Celebrate Juneteenth!

 Though slavery technically ended with the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 and the Civil War effectively ended April 9, 1865, the announcement of the end of slavery did not reach Texas until June 19, 1865. On that day, General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and announced that slavery had ended and that … read more »

Let’s Talk About: Using Cartoons to Empower Student Voice

The history of cartoons in American newsprint began on May 9th, 1754.  Benjamin Franklin had an idea about the need to unite the colonies.  A cartoon accompanied his editorial – a single panel image meant to persuade the colonies to work together against common enemies. The picture underscored the message and communicated it differently for those who … read more »

Let’s Talk About: Student Voice and Poetry

Today is World Voice Day, and the theme this year is “Focus on Your Voice”. While the organizers are more concerned with the science behind vocal communication, there is an opportunity here to encourage student voice. As educators, we can help students learn to contribute their values and perspectives to conversations as we teach and … read more »

Using Technology for Virtual and In-School Math Groups

As I write this blog, millions of students are out of school, some indefinitely, due to closures related to the coronavirus outbreak. Educators immediately jumped into action to provide at-home lessons for students. Some sent home learning packets; others didn’t even have time to prepare at-home materials yet have found ways to stay in touch … read more »

Three Powerful Resources for Using Poetry in the Classroom

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words. Robert Frost Next month is National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry and poets in the United States. Also, March 26 marks the anniversary of the birth of Robert Frost, the well-known American Poet Laureate over 100 years ago. As … read more »