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.

Call to Action! Social Media in the Classroom

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Michael K. Milton

Friends, Romans, PLN, lend me your ears/eyes! On Saturday, Andy Marcinek and I led a discussion on the use of Social Media in the Classroom at EdCamp Boston. Andy masterfully worked the room giving reasons and examples as to why … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Klout, Parenting, and Expectations: The Four Stages of an Unwarranted +K-ing

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Michael K. Milton

Last week, I was greeted early one morning with the news that I was influential on Parenting. Klout sent an e-mail to congratulate me on this impressive accomplishment. I felt a bit caught off-guard to handle the news for two … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflection | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Close Reading and the Magic Eye – A quick thought

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Michael K. Milton

After researching close reading strategies for a lesson that I want to do sometime in the next few weeks, I had an epiphany of sorts while running past my eye doctor’s office. Last fall, I spent hours upon hours waiting … Continue reading →

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

Connecting Lessons to Common Core: Nationalistic Travel Brochures

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Michael K. Milton

For the past few weeks, I have been reflecting upon my past lessons and adapting them to the Common Core Standards for History/Social Studies. It has been a great exercise and has allowed me to reexamine the purpose of my … Continue reading →

Posted in Common Core, History | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Connecting Lessons to Common Core: Star Wars Episode V.V: The Empire Strikes Endor

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Michael K. Milton

<Imaginary scrolling text begins> A long time ago in a galaxy far far away…. COMMON CORE Episode V.V The Empire Strikes Endor It is the end of your lesson on the the five motives behind imperialism.  The students have analyzed … Continue reading →

Posted in Common Core, History | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

The Muppets Guide to Project-Based Learning (PBL)

Posted on April 7, 2012 by Michael K. Milton

One of my goals for this upcoming year is to create a project-based learning (PBL) unit for my World History class. In order to wrap my head around this concept I have been lurking in different Twitter chats and reading … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflection | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

Connecting Lessons to Common Core: Extra Extra! Primary Documents turned into News Articles!

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Michael K. Milton

What started off as an exercise to prepare for a department meeting has now become a bit of a hobby. For the past few weeks, I have been reflecting upon my past lessons and adapting them to the Common Core … Continue reading →

Posted in Common Core, History | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Teacher Trading Cards: Make Your Own!

Posted on March 31, 2012 by Michael K. Milton

Last week, I posted about teachers having Teacher Trading Cards as a means to connect with students, parents, colleagues, and learning networks. Also, collecting them all could become a great new pastime. Many people have contacted me for a template to … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflection | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Connecting Lessons to Common Core: Bill and Ted’s Excellent Assignment

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Michael K. Milton

I have always been an advocate for time travel in the classroom. Imagine learning about the Constitutional Convention by actually going there? Or becoming involved in a discussion about human nature with John Locke? I fully realize that by doing … Continue reading →

Posted in Common Core, History | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

We’re Not in Kansas Anymore: A Tale of the Modern Classroom

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Michael K. Milton

One of my students was frustrated today with a question on an open notebook quiz she was taking. The problem was that the answer was not in her notes (she is great about taking thorough notes). We are studying the … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflection | Tagged , | 3 Comments