profile

Hi, I’m a creator

Help Students Think Like Historians

Published about 1 month ago • 1 min read

Hi Reader,

One of the most important things we can teach in Social Studies isn’t what happened—it’s how to think about what happened.

That’s where historical thinking skills come in.

Whether you're teaching Grade 6, 7, or 8, students need to learn how to ask questions, evaluate sources, and decide what (and who) matters in history.

Tip of the Week: Teach the Thinking Behind the Content

Set students up for success by teaching:

  • How to analyze primary and secondary sources
  • How to ask meaningful questions that guide inquiry
  • What makes something historically significant

Start the year with these skills, and your students will be more confident historians all year long.

Featured Resources:

Media Literacy: Evaluating Sources – BC Social Studies 6​
✅ Helps students critically examine media and identify reliable sources
✅ Great introduction to research and critical thinking
➡️ View the Evaluating Sources Unit​

Inquiry and Historical Thinking Unit – BC Social Studies 7​
✅ Engaging lessons on evidence, cause & consequence, continuity & change, and more
✅ Designed to build foundational inquiry skills
✅ Includes lesson plans, activities, and rubrics
➡️ Explore the Inquiry Unit​

Historical Significance Mini-Unit – BC Social Studies 8​
✅ Helps students evaluate why events or people matter historically
✅ Includes videos, group activities, and a creative timeline project
✅ Great for early in the year—or as a review before a major project
➡️ Explore the Historical Significance Unit​

"This is a great way to get students thinking together about how history and the events of the world impact our ways of life and thinking. Great resource!" - Jodi Z.

Looking to tie these skills into your civilizations or migration units? Let me know—I’d be happy to help you build your term plan.

Talk soon,
​Diane

P.S. Did you know that you can gain credits to get TpT resources for free? Simply leave a review on any paid product and you will get free TpT cash to spend on your next order! Visit your "My Purchases" page on TpT to leave reviews.

​

Hi, I’m a creator

Read more from Hi, I’m a creator

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: Claim – Students start with a clear statement that answers the question. Evidence – They back up their claim with facts, examples, or sources. Reasoning – Finally, they explain how their evidence supports their claim. This simple...

about 18 hours ago • 1 min read

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...

17 days ago • 1 min read

Hi Reader, Need something ready to go for those early weeks of math when you’re reviewing, building routines, and figuring out where your students are at? One of the best tools in my math toolbox:Open-ended, skill-based activities I can use all year! That means no re-teaching, no wasted prep. ➡️ Tip of the Week: Keep Math Practice Flexible The best math resources are ones you can use for: Review and reinforcement Centers, fast finishers, or early morning work Diagnostic activities to assess...

24 days ago • 1 min read