Let’s Talk About Spoken Word Poetry

TeachersFirst®️ hosts a book study at least twice a year – a deep dive into integrating technology in the classroom. We are currently studying Michelle Eaton’s The Perfect Blend and discussing how to create blended learning experiences while teaching remotely. This week, we’ve discussed several roadblocks – student motivation, simulating different spaces, and lesson organization. … read more »

Be a Sport! Lessons for Increasing Literacy Using Sports Heroes

One method for engaging reluctant readers is to provide books and activities that connect to their interests and passions. Making this connection is especially helpful when introducing nonfiction reading materials to students. Matching the appropriate books and articles to individual students takes time but provides long-term rewards, such as increased interest in reading.  Many students … read more »

Celebrate Buffalo Soldiers Day!

 July 28th is Buffalo Soldiers Day. Officially recognized in 1992, it commemorates the 1866 formation of six cavalry and infantry regiments of African American soldiers after Congress passed the Army Reorganization Act. Buffalo Soldiers were African American soldiers who served on the Western Frontier after the Civil War. The name Buffalo Soldiers is said … read more »

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 »

Learning History Through the Stories of Powerful Women

“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.” Madam C. J. Walker Have you heard of Madam C. J. Walker? She is famous for being one of the first African-American female millionaires. With … read more »