BRI Educators: Have You Heard the One About the Witches?

Forward

We hope that you can join us this Wednesday, October 30 at 4 p.m. ET for a special Tenth Period webinar just in time for Halloween. In Spooky Stories from History, Rachel, Kirk, and Gary will explore some well-known and not-so-well-known stories from U. S. History that are sure to frighten and enlighten you and your students.

Looking for more Halloween-themed stories from history? In this narrative and lesson from American Portraits, students will learn about Samuel Sewall’s role in the Salem Witch Trials and how he later took responsibility for his actions. What are some of your favorite spooky stories from history? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

BRI Lessons & Resources

Thirteen Days: John F. Kennedy, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and Purpose
In this narrative and lesson, students will learn how President John F. Kennedy helped protect the United States during a very scary chapter of American History: The Cuban Missile Crisis.

A Pox to You! Cotton Mather, the Inoculation Crisis, and Purpose
In the spring of 1721, Reverend Cotton Mather received frightening news: A sailor from the HMS Seahorse had landed in Boston with smallpox and spread the contagion throughout the city. To learn how Mather handled this crisis, check out this narrative and lesson.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower Takes Responsibility for the D-Day Invasion
In a time of fear and crisis, it takes a leader to step forward and take responsibility and face the challenge. That's exactly what General Eisenhower did on D-Day, along with thousands of others who made the ultimate sacrifice on that fateful day. Learn more with this lesson from Heroes and Villains.

BRI News

New Video on YouTube
If you missed it live, you can watch our last Tenth Period webinar on Teaching History in Tumultuous Times on our YouTube Channel. We also published a new Homework Help video on the landmark Supreme Court case of Roe v. Wade.

Constitution Day Contest Deadline Extended
You still have until the end of the day on Thursday, October 31 to enter the #whatunitesuscontest and share a short video with us on social media showing what unites you and your students. Visit the website for details.

Think the Vote: U.S. Involvement in Foreign Affairs
Invite your students to join in on the latest debate on our Think the Vote website, and both they and you can wiin prizes. The current debate prompt: Should the U.S. become involved in foreign disputes?

Educator Spotlight

Meet Jennifer Zirbel!

Jennifer Zirbel believes in accepting her students as they are and adapting her approach to meet their needs. “Our classrooms are filled with students of diverse backgrounds, needs, and interests,” says Jennifer, “So to be able to meet each individual’s needs as well as that of the whole group is my biggest challenge as an educator.” ...Read More.

BoE: Bottom of Email

I recently asked our Teacher Council how they would encourage teachers at this point in the semester. Two themes emerged from their responses: self-care and student discourse.

If you're finding yourself a little weary today, Beth from Wisconsin encourages you to "find a way to do something to take care of yourself that takes you away from your teaching responsibilities. Read for enjoyment; take an afternoon and do something you love; {and} remember you don't need to grade everything you assign!". And Greg from New Jersey encourages you to "Let the students talk. You don't need to talk at them. Let their thoughts guide the discussion of the day's topic."

Take a deep breath, remember why you got into teaching in the first place and if you need something truly just-for-fun this week to keep you plugging away, tune into our webinar tomorrow entitled "Spooky Stories from History".

Warmly, until next time,

Laura Vlk
Senior Manager, Teacher Services

Copyright © 2019 Bill of Rights Institute, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
1310 North Courthouse Road, Suite 620, Arlington, Virginia 22201

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.