This live session introduces teachers and homeschool parents to the basics of teaching history. From covering content and lesson planning to more creative ways to get kids excited about the subject, Emily will explain her overall approach and philosophy as a longtime history educator. For example: Do kids really need to know dates? (Not really.) How do I cover ALL the content? (You won't and it's OK.) What does a "good" history lesson actually look like? (It's way simpler than you think.)

The single most important skill our students can learn is how to read, apply, and evaluate primary source documents. Whether they want to be historians, writers, doctors, content creators, welders, whatever - being able to look at a source and figure out what it means (and evaluate its unique perspective) is a skill that will serve them throughout their life. This session will introduce you to my process for teaching students how to work with primary source documents, including: What does it mean to "read" a primary source document? Do they really need to read and understand every single word? How do I get students to "use" documents as evidence in their own historical arguments? What about bias? How can I encourage students to understand how a document's unique source impacts what it says (and what it means?)

A live two-hour session covering strategies, activities, and advice for teaching students how to write like a historian. Types of writing will include Short Answer Questions, traditional essays and Document-Based Essays.

After 12 years teaching history in Texas (plus multiple Current Events/discussion-based electives,) Emily has developed plenty of strategies for teachers looking to cover potentially divisive or controversial topics while maintaining a safe and productive classroom environment. This two-hour live session will explore strategies, activities, and best practices for bringing politics, current events, or other difficult topics into the classroom without devolving into chaos. :)