Author Archives: Michael K. Milton

Unknown's avatar

About Michael K. Milton

I teach Social Studies in Massachusetts. When I began teaching, I assumed the job would involve a steady supply of apples. I was mistaken. Teaching, however, is fascinating (though less Apple-y) - I get to work with great students and colleagues, and I get to try things out. This blog, which I started in my early years of teaching and have recently returned to, is a place where I share projects I’ve worked on and think out loud about my practice. I also like puns probably too much.

Interactive Self-Paced Presentations with Google Slides

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Michael K. Milton

With Google Slides, you can create activities that allow students to move at their own pace! Utilizing the “link to different page” in Google Slides, you can create a little “choose your own adventure” for your students. I made this … Continue reading →

Posted in History | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“Rare Unearthed George Washington’s Christmas Card 1776”

Posted on December 25, 2014 by Michael K. Milton

What if on Christmas day in 1776 while preparing for the epic Battle of Trenton, George Washington took the time to write an annual holiday letter? It might look something like this…

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Non-Linear Google Slides Presentations: Weimar Republic Political Parties

Posted on November 25, 2014 by Michael K. Milton

Last spring in my Digital Literacies and Emerging Technology grad class, we were asked to create a non-linear experience using PowerPoint or another similar tool.  In addition to the non-linear format, there had to be a place for discussion. My … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A Procedure for Reading Difficult Documents

Posted on November 11, 2014 by Michael K. Milton

As you would not chug a hot cup of tea, you also should not speed through a primary document! You risk a burnt tongue and not fully understanding what you just read. Try reading Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal quickly! … Continue reading →

Posted in Common Core, History, Reflection | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Thoughts on PowerPointing

Posted on November 3, 2014 by Michael K. Milton

My friend Joe Sangillo wrote a great post for Discovery Education about how he uses PowerPoint presentations in the class. It got me thinking a lot about the struggle that I am currently having with “PowerPoints.” My thoughts. I love … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Teaching Historical Interpretation: Interpreting Student Life Events

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Michael K. Milton

“Who even knows if this really happened,” one of my students declared this year. “How do you think? How does one find out about anything?” I responded wanting to discuss how history is formed – the need to find artifacts … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Reflection | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Going Meta: Cataloguing My Past Two Years of Blogging

Posted on March 16, 2014 by Michael K. Milton

As my blog turned two this past week, I felt it would be a good time to look back at one of the things I have worked on in my spare time these past few years. Over the past two … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflection | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

“We’re not gonna take it. No, we ain’t gonna take it. Oh, we’re not gonna take it anymoooore.” While preparing for the upcoming school year, Twisted Sister’s epic protest song began playing as I read the Declaration of Independence. Obviously … Continue reading →

Posted on February 21, 2014 by Michael K. Milton | 5 Comments

American Vision Dating Game: Hamilton, Jefferson, and the Importance of Sharing

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Michael K. Milton

Sometimes you put an idea out “there” and the world amazes you. That is absolutely what happened in this case. As many know, I am involved in a historical improv show called An Improvised People’s History. In order to  learn more … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Reflection | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Law and Order: French Revolution [The Importance of Using Evidence!]

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Michael K. Milton

Over the summer, it occurred to me that History class should be like the hit television show Law and Order. Law – Investigate, Corroborate, Develop Case Order – Develop Case, Create and Defend Argument So after noticing that many of my … Continue reading →

Posted in Common Core, History | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments