Engaging First Graders in Social Studies

I'm so excited to be sharing engaging social studies ideas with first grade teachers in my county tomorrow! 

Click the pictures below to download two of the activities I'll be sharing! I'll post details and slides soon.....eyes closing as I type! 

and the links....

http://www.benfranklin300.org/_edu_pdf/BF300Plans_Elementary7.pdf

http://www.libertyskids.com/nowthen/index.html

http://mrnussbaum.com/franklin/

Happy, happy Wednesday!

Department of Education

When I meet decision makers in the field of education, I almost always have conversations in my head. Last week, I was honored as my school's Teacher of the Year. The experience was AmAzInG! Before the pep rally, I moseyed my way over to meet this man.....

Georgia's State School Superintendent, Dr. John Barge. He was very friendly and has a positive outlook on Georgia's future. (T chose my dress!)

Back to the conversations I have in my head-today's went a little something like this:

Dr. B-So Lyssa, what can I do to change education in our fine state?

Lyssa-I am so glad you asked! I think the place to start is with our teachers. Let's create an avenue for ALL teachers in the state to share their great ideas. Let's not keep greatness a secret! We also must train our teachers. This is a lofty goal, but could we have statewide training online? It would be ideal for us to all receive the same information, and even better....at the same time!

Dr. B-Lyssa, you are a genius. What else?

Lyssa-Since you asked, I think we must work on leveling the playing field. I am not a politician, but I am a teacher and most importantly-a parent. I think every classroom in the state should have a classroom library and I think we should do whatever it takes to make that happen. Children simply can't read if they do not have ready access to books.

Dr. B-Does your school need books, Lyssa?

Lyssa-Nope, but other schools in my area do and know many schools across the state do.

Dr. B-Lyssa, you should be the next President of the United States.

Lyssa-Oh my goodness, thank you!

Did any of this really happen? No. However, he was very open and energetic. Dr. Barge is ready to move GA forward and I am ready to help! Visit the DoE site here.