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.
We the People: Expanding the Teaching of the US Founding
This 5-7 day C3-aligned inquiry explores the compelling question "How do we reckon with a history full of complexities and contradictions?"
![Outside of the classroom view of students and teacher.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/5-1-17FacH07068.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=0r6yJiZ2)
Angel Island Immigration Station: Exploring Borders and Belonging in US History
This 5-7 day C3-aligned inquiry explores the compelling question “How does the history of the Angel Island Immigration Station help us understand how borders are erected, enforced, and challenged?”
![Immigrants arriving at Angel Island.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Immigrants_Arriving_At_Angel_Island_1911_FH2186765.jpg?h=d1f0e8ce&itok=6TRmkYH9)
In Pursuit of Democracy and Freedom: A US History Inquiry
This 5–7 day C3-aligned inquiry explores the compelling question, “How can we make real the ideals of democracy and freedom?”
![Raised Hands](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-06/iStock-1295743312.jpg?h=f0aa43ba&itok=xw8m5p4Y)
The Pursuit of Educational Justice in Boston
This 7–9 day C3-aligned inquiry explores the compelling question, “What can we learn from Boston’s past about what it takes to make progress toward educational justice today?”
![Motorcycle police escort school buses as they leave South Boston High School](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-02/AP578859834926.jpg?h=81d02d30&itok=pvLW0Jse)
Head, Heart, Conscience
This strategy uses reflection prompts to help students consider a complex or emotional topic through the lenses of head, heart, and ethics.
![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_)
Say Something
Encourage students to stop and engage with a text as they read with this comprehension strategy.
![Two students sitting at a table.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/SL_190523_0632.jpg?h=c11c9c1d&itok=qOwAMWt3)
Toolbox for Care
This teaching strategy invites students to think about the “tools” they have access to that can help them take care of themselves and their community in the wake of traumatic news.
![A student in a grey sweatshirt looks down at a paper with a pencil in hand.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/LA_ClassroomImage_2018_FH287141.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=N4wCjNyS)
Connecting the Past to the Present Using Oral History
This strategy helps students engage with oral histories in order to deepen their understanding of how past events impacted individuals and communities, and to gain new perspectives on the present.
![Student speaking](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/SL_190522_0675.jpg?h=0f4230fa&itok=3-vI66f_)
Think Aloud
Model for students how proficient readers make meaning of a text by verbalizing your thinking as you read.
![A teacher hands out papers to students at a table.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Chicago_Classroom_2018_FH151335.jpg?h=c3635fa2&itok=sjJpQmho)
Sketch to Stretch
Ask students to visualize a passage of text and interpret it through drawing with this reading comprehension strategy.
![Two female students write at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Chicago_Classroom_2019_FH2101676_0.jpg?h=c11c9c1d&itok=9JMqwQ5G)
Connect, Extend, Challenge
Deepen students' understanding of a topic by having them connect to their prior knowledge.
![Students write at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Chicago_Classroom_2019_FH2101681.jpeg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=pItuRsH2)
Connect, Extend, Challenge (UK)
Deepen students' understanding of a topic by having them connect to their prior knowledge.
![Students write at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Chicago_Classroom_2019_FH2101681.jpeg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=pItuRsH2)
K-W-L Charts
Use K-W-L charts to help students assess what they already know about a topic and what they want to learn.
![K-W-L Chart template that can be printed out and used in the classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-10/KWL%20Chart%20Teaching%20Strategy%20%20%281900%20%C3%97%201414%20px%29.png?h=d3d13267&itok=waUHntVd)
Tableaux SVA
Aidez les élèves à évaluer ce qu’ils savent déjà sur un sujet et ce qu’ils veulent apprendre.
![K-W-L Chart template that can be printed out and used in the classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-10/KWL%20Chart%20Teaching%20Strategy%20%20%281900%20%C3%97%201414%20px%29.png?h=d3d13267&itok=waUHntVd)
Learning to Infer
Educators will Introduce students to the concept of inferencing and then help them develop their inferencing skills.
![A student reads a handout in the classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/UK_ClassroomImage_2019_FH2117918.jpg?h=79583b4d&itok=p7P8_T0w)
Close Viewing Protocol
Teach your students to become critical viewers of film with this four-step procedure.
![Students in classroom reading books](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/NewEngland_Classroom_2014_FH130915.jpg?h=0d27ee61&itok=NTA-6ban)
Color, Symbol, Image
Invite students to nonverbally communicate something they have read or watched, using a color, a symbol, and an image.
![Student artwork](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/SanFrancisco_Classroom_2004_FH129387.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=N-C05Q6A)
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)
Marking Criteria Codes
Help students improve their work by allowing them to understand exactly when and where an error occurs, and what they need to do to develop their writing.
![Students discussing in groups in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/London_Classroom_2019_FH2117925.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=zDpfG2XG)
News Article Analysis
Help students identify and analyze the key characteristics of the three most common types of news articles.
![Students in library working on computers](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/NewEngliand_Classroom_2017_FH256215.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=o2-bkXnP)
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)
Pick a Number
Introduce students to several perspectives on a topic by having them pick a quotation to explore with their classmates.
![Students in library working on computers](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/NewEngliand_Classroom_2017_FH256215.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=o2-bkXnP)
Read Aloud Peer Review
Have students work in pairs to read each other's work aloud, and then give each other feedback.
![Student reading in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/London_Classroom_2015_FH137566.jpg?h=1116cd87&itok=fhuh5Xoa)
Café Conversations
Students practice perspective-taking by representing the point of view of an assigned personality in a small-group discussion.
![Five students sit around a table in discussion](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Chicago_Classroom_2019_%20FH2101461.jpg?h=0f4230fa&itok=UwjT0kqz)
Café Conversations (UK)
Students practice perspective-taking by representing the point of view of an assigned personality in a small-group discussion.
![Five students sit around a table in discussion](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Chicago_Classroom_2019_%20FH2101461.jpg?h=0f4230fa&itok=UwjT0kqz)
Assigning Roles for Group Work
Make your students’ group work more effective by giving each member a specific role to fill.
![Four students at their desks, working in a group.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Chicago_Classroom_2019_FH2101383.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=spLBW7yj)
Rapid Writing
Help students unpack their responses to a text or video using this structured protocol that requires alternating between thinking and writing.
![A student writing on a piece of paper.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/LosAngeles_Classroom_2012_FH116208.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=HQXpFTSl)
Read Aloud
Encourage class participation and develop students’ active listening skills by reading aloud text excerpts.
![Students working in groups in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/NewEngland_Classroom_2017_FH256875.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=ZaNxWg2h)
La lecture Ă haute voix
Encouragez la participation en classe et développez les capacités d’écoute active des élèves en lisant à haute voix des extraits de texte.
![Students working in groups in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/NewEngland_Classroom_2017_FH256875.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=ZaNxWg2h)
Concept Maps: Generate, Sort, Connect, Elaborate
Students sort, arrange, and connect their thoughts on an idea or question, creating a visual representation of their understanding.
![A student writes in a notebook](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/London_Classroom_2019_FH2117950.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=O7N0gmv8)
Concept Maps: Generate, Sort, Connect, Elaborate (UK)
Students sort, arrange, and connect their thoughts on an idea or question, creating a visual representation of their understanding.
![A student writes in a notebook](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/London_Classroom_2019_FH2117950.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=O7N0gmv8)
Create a Headline
This strategy helps students synthesize and articulate the most important takeaways from a variety of resources containing information about a particular topic or theme.
![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_)
Crop It
Help students interpret an image by “framing” smaller portions of the image and analyzing them.
![An illustration with portions framed with post-its.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Classroom_FH2169442.jpg?h=b87bb3ee&itok=rAz-hP2E)
Document Analysis Form
Use a graphic organizer to help students analyze a historical document and determine its perspective or bias.
![A close up of a student writing on a piece of paper.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/LosAngeles_ClassroomImage_2012_FH116207.jpg?h=9a556404&itok=SXiHI4Fc)
Evidence Logs
Use a graphic tool to help students centralize and organize evidence as they prepare to respond to a writing prompt.
![Students typing on laptops](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Cleveland_Classroom_2016_FH221925.jpg?h=6a1033c7&itok=lxqbzZEX)
Exit Tickets
Use exit tickets to assess students’ understanding, monitor their questions, or gather feedback on your teaching.
Human Timeline
Use this interactive timeline activity to help students understand and remember the chronology of events.
![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)
Fishbowl
Use the Fishbowl discussion strategy to help students practice being contributors and listeners in a group conversation.
Le bocal
Utiliser cette stratégie de discussion pour aider les élèves à mieux contribuer à la conversation dans un groupe et leur apprendre à écouter.
Introducing a New Book
Spark students’ interest in a book before reading it by having them make predictions and ask questions about its contents.
![Someone holding a stack of books](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Classroom_2016_FH217836.jpg?h=c3635fa2&itok=vorL_pqB)
Found Poems
Students compose poems using only words, phrases, or quotations from a text that they find meaningful.
![A close up of a student writing on a piece of paper.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/LosAngeles_ClassroomImage_2012_FH116207.jpg?h=9a556404&itok=SXiHI4Fc)
Four Corners
Get all students involved by asking them to show their stance on a statement through their positioning around the room.
![A students talks with other students in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/LosAngeles_Classroom_2018_FH287164.jpg?h=a7f0580e&itok=J8auOvoo)
Gallery Walk
A gallery walk activity gets students moving as they explore a range of documents, images, or student work displayed around the classroom.
![Students adding post-it notes to a white board.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Memphis_Classroom_2015_FH221014.jpg?h=10d202d3&itok=5S8BMkZW)