By Will Kawalec
For January’s newsletter, we will turn back the clock to December! I was lucky enough to attend, and present at the National Conference for Social Studies, in Nashville, Tennessee. This annual conference is a gathering for thousands of professionals from various disciplines who hail from across the United States and the globe:
“Elementary, secondary, and college teachers of history, civics, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and law-related education. The NCSS membership represents K-12 classroom teachers, college and university faculty members, curriculum designers and specialists, social studies supervisors, and leaders in the various disciplines that constitute the social studies.”
The conference featured speakers, vendors, breakout rooms, and poster sessions, all of which worked to inform and spark learning and ideas for educators like me. I presented a project entitled “Discussing ‘Hard Histories’ in Elementary Education,” discussing why it is vital to teach difficult history topics to early elementary students. While also providing examples and lessons that could assist teachers (and therefore students) in teaching topics that might be uncomfortable or difficult (for both teachers and students). Much of what was shared was experiences and lessons that were practiced and sharpened here at Explore & More. This museum is a space that hones teaching and learning techniques that ultimately lead to positive outcomes for the children and families who spend time with us. If any parents or guardians have any questions regarding teaching methods, lesson plans, or educational strategies, please feel free to ask and I will do my best to share all the knowledge acquired from my attendance to NCSS, and nearly a decade’s worth of experience working in the field of education in Western New York. Have a wonderful New Year and let’s make 2024 Explore & More’s best yet!
