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 »

Thanksgiving Lesson Plans

Have you mapped out your Thanksgiving lessons yet? Perhaps you are struggling to find something different to spice up your holiday activities. Last year on this blog I shared some ideas for finding and using primary sources. This year I’d like to share an excellent source for lesson plans for all grade levels. You may … read more »

Using Primary Sources to Teach Thanksgiving

There is one day that is ours. Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American. O. Henry A recent TeachersFirst blog post by Paula Deal discussed the use of primary sources and suggested several resources for finding primary sources for all grade levels. What better time of year to include primary sources than … read more »

Introducing Women as Changemakers Using Multimedia Text Sets

On December 23, 1867, in Delta, Louisiana, Sara Breedlove was born, and she became a remarkable changemaker better known as Madam C.J. Walker. Her transformative contributions revolutionized African-American women’s hair care and cosmetic industries while establishing her as the first American woman to amass a million dollars. Modern-day changemakers such as Ketanji Brown Jackson and … read more »