Google My Maps in the Classroom

Do you struggle to find an activity that is student-centered, technology based, and common-core aligned? Well look no further! GoogleMyMaps.com meets all of those requirements! And, it's super easy! In fact, recently in my summer school class I gave my 10th grade students a very brief introduction and they were able to figure it out on their own. You can have your students map the battles of World War II, The Cold War or The Civil War. The possibilities are endless!

Students simply sign-in to their google account and go to https://mapsengine.google.com/map/. They then  search a location and add a placemarker, a description of the event and a picture. They can also add shapes, lines, and rulers. I then had my students turn in their map by simply copying the link to Google Classroom. (Be sure students change the "share" settings to "anyone can have access with the link").

You can see a great video tutorial HERE.

See my Google Maps Activity for the Cold War HERE.

See my Google Maps Activity for the Battles of World War II HERE

Happy Teaching!

Teaching "Growth Mindset" in the Secondary Classroom

During the first week of school  I always begin with teaching my students about the concept of "Growth Mindset". I begin by asking my students some basic questions:

I then have my students complete a reading, "Success is a Mindset" where they learn what it means to have a “growth mindset” and how the views and beliefs they have about themselves impacts the decisions they make and the lives they lead. Students will learn the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset, understand that intelligence is not fixed and suggestions on how to foster a growth mindset.

Students with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities rather than negative judgements about who they are. Therefore, teaching "Growth Mindset" is essential in any classroom!

To see the activity I use in my classroom click HERE!

Happy Teaching!