Discover the U.S. Patent Office for Kids

Did you know that many of the very first government departments, established by our first President, George Washington, remain in place today? On April 10, 1790, just under a year after his inauguration, President Washington signed a bill placing the foundation for our current patent system. This law, for the first time, gave the rights … read more »

Let’s Talk About: Media Literacy

As an educator, it’s essential to grasp the significant role CNN plays in the ‘CNN Effect,’ a term coined to describe the profound impact of CNN on the news industry. Since its inception in June of 1980, CNN has transformed news delivery, shifting from periodic updates to 24-hour coverage. This shift has made real-time information … read more »

Let’s Talk About: 4 Activities for Oral Language Practice

As teachers, we have the unique opportunity to witness the transformative power of authentic spoken communication practice in our students. This not only cultivates essential language skills but also nurtures confidence, creativity, and learner agency. Today, let’s embark on a journey of exploration with four cross-curricular engaging activity ideas that harness student voice while fostering … read more »

10 Quick & Easy Ideas to Celebrate & Remember Memorial Day (With Examples!)

The last Monday in May is Memorial Day, a time to remember and honor U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the Armed Forces. Unfortunately, this holiday also falls during one of the busiest times of the school year. Many teachers face constant disruptions to their schedule at the end of the school year … read more »

Captain Critique’s War on Fake News: Join the Fight!

Technology has transformed how information is accessed and shared, bringing opportunities and challenges to our classrooms. In this wild west of the Internet, as educators, we find ourselves in serious need of superhero skills to empower students to thrive in a dynamic and interconnected world – where misinformation lurks in the shadows, emojis function as … read more »