Social Studies Update
Remote Teaching and Learning
What's the Latest?
Local school district plans will be reviewed and approved by their Intermediate School District/Regional Education Service Agency and must begin providing learning opportunities for all students no later than April 28, 2020.
With state testing, teaching evaluation, and 3rd grade reading law among other requirements being suspended for this year, a lot questions arise about what is now required of educators.
Here is access to the MAISA General Education Leadership Network Quick Start Guide districts are using to develop their COVID-19 Continuity of Leanring Plans. There is information that you will find useful as you respond to your district and develop your personal plan to meet the needs of your students. Specifically, review the "Instructional time frames, scheduling, and additional information" links found in the blue "Considerations" section.
Many districts have already begun this work and more information will be soon forthcoming from your own district and the Genesee ISD.
Remote Learning and Inquiry
Here is access to the guide that is one approach of many you might consider as you remotely meet the needs of your students during the remainder of the school.
Using Inquiry to Enrich and Further Social Studies Instruction
Introduction to Resources
NEW - Curated Resources at Wide Open School
Other Possible Resources for Remote Teaching
Google Arts and Culture is providing access to international museums for virtual tours and access to numerous online exhibits. I searched US History and found American Democracy which includes virtual tours of the most iconic presidential homes in 360˚. Here is another on Cultural Figures.
Great Lakes Now is providing a virtual field trip for students to learn more about the importance of coastal wetlands, the danger of algal blooms and one of the oldest and largest residents the lake sturgeon. The experience is targeted for 6-8th grade, but is certainly not limited to this age group. Preview the videos below to see if it’s right for your students.
KidCitizen is digital Social Studies learning tool for elementary students funded by the Library of Congress.
Virtual Tour of the Great Wall of China
Actively Learn provides numerous texts and videos for ELA, Science, and Social Studies with scaffolds and higher-order questions. It's free for the remainder of the year.
BoomWriter offers a variety of tools, features, and resources that lets teachers conduct fiction, nonfiction, and vocabulary-focused writing assignments.
Teacher's Curriculum Institute online platform is now available to all teachers and students to use whether or not they are a current customer. Teachers can email their support team to get free access to their platform via info@teachtci.com.
"Above the Noise, a YouTube series for teens, cuts through the hype and dives deep into the research behind the issues affecting their daily lives. Every other Wednesday, the series investigates controversial subject matter to help young viewers draw informed conclusions, while inspiring media literacy and civic engagement. FOR EDUCATORS: Want your students to discuss Above the Noise videos with peers from around the country? Sign up for KQED Learn (https://learn.kqed.org/) and join the conversation (https://learn.kqed.org/topics)!"
Free Online Whiteboard
Teach, present, sketch-note, create videos, and work together, all in Explain Everything – the complete online and mobile whiteboard app.
Reminder: Amazing Educational Resources
Coordinator for Instruction - Social Studies Roy Sovis
Email: rsovis@geneseeisd.org
Location: 243 West Maple Avenue, Flint, MI, USA
Phone: 810-591-4520
Twitter: @roysovis