Resource Library
Find compelling classroom resources, learn new teaching methods, meet standards, and make a difference in the lives of your students.
We are grateful to The Hammer Family Foundation for supporting the development of our on-demand learning and teaching resources.
![A group of high school students sit at desks in conversation.](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_480/public/2023-10/AdobeStock_254378868.jpg?itok=f6YAphey)
Introducing Our US History Curriculum Collection
Draw from this flexible curriculum collection as you plan any middle or high school US history course. Featuring units, C3-style inquiries, and case studies, the collection will help you explore themes of democracy and freedom with your students throughout the year.
Barometer: Taking a Stand on Controversial Issues
Structure an active class discussion in which students express their opinions by standing along a continuum.
![Students discussing in pairs facing each other](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Memphis_Classroom_2015_FH221010.jpg?h=10d202d3&itok=bm1hqy9J)
Barometer: Taking a Stand on Controversial Issues (UK)
Structure an active class discussion in which students express their opinions by standing along a continuum.
![Students discussing in pairs facing each other](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Memphis_Classroom_2015_FH221010.jpg?h=10d202d3&itok=bm1hqy9J)
Bio-poem: Connecting Identity and Poetry
Students clarify aspects of their identity or the identity of a historical or literary figure by writing poems that focus on deeper elements of personal makeup like experiences, relationships, hopes, and interests.
Color, Symbol, Image
Invite students to nonverbally communicate something they have read or watched, using a color, a symbol, and an image.
![Student artwork](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/SanFrancisco_Classroom_2004_FH129387.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=N-C05Q6A)
Learn to Listen, Listen to Learn
Educators will structure a discussion that uses journaling and group work to strengthen students’ listening skills.
![Three students sitting in a classroom with one of the students talking.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/SanFrancisco_Classroom_2017_%20FH152786.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=amPaill9)
Life Road Maps
Educators will enrich students’ understanding of a historical or literary figure by having students draw the figure’s life journey.
![Student example of an identity chart with a drawing of a person and notes and quotations around it](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Memphis_Classroom_2016_FH212832.jpg?h=a5eb5da0&itok=2tvubA7u)
Jigsaw: Developing Community and Disseminating Knowledge
Students will become “experts” on a topic and then share their new knowledge with peers.
![Four students sitting at a table smiling and talking to each other](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Memphis_Classroom_2015_FH221005.jpg?h=10d202d3&itok=iKLwzbzJ)
Journals in the Classroom
Create a practice of student journaling to help your students critically examine their surroundings and make informed judgments.
![Two students writing in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Chicago_Classroom_2019_FH2101676.jpg?h=c11c9c1d&itok=TlOy-GAQ)
S-I-T: Surprising, Interesting, Troubling
Use this quick way for students to demonstrate their engagement with a text, image, or video by having them identify what they find surprising, interesting, and troubling.
![Three students sitting in a classroom with one of the students talking.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/SanFrancisco_Classroom_2017_%20FH152786.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=amPaill9)
Save the Last Word for Me
This discussion strategy helps students practice being both active speakers and active listeners in a group conversation.
![Four students sitting at a table with one student talking and gesturing.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/SanFrancisco_Classroom_2017_FH152755.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=KNLRAWk3)
Socratic Seminar
A Socratic Seminar invites students to facilitate a discussion in order to work together toward a shared understanding of a text.
![Two students sitting in a classroom with one student talking and gesturing](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Chicago_Classroom_2018_%20FH151349.jpg?h=c3635fa2&itok=DKqBQANg)