History and Social Science
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Je Suis Bruxelles: How to Talk With Children About the News
How do you talk to your child about the terrorist attacks in Belgium? It doesn’t have to be as tricky as it seems. First, make sure your child feels safe and secure in your love as he grows up. Hugs, preparing a meal together, special time cuddling with a book—all of these routines help create Continue reading
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Democracy and Education, Kazoo-Style
Want a fun idea for teaching about democracy? Hand out kazoos to your students and celebrate National Kazoo Day on January 28. Democracy—a system of the people, by the people, for the people—prevails because everyone can hum. You can make kazoos out of recycled materials (toilet paper roll, wax paper, and a rubber band) or Continue reading
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Social Justice and Excellence in Learning
Today’s designation of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day reminds us to take his memory a step further. It’s more of a call to action, for as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., asks in this speech to junior high students at a Philadelphia school, What is Your Life’s Blueprint? As you’ll see, he believed there was a Continue reading
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Military Family Stories
Veterans of World War II rarely speak of their service. In the case of my father, humility is part of the reason. “Everybody did it,” he shrugged, referring to his peers in the 1940s. He is one of a handful of remaining WWII veterans in his town. Read his story, published this week in the Continue reading
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Flag Day, Vexillology, and You
Did you celebrate Flag Day when you attended school? Perhaps classes gathered at a special assembly, or around the flagpole outside. The program was short and centered on patriotic songs and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, often led by a scout or a local official. Flag Day rarely requires an elaborate celebration and it is more powerful, I think, because Continue reading
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