Tom Waters

I'm working on a new series of products for elementary Social Studies. With excitement, but also with hesitation. The excitement because the unit is called "Heroes and Change" for 3rd-5th grade students. It's been really fun trying to find just the right questions and just the right information to present these incredible biographies: Rosa Parks, Louis Pasteur, Todd Beamer, and Bill Gates. These historical and contemporary figures each are special in their own ways. And each have truly impacted our culture and the way we live. However... ...The hesitation. The concern that no one will use these products. When talking to colleagues, you and I have heard it, probably thought it once or twice. Concerns. The reasons why we can't go into depth in social studies, or the reasons why we have to make it "cutesy" and avoid tough topics. "Parents don't want their kids learning about civil rights, civil disobedience, or change...it's too touchy....

I know the first impression is the most important. The first post is supposed to really count, right? Well, the way I see it, there are no readers on the first. Plus, it's the digital age, so why stress...you can always delete and re-post. So let's keep it short and sweet.  I'm super glad you've stumbled on Tom Waters' little blog. Here's what I promise. A steady flow of ideas. Plenty of resources. A few instructional strategy topics. Teaching, curriculum, school improvement, learning, and all things related to the most awesome, the most fabulous, and the most critical professional in the world - EDUCATION. So, let's connect as educators, innovators, thinkers, and humans. Welcome. See you again soon, Tom Waters.