Suggestions/Classroom Connections
Hot Spot questions focus on images, recognition of objects, and whether students can tell one object/location from another. For social studies the likelihood that these images will be maps is extremely high. The functionality of the question will be easy for students to interact with as many of them engage in digital games frequently. I would focus on ensuring students understand how to read maps (both labeled and unlabeled) and have opportunities to see and interact with a variety of maps throughout the year.
➡️ Consider whether your students have been introduced to a 🗺️ map reading protocol. National Archives uses document analysis worksheets that follow the same progression each time for all primary sources and allows students to become comfortable with a process they can do themselves on test day. There are worksheets for novice students as well as intermediate students. The worksheets for novice students include visual supports and are simplified. I would encourage you to use the novice version, modeling the process through a think-aloud, moving towards usage of the intermediate version by the end of the year. The intention of the protocol is to help students understand that maps are to be used as historical evidence.
Suggestions/Classroom Connections
This has to be one of my favorites of the new item types. So many of your hands-on classroom activities translate to the drag and drop question type. Think card sorts, timelines, T-charts, Venn Diagrams and more!
The Teacher Toolkit describes Card Sorts as a strategy that gives students the opportunity to work with vocabulary, terms, and concepts. Students sort cards with the terms and concepts into categories based on meaning. Sorting the cards gives students a structure to talk meaningfully with one another about content and helps teachers check for understanding. <<VIDEO LINK>>
➡️ Consider how you are having students manipulate content physically within your classroom. One new strategy that many teachers are using to increase cognitive lift and engage students in discussion is Hexagonal Thinking. Cult of Pedagogy describes hexagonal thinking as a method for considering the connections between ideas and finding the nuances between those connections. Check out here blog post HERE.
SOS Instructional Strategy from Discovery Ed
- Select a video segment from Discovery Education. Preview the video and select points to pause for students to take notes.
- Distribute AEIOU graphic organizers, or have students create their own on a blank piece of paper. Explain the meaning of each vowel for the purposes of this strategy.
- A = Adjective: List a word or two that describes something you saw or learned.
- E = Emotion: Describe how a particular part of the video made you feel.
- I = Interesting: Write something you found interesting about the content/topic.
- O = Oh!: Describe something that caused you say “Oh!”
- U = Um?: Write a question you have, or what you want to learn more about.
- Have students watch the video segment. At each pause point, direct students to complete one or more of the five categories.
- Provide additional time to allow students to complete their AEIOU connections.
- Have students share their responses.
New Release!! Private i History Detectives from iCivics
Guide elementary students through exciting historical investigations to build content knowledge and critical thinking skills.
iCivics presents Private i History Detectives, a supplemental K-5 curriculum. Organized by grade-level and topic, these whole class mystery-themed units make teaching social studies fun. Help your students put on their historian hats as they develop life-long inquiry skills to solve each mystery. Private i History Detectives is state-standards aligned and easy to use.
Retro Report Spotlight
How a 1944 Supreme Court Ruling on Internment Camps Led to a Reckoning
The U.S. government ordered 120,000 people of Japanese descent, most American citizens, imprisoned during World War II. An admission of wrongdoing and reparations payments came decades later, but a Supreme Court ruling had lasting impact.
Did You Know??
Social Studies Item Writing Interest with TEKS RS
This interest form will remain open. You will be contacted when we are expected to begin creating item orders. At that time, you will need to submit a resume and a sample item for approval. After approval, you will receive item writing training and an initial contract. Successful completion of a contract will lead to being retained in an item writing pool for future contracts.
The writer pool is expected to be retained for multiple years with the intent of occasional opportunities to pick up an item writing order.
Requirements you must have for initial consideration:
- Current and Valid Texas Teacher Certification either as an elementary generalist or in secondary social studies
- At least 3 years of classroom experience teaching social studies
Apply here >> http://bit.ly/TRSItemWriting
2022 Save Texas History Essay Contest
Each of us can point to something unique in our community that's worth saving for future generations, such as a historical site, building, cultural event, or a treasured public space.
The Texas General Land Office is pleased to announce the opening of its annual Save Texas History Essay Contest, which answers the question, “What history in your community is worth saving?” The contest is open to all age-appropriate 4th & 7th grade students in public, private, and home schools in Texas. One grand prize winner from each grade will receive a gift card worth $500, courtesy of Chris Cantu of Edward Jones Investments. Ten finalists, five from each grade, will receive $100 gift cards, courtesy of the Moses Austin Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and Buck Cole. All winners and finalists will receive Save Texas History backpacks, a letter of appreciation signed by Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, and other items from the Texas General Land Office and Texas State Historical Association. Teachers of winning students will receive complimentary items, as well.
Entries must be postmarked by November 30, 2022. Grand prize winners and finalists will be announced by December 16, 2022. Additional contest information available HERE.
Jessica Torres
Assistant Director for Continuous Improvement
Social Studies Content Specialist
ESC Region 12
o: 254-297-1284
Email: jtorres@esc12.net
Website: https://www.esc12.net/page/ge_socialstudies
Location: ESC Region 12, West Loop 340, Waco, TX, USA
Phone: 254-366-3856
Twitter: @owl_b_torresedu