MLK Day feels especially important this year. Let’s face it, we have a lot of work to do if we’re … More
Category: American History
Has “Patriotism” Become a Dirty Word?
When I started working on Read Aloud Plays: Symbols of America for Scholastic back in 2001, the September 11th attacks … More
Free Play for the Fourth
When I wrote Read Aloud Plays: Symbols of America for Scholastic back in 2002, it was supposed to be a … More
How to Commemorate Juneteenth
Here’s my most poignant play—and it’s perfect for celebrating Juneteenth. Based on actual slave narratives, Freedom for the First Time … More
Why You Need a Cardboard Box for Black History Month
If you’ve never heard one of your students attempt a southern drawl you must give Box Brown’s Freedom Crate a … More
President’s Day Has Been Rescheduled
These days Presidents’ Day is viewed by most students as merely an extra day off. Here’s how to give meaning … More
Important Events in American History
February is Black History Month. While I encourage you to acknowledge it with some dedicated activities, I’m also reminded that … More
How to Celebrate the Moon Landing’s 50th Anniversary
I was seven years old when the Apollo 11 mission blasted off for the moon in mid-July of 1969. I … More
“Musifying” Your Next Play
I have a theory about Walt Disney. Disney, of course, is known for animation. Way back in 1928—almost a century … More
10 Compelling Paired Texts for Black History Month
Here are ten great paired texts with which to recognize black history month while meeting numerous Language Arts standards. All … More