Author Archives: Michael K. Milton

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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.

Hamilton vs. Jefferson: Using Hamilton the Musical in the Classroom | Discovery Education

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Michael K. Milton

Below is the start to my post for Discovery Education about using Hamilton the Musical in the classroom! Check it out! _____________________________________________________________________ “And the world’s gonna know your name – What’s your name, man? Alexander Hamilton. My name is Alexander … Continue reading →

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Shining a Light on the Unknown: Helping Students Understand ISIS and the Syrian Civil War | Discovery Education

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Michael K. Milton

My new post for Discovery Education! As a fifth grader during the Gulf War, I distinctly remember Mrs. Spina helping to calm our fears about the war. After giving us a background on the war, Mrs. Spina brought us to … Continue reading →

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Historical Digitally Altered Image Project

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Michael K. Milton

As many of you have might have seen on my website, I have been digitally altering movie posters and other images to tell a new historical story. The results are often silly but have been a fun outlet for me personally. … Continue reading →

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Honoring Our Veterans: Using Inquiry to Discuss Veterans Day | Discovery Education

Posted on November 10, 2015 by Michael K. Milton

I’ve recently begun blogging for Discovery Education! My first assignment was to create a lesson for Veterans Day and I am really excited to share this with you! _________________________________________________________________________________ “My name is Michael K. Milton, and I am a US … Continue reading →

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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 →

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“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…

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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