21 tools for helping your kids understand the events in Ukraine. (Plus some bonus advice from a mom.)

Current events have always been something that we as social studies teachers are acutely aware of. There are so many ways that we’re able to use them to connect past with present. But the last few weeks have been difficult. Ukrainian people are suffering. And it doesn’t seem like that will be ending anytime soon.

So.

What’s the best way to integrate the events in Ukraine into our classrooms?

We all love Mister Rogers. Something he said once seems to fit here:

“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting and less scary.”

The more we talk, the manageable things become. Browse through this short list of resources that can help. And while the list is separated by grade level, don’t be afraid to cross-pollinate between the two.

7 social media strategies teachers need to use and intentionally teach

I had the chance to work with the awesome Dr. Curtis Chandler yesterday during the ESSDACK Chromebook conference at MidAmerica Nazarene University, sharing a few ideas for teaching and learning in a Googley world. And, no, neither of us are completely sure that Googley is an actual word. But if Google is using the word, so can we. We defined Googley very simply – the world that we teach in, and that your kids live in, revolve around constant access to information and to other people. So what should education look like in that sort of environment? We focused on three basic ideas:

• Grapple with big ideas
• Focus on the process
• Be intentional about using social media

Curtis took the social media section and rocked it. I loved that he started the conversation by quoting Mark Twain:

Crisis in Ukraine: Teaching resources

Looking for some resources to help with class discussions on the crisis in Ukraine? Here’s a quick short list.

Background:

• 2014 Crimean Crisis
• How History, Geography Help Explain Ukraine’s Political Crisis
• Commentary and analysis on Russia in Crimea
• Five Things You Should Know About Putin’s Incursion Into Crimea
• 10 Things to Remember About the Crisis in Ukraine and Crimea
• Why is Ukraine in Turmoil?

Teaching resources and lesson plans:

• Kiev in Chaos: Teaching About the Crisis in Ukraine
  New York Times Learning Network
• Ukrainians Prepare for Conflict as Russian Troops Move into Crimea
  PBS
• How to Talk to Your Students About the Ukraine Crisis
  tes Connect
• Student Discussion Guide: Crisis in Ukraine
  Education World

And don’t go anywhere without checking out what Larry Ferlazzo has to share both here and here.