Online Learning

July 9th, 2020

COVID-19 has transformed the educational landscape.  Virtual learning is new to most educators. Online meetings, small group instruction, project-based assignments are new territory.  Students need many soft skills in order to be successful with online learning (responsibility, compromise, positive flexible attitude, teamwork, communication skills, leadership skills, decision making, and more). My goal is to share resources that will help educators in a virtual setting.  

1.  Zoom Communication Posters: These posters help students (grades K-5) with teachers.  Students hold up 8 1/2 x 11 posters to get the attention of the virtual host.  Poster link.

2. Online meetings need to have clear expectations.  Virtual learning is new to students and the expectations will need to be taught.  Below is a photo of an example expectation poster.  Managing your Zoom settings (mute participants, breakout groups, private chat) will also help you establish expectations in an online environment. 

Washington Historic Places and Research

"Honey, did we just pass a historical sign?” I am curious and desperate to ask the most important question. “What did it say?" My husband's shoulders show me that he was not paying attention. I wish I could stop at each historical marker, cemetery, and site we see on our family vacations. I am quite sure that my husband and son would not consider studying history "a family vacation."  Take a friend or a family member and enjoy finding out more about Washington State history. Happy digging for those of you who love history! Looking for historical photos of Washington.  The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture has large online photo archive site.  Enjoy digging and researching! 


Below are resources for you to pick and choose from.
 

Find a Historical Place in Washington

Markers and Monuments

Washington Historic Place

Washington Cemetery Records

Washington Museum Directory

Washington Scenic Byways and Road Trips

Washington State Historical Society

Carbonneau Castle

Washington History: Women Who Impacted the Northwest

I have found that my classroom history text could use more biographical information, especially the history of Washington women leaders. “Bold Spirit” is one of my favorite stories. Author Linda Hunt explains Helga Estby’s 1896 “walk across America.” What motivated Helga to walk across the country? Did she make it to the end? The rest of the details can be found in this book.  Helga’s journey was taken before “Racing the Planet,” “Survivor,” and “Dual Survivor" became popular.  

WashingtonWomen’s History

Esther Clark Short (December 25, 1845)

Helga Estby (1860-1942)

• More Information

May Arkwright Hutton (1860—1915)

Bertha Pitts Campbell (1889-1990)

Dorothy Stimson Bullitt (1892-1989)

Elizabeth Ayer (1897-1987)

• More Information

Roberta Byrd Barr (1919-1993)

Living History: Part 1

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Family interviews help students engage and dig into their personal history. I find that this is one of the best ways to introduce “primary sources.”  Often my students are required to develop a set of questions for a “family member interview.”  After gaining more confidence the students then prepare to interview community members. The T. Harry Williams, Center for Oral History has a wonderful list of questions organized by topic.  Scholastic developed a kid friendly interview process.  Listening to the stories from “way back when” can be a gift to the listener and the speaker.  It is my belief that communities bond through this type of activity.
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