Session 8
(2:40 - 3:25)

Presenter & Affiliation:  Emilia Taranto & Lindsay McCrea, DC Public Schools

Session Description:  Harvard’s Project Zero’s Thinking Routines support student thinking through specific prompts. In our interdisciplinary, Project-Based Learning curriculum, DCPS leverages Thinking Routines to promote productive struggle, increase student ownership of learning, develop disciplinary skills, and invite students to share their interests and experiences. This approach is not only engaging; it also develops historical habits of mind that students use to critically analyze information across disciplines and that prepare students to be thoughtful and informed citizens. In this session, participants investigate connections between Thinking Routines and disciplinary skills, and identify at least one Thinking Routine to leverage in their classrooms this year.

Room: William Penn

Presenter & Affiliation: Rachael Richard, Morristown Beard School

Session Description:  Challenging the traditional way we view Indigenous History and Education, this workshop works to identify what deficit thinking is, how it impacts Indigenous history, and the ways that we can combat this harmful way of thinking. By the end of the workshop, educators will walk away with representative resource suggestions and over five lessons that can be utilized in your own classroom. Topics include, but are not limited to: Circle of Courage, First Nations Holistic Learning Model, Carlisle Indian School, Residential Boarding School Resistance, Arrival of the Vikings, Climate Change within Indigenous Communities, and more.

Room: Robert Fulton

Presenter & Affiliation: Andrew Bedell, Erin Sullivan, & Michael Feldmand, Red Clay School District (DE)

Session Description:  Discover a new way for students to engage with an elusive, yet critical component of historical thinking: historiography. Learn how to deconstruct works of history into puzzles for students to reassemble as they consider the sources used, questions asked, and perspectives of scholars. Participants will receive historiography lessons for teaching.

Room: Ben Franklin

Presenter & Affiliation:  Annie Jenson, ThinkingNation.org

Session Description:  Storytelling has been used for centuries to preserve history, teach values and connect people. Historical fiction is an exciting way to tap into this power and bring diverse voices directly to students. Explore the transformative potential of historical fiction in inspiring students to connect with a diverse human experience. Through compelling narratives and vivid characters, student curiosity is ignited, perspective-taking is fostered, and understanding of the past is deepened. Learn practical strategies to effectively incorporate historical fiction and improve student engagement.

Room: Pennsylvania C

Presenter & Affiliation: Jessica Cappadona, Monmouth County Vocational School District

Session Description:  Utilizing primary sources and artifacts from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the curricular approaches to teaching about the events of September 11, 2001. Through an in depth exploration of the museum’s digital learning archives & curricular modules, learn how to enhance your knowledge and classroom practices to effectively teach about the terror attacks of 9/11.

Room: Pennsylvania D