What is this site all about?
I want kids to learn about where they live and what is available to them in Michigan. That’s it! That’s my mission, plain and simple. No matter where I’ve taught, kids seemed to be very disconnected to the town and area where they lived. I know there are a plethora of reasons for that unfortunate reality. Regardless, I want to help change that. Within this site, you will find articles all about Michigan. The articles range from local history, biographies, state parks, geographical information, and current issues. No article is intended to tell the entire story. Hopefully, with each article the student will gain some insight, spark an interest, or make a connection. I want to make it easy for you, the teacher, to get this information out there. I have sat in the data meetings, parent teacher conferences, I know your time is valuable. One goal of this site is to lighten your load. Let’s teach those students reading and writing skills while learning about Michigan! Each article comes with vocabulary work, multiple choice questions, and open response questions and an answer key which makes for an easy entry into the grade book! Check out the examples!
Finding appropriate Michigan information that was accessible for elementary students was always a struggle. The resources were either way too difficult, or extremely easy. This website intends to be a solution to that problem!
There are 2 methods to access the resources.
1) Sign up for an annual membership! As a member, you will have access to every file that is on the site. I know teachers often pay for their own supplies. I’ve done it myself. I also know what it’s like to ask your administration to purchase memberships to websites (side note: some of these costs are laugh out loud prices!) only to be told “No.” My mission will be a failure if the price point already closes doors to teachers.
2) Check out the Store where you can purchase individual articles
Options:
Screen time, financial issues, challenges at home, sports overload, these are just some of the factors that have decreased the knowledge and connection to a community for students. The list could easily be longer and you could quickly come up with reasons for the school and community you teach in. Let’s work together to change that. Let’s start connecting these students to where they live. I know your plates are full. What you do with these resources is up to you. My goal is to provide you with information. Whether you turn it into a local history research project, help a student with planning a family vacation project, or just using the articles as reading quizzes to assess comprehension and writing skills, it is entirely up to you and what you think is best for your class.
Community Connections
