Cartoons and Comics Aren’t Just for Newspapers Anymore

Did you know the first cartoon appeared in a U.S. newspaper way back in 1754? Benjamin Franklin’s Pennsylvania Gazette featured the political cartoon “Join or Die” on May 9, 1754. The picture showed the American colonies as a snake divided into eight pieces and presented the political point of view that the colonies should unite. … read more »

“Say It Ain’t So, Joe,” Using Quotations from the Internet

We all love to use the perfect apropos aphorism to punctuate our writing. Quotations by famous people to prove a writer’s point fill social media posts. How many choice memes are graced by just the right epigram? It just may be too easy find an appropriate quotation online as we have seen by the proliferation … read more »

Digital Reading Takes Practice

Most of us and our students spend a large part of each day reading digital text. Although we might prefer and encourage reading traditional print sources on paper, most of our future information needs will be fulfilled online. Although studies have shown people who read printed text comprehend more–thus learn and retain more, digital access … read more »

Human Rights Day

December 10 kicked off a year-long celebration of Human Rights Day and the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Worldwide activities include the official campaign launch in Paris, a United Nations discussion with “Eleanor Roosevelt”, and a Human Rights Award Ceremony in Armenia. All events support the goal of equality, justice, … read more »

All about Me and Other People, Using Biographies in Instruction

The start of the school years is a time to get to know our students. Perennial favorite activities other than “what I did on my summer vacation” essays are “all about me” assignments. As students take a look at their own lives, this is a perfect time to add biographies to your class lessons. Reading … read more »