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.
Concentric Circles
This kinesthetic discussion activity invites students to be active listeners and speakers and to interact with a wide range of classmates.
![Two students talking in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Canada_Classroom_2013_%20FH156999.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=QakDgVIE)
Concentric Circles (UK)
This kinesthetic discussion activity invites students to be active listeners and speakers and to interact with a wide range of classmates.
![Two students talking in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Canada_Classroom_2013_%20FH156999.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=QakDgVIE)
People's Assembly
Help students communicate independently and develop as active listeners by giving them the opportunity to discuss and share ideas in the format of a people's assembly.
![Students sitting in groups in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/London_Classroom_2019_%20FH2117946.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=UGM9knhg)
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)
SPAR (Spontaneous Argumentation)
Use this debate-style activity to strengthen students’ ability to use evidence and examples to defend their positions.
![Two students sitting in a classroom with one student talking](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/NewEngland_Classroom_2017_FH256621.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=Dyb7d21_)
Two-Column Note-Taking
Use this teaching strategy to help students learn how to take notes by identifying "key ideas" in one column and their "responses" in another column.
![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)
Two-Minute Interview
Students interview classmates to gather evidence and ideas about a topic as they practice being active listeners.
![Students in two lines facing and talking to each other.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Memphis_Classroom_2015_FH221012.jpg?h=10d202d3&itok=7muXHc1M)