From the Classroom

How to Help Fourth Graders Write Laws That Matter
Teaching Tips Mind Spark Teaching Tips Mind Spark

How to Help Fourth Graders Write Laws That Matter

"Mrs. Zema, I don't know what to write." Marcus stares at a blank page, wanting to help freedmen vote but not knowing how to write that like a real law. Last year, students would have produced vague statements like "Be nice to everyone." This year, using a four-part bill-writing scaffold that includes enforcement mechanisms, Marcus will present a detailed law about punishing voter intimidation—sophisticated enough to generate genuine legislative debate.

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Making Primary Sources Work with Elementary Students
Teaching Tips Mind Spark Teaching Tips Mind Spark

Making Primary Sources Work with Elementary Students

"I can't read this. It's too hard." How many times have you heard that when introducing primary sources to elementary students? I used to think historical documents were only for middle and high school—until I discovered how to make them accessible and engaging for fourth graders. Here's my proven 3-step process that works.

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