|
Hi Reader, Do your students struggle to back up their ideas with solid evidence? One quick tip that has really helped my middle school students write stronger answers in Social Studies is using the C.E.R. framework—Claim, Evidence, Reasoning. Here’s how it works:
This simple structure not only helps students avoid vague responses but also pushes them to think critically about the connections between evidence and ideas. I often model the process, then give them sentence starters until they feel confident doing it on their own. If you’d like ready-to-use graphic organizers, prompts, and rubrics that guide students through C.E.R. writing in Social Studies, I’ve created a few resources you might find helpful:
Hope this tip helps your students explain their thinking more clearly! Happy teaching, P.S. If you have any suggestions for resources, please feel free to send me an email to let me know what you'd love to see in my store. |
Hi Teachers, Persuasive writing can be one of the most powerful, and most challenging, forms of writing we teach. Many middle school students struggle to move beyond “I think this because…” and into structured, evidence-based writing. Here’s a simple teacher tip I’ve found effective: 👉 Use the “O-I-Q” strategy with artifacts or issues. Have students Observe, then Infer, then Question before they even start drafting. This quick routine pushes them to notice details, make claims, and ask deeper...
Hi Reader, One of my favourite ways to hook students at the start of a Social Studies unit is through artifact analysis. Instead of beginning with a lecture or reading, I give students an image of an artifact connected to an ancient civilization and let curiosity lead the way. Here’s a simple routine you can try tomorrow: Observe – What do you notice? (Facts only, no guesses yet!) Infer – What might this artifact have been used for? Question – What does this make you wonder about the people...
Hi [First Name], Trying to piece together a science program from scratch can feel like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions. That’s why having full, organized, and connected units makes all the difference—especially when they’re aligned to your curriculum and include everything you need. Tip of the Week: Teach Science Through Themes Bundling your science content into cohesive themes like systems, space, chemistry, or sustainability helps students: Build deeper understanding over...