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.
Civic Self-Portrait
Students reflect on the meaning of civic participation and create a self-portrait that helps them visualize the elements of being a civic agent.
![Picture of students writing in a group.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Facing-History_SJLA_218.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=QW12Ek9J)
Pronouncing Names
Students examine the importance of pronouncing names correctly through this class activity.
![Uniformed students in classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Classroom_2019_FH2101434.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=9W7VIrQu)
Contracting for Back to School
Develop a classroom contract to create a brave and reflective community of mutual respect and inclusion.
![Students in classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Students_In_Classroom_2019_FH2101711.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=88A4tcOe)
Building Connections with Concentric Circles
Students build connections with their peers by sharing small details about themselves in paired discussion.
![Uniformed students work together in class.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/Chicago_Classroom_2019_FH2101464.jpg?h=0f4230fa&itok=eqY000u8)
Create a Goal and Discover Your “Why”
This student goal-setting activity helps students set SMART personal goals for the school year and discover their source of motivation.
![Student raising hand while seated at desk.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/5-1-17FacH07288.jpg?h=99fc88d3&itok=hU3cnDTF)
Stranger at the Gate Viewing Guide
Bring the short documentary film Stranger at the Gate into your classroom with the streaming video and companion guide of discussion questions and activities.
![Stranger at the Gate press image Smartypants.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-04/Stranger-085.jpg?h=f54bfa0f&itok=6HJSEUAP)
ELA Unit Planning Guide
This guide provides the framework and classroom resources to help you design an English Language Arts unit for middle or high school students centered around a book of your choosing.
![Three educators smile while sitting together working.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-03/Facing-History_SJLA_015_edit.jpg?h=c7420dc8&itok=PlL1FQ9c)
Three Good Things
Students practice gratitude by naming and recording three good things that have happened that day.
![Two students look to the front of the classroom with smiles on their faces.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_LA_FH116218.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=vIAV-cLY)
Slow Down with The Slowdown
Students use poetry as a spark for reflection and discussion about what’s happening in their lives and the world.
![Four students in conversation with each other in a classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_LA_FH287343.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=FQS-JeNY)
Take a Stand
Students practice debate and perspective taking by taking a stand on a controversial statement.
![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/ClassroomImage_LA_FH287162.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=ipY6dvE3)
Appreciation, Apology, Aha
Students reflect on the day by asking them to share an appreciation, an apology, and an “aha” moment.
![Student writes in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/SanFrancisco_Classroom_2017_FH152732.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=vql3K3i_)