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Star Wars Can Teach History?

x wingIt is one of the most beloved film franchises of all time, and now Star Wars has been examined and presented as a means to teach world history. A new book entitled Star Wars and History claims that the epic space story parallels many earthly historical events. Star Wars creator George Lucas has denied any intentional links to actual events, but admits that due to the films' overall narrative of good vs. evil and war and rebellion, it would be impossible to avoid any similarities.

Nonetheless, authors Nancy Reagin and Janice Liedl have created an interesting way to present world history to students via a pop-culture phenomenon that is almost universally loved. CNet sat down with Liedl for an interesting look behind the making of the book. Read the interview here.

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How will the Common Core Impact the...

In New York State, 6th grade social studies is world cultures. Here are the subjects that I taught during the school year. Wondering what is covered in 6th grade in other states. What do you teach in social studies at other grade levels?
Map skills
Prehistoric Man
Customs/customs of the world
Mesopotamian-First Historic people(also covered other groups in the region including the Phoenicians)
Ancient Egypt
Greeks
Romans
Middle Ages
Introduced...

Character: Leadership Lessons from The...

  • In an attempt to extend the writing skills of our students, we have established our first literary magazine at our independent school. The students after their exciting procedural expectations landed on the title, The Mustard Seed. Grand things growing from small beginnings is the inspiration; and, the title is much like the lessons learned in leadership! The myriad of skills students are embracing on the technical side of this authentic lesson in a flipped classroom are amazing; the...

A Quest to Address the Emotional Needs...

Its bothered me that I havent been able to address the social/emotional needs of my gifted kids the way I would like.

Last school year, I worked with the schools psychologist to present my gifted fifth-graders with a workshop on perfectionism. However, due to time constraints, testing, and other challenges (excuses, excuses), I have not been able to focus on more than academic needs.

But all thats going to change! I recently came up with a projectwhich is in the experimental...

The upcoming BIG Games in Sochi,Russia...

Your students may soon be following the competition that begins this February in Sochi,Russia. I especially like the skiing events. Learn about the history of the games, both past and present, which originated in Greece, with my informative webquest. There are 10 questions(each with lots of informative text) as well a number of fun facts. Extension activities are also included(and the key).The webquest can be completed in one class period and is geared for upper elementary and middle school...

Character: Reinvent Yourself In Learning

  • As a key member of the teaching and learning faculty, I am responsible for leading and learning by example. As The Head of High School, I have that excuse that I am busy in the limelight; as the principal learner, I am in the spotlight and need to make time to grow! Modeling learning is scary, exciting and inconvenient; we ask students and teachers to do it everyday. Can we do the same as leading learners?
  • This year, I am committing to extending my learning by taking four...

Character: The Silent Students and...

  • Character is sometimes defined by silence as well as chatter. But often, chatter is more highly prized. I wonder what more we could do if we paused in silence to recognize the quiet ones among us?
  • For the silent ones, I remind you that loud and continuous talking is not the sign of intelligence. And, for the gregarious ones, silence is not the sign of untalented. Quiet doesn't mean: weak, easy, stupid, deep, sneaky, or aloof; noise doesn't mean: strong, dominant, brilliant,...

Begin The New Year Simply!

  • Begin the new year with some simple resolves to change the quality of life for yourself and others.
  • Keep the new year To Do List simple! Here are a few of my rules for 2014!

1. Smile at every student every day; each one needs your positive encouragement!

  1. 2. Greet every colleague with joy and appreciation; they too need your positive encouragement...

A Quote from Jim Collins for Leaders

  • "The signature of mediocrity is not unwillingness to change. The true signature of mediocrity is chronic inconsistency." As leaders, many depend on us in our roles to be the voices of consistency; but, sometimes that consistency may lead us to make decisions not in the best interest of our faculty or our students. These groups watch for consistency for everyone else but seek exceptions for themselves and their unique positions within the school.
  • It is indeed easy to follow rule...

Happy New Year and Happy New Beginnings

  • Happy New Beginnings are central to our commitments to our students!
  • Here are a few of my ideas to make the new year bright!
  • Have student engage more!
  • Adopt a new technology!
  • Prepare for new students who are transfers!
  • Present learners with new options for learning!
  • Yieldto professional learning community options!
  • Negate...

Chinese New Year is coming on January...

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

That's Happy New Year in Chinese. 2014 is the Year of the horse. On the Chinese calendar, called Yuan Tan,this new year is 4712. Chinese New year is not always held on the same day each year. It depends on when the second new moon of the winter solstice occurs.This year, Chinese New Year begins on January 31st. It is the beginning of a 15 day...

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