Using Guided Imagery and Imagined Historical Letters to Support Purposeful Writing in K-3 Social Studies Instruction

Abbie Bracelin

 

Unlock the power of visualization in literacy by integrating social studies content with creative writing in grades K-3! This session will explore how to use CKHG curriculum to build students’ visualization skills, setting the stage for writing imagined historical letters. Join us to experience engaging unit topics, guided imagery exercises, and letter-writing activities that will enhance both literacy and social studies learning in your classroom.

Engaging Students Through Effective Visual Arts Teaching in Core Knowledge: Asking Deeper Questions for Deeper Understanding

Carla Slater

 

Unlock the power of thought-provoking questions to deepen students’ understanding of visual arts within the Core Knowledge framework! This session will equip you with strategies to foster critical thinking, spark meaningful discussions, and connect historical contexts to contemporary art practices. By the end, you’ll be ready to design lessons that engage students, enhance their analytical skills, and tie visual arts to broader cultural and historical themes.

How Core Knowledge Can Support Dyslexic Students

Alissa Kendall and Juli Tibbets

 

Join us to explore how the Core Knowledge curriculum can harness the strengths of dyslexic students to enhance their learning experience! This session will provide insights into the unique strengths of dyslexia and how Core Knowledge’s structured, repetitive, and oral-focused approach aligns perfectly with their needs. Hear from a seasoned kindergarten teacher who has overcome dyslexia and discover practical strategies to support your students’ success.


What a Tool!

Jillian Payne

 

J.R.R. Tolkien is credited with saying, “I wisely started with a map.” As educators, the Core Knowledge teacher guides and online support tools serve as our map for successful lesson planning. In this session, we’ll explore how to navigate these essential resources, from pacing guides to differentiation strategies, ensuring you stay on track while meeting standards and engaging all students. Leave with practical tips on effectively using teacher guides, adjust pacing, and leverage online materials to build a deeper and more cohesive learning experience for your students.

A Cook’s Tour: Exploring CKHG Middle School

Ilene Goldman

 

Core Knowledge’s History and Geography offerings for Grades 7 and 8 are very different from elementary level CKHG. Learn the rationale behind the middle school program and take a guided tour through its components. Explore the program’s implementation options and discover its special features.

Using the Memory Peg Technique with Core Knowledge

Jenny Cardenas

 

Did you ever struggle with memorizing information in school? Do you have students that struggle with this? In this session, you’ll learn how the Memory Peg Method, developed by Quantum Learning Education, can help students easily recall and retain information by connecting it to something they already know. Discover how this simple technique can be applied to Core Knowledge content and explore real-world examples from 5th-grade history units. Walk away with practical strategies and ideas for using Memory Pegs to help your students retain new concepts in a fun, engaging way!


Turning the Tide on Professional Development

Casey Churchill

In this session, we’ll explore how Core Knowledge schools can uniquely enrich professional development by focusing on content mastery rather than just teaching strategies. Discover how Liberty Common School’s Colorado Core Knowledge Network has become a powerful platform for educators to deepen their understanding of specific Core Knowledge content. Learn the steps to organize and run this transformative event, bringing together educators to share knowledge and elevate content expertise across schools.

Enhancing Learning Through Classroom Transformations Aligned with the Core Knowledge Curriculum

Alex Oliver, Katie Evans, and Tiffany York

Transform your classroom into an immersive learning experience that brings CKLA topics to life! This session will guide you through planning engaging, thematic classroom transformations that deepen students’ understanding of core concepts through hands-on, experiential learning. Learn how to collaborate with colleagues, secure resources, and create dynamic environments that spark students’ imaginations while reinforcing the CKLA curriculum lessons. The session will also preview exciting upcoming titles and a new series on the horizon!