas when I have the chance to actually do some reading. ;) Taylor Branch's books are great for civ rights era.
Same here at the same place going again in May
... Trying hard to not take over chat with graphic novel suggestions... Lol
Ooooo! *immediately adding to podcast subscriptions*
I've heard of this one but haven't listened to it yet. Sounds a lot like 99% Invisible. Love it. https://t.co/ZJdqa6jUyB
A4 podcast is my current favorite.
a4 army records, family letters, look for stories about the wives, kids, friends of famous. Who was around those in the books?
Zinn’s is AWESOME. GREAT Facebook presence.
A5-Give students time and tools to explore their curiosity.
A5 had Ss do Human Interest stories about "lesser" characters in Revolutionary War
Yep! We’ll be there in April! GREAT ghost stories about Devil’s Den! Ss LOVE those!
A5 For next semester's research project I'm planning to assign a local history topic
Teaching them how to do the research themselves, on the topics they're interested in. Yes. https://t.co/sfwDfptdmE
A5-Give students time and tools to explore their curiosity.
Just added it. Thanks for the rec (BackStoryRadio).
What about that for an assignment? Write a ghost story!
A5: Build regular time into class to investigate w/ students the Q, what stories, people, events are missing & why?
A5: I would love to set up a family history project at some point in my classroom, but it wont happen this year.
Q5: my kids are making a "little known figures/events" black history booth for the state fair to educate others.
i like it. in the civil war now. could be a battlefield ghost story too cool
Yes! Again, this is the “doing” history part!
A4 Journey Through Hallowed Ground adopt a soldier/tree program encourages Ss to research a soldier https://t.co/y3Qu7aMpqT
Have to check this one out too - thanks for the rec
a5 incorporate bios/short readings. Use list from tonight, have kids check out, then use online forum to discuss, put on bracket
A5 resources from , Indgenous Peoples' History, Zinn, , etc. 2 contrast 2 dominant narrative build crit analysis
I’m in. We gotta try this!
A5 after looking into a topic, compiling stories that are missing with Ss and helping themresearch those topics
That's an incredible idea Carrie! Now I'm wondering about other events we could do that for...
What an AWESOME idea! And again perfect for TAKING INFORMED ACTION!
Yes! Also add R.Takaki's "A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America": https://t.co/ivqbVkBlfq https://t.co/S7snJInBW0
A5 resources from , Indgenous Peoples' History, Zinn, , etc. 2 contrast 2 dominant narrative build crit analysis
My final question, Q6, will be posted shortly!
Signing off for the night. Hope everyone has a good week. see you next week
cool! I haven't read that one. Adding to my cart!
profiles of can be found on Upworthy and other sites...Stories have power and make history engaging
Thank you for joining us! :)
I have to take daughter to ballet. Thanks for another great ! Looking forward to the archives!
Thanks for joining us! Happy dancing!
A5: Take advantage of anniversaries - used today's Google Doodle to disc. Alice Paul
A5 Another Hidden History, The Green Book, allows Ss to retrace places in Civil Rts Mvmt to present day https://t.co/b9zk1jruxn
A5) make it a point to add figures/events to the main introduction
great book -saw some speak at local libraries. Amazing people Story of parachutingnight before d-day https://t.co/ezsVQyeyF4
THRILLED to tell you that tonight included lots of recs of graphics novels for use in the classroom!
Q6: I agree that ' idea of letting students research & tell little known stories is an effective way to do history.
And hopefully inspire some in them! :)
A6 in commerce and in history: Shop Local, Think Global!
A5: so thankful my principal recommended I join in! I'm adding to our state fair booth and buying a few books.
A6) share the with my fellow history teachers and have them join next week
Yay! Thanks for joining us! I’ll get the storify and collaborative notes posted soon for you!
agree on lets see what the students can find and share- empowering and they might have different interests or connections-
National History Day Projects. It's a chance to show them off to their freiends and families.
ArcGISonline Storymaps, MapMaker Interactive Geotours or Google Lit Trips a GREAT way for kids to tell Hidden Histories!
A6: Inspired to find out their favorite "missed in history" stories
is the best! Made English teacher me into a Social Studies & History teacher! & rule.
Great convo as usual , Came late to the party, will check out archives. Keep up the great work !
You’ll have to let us know what they found! forever! :)
Love pretty much everything about ! Ss choose and own their topics!
Thanks for letting me join late. enjoyed it
Thank you for joining tonight’s chat! I hope you found it interesting and helpful. Keep in touch! https://t.co/OeqIlpuip7
Thanks for a lively ! Happy New Year to all the Tweeps!
Thanks so much to for hosting tonight's chat and to everyone who participated. Archives up shortly! :)
Thank you everyone for the great ideas and history I never knew!
The storify & link to collab notes for tonight’s chat will be posted asap! Thanks again and keep in touch!
in one minute. Please join us!
This was a terrific -- Thanks to you all esp !
