My name is Molly Smith. I am a history teacher at Friends School in Baltimore. My blog is a space where I process and share my ideas about teaching and the experiences of my classroom.
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
historyfriend 
Hi, Molly.
I loved reading your last few entries and look forward to reading more! I spent a lot of time this summer researching what the best learning environments are and actually got rid of my teacher’s desk this year! I think as a LS teacher, having a more relaxed learning environment may be an easier switch, but I must admit, I was nervous and still am. I truly never sit at my desk though. I look forward to learning more from you and want you to know you’re welcome in my room any time!
Heidi
Heidi – I definitely look forward to continuing this conversation. I have been doing a lot of thinking about teaching and learning. Sounds like you have been, too. I am excited and a little nervous about this year as well. I think that if I did not have those feelings it would be time to retire or switch careers.
We ought to be e-pals (even though I am not a teacher)! Please check out my blog at http://www.featherfoster.wordpress.com
Thank you for writing this blog! I am very interested in teaching history thematically and so have been doing research getting ready to plan for next year. Next year will be my second year teaching, but my first year teaching history (I thought gov this year) and so I’m excited to plan to teach thematically. I teach in Baltimore too! But in a very different school than yours, and will have to teach semester-length classes so I am interested to see how it will work out. Reading about your planning process and the outcomes has been very helpful
I am in my second year of teaching thematically for US history, and I love it. I will have a few more posts before the end of the year. We are getting ready to wrap up our Economics and Social Class Unit next week. I love that this approach allows us to teach the history but also get to more recent events and current debates. Thanks for reading. If you want to talk or correspond by email, let me know.
Hi Molly,
I am in the midst of crafting my class for next year thematically and I would love to talk with you more about what you have learned and what has worked well. Thank you so much for your blog! I will continue to read through it.
Beth
Hi Beth,
I would be happy to talk about it. I cannot imagine going back to a regular chronological survey now. Feel free to email me (msmith@friendsbalt.org) with any questions or to set a time to talk. Thanks for reading!
Hello Molly,
Thank you so much for writing about your teaching journey! I just finished my first year of teaching U.S. History and am utilizing your site and resources to reflect on my future classes.
Thanks for your comment. I really love teaching US thematically. I need to add a post reflecting back on this year.
Shared with New England History Teachers Association (NEHTA) FB page.
Where is the follow button?
It should be at the bottom of the About page now. Let me know if it doesn’t work, and I’ll try again. Thanks!