Secondary Social Studies Guru

Here is an anchor chart I created that illustrates the differences between the three levels of government (VA based). 

Who loves a good planner? I have spent an ungodly amount of time watching youtube videos of people putting together their planners this summer. Is there anyone out there like me? I really do love seeing people put together a cute and creative planner that makes them happy and organized. Picking out my planner for the year is always fun. Often times I pick one and then find a new one I love even more! So through just a tad bit of research, I have found my planner for the 2015-2016 school year! I wanted a planner that had a layout of the month AND a weekly, day-by-day section. Target sells some really cute MEAD planners of all sizes. I love the one I chose because it has a plastic cover that opens at the top. This is so that you can change out your cover whenever you like. I will post some cover pages I've created in another post! I also found some small post it notes that fit PERFECTLY into the monthly calendar at the beginning of each month. As a teacher I feel my schedule is const

How do you handle the pencil problem? I have used the swapping idea for a while now but have recently found a new solution that I want to try in the Fall. The swapping solution is simply put, when a student receives a pencil, he/she must hand over something of theirs. Students often times give me their cell phones when they need a pencil and most times they return my pencils for their phones. However, I have felt a little uneasy handling students' property. The worry-wart in me thinks that the swapping is a recipe for disaster. I know, I'm a little crazy. Disclaimer: Of course I want all my students to have access to supplies needed in order to be successful in my classroom. I gladly give out pencils to those who truly do not have any at home to bring. The pencil problem is directed to those students who constantly ask for pencils because they lost or forgot to bring one to school.  I've spent probably too much time trying to figure a new way to handle my pencils being take

Let's talk about Anchor Charts:) I absolutely LOVE anchor charts! I am sure I'm not alone in my adoration! I wanted to compile a list of great anchor charts for the modern social studies classroom AND explain the novelty of each individual type of chart. I am a middle school U. S history teacher so I tend to save ideas that I think could be used for my own classroom. I think all of these types of charts can be used in any social studies classroom be it US history, world history, or even government. REFERENCE CHARTS Reference charts are simply put, those that you reference while teaching any given topic. The chart above is a great year-long anchor chart. As a side note, I would definitely laminate anchor charts you decide to use year-round! I like this chart because by answering the questions listed, my students are able to better understand a text they are reading! Constantly asking questions while one reads is key to becoming a great reader. I NEVER want a student to say "