All posts by: Erin

Fun Activities to Teach Different Types of Government

Teaching the different forms of government seems easy enough – go over some definitions and provide examples, then quiz your students.  But that’s not creating any real meaning for them,... Read More

5 Ways to Use Political Cartoons in Your Civics Class

Political cartoons are the perfect basis for so many civics activities and topics, regardless of ability level. I think it’s because they are inherently not boring—they’re visual (not reading!), cover content through... Read More

Lesson Ideas for Using Political Cartoons to Teach Civics

I can’t imagine teaching civics and government without political cartoons—they are essential to the subject.  They make the best entry point for introducing concepts and diving deeper into diverse viewpoints on political... Read More

Make the Citizenship Test the Best Part of Your Civics Class

Once something because a requirement, it often loses its joy. It seems like that’s precisely what’s happened now that the Citizenship Test is a high school graduation requirement in many... Read More

5 Effective Ideas for Teaching the Principles of the Constitution

The main principles of the US Constitution can be tricky to teach for a few reasons. First, you’re introducing them at the beginning of your Civics class before diving into... Read More

19 Ideas for Setting Up Your Social Studies Classroom

This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission when you purchase them at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep this blog running.  Setting a classroom... Read More

25 Back-to-School Spirit Ideas Perfect for Your Student Council

The first few weeks back to school are crucial for setting the right tone for the year with your student council officers and the whole school.  With a few intentionally... Read More

25 End of the School Year Spirit Ideas Perfect for Your Student Council 

Don’t let the school year end on your student council leaders. Make these last weeks together positive and set up for next year’s success with these fun school spirit projects... Read More

What is Service Leadership? A New Way to Frame Your StuCo Program

As a Student Council Advisor and Leadership teacher, you’re somewhere between a coach and a teacher. It really is a sweet spot where you can make prosocial life skills the... Read More

25 Spring School Spirit Ideas Perfect for Your Student Council

Now that winter is finally over, you can start thinking outside the walls of your school for fun spirit projects and activities to do with your Student Council and Leadership students.  Set... Read More