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.
Democracy and Current Events
This toolkit provides lessons and strategies for helping your students make sense of issues in the news related to democracy.
![Young women voting at the polls.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/iStock-1001754940.jpg?h=119335f7&itok=XzukiFzx)
Back to School: Building Community for Connection and Learning
These back-to-school activities and teacher resources will help you lay a foundation for a reflective and caring community at the start of the school year.
![Students move around the classroom in conversation with each other. One student looks directly into the camera with a smile on their face.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/LA_ClassroomImage_2018_FH287148.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=lbbZPe6H)
Current Events Toolkit
This toolkit provides flexible and adaptable tools and strategies for integrating current events into your teaching.
![Students learning in class.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/2019_SL_190522_0595_FH2101381.jpg?h=0f4230fa&itok=pAqFB2Uf)
Alphabet Brainstorm
This brainstorming exercise is a quick way to generate students’ thoughts, measure prior knowledge, or check learning.
![Students typing on laptops](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Cleveland_Classroom_2016_FH221925.jpg?h=6a1033c7&itok=lxqbzZEX)
Analyzing Images
Lead students in a critical analysis of an image that enhances their observational, interpretive, and critical thinking skills.
![Two students working together and looking at classwork](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Chicago_Classroom_2019_FH2101643.jpg?h=c11c9c1d&itok=jYPbg96b)
Annotating and Paraphrasing Sources
Teach students to carefully read material by having them underline key words, write margin notes, and summarize main ideas.
![Student notes](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/SanFrancisco_Classroom_2017_%20FH152727.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=sc4aJuo8)
Anticipation Guides
Get students thinking about the ideas and themes that they’ll encounter in a unit or a text.
![Students sit in a classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/SanFrancisco_Classroom_2017_FH152732_teaser.jpeg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=AT_XgrCo)
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)
Big Paper: Building a Silent Conversation
Students have a written conversation with peers and use silence as a tool to explore a topic in depth.
![Group of students writing on large piece of chart paper.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-09/LosAngeles_BigPaperActivityTeachingStrategy_NametagsRemoved_FH287345.jpeg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=xUHLWrBJ)
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.