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October 2008, Vol. 2

	Dear Teacher, Election Day (Nov. 4) is almost here! Even though your students aren't eligible to vote, they will still benefit from studying this year's historic presidential election. Read biographies of candidates Barack Obama and John McCain, hold a mock election, demystify the electoral college, and more! This Veterans Day (Nov. 11), encourage your students to draw connections between past wars, such as the Vietnam War and World War II, and today's Iraq War. This is a great way to incorporate history lessons into current events and show students that the military is a vital part of both the past and the present. Thanksgiving (Nov. 27) is just a few weeks away. Encourage your class to start thinking about the historical context of the holiday, as well as the things for which they're thankful. Foreign languages are a great way to pique curiosity about other cultures. Try teaching your class a few words in several different languages. Read about the variety of teaching methods you can employ in your classroom. Even if you've been a teacher for many years, it's always beneficial – for both you and your students – to review other techniques. Best Wishes, The Editors of TeacherVision.com FEATURED THEMES 2008 Presidential Elections Focus on politics this month by studying the upcoming presidential election. John McCain Barack Obama The Presidential Election Process Mock Election Ideas for the Classroom Presidential Trading Cards Inaugural Poetry Election Project Presidential Elections Margaret Chase Smith: A Woman for President Mock Election Guide History of Presidential Inaugurations How a President Gets Elected Election of the President & Vice President: Electoral College Election of Senators Election of Representatives Election Day Election Vocabulary Brainstorm Election Poll Presidents Elected Without a Majority of Votes More Elections Resources Veterans Day Recognize the sacrifices of the U.S. Military this Veterans Day (Nov. 11). Veterans Day/Remembrance Day American Patriotic Pencil Wrap United States Flag Bulletin Board The Wall: Literature Guide for Teachers Patriotic Art Activities Veterans Day Newspaper "Marines' Hymn" Copycat Vietnam War Student Project The History & Poetry of "In Flanders Fields" Activities to Honor Heroes World War II Student Project Popular Veterans Day Resources for Social Studies Popular Veterans Day Resources for History More Veterans Day Resources Thanksgiving Explore the rich historical and cultural aspects of this American holiday, with lessons and activities. Favorite Thanksgiving Art Activities, Grades K-6 Favorite Thanksgiving Activities Slideshow, Grades K-2 Favorite Thanksgiving Activities Slideshow, Grades 3-6 "I'm Thankful for . . ." Thanksgiving Printable Book (3-8) Thankful List A Pilgrim Conversation Indian Sign Language Chart Colorful Column Addition Turkey Shopping for Thanksgiving Math A Thanksgiving Feast New England Cooking Sarah Morton's Day, Samuel Eaton's Day, and Tapenum's Day Turkey Cup Of Plymouth Plantation Harvest Bingo Thanksgiving Word Cards Pilgrim Unit (7 lessons) Giving Thanks Writing Activity More Thanksgiving Resources Foreign Languages Expose your students to different cultures while developing their language skills. Spanish Word Book Dora the Explorer Coloring Page (English/Spanish) The Garden Wall Sign Language Guide Chinese Words and Phrases Moja Means One: Swahili Counting Book The Legend of Hong Kil Dong Guide for Educators & Readers Chinese Numbers Spanish Vocabulary Challenge: Geography Riddle Spanish Vocabulary Challenge: Alphabet Changes Silent Communication English Words Created by Spanish Culture Body Parts in Other Languages Manual Alphabet Music: Express the Tension Sequoya's Alphabet Seasons Greetings Around the World More Foreign Language Activities TEACHING TOOLS Teaching Methods Expand your teaching repertoire with these resources. Learner-Centered vs. Curriculum-Centered Teachers: Which Type Are You? Lesson Methodologies Standards for Good Teaching Authentic Assessment Textbooks: Advantages and Disadvantages Stages to Technology Integration Integrating Technology Teaching Special Needs Students Student-to-Student Learning Effective Accommodations for IEPs Levels of Questions in Bloom's Taxonomy Teaching with Cooperative Learning Creating an Effective Physical Classroom Environment Your Secret Weapon: Wait Time Multiple Intelligences: An Overview Teaching Strategies for Reading Learning Centers More Teaching Methods				New Content   Check out our newest content today! The Human Body: Disease & Wellness Printable Book (K-5) Health & Nutrition Printable Book (4-9) Fire Safety & Prevention Slideshow Physical Science Key Term Review: Magnetism How Do You Hear? Maps & Activities Printable Book (4-12) Music Puzzle in a Maze Want to Perform? Word Scramble What's the Time Signature? What Is Radiation? Art & Music Printable Book (K-6) More New Content   Sneak Preview Slideshows Get a sneak look inside our printable books, with these slideshows of the printable worksheets and activities. "Alphabet Activities, A-F" Sneak Preview "Animals" Sneak Preview "Addition & Subtraction" Sneak Preview "Alphabet Activities, S-Z" Sneak Preview "Birth of America Printable Book" Sneak Preview "Basic Science Skills Printable Book" Sneak Preview "Black History Printable Book" Sneak Preview "Bacteria, Plants & Animals Printable Book" Sneak Preview "Capitalization Printable Book" Sneak Preview More Slideshows America Recycles Day   This November 15 is America Recycles Day. Take the time to focus on improving the environment. Classroom Activities Slideshow: Going Green Green Classroom Practices That Save Money Recycled Art Projects Slideshow How to Recycle Classroom Recycling Ideas Recycling in Our Community Explore Activity: Let's Recycle More Recycling Resources   Literature Guide: The Secret Life of Bees Penguin presents a new Teacher's Guide to Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees, to accompany the recent Fox Motion Picture Release. Our latest guide includes chapter summaries, discussion questions, activities, and other ideas to help teachers in the classroom. Secondary Literature Guides   Enhance your high-school literature curriculum with our teaching guides. Taps The Time Machine Camel Rider Washington Square A Wreath for Emmett Till The Odyssey Hatchet & Dogsong Lysistrata Karen Cushman's Novels The Growing Seasons More Literature Resources   U.S. Civil War On November 6, 1861, Jefferson Davis was elected President of the Confederacy. Use this date as a jumping-off point for teaching your students about the American Civil War, a subject rife with important topics for discussion, including slavery and the U.S. Constitution. Timely Topics   Thomas Edison Invented Light Bulb (October 21, 1879) Rosa Parks Died (October 24, 2005) Make a Difference Day (October 25) National Organization for Women Founded (October 29, 1966) Halloween (October 31) Computer Learning Month (October) School Safety Month (October) Mexico's Day of the Dead (November 1) Election Day (November 4) Geography Awareness Week (November 9-15) Veterans Day (November 11) Int'l Tolerance Day (November 16) Thanksgiving (November 27) American Indian Heritage Month (November) Child Safety & Protection Month (November) More October Events More November Events