The Art of Artifacts: Why implement Student Artifacts into your classroom? Feb. 3, 2023 ◊ By Studies Weekly As teachers, we know it is important for students to think about their thinking and be given opportunities to demonstrate what they have learned in ways that are meaningful to them. Because we have all different types…
The Nationwide Reading Struggle Jan. 19, 2023 ◊ By Studies Weekly Even before the start of the pandemic, national reading scores were dropping. Now, with schools back in-person, many teachers are seeing the toll the pandemic took on students’ reading abilities. The 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that math and science reading test…
Kids Krafts: Magic Puffy Snowman Dec. 9, 2022 ◊ By Debbie Bagley Welcome back! This has got to be one of my favorite art recipes ever! It is so easy, inexpensive and versatile! January gives us the perfect opportunity to whip up batches of Magic Puffy Snow (as my students lovingly call it) to make…
Learning Intentions and Success Criteria Jan. 11, 2023 ◊ By Studies Weekly Educational programs and policies change all the time. In the education industry, terms often evolve as well. Often, the new terms have similar but nuanced meanings. For example, learning intentions and success criteria. As Noelle Carter, Studies Weekly Curriculum Director, explains, these terms…
How to Make a Holiday Ribbon Tree Ornament Dec. 9, 2022 ◊ By Debbie Bagley With the holidays upon us, if you’re like me, you’re always searching for a fun, easy, affordable, and cute craft that kids can do that can also double as a gift. Holiday Ribbon Trees are a huge hit with crafters…
Implementing a Wellness Curriculum Dec. 1, 2022 ◊ By Studies Weekly Data taken from: https://www.mhanational.org/issues/2022/mental-health-america-youth-data and https://www.rand.org/news/press/2022/06/15.html The pandemic shed new light on the importance of physical and emotional health for all of us, especially for our young students. Now more than ever, children need to learn how to navigate complex emotional and social challenges.…
Inflation Driving Up Prices January 2023 Nov. 29, 2022 ◊ By Studies Weekly Every child deserves an excellent education. When it comes to school budgets, we know every dollar counts, and that’s why we do our best to keep the cost of our print and online products low. Our products are proudly made in the…
How To Differentiate Curriculum for ELL Students Nov. 9, 2022 ◊ By Studies Weekly As a teacher, you’ve probably received training on how to work with ELL students, but if you are facing your first classroom with multiple English Language Learners and feel a little overwhelmed, that’s okay! By adding some simple tricks to your…
5 Ways to Help Students Learn Gratitude Nov. 2, 2022 ◊ By Debbie Bagley November is a great time to start gratitude-filled activities students will love, and that promote gratitude all year round. Here are 5 key ways to help instill feelings of gratitude in your students: 1. Sing about gratitude Music is powerful and…
Studies Weekly Covers All Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Oct. 24, 2022 Great news! You can throw out any supplemental materials you have because the new Texas Studies Weekly Social Studies is 100% aligned with the streamlined TEKS. The newly updated 2022 Texas Studies Weekly is a robust, complete, and comprehensive curriculum that you can…
Studies Weekly Florida: Foundations of Holocaust Education How do you teach elementary students about the Holocaust? Studies Weekly curriculum specialists had the challenging but rewarding task of creating the Foundations of Holocaust Education unit for Florida fifth-grade social studies. The team worked tirelessly to ensure teachers could meet the standard and stay true to history…
Overcoming Learning Loss: Studies Weekly Summit Recap Studies Weekly partners came from across the country to Silicon Slopes, Utah, to attend the 2022 Studies Weekly Summit and receive professional development training on overcoming learning loss in their school districts. They networked, shared ideas, and gained valuable strategies to take back to their districts. Charlie Perryman,…
5 Classroom Management Tips for Elementary Teachers Classroom management is such a big part of teaching and has become more critical as students readjust to post-pandemic in-person learning. As a former kindergarten teacher, I want to share five teacher tips that can help you navigate tricky behaviors that may arise. Tip #1: Create Positive Connections…
Comprehensive vs. Supplemental Instructional Materials What is the difference between comprehensive and supplemental learning materials? What are comprehensive instructional materials? A comprehensive curriculum, also called core and basal, is a primary instructional resource designed for a specific content area. It is a full course that addresses all, or nearly all, of the standards and foundational…
12 Hispanic Heritage Month Activities for Elementary Students It is time to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month! What is Hispanic Heritage Month? National Hispanic Heritage Month is when we celebrate the culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans. It began Sept. 17, 1968 when Congress passed a law proclaiming the week of September 15 and…
How School Leaders Can Support New Teachers New teachers have so much to offer your school. They bring a fresh perspective on education, knowledge of modern teaching strategies, and a desire to start their career with a bang. When supported by school leadership, new educators can dramatically improve student performance. While all teachers need support,…
5 Ways School Leaders Can Boost Team Morale You’ve hired a talented team to help your district increase student achievement, but how do you keep them motivated throughout the school year? Team morale refers to the enthusiasm educators have for their jobs, their pride in their schools, and their interest in increasing academic achievement, according…
How Is the New Studies Weekly Online Different from the Old One? Studies Weekly Online has a new look for a new school year. As educators like you turned to Studies Weekly Online for remote learning during the pandemic, we received a lot of feedback on how we could improve the platform. We took this…
Getting Started with Studies Weekly So you’ve received your Studies Weekly blue box and you’re thinking, “Now what?” Starting a whole new curriculum can be intimidating at first, but there’s no need to fear! Getting started with Studies Weekly is easy. First things first, let’s open the boxes. Your boxes will contain the Students Editions,…
Set Up a Classroom in 7 Easy Steps The new school year is almost here! That means new students and maybe a new school or classroom too. If this is your first year teaching, then all of this is new. One of the most important things you’ll do to prepare for school is set up…
Studies Weekly Online Tutorials for Parents and Students How can parents support their child as they use Studies Weekly Online? Studies Weekly tutorials show parents and students how to navigate a student’s account dashboard, track their progress, and enjoy online learning games and features that increase engagement. Parents can read these tutorials with their child…
Boost English Language Arts Skills with Studies Weekly Extended Learning Program Are you looking to give students more reading and writing opportunities and refine their English Language Arts skills? Studies Weekly’s Extended Learning program – which focuses heavily on ELA standards – gives you four weeks worth of extra content that teachers can use at…
3 Reasons to Offer Early Childhood Education Is early childhood education worth your school’s time and investment? A chorus of research studies says “Yes!” Early learning programs set students on the path to academic success by developing the skills they’ll need to excel in school. What is early childhood education? Early childhood education (ECE) includes…
Why Teachers Need Curriculum-Based Professional Development to Improve Student Learning You find a stellar curriculum that will take your district to new heights, but how do you guarantee your teachers will use it? A study published in Professional Development in Education shows that teachers implement a new program better when they receive curriculum-based professional development…
Using Tech in the Classroom Wisely Technology has revolutionized the way we educate our children. Images, virtual field trips, lab experiments, and other rich media are some of the countless ways technology creates an enriched learning environment. However, some argue educators shouldn’t use technology in the classroom because it means more screen time, distractions, and…
3 Factors that Keep Students Safe and Prevent School Violence Schools are meant to be safe spaces where children can learn and grow without worrying about their physical or emotional safety. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case; recent school shootings have left school leaders wondering what more they can do to keep students safe. Whether…
One of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher is knowing that you positively influence your students, even when they’re not in your classroom. Unfortunately, it can be easy to get so focused on your students and their needs that you forget your own well-being. Here are 10 ideas for how you may achieve…
Florida educators can rely on Studies Weekly’s new social studies curriculum to cover the state’s recent changes to Civics and Government standards. The State Board of Education approved the revised Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for Social Studies in 2021 to ensure students “attain a well-rounded knowledge base to understand how to become great citizens,”…
Curriculum Evaluation Rubric for School Board Members Your curriculum director sends you learning materials and asks you to evaluate them. What you say could determine whether students get the best education possible and your district achieves its goals. No pressure, right? It’s normal to question yourself when looking at curriculum after curriculum to determine which…
Award-Winning Teacher Empowers Students in Two Language Marco Graniel has made a significant impact in the lives of Houston Independent School District students. Graniel, a Teacher of the Year finalist in 2017, is a dual-language teacher of social studies and Spanish at Meyerland Performing and Visual Arts Middle School. As a dual-language teacher, his social…
Studies Weekly Extended Support Package School districts and teachers have a lot of responsibilities and problems to deal with. The 21st century and recent pandemic crisis have added another hurdle – technology. In addition to setting up their physical classrooms, teachers now must figure out complicated processes of setting up their digital classrooms, connecting the…
After the hectic testing windows have passed, the end of the school year can be a wonderful time to celebrate camaraderie, hard work, and accomplishments. Celebrating during your final days together will leave students with stronger feelings of self-esteem, self-worth, connections, and happiness. Activities that bring everyone together to share memories and have some fun…
Why is it important for school boards and superintendents to get along? Richard Goodman said it best in his book, Getting There from Here: “Strong, collaborative leadership by local school boards and school superintendents is a key cornerstone of the foundation for high student achievement.” Conflicts between board members and superintendents arise as they try…
Are parents or teachers asking you if Studies Weekly Well-Being teaches Critical Race Theory? If they do, here are facts that you may share with them. In the last few years, educators have looked to social-emotional learning (SEL) to help children grapple with the pandemic’s toll on their mental health. Through SEL, children learn how…
Have you heard? Studies Weekly has created a new core K-5 science curriculum that’s fully aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and incorporates the well-known 5E model. This program more powerfully engages students by inspiring them to explore, ask questions, and solve real-world problems. Phenomenon-Based Learning The new Studies Weekly Science is highly phenomenon-driven.…
Did you know May is Jewish American Heritage Month? In 2006, President George W. Bush declared May as a time to recognize the contributions of Jewish Americans to our nation’s history and culture. The first Jewish immigrants came to America in 1654 to escape religious persecution. Although Jewish Americans faced bigotry here too, they built…
How Is the New Studies Weekly Online Different from the Old One? Studies Weekly Online 3.0 is a completely revised online learning platform and is more user-friendly, built with teacher feedback, and ready for digital-first learning. Because it is similar to popular LMS platforms, you will find it easier to find lesson plans, videos,…
A California 4th grade class is making a difference for California’s social studies curriculum. Tiffany Vandehoven’s class at Bishop Elementary in California recently collaborated with members of the Studies Weekly curriculum team to strengthen and amplify the voices of California’s indigenous tribes in Studies Weekly Social Studies. Vandehoven reached out to Studies Weekly in March…
Learning gains are more important than ever before, and there are many reasons your district may be considering designing a summer school program. Summer enrichment activities help students not only maintain, but also increase their academic skills, according to Miami Dade School District (2011). A Borman and Dowling study found that students from high-poverty schools…
School district leaders have a lot on their shoulders. Their decisions affect so many members of a community – parents, faculty, teachers, and most importantly, children. Choosing a proper curriculum that will support your established vision and help carry out your mission is critical. You can’t afford to risk your students’ education with a ‘fly-by-night’…
Engaging elementary students during science block doesn’t have to be a challenge. In fact, it can be a ton of fun! And with Studies Weekly Science, you already have access to tons of resources that can help make learning fun. Here are some science activity ideas to spark your imagination: It’s Project Time! Studies Weekly…
Good teachers can be hard to find, but because of the stress and upheaval caused by two years of pandemic teaching, keeping them is harder. In a March 2021 EdWeek Research Center survey, half of the teachers said they would likely quit their job within the next two years. Only 34% of them said they…
Teacher Background Knowledge: Stress is a normal part of life. How someone responds to stress can determine whether it becomes eustress or distress. Sleep, nutrition, and coping strategies heavily impact that response. It is important to learn and practice stress management strategies to keep well-being balanced. Log in to your Studies Weekly Online account to…
Studies Weekly Integrates with Google Classroom Using the Studies Weekly Online Google Integration With just a few clicks, you can assign articles, images or videos to the entire classroom. The Google Classroom integration works with our entire platform, making your job smoother. David Bagley, Studies Weekly vice president of sales, explained that many teachers across…
Through the creativity that comes with art therapy, students with autism spectrum disorder can use their imagination to improve skills, work through feelings, reduce stress, improve well-being, and express themselves to the world. According to the Monarch Center for Autism, art “provides opportunities for positive experiences that can translate into enhanced classroom performance and increased…
Did you know? April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, and April is National Autism Awareness Month! To help you increase autism acceptance in your community, here are some strategies for teaching autistic students that can make a big difference. You Are Not Alone First, let’s start by acknowledging that teaching autistic students can be…
Here’s an example of a lesson from our new ELA/Summer School extended learning program, which is available to order for 2022-2023. Teacher Background: The ART OF THE BRICK is a global touring exhibition rated by CNN as one of the world’s “Must-See Exhibitions.” These are the first art exhibitions to focus exclusively on the use…
As you head into Spring break and state testing season, your teachers are probably getting tired, and you may need a rest yourself. And yet, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your faculty for next year – whether you schedule training at the end of the school year, over the summer, or in the…
Teaching summer school can be stressful. You have less flexibility and preparation time, and students are counting on you to help them master the standards before school starts. Here are eight tips to make your upcoming summer school successful for you and your students. Stop Calling It Summer School No child likes going to “school”…
Teacher Background: Students will learn about physical health and how to support it. Lesson Plan: Read the article “Physical Well-Being” to the class. Have students point to the boy eating a sandwich. Have students point to the boy playing outside with an airplane. Have students show you how to move and wiggle. Ask the students:…
You only need to walk into a store and see St Patrick’s Day decorations to know Irish Americans have profoundly impacted our country’s culture. But what brought so many Irish immigrants to the United States? This overview of Irish American history can help you teach students why they see so many Irish influences today. First…
“Loved how informational the PD was, and how engaging the trainer was. I learned how to access all of the different graphic organizers and how to use the lessons in a more productive way.” Brittany, Capistrano Unified School District, CA Providing your faculty and staff with quality professional development takes so much time, energy, and…
You may know of William Penn as the founder and proprietor of Pennsylvania, but did you know his second wife – Hannah Callowhill – succeeded him after he died? Callowhill was the only surviving child of wealthy English merchants who taught her accounting and management skills, which she used to help Penn get out of…
World history is full of remarkable women who changed the way we live today. During Women’s History Month or any time of the year, their stories can inspire your students to dream big and make the difference they want to see in the world. Europe Marie Curie, Wiki Commons Marie Curie Polish-born scientist Marie Curie…
Imagine one of your colleagues is sitting in your office watching you and taking notes on how well you email parents, monitor student achievement, and revise policies and procedures. This goes on for hours, and you don’t find out until after you’ve finished working whether or not they thought you did a good job. Do…
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” Plato With so many significant benefits of music, it’s easy to see how it can truly make a positive impact on our students. It has been said music is the universal language because it connects us…
Are you looking for new ways to celebrate Music in Our Schools Month? Why not teach your elementary students about some of the incredible musicians who have shaped American music? Log into your Studies Weekly Online account to access images and videos of talented artists to foster an appreciation for music in your classroom. Here…
You’ve probably heard of Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks, but there are many lesser known Black women who made history. Each had to overcome racism and sexism to prove they were just as smart and capable as everyone else. Their stories can enrich your social studies teaching any time of the year, not just during…
Teacher Background: Students will learn about the law of conservation of mass. They will conduct several experiments and make graphs to show that mass is conserved. Students will discover that substances do not disappear when they dissolve; they just change state. Lesson Plan: Prior to this lesson, gather the following supplies for each pair or…
This is the point in the year when you start to hope your students have actually learned something. But as with all good questions, asking yourself if your students have grown leads to more questions. How can I tell if they have grown? How do I communicate that growth? And once I know where my…
No matter how well your teachers prepare students for exams, test anxiety can prevent children from showing how much they’ve learned. According to Healthline, students experience test anxiety when they’re afraid of getting a low score. Severe cases can cause stomach pain, nausea, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, or diarrhea. A study published in…
As Dorcas Kimutia looks around at the tin walls, glass-less windows, and open doors of Lolongbei Primary School, she sees much that still needs to be done. But she also sees the strength, courage, and perseverance of the 250 students that she teaches. “Our kids are very, very, very hard workers. They perform very well…
Happy Black History Month! If you are looking for more ways to celebrate the amazing contributions of Black Americans in history, here are 10 Studies Weekly Online videos you can use to engage students whether teaching in-class or remotely. Log into your Studies Weekly Online account and click the Watch Video button at the top-right…
“If you can light the spark of curiosity in a child, they will learn without any further assistance.” Ken Robinson A good science curriculum sparks curiosity in a child. Unfortunately, many outdated subject-based science programs do not foster curiosity in the younger grades. Instead, they consist of unrelated activities that don’t build lasting knowledge and…
Teacher Background: Students will learn about intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and the importance of perseverance. In addition, students will have the opportunity to consider their abilities, talents, and strengths. Lesson Plan: Ask: If you are running a race, what part of the race do you think is the hardest, the beginning, the middle, or the…
A lot has changed over the past two years. But you know what hasn’t? Your desire to give students the best social studies education possible. Offering children an exceptional social studies learning experience gives you a sense of pride and makes your job more meaningful. We know that before you purchase a curriculum, you want…
I absolutely love February! It is filled with so many wonderful and joyful things to teach. As a teacher, I loved focusing on Love as our central theme- love for oneself, love for our families, love for our friends, love for life! We’d read fabulous books, do amazing projects, and have wonderful discussions about what…
To best utilize these science lessons, you will need to have purchased the new science curriculum. Background Knowledge: Students will learn what data is and how to measure, keep track of, and organize information. Use this lesson to help students see that science and engineering go beyond school and that data is relevant in all…
What do crossword puzzles have to do with the American Civil War? According to a 2020 study published in Participatory Educational Research, playing games can enhance social studies education. Gamification – using game-based elements such as point scoring and peer competition – not only helps students do better in school but makes it so they…
The second full year of school-with-COVID is two-thirds finished. As you head into this final third, a question comes to mind: how are you and your teachers going to remember this year? The interesting thing is, you have some control over the answer. The human brain remembers an experience by its peak (the most intense…
School administrators constantly look for ways to increase student understanding of science, but many face roadblocks when trying the usual methods. Children perceive traditional methods as an obligation: “I have to” rather than “I want to.” Free-choice learning is an emerging approach to education aimed at understanding science through a lifelong curiosity lens. It offers…
“Morning is an important time of day, because how you spend your morning can often tell you what kind of day you are going to have.” – Lemony Snicket Mornings can be challenging, but a good student morning routine can play an important role in your class schedule. Dedicating the first 15-20 minutes of class…
When studied as isolated events, history may seem like it is only about dead people and dates. But Studies Weekly helps you bring history to life by making connections between people and events. History can be very exciting and energizing when looked through the eyes of those who lived it. They had families, friends, and…
On average, students spend about 1/4 of their waking hours in school, which means what they do in class greatly impacts their overall health. Traditionally, schools mainly focus on students’ academic achievement. However, many schools are seeing academic, social, and emotional benefits when students adopt a growth mindset and there is a focus on student…
“American children are starting 2022 in a crisis,” New York Times reporter David Leonhardt said. His article, No Way to Grow Up, pub. Jan. 4, 2022, gives a heartbreaking summary of how pandemic restrictions’ have hurt children in the U.S. The devastating facts he reported are enough to make you sick. “I have long been…
Teacher Background: Goal-setting is a good self-management and self-awareness skill. Talking about self-reflection also helps students assess their progress and set goals as needed. Lesson Plan: Begin by writing the letters “S.M.A.R.T.” on the board lengthwise. Have the students read the article “S.M.A.R.T. Goals” and highlight what each of the letters stands for. S =…
In this digital age, schools are seeing more behavioral problems due to bad social media influence. Violent ‘Devious Licks’ TikTok school challenges are the biggest concern, with many superintendents across the nation saying they cause harm to employees and facilities and take away valuable classroom time. Here are some preventative measures you can take against…
Hello everyone! Happy New Year! Happy 2022! I hope your new year is off to a very healthy and happy start! Whether you have had a great year so far or it’s been more of a struggle, the good news is that you are halfway through. Let’s make the rest of this school year the…
As a school administrator, it’s not always easy to have a growth mindset about your work. The combination of external expectations, an overwhelming list of needs, and a shortage of energy and time all threaten to topple you over. However, recognizing milestones and setting small goals can help you see the progress along the path…
We are teaching in a very strange time like never before. According to current statistics, mental health has been declining dramatically in the last couple of years, and students are struggling. They are dealing with the stress of the unknown and not fully understanding things they hear grown-ups talking about. Children may see others’ frustrations…
Background Knowledge: All water that comes from the sky is considered to be precipitation. Lesson Plan: Read the article Precipitation as a class. Have the class highlight the main idea in one color and two supporting details in another color or highlight the word “precipitation.” Give students the graphic organizer Precipitation and Temperature to work…
When you hear social-emotional learning (SEL), you may think of helping students overcome depression and anxiety and improving classroom behavior. But did you know SEL can also prepare students to change the world through civic engagement? Educators and researchers affirmed the power of SEL in civic engagement education at the 2021 SEL Exchange Virtual Summit.…
When studied as isolated events, history may seem a bit boring. But Studies Weekly helps you bring history to life by making connections between people and events. History can be very exciting and energizing when looked through the eyes of those who lived it. They had families, friends, and social networks just as we have…
An inclusive classroom environment means every child, no matter what their individual needs or barriers to learning, has equal access to high-quality education and opportunities to succeed. It is about creating an environment that works for all students, whether English is their first language, or they come from a minority group, or their socio-economic status.…
Tips on Making Studies Weekly More Engaging for Younger Students If you teach kindergarten or first grade, you may have received your Studies Weekly publications and wondered, “How do I make this engaging for my students when they’re still learning to read and write?” While each publication has lexiled text to make reading easier for…
Anyone who has played a game of telephone knows effective communication is crucial to an organization’s success. According to a study by Economic Intelligence Unit, poor communication resulted in: added stress (52% of the cases) failure to complete projects (44% of the cases) low staff morale – (31% of the cases) barrier to innovation (20%…
Background Knowledge: “Gratitude is an emotion that grounds us and is a great way to balance out the negative mindset that uncertainty engenders,” said Dr. Guy Winch, the author of the book, Emotional First Aid. When you express gratitude, your brain releases chemicals called dopamine and serotonin, which make you feel happier and relieve stress.…
Teaching Students About Veterans Day How do you honor someone who went to war so that you wouldn’t have to? On November 11, Americans celebrate Veterans Day to honor those who have served in the US Armed Forces. Educators can foster an appreciation for service members by teaching students about Veterans Day and why we…
How can you make social-emotional learning fun for elementary students? First, let’s refresh our memory on what social-emotional learning (SEL) is. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defines SEL as the process through which students learn how to: Develop healthy identities Manage emotions Achieve personal and collective goals Feel and show empathy…
Not sure how to spend your ESSER funds? Here’s a quick summary of how Studies Weekly qualifies for COVID relief funds, and how our print and online materials can help you meet students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. ESSER II: Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act This Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief…
For a lot of little learners, this year may be the FIRST time they have been inside a school. Because of the pandemic, many preschool and kindergarten children had yet to attend school in a formal educational setting. Even in the upper grades, due to disruptions with hybrid or online earning schedules, students did not…
Social Studies and Building an Inquiry Design Model Oct. 26, 2021 ◊ By Studies Weekly “Inquiry is training for life,” Dr. John Lee explained at the 2021 Studies Weekly Educator Summit in October. Lee continued with a quote from John Dewey in his 1916 book, Democracy and Education. “No thought, no idea, can possibly be…
What do students need to excel in school? Your first thoughts may be intelligence, knowledge, or a good work ethic. But what about their ability to work well with others or control their emotions? Students achieve academic success and have better mental health when they develop interpersonal and self-management skills through social-emotional learning (SEL). The…
Background Knowledge: In this lesson, students will explore how magnets interact, ask questions, and make observations. The objective is for students to understand the cause-and-effect relationship of magnetic interactions. Lesson Plan: Prepare by gathering enough magnets for students. Each student should have two magnets. Read this to your students: Magnets are all around us. We…
Why Children Need Recess “Never kid a kid who hasn’t had his recess.” – T.J. Detweiler, Recess cartoon Do students really need recess, or is it better to give them more class time? It’s a question educators, parents, and school boards discuss frequently. With all the standards and testing requirements students need to meet,…
Remember when phones were attached to the wall, and were used only to call people? As STEM fields continue to advance at a rapid rate, elementary school science becomes an important foundation that children can build their future careers on. Research shows project-based learning can help elementary schools improve their science instruction so students gain…
When studied as isolated events, history may seem like it is only about dead people and dates. But Studies Weekly helps you bring history to life by making connections between people and events. History can be very exciting and energizing when looked through the eyes of those who lived it. They had families, friends, and…
Background Knowledge: Stress is a normal part of life. How a person responds to stress can determine whether it becomes eustress (beneficial stress) or distress. That response heavily depends on the person’s nutrition, sleep levels, and coping strategies. It is important to learn and practice coping strategies for managing stress to keep well-being balanced. Lesson…
Critical thinking is more than just being able to think clearly about a topic or problem; it is a crucial life skill that every student must learn to be successful. And since many children do not learn this skill at home, it’s essential to teach it in school. Here are some way teachers use Studies…
A classroom full of learners is a very important community. The tone and environment set by the teacher are fundamental to the success of the students. All members should feel welcome, that they matter, and can connect with each other. These relationships help develop social and emotional skills that are deeply connected to their learning.…
Virtual field trips give your students the chance to explore new places, build vocabulary, and deepen understanding, according to Monica Burns’ Jan. 2021 Edutopia article. And the best part is they don’t have to leave the classroom. As a Studies Weekly teacher, you have access all of our virtual field trips at Studies Weekly Online,…
Learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) can empower students and build their confidence. As advances in STEM fields continue to accelerate, educators are putting greater emphasis on developing students’ scientific and mathematical skills to prepare them for future career opportunities. But, the benefits of STEM subjects go beyond preparing students for future jobs.…
In the wake of 2020, many of us took a tumble down Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, often back to the most basic survival levels. The problem with being at the very foundational, survival levels is that no one has extra energy and resources to focus on academics. According to Maslow, people need to feel safe…
Teaching media literacy in social studies helps students become responsible citizens who can make informed decisions. Media literacy is the ability to identify types of digital content, understand the messages they convey, and evaluate their sources. While children can quickly learn how to use new technology, educators have a responsibility to show them how to…
To best utilize these science lessons, you will need to have purchased the new science curriculum. Background Knowledge: Background Knowledge for teachers is in the printed and online Teacher Edition. Lesson Plan: Day 1: (This lesson might take two days.) Look at pictures of giraffes and okapis in the student edition (Science Studies Weekly, Grade…
As a social studies teacher, it’s often difficult to instill an appreciation for historical events in young students. While most people over 25 can remember what happened on Sep 11, 2001, current elementary students were not even born yet. That was less than a generation ago, and just one of many important events that have…
Connecting The People and Events of the Past When studied as isolated events, history may seem like it is only about dead people and dates. But Studies Weekly helps you bring history to life by making connections between people and events. History can be very exciting and energizing when looked through the eyes of those…
Teacher Background: Many different things can change. As a result, there are different ways you can choose to respond. Responses to change can be appropriate as long as you are not hurting yourself, others, or the things around you. Follow this process to respond to change appropriately: Observe the situation Examine your feelings Evaluate the…
School districts that adopt Studies Weekly district-wide can now schedule one-on-one or group consultations for their teachers with Studies Weekly’s new teacher advocate, Debbie Bagley. Teachers will receive additional personalized educational support. With Bagley’s 15 years of experience in education, she is a valuable asset. Teaching Career Debbie’s passion for education began when she’d go…
Professional development is an important part of your job as a teacher, and we want to make it easy for you to log in your hours. Here’s how you can access teacher professional development resources on Studies Weekly Online. Teacher Professional Development 1. Log in to Studies Weekly Online and click on the PD Training…
At Studies Weekly, we often tout the phrase that our product is created “by teachers, for teachers.” That’s because our staff consists of veteran teachers who know what is important to you as an educator, including strict compliance with state standards. Process Ensures Standards Compliance Each of our publications goes through a rigorous process to…
Each of our student publications has corresponding teaching materials designed for it, including a teacher edition with assessments, lesson plans, printable worksheets, answer keys, etc. The teacher edition comes free with all orders of 10 or more student editions, and helps you spend less time planning and more time doing what you love — teaching.…
Today, technology surrounds children everywhere. However, with the incredible blessings of the digital era — such as instant access to countless learning resources — comes a big problem: cyberbullying. School administrators can help teachers, students and parents prevent cyberbullying and protect the well-being of the school community. What is Cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is the use of…
Critical Race Theory (CRT) has become a difficult political topic, leaving many educators wondering how to approach the subject with parents, teachers, and students. Knowing the history behind CRT and why people support or oppose it can help you address concerns, support teachers, and demonstrate your commitment to student well-being. What is Critical Race…
Studies Weekly Online is an excellent platform for engaging students in class or online. It gives you access to all your Studies Weekly publications — including your teacher edition — plus tons of digital resources to make learning fun for your kiddos. You can also customize assessments and monitor student progress anytime, anywhere. Watch the…
The K-2 Leveled Readers are a great addition to any classroom and are perfect for guided reading sessions. Teachers can choose books that are approaching, on or above grade level for each student. Each level has a different subject to avoid comparison with their neighbor. Accessing the Leveled Readers To print these booklets for your…
Too often, children struggle to meet academic standards because traumatic events impair their ability to learn and excel in school. As an educator, you can help these children succeed by understanding how adverse childhood experiences shape behavioral and cognitive development, and by implementing a life skills curriculum that teaches students and teachers effective coping strategies.…
Personal well-being is fundamental for creating a healthy life full of happiness and satisfaction. In fact, well-being is so important the United Nations made promoting stronger health and well-being one of its Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. In modern times, the world can sometimes feel too demanding. The recent year has turned everything upside-down and…
Coming up with science experiments for the whole class can be challenging. That’s why we created Project Time videos where science extraordinaire, Discovery Dan, shows kids how to conduct simple lab activities while explaining the science behind them. Funny and easy to understand, these videos will make teaching elementary science easier for you and more…
American Indian vs Native American: Which Should You Use? There is much debate and strong feelings within our nation that are connected to how to identify various groups. At Studies Weekly, we diligently work to create and nurture inclusive content using acceptable terms. When referring to indigenous people in the United States, some state…
With the end of a stressful year in sight, many educators and learners are looking forward to the end (hopefully) of a marathon of unprecedented challenges. While teachers faced obstacles to learning with amazing flexibility and grit, most of the education community is nervous about the learning outcomes from the 2020-2021 school year. As we…
Science education can prepare students to not only face the world’s future challenges but also find solutions. Unfortunately, many science teachers fail to show students how to apply science to real-world problems, according to William C. Kyle Jr., professor of science education at the University of Missouri in St. Louis. In Kyle’s article, Expanding our…
The Importance of Teaching Courage in the Classroom Children do better in school when they dare to take risks. While courage doesn’t come naturally for some children, your teachers can still help them develop this characteristic. Psychologist Dr. Stanley J. Rachman defines courage as a “behavioral approach in spite of the experience of fear.”…
Teacher Background Chocolate has not always come in the sweet creamy consistency we know and love today. Originally, chocolate was used as a beverage and had a bitter taste. It took hundreds of years before people created the chocolate bar. The ancient Olmecs of southern Mexico first used chocolate as a drink for the wealthy.…
After a hectic year impacted by a global pandemic, elementary summer school programs may play a crucial role this year in getting students caught up on math, ELA, and other standardized test subjects in just a few weeks. But with Studies Weekly’s print and online resources, summer school can be stress-free for you and fun…
Teacher Background The purpose of this week is to tie the celebrations and symbols of the United States to the underlying core values that they represent. Vocabulary Allegiance: being loyal Patriotism: a feeling of love for your country Pledge: a promise Pledge of Allegiance: a promise we make to be loyal to our country Think…
Diverse perspectives strengthen education, according to Heather Singmaster’s EdWeek article from November 2018. They broaden students’ view of history and teach them to respect people from different cultures. This month, you have the opportunity to foster students’ appreciation for Asian/Pacific Americans by celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. History of Asian American Pacific Islander…
One in three children in the United States suffers at least one serious trauma, according to the 2018 National Survey for Children’s Health. As an elementary school teacher, that means a third of your students may struggle with a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Supporting your students through their struggles, on top of supporting…
One of the best instructional strategies for developing students’ critical thinking skills is the 5E model. This active learning approach teaches students how to dig deeper into any given topic using these five phases: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. Researchers created the 5E model in 1987 as part of a Biological Sciences Curriculum Study…
In a world of fake news and polarized politics, your teachers have a responsibility to teach students how to evaluate and value different opinions. The challenge is helping students overcome my-side bias — the tendency to evaluate information and test hypotheses based on prior opinions. When students are able to put their point of view…
What a year! No doubt after all the changes and adjustments you’ve had to make these last two school years, you are ready for summer to begin. However, before you get ready to jump into the swimming pool, binge-watch your favorite TV show, or tackle professional development classes, we have a few ideas about how…
Teacher Background In this lesson, students will assess other perspectives and build their own idea of empathy toward others through inquiry. Vocabulary Empathy: The ability to understand the feelings of others Notes for Teacher The desire to help others usually involves empathy. It moves a student’s inquiry beyond communicating conclusions to taking action. Creating empathy often…
Students learn at a deeper level when they ask lots of questions, according to John Nabors, Studies Weekly product manager and former educator. In a recent webinar, Nabors showed a graph that revealed that the older children get, the fewer questions they ask. He suggested this might be because children’s curiosity decreases as they learn…
Every year, students struggle more and more with overcoming normal developmental challenges. From 2003 to 2012, the number of children ages 6-7 diagnosed with anxiety or depression increased by 3%, according to CDC. In 2016, one in six U.S. children ages 2-8 had a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. These challenges make it harder…
Teacher Background Students should understand the differences between the rights and the responsibilities of citizens. Vocabulary Civil Rights: the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality. Economic Rights: financial choices and privileges individuals have without government prohibition. Economic rights include the right to own property, change employment, operate a business, and join…
Teacher Background: After the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945, the Allied Powers divided Germany into territories or zones. The German capital of Berlin was divided into military zones as well. These zones would be governed by the military of the assigned country. But there was conflict among the Russian leadership and the British,…
How the Engineering Design Process Improves Science Education One of the primary goals of the Next Generation of Science Standards (NGSS) is to integrate the engineering design process (EDP) into science education. According to the National Research Council, the hope is that by raising engineering design to the same level as scientific inquiry, educators…
When schools closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19, Danny Hulshult, a curriculum coach at Studies Weekly, worried that his 6-year-old daughter, Ella, would fall behind in school. All the research he’d read said that 1st grade was an important time in a child’s development, but as a former 5th grade teacher, he didn’t have…
Grade Levels: K-8 Social Studies Strands: Civics/Government, Geography, Economics, & History Why: (Purpose) Deep Learning Collaborative conversations foster effective communication and collaboration skills. Depending on the nature and topic of conversation, they have the potential to foster critical thinking, citizenship, and creativity as well. Higher Student Achievement This strategy has a significant and positive effect…
10 Female Painters Who Shaped Art History Many female painters have made significant contributions to art history. Not only did they create masterpieces, but they pioneered art movements and painting techniques that inspire artists today. Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–c. 1652) Italian Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi was the first female member of the prestigious Accademia de…
As the school year comes to a close, students are eager to leave classwork behind and spend more time with friends. Because of the desire for the freedom of summer break, many administrators see increased behavioral incidents with students in the final months of the school year. Schools may see increases in absenteeism, decreased focus…
8 Female Doctors to Inspire Your Students Women’s History Month is the perfect time to talk about some of the most famous female doctors in US history. Not only did they improve this country’s healthcare, but their determination paved the way for women and minorities to thrive in the medical field. Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910)…
How do you guarantee students’ safety while they perform science lab experiments at home or in the classroom? Lab activities give students essential hands-on experience and align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The best way to keep lab work a part of your school’s science curriculum — regardless of where students perform these…
Every family collects objects from their lives. Objects that make work easier. Objects to meet needs. Objects to satisfy wants. Objects that evoke memories. They have meaning as they represent the collective history of a family. Just as a family keeps these objects in a home, a community keeps its meaningful historical objects in archives…
Why: (Purpose) Cooperative Learning Encourages responsibility and self-management Ability to modify instruction to increase learning Deep Learning Self-directed learning Effective communication Empowering students to lead their own learning Developing academic mindsets Higher Student Achievement Promotes critical thinking, reasoning, and summarizing Increases retention for “expert” material Greater Engagement Students are directly connected with the material Responsibility…
Finding and Sharing Diverse Voices in Children’s Books The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that by 2027, 55% of elementary and secondary students will be minorities. Students of color already total a little more than 50% of school enrollment across the nation. As our student population evolves, our education resources must evolve as well.…
How can educators help students develop their sense of identity? How do we help kids explore who they are? Where do our kids find mirrors of themselves? That is not something we can dictate, but something we can encourage. Teachers who want to promote a positive sense of self must create a safe place for…
We are excited to announce three new Studies Weekly Online features that will make things easier. These features were inspired by feedback we’ve received from teachers, so we hope these changes improve your user experience. Monitor Article Question Reports from Your Teacher Account Now you can access and monitor Article Question Reports without having to…
Are your teachers happy? That is a tough question to answer lately. But part of an administrator’s job is looking after teacher well-being, and ensuring teachers are motivated and feel appreciated. These efforts don’t have to be big. Small efforts to improve teachers’ happiness and job satisfaction helps them be stronger where it counts —…
Grade Levels: 1-6 Social Studies Strands: All Why: (Purpose) Deep learning Students will be able to dive deeper into the text Student engagement This strategy will help students be actively engaged in reading What: (Description of the Strategy) The Stop and Jot Strategy helps students monitor their comprehension while reading. As students read a section…
“The Spirit of Ubuntu — that profound African sense that we are human only through the humanity of another human being — is not a parochial phenomenon, but has added globally to our common search for a better world.” — Nelson Mandela “Why is storytelling so important to what we do as educators?” Tiffany Besse,…
Celebrating Black History Month is not just for Social Studies. Many Black scientists have contributed to our knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics. Thanks to their legacy of hard work and perseverance, students today know they can overcome socio-economic challenges and accomplish their dreams. As your school celebrates African Americans who made history, encourage science…
Teacher Background To make economic choices, students need to understand the value of work, and how it provides income so people can purchase the things that they need and want. People get to make choices about earning, spending, saving money, and where to live and work. Vocabulary Budget: a plan on how to spend the…
Teacher Background Harriet Tubman was born enslaved by a Maryland plantation owner. Hardships and mistreatment by her enslaver were her existence until the day she decided that being free was all that was important to her. When Tubman escaped from Maryland to be a free person, she became part of a network of support for…
As a subject, Science can be one of the most equitable topics taught in the elementary classroom. Race, culture, and socio-economic status can affect how prepared a student is to gain literacy or math skills, but phenomena-based instruction that pulls directly from the observable world around students puts all students on equal footing. “Centering science…
By Dr. Noelle Carter Chief Curriculum Architect at Studies Weekly Now that we have all breathed a huge sigh of relief that 2020 is finally over, are we kicking off 2021 with a bang … or with teacher burnout? Teacher burnout during the second half of the school year is not a new challenge by…
Teacher Background Students will have varying emotions regarding internet use. Be sensitive to the different experiences with the internet that students may have had. Additionally, parents of students may have varying rules about what can and cannot be shared online. Some people are comfortable sharing images of their children online, while some are not. This…
“Life is integrated. Why isn’t learning?” —Tom Vander Ark Charlie Perryman, Director of Professional Development with Studies Weekly, posed this question in a recent webinar with curriculum coaches and district personnel. “Can you think of a single job in the world today our students are going to enter, that doesn’t require integrated knowledge and thinking?”…
Sandra Bradshaw, a second-grade teacher in Texas, is in the education field because she wants to positively impact students’ lives. “When students show a true understanding of the concepts being taught and topics being discussed, then I am thrilled for their discoveries and personal connections,” she said in a recent interview. As a child, Bradshaw…
Grade Levels: All Social Studies Strands: All Why: (Purpose) Deep Learning Research provides students the opportunity to explore subjects in-depth, and gives them skills in differentiating between reliable sources Higher Student Achievement These free resources are available at many levels for all students, and encourage self-guided discovery Student Engagement The variety of resources available inspires…
Grades: All Strands: All Why: (Purpose of Exit Tickets) Deep Learning Exit tickets give students frequent opportunities to develop character, collaborate with their peers, communicate effectively, ask the right questions, and think critically about what they are learning Higher Student Achievement Exit tickets provide students with frequent opportunities to receive feedback, which gives them a…
Grade Levels: AllSocial Studies Strands: All Why: (Purpose) Greater Engagement Labeling guides students to dig further into text features Encourages students to explore more than pictures in texts Cooperative Learning Promotes peer-to-peer discussion and reflection Encourages the application of the strategy in small groups Deep Learning Develops academic mindsets and assessment skills Develops strategies for…
Grade Levels: AllSocial Studies Strands: All Why: (Purpose) Cooperative Learning Promotes peer-to-peer discussion Encourages decision-making, self-management, and listening Deep Learning Collaborative learning Effective communication Developing academic mindsets and assessment skills Higher Student Achievement Promotes critical thinking and reasoning Allows students to align their learning Increases and reinforces communication skills Greater Engagement Movement while learning, leading…
Grades: K-5 Social Studies Strands: Government and Civics, Geography, Economics, History, Culture Using this strategy in Kindergarten and building on it throughout the elementary years will be especially helpful for students’ writing ability. Why: (Purpose) Deep learning Students will read articles with greater purpose while looking for the main idea and supporting details. Higher student…
Grades: 1-5Social Studies Strands: Civics and Government, Geography, Economics, History Why: (Purpose) Deep learning Self-directed learning Effective communication Collaboration Higher student achievement Students are able to construct meaning from the text Develop critical thinking skills Reading accountability Greater engagement Students become involved with the text; construct meaning Solidify comprehension and learning that isn’t just sitting…
Grades: 3-5Strands: Civics/Government, Geography, Economics, History Why: (Purpose) Deep Learning Effective communication Self-directed learning Develops a connection to text Higher Student Achievement Opportunity for feedback Vocabulary instruction that supports comprehension Student Engagement Allows for an exchange of predictions Consensus established for the structure of informational texts Strategic Planning Pre-teaching vocabulary allows students to establish the…
Objective for the Lesson: Students will have a practical experience with the electoral college and how it can affect election results. Weekly Summary: Students have campaigned for their candidates. This week, they will vote. Each student will represent a state and that state’s electoral votes. The votes will be tallied, and the students will see…
Objective for the Lesson: This is it! The presidential election of 2020. The student mock election is over, and the results are known. Now, it is time to compare what the students thought with what the voters actually did when they cast votes on Election Day. Student Expectations: Fill in an electoral map that reflects…
Objective for the Lesson: This lesson will provide some general guidelines and information to help students understand how citizens register to vote. Weekly Summary: We understand that in order to vote, you have to be a citizen and at least 18 years old. What happens next? How do citizens become registered to vote? Most states…
Objective for the Lesson: This lesson will provide some general guidelines and information to help students understand how citizens register to vote. Weekly Summary: We understand that in order to vote, you have to be a citizen and at least 18 years old. What happens next? How do citizens become registered to vote? Most states…
Objective for the Lesson: In this lesson, students will discuss the importance of learning about candidates so they can be educated voters and know as much as possible about the person they are voting for. Weekly Summary: Students will understand that it is important for voters to know what the different candidates in an election…
Objective for the Lesson: This lesson will introduce students to the campaign process and what candidates do when they want to be elected to office. Weekly Summary: A big part of every election is the preceding campaign season when the candidates work to convince voters that they are the best person for the job. This…
Student Expectations: Students will explain why voters need to learn about the candidates in an election. Students will practice researching facts about candidates in a simulated election. Vocabulary and Definitions: nutrition: the act or process of nourishing or being nourished vitamin: an organic substance that is essential in small quantities to normal metabolism mineral: a…
Student Expectations: Students will name different strategies candidates use to campaign. Students will be introduced to the current presidential candidates. Students will create their own campaign posters based on things that they would want to do as president. Vocabulary and Definitions: campaign: to organize a series of public events and advertisements to achieve something candidate:…
Background Knowledge for Teachers: Political parties are not unique to America. Wherever there are governments, there are oppositional groups. Political parties are groups of voters who have different views on public issues. In elections, these parties support candidates who agree with their political goals and philosophies. In the United States, we have several political parties.…
Background Knowledge for Teachers: In the beginning of the United States, the Founding Fathers didn’t want a direct election for the new president and vice president. At the time, many people lived in distant rural areas. News and other information took time to get to the people. Many people also didn’t have a formal education.…
Objective for the Lesson: This lesson will look at the historic voting patterns and the methods that have been used successfully to address voting rights. Weekly Summary: When examining recent elections, the percentage of eligible voters who did not vote is significant. The historical struggles for equality by minorities and women can explain why some…
Objective for the Lesson: This lesson will examine how members of Congress and the president are elected and ask students to consider both the historical reasons for the electoral college and its modern implications. Weekly Summary: The method of choosing Representatives and Senators is set by the Constitution; the total number of Representatives was set…
Grade Levels: 3-5 Strands: Civics and Government, Geography, Economics, History Why: (Purpose) Cooperative Learning Collaborative team-based tasks Encourages responsibility and self-management Deep Learning Collaborative learning Self-directed learning Effective communication Developing academic mindsets Higher Student Achievement Promotes critical thinking, reasoning, and summarizing Increases retention for “expert” material Greater Engagement Students are directly connected with the material…
Grades: K-8 Why: (Purpose) Vocabulary instruction aligns with deep learning by helping students make connections between words and construct meaningful knowledge. Vocabulary instruction aligns with higher student achievement by increasing reading skills and comprehension. Vocabulary instruction aligns with greater engagement by making reading and comprehension accessible to all learners. Vocabulary instruction aligns with well-being because…
Weekly Summary: When the Revolutionary War ended in 1781, the United States was left without an effective central government. The Second Continental Congress had created the Articles of Confederation, but as the nation faced the growing problems of governing a new nation, it became evident that a different format was needed. The constitution established in…
Weekly Summary: The constitution sets out very few absolute qualifications to run for national office, yet the unofficial qualities of candidates often play a much larger role in who actually gets elected. These activities will examine the constitutional requirements to run for office and some of the unofficial qualities that can impact an election. Learning…
Student Expectations: Students will recognize the positive qualities of good leaders. Students will understand the election process in the United States. Vocabulary and Definitions: election: the selection of a person or persons for office by vote primary election: a preliminary election in which voters of multiple parties nominate candidates for office campaign: the process through…
Learning Objectives: Students will learn the qualifications for people running for office. The U.S. Constitution details specific qualifications for people who want to run for national political office. State and local government units set their own qualifications for those running for office. Students will identify where the qualifications for political candidates can be found. Vocabulary…
Learning Objectives: Students will identify the three branches of the federal government. Students will identify the officials who lead the three branches. Students will describe how the Constitution was written. Students will understand the purpose of the Constitution. Vocabulary and Definitions: constitution: the document that sets up a system of fundamental principles according to which…
Weekly Summary: Voting today, with some exceptions, is considered a universal right for American citizens. If you are a citizen, by birth or by naturalization, you can vote. However, this universal attitude toward voting has evolved throughout the course of American history as a society and its values and laws changed. Learning Objectives: Students will…
Objective for the Lesson: Students will understand the decision-making process on both an individual and a group level. Weekly Summary: When individuals and groups have to make choices, as they do during political elections, they often go through an intensive decision-making process. Student Expectations: Students will understand that people have to gather facts before they…
Learning Objectives: Students will understand why leaders are important. Students will understand what a leader experiences. Think Deeply: What would your school be like if no one was in charge? What would your classroom be like? What would the city be like? Lesson Plan: Choose a student to lead the class in a game of…
Grades: K-5 Strands: All Why: (Purpose) Higher Student Achievement Engages students in a classroom or small group discussion, and students learn by listening to classmates and discussing what they See, Think, and Wonder about Student Engagement Students will determine the discussion topics by the questions they ask, allowing for increased engagement in the classroom Inquiry…
Learning Objectives: Students will understand what a decision is. Students will recognize decisions that they make. Students will understand the importance of making good decisions using information that is available to them. Students will understand that when making decisions as a group, not everyone will get what they want. Students will practice making a group…
Grade Levels: K-8 Social Studies Strands: Government and Civics, Geography, Economics, History, Culture Why: (Purpose) Graphic organizers align with deep learning by helping students develop critical thinking skills to make connections, identify patterns, and construct meaningful knowledge. Graphic organizers increase student achievement by combining words and phrases with symbols and arrows representing relationships to help students build knowledge and become…
Jen Mello has been an educator for 15 years and doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon. Her very own elementary teachers as a child were her inspiration. “They made learning fun and made personal connections with myself and my classmates,” she said in a recent interview with Studies Weekly. “I still keep in touch with…
Teaching is hard. Fun. Joyful. Stressful. Exciting. All of the above. That’s why Studies Weekly’s goal is to make curriculum that is enjoyable to use and helps teachers successfully realize learning outcomes. To help you do this, we’ve launched completely new 2020-2021 Professional Development training offerings. These PD programs can be done digitally or face-to-face.…
New Social Studies Curriculum June 4, 2020 ◊ By Studies Weekly Education is evolving, and Studies Weekly is matching that change step for step. Educators need a curriculum that strengthens and supports them as they use multiple diverse learning strategies with today’s students. Thus, we are very, very excited to announce our NEW Studies Weekly…
Crystal Pilcher loves teaching. In fact, with her degree, she could be earning a significantly higher salary, but she chooses to be a teacher. “I wanted to be a teacher my entire life. As a kid, I used to make my uncles and aunts play school with me,” Pilcher said from Texas in a recent…
Studies Weekly is uniquely suited to be your students’ passport to lifelong success because we’re unlike any other standards-based curriculum out there today. In addition to Studies Weekly Online — a robust interactive platform that works within the classroom and for distance learning — our print publications are fully consumable. What does consumable mean? When…
COVID-19 has uprooted classroom teaching and learning, forcing educators to step into a new role as a remote teacher. As an educator who is supporting their students’ education through distance learning, online learning, printed packets, etc., it’s a new experience — and for some, it is overwhelming. Educators, with their unique in-depth training in pedagogy…
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a great opportunity to incorporate culturally responsive teaching into students’ learning experience. Congress designated May in 1992 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month — a month to honor the contributions of many Asians and Pacific Islanders. They helped shape our country into what it is today. We hope students…
In this era of distance learning, teachers all over the nation really do miss the controlled chaos that was their classrooms just months ago. But what do they miss most? Their students. “I used to think it was too loud when 15 6-year-olds would tell me about recess all at the same time. Now it’s…
When will schools open? And what will they look like when they do? As educators juggle online education software, printed packets, and ensuring communication with their current students, many wonder how to plan for the 2020-2021 school year. According to an April 15 EdWeek article, States Face Thorny Issues in Deciding When to Reopen Schools…
Learning can continue even though we’re all social distancing. COVID-19 has impacted every school in every state in America, and districts are handling school closures according to their community’s needs. For many children, though, the days can feel very long without the playdates, sports, and after-school activities they usually enjoy. The days may also feel…
At Studies Weekly, we are continually looking to help our customers utilize our curriculum and provide you with the resources you need to teach students more effectively. Our goal is to make using Studies Weekly learning materials easy so you can plan less and teach more. Our online learning platform, Studies Weekly Online, not only…
We are happy to support educators during this time of remote learning with open access to Studies Weekly Online, and we are impressed with the creative ways teachers are reaching out and teaching their students. In this time of flux, though, we ask that all who are using our curriculum remember that it is protected…
If you are new to using Studies Weekly Online, you’ve come to the right place. If you haven’t registered or logged in yet, read this article for instructions, or check out our Tutorial Page. This platform can be a great asset for you and your students as you navigate remote learning, so we want to…
Some of today’s students have grandparents who served in the Vietnam War or lived during that era of history. Unfortunately, these same students may not understand that war or its place in our nation’s history. National Vietnam War Veterans Day, on March 29 each year, is a great opportunity to introduce elementary students to the…
For the third year in a row, Studies Weekly’s publications earned awards from the Textbook & Academic Authors Association. Studies Weekly’s Oklahoma Studies Weekly – Our State, 2nd Edition, 7th Volume won the K-12 Textbook Excellence Award for 2020. This textbook uses Oklahoma’s history, geography, economy, and people to introduce social studies concepts in a…
At Studies Weekly, we build Social Studies and Science curriculum, but literacy skills are an essential backbone to our work. If students struggle with reading, they will struggle with valuable historical and scientific content and concepts. As Rebecca Alber explained in a 2014 Edutopia article, “The days of believing that we could hand informational text…
Every year, Women’s History Month is a great opportunity to delve even deeper into history and hear from new voices and experiences. As you teach about women’s many contributions to history, here are a few historic women of color whose actions brought about significant change. Women of Strength Lozen Lozen was an Apache warrior active…
Until the mid-1800s, when women married, they could not open a bank account, enter into a contract, rent a place to live or file a lawsuit against someone. Any income that a woman earned was considered the property of her husband. Anthony’s alligator purse, pictured here, was not a fashion statement — the purse was…
The walls of this tent witnessed many of the highs and lows of the Revolutionary War. George Washington took command of the Continental Army on July 3, 1775, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. During America’s War for Independence, Washington requested two oval canvas tents to serve as his wartime headquarters. He used the first tent for dining.…
At 6’4″, President Abraham Lincoln was a very tall man, even by today’s standards. He chose to stand out even more by wearing a top hat. As biographer Harold Holzer explained in a 2013 Smithsonian Magazine article, even if his clothes were a bit worn — as they sometimes were — when Lincoln gave a…
Are you celebrating the 100 Day? Depending on when schools start in the fall, the 100th day of school falls somewhere between late January and mid-February. Wherever you are, this celebration is fun for kids, parents, and teachers. And while most 100 Day activities center on math, there are many reading, writing, and social studies…
Without the bravery, labor, and successes of many, many African Americans, our nation would not be where it is today. Leaders of the Civil Rights Movement ensured the voting rights of all citizens, and paved the way for the human rights and equality measures taken in the years since. While Martin Luther King Jr., Medgar…
Rosa Parks stood up for her belief that all humans have equal rights, and her experience during the Civil Rights Movement is a powerful example of quiet courage and respect. As you teach about Parks during Black History Month or during a unit on the Civil Rights Movement, students can feel inspired by her words…
In 1955 Montgomery, Alabama, an African American woman found a seat in the “Colored Section” of the city bus. A few stops down, the bus driver told her to make room for white passengers and move further back. The woman refused and was arrested. This story brings to mind Rosa Parks and her quiet defiance…
Holocaust education is the story of people. Each number, statistic, chart, or list depicts an individual — someone’s son or daughter. According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, those who teach about the Holocaust must “seek to honestly and accurately investigate a history in which millions of people were dehumanized, brutalized and killed while…
The systemic murder of an ethnic group or people does not begin overnight. It is a long process that relies on categorizing a group of people according to stereotypical traits, while other people remain silent. The Holocaust of the Jews by the Nazi Party of Germany in the 1930s and 40s was carried out this…
The Secret Lives of Objects: Letter From a Birmingham Jail Birmingham, Alabama in 1963 was one of the key turning points for the Civil Rights Movement. The Birmingham Campaign in April of that year showed the world that the Civil Rights Movement was not just a series of small, disparate local protests across the South,…
If you’re an Oklahoma educator, you may be wondering, what the 2020 Studies Weekly Oklahoma Social Studies State Adoption means to you. Bottom line, it means you are getting the most customized, updated, and standards-aligned content you could possibly have. Those of you who have been using our 2013 state-adopted Social Studies curriculum will be…
Cathlina Marston is a fourth grade teacher in Glendora, California. A veteran teacher of 30 years, Marston has been using Studies Weekly in her classroom for the last 15 years. In 2016, Marston won the California Elementary Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award! Award Nomination Requirements Nominees for this award must be able…
November is famously the month for football, turkey, and the kick-off to holiday shopping. But November is also Native American Heritage Month. And many educators today are becoming more culturally responsive in their teaching and changing the way they address Native American, or American Indian, history. They also are changing the way they teach about…
It’s time to toggle! In response to numerous teacher requests, we’ve added the ability to toggle games on and off on Studies Weekly Online. We’re thrilled that students are engaged and excited about learning through the online games, but sometimes a few students get off task by playing the games rather than learning the content.…
One of the most exciting ways to teach is through an integrated learning approach. Integrated learning pedagogy has been around for decades, but it is especially appropriate for today’s students, who need essential skills to analyze and apply learning from diverse perspectives to real-world problems. And social studies and science are excellent subjects to act…
Do you use interactive notebooks in your classroom? Interactive notebooks are not new in education circles, but they are uniquely suited to engage and excite students. And when you pair the Studies Weekly curriculum with interactive notebooks, you create a deeper level of learning. Interactive notebooks are based on a composition or spiral-bound notebook, but…
To prepare students for a global society that is in constant flux, education experts agree that we must incorporate 21st Century Learning Skills and the 6Cs. The Three Rs of decades past — reading, writing, and arithmetic — are not enough in education today, say the authors of a National Education Association (NEA) report “Preparing…
“If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten” – Rudyard Kipling Social studies is more than just teaching kids facts, dates, states and capitals. It’s about the stories — it’s the “why” behind each individual’s choices, their interactions with each other and the world. Social studies also has the…
Mathematics is a straightforward subject. Students know the expectations they must meet to get a good grade: show their work, and make sure their numbers add up to the right answer. Social studies and language arts are not as cut and dry, though. History, especially, is open to debate and opinion. Students often show their…
According to a 2017 study, about 63% of K-12 teachers use technology in their classrooms daily. Other studies suggest that number is rising each year. As more and more elementary classrooms access educational technology, they can tap into the many available programs that really bring social studies alive. Integrating Studies Weekly Online’s primary source videos,…
Integrating and optimizing technology and online learning into the classroom can be a hefty task. To facilitate the best online learning practices, Studies Weekly includes Student Accounts as part of the Studies Weekly Online platform. These student accounts allow learners to work through online articles and assessments at their own pace. Here are a few…
As educators striving to encourage and ensure student well-being, we often work with students who seem to give up too easily. Some students are excited by a new, challenging task — seeing it as a mountain they can summit, if they just start hiking up. Other students see the challenge as an unsurmountable Mt. Everest,…
If you are using the Studies Weekly Social Studies or Science print publications, you already have a subscription to Studies Weekly Online — a robust platform that supports and extends the printed publications through thousands of primary source videos, audio, documents, images and artwork. If you have a computer or mobile device, you can log…
As Columbus Day approaches, many educators are preparing lessons about this federal holiday. In the diverse classrooms of today, Columbus Day can be a sensitive topic. Many indigenous people protest against the colonialism symbolized by Columbus Day — while Columbus’ explorations opened the door for European settlements, often these settlements pushed indigenous groups from their…
The Studies Weekly online platform offers you many ways to assess students’ progress. After every weekly unit, there is an assigned test. These tests are located on Studies Weekly Online and can be edited and assigned through your teacher account. Before your students take the unit test, they can prepare for it by doing the…
1 in 5 children in the United States have learning and attention issues, and only 17% of teachers say they “feel very well prepared to teach” these students. This disparity was highlighted earlier this year in a joint report, “Forward Together,” by the National Center for Learning Disabilities and Understood.org. The report further explained that…
Almost all of us can access a map of our town, our country, and our world with just a few clicks on our smartphones. So why do we need to teach geography? At its most basic, geography is the study of places, according to GeogSpace, an initiative of the Australian Geography Teachers Association. Geography looks…
It’s often difficult to connect students to the real-world, real-time applications of events from history and the real people who lived them. For example, most people over 25 can remember where they were on Sept. 11, 2001. But elementary students sitting in school desks today were not even born when this historically significant event occurred.…
How can we build a safe community within the classroom so students will take academic risks? Education in the 21st Century is becoming more about skills than content knowledge. Students are not empty buckets to fill with facts and figures, but real individuals who need to learn compassion, empathy, strength, a sense of self, collaboration,…
September is Hispanic Heritage Month, and we applaud all those educators who celebrate the historic and current contributions of Hispanic people. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the percentage of Hispanic students in elementary and secondary schools across the nation is increasing. In a recent study, between 2000 and 2015, their number increased…
As this school year gets underway, teachers who want a consistently good year institute straightforward, steady classroom management. Too many new teachers assume children instinctively know how to behave — that they’ve learned the way a classroom runs in prior grades, or are so used to school they inherently know what to do. But kids…
We want to be the strongest standards-based social studies and science curriculum out there, so we’re upping our game. Let us introduce you to a few of our recent powerhouse hires. Kelly Jeffery Kelly Jeffery is our new director of curriculum over ELA. She comes to Studies Weekly with 20 years of teaching experience, both…
Studies Weekly’s new product manager, John Nabors, believes social studies and literacy go hand in hand. “Content is the center of literacy. And literacy isn’t just fiction. It’s also nonfiction and informational text. If we want to turn the dial on students mastering informational text, we need social studies,” he said. Every student needs to…
Organizers of the 13th annual Back 2 School BBQ at Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City spent the afternoon of Aug. 17 preparing kids to head back to school, running a blood drive, feeding and entertaining families and connecting Utah community members with local resources. The event was hosted by members of the Iota…
We know that parent involvement is one of the key indicators in the value of your students’ education. As an educator, parents can either be your greatest allies or some of your most difficult hurdles. This is where the Parent Accounts in Studies Weekly Online comes in. The ability to create Parent Accounts through Studies…
As the month of August rolls on and the dog days of summer slowly start to come to an end, the promise of cooler weather and a new school year approaches. Teachers around the U.S. are preparing for the upcoming school year, and with it comes the never-ending work of planning. From scopes and sequences,…
So you’ve received your Studies Weekly blue box and you’re thinking, “Now what?” Starting a whole new curriculum can be intimidating at first, but there’s no need to fear! Getting started with Studies Weekly is easy. So first things first, let’s open the box. Though this video shows an instructions page, we no longer include…
When you order Studies Weekly print publications, each print edition comes with a Studies Weekly Online subscription, as well as access for you, the teacher. The same content in your print versions is online in an interactive format, with thousands of additional primary source videos, images, artwork, and other media. Here’s a few tips for setting…
The way we teach history is changing, and Studies Weekly is working diligently to rise to the challenge. Many teachers leading their own classrooms today grew up learning history as taught through a “heritage approach.” This pedagogy, according to Valerie Strauss in a 2013 Washington Post article, uses “facts from the past to recreate a…
Studies Weekly materials are some of the most affordable out there. From our printing processes to editorial calendaring, we do everything to keep our production costs low. We want teachers and schools to have standards-based social studies and science curriculum materials at as low a price possible. That said, many educators don’t get as much…
