#HistoryTime
A Newsletter for Kansas Educators

May 2021
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
Thanks for all your hard work throughout an unusual year!
Get Ready for the Educators' Night Out!
Back by popular demand, the 7th annual teacher resource fair will be held outdoors on August 2 at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in Topeka. Museums and cultural organizations from the Topeka area will offer many new and free resources for the classroom and online. Fantastic and numerous door prizes are included, but you must be present to win. For the most up-to-date information follow TAME, the Topeka Alliance of Museum Educators on Facebook.

Questions? Contact TAME members Caitlin Luttjohann or Lois Herr.
Students can now listen to every Read Kansas! lesson. The audio recordings were requested by teachers and created by five dedicated Kansas educators:

  • Robin Pressnall, Bostic Traditional Magnet, Wichita Public Schools
  • Jennifer Pfizenmaier, Garfield Elementary, Clay Center
  • Lori Rice, West Elementary School, Wamego
  • Marcy Good, Canyon Creek Elementary, Olathe
  • Jennifer Cody, Garfield Elementary, Augusta.

The audio recordings can be played online in your web browser or downloaded for local use.
In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month we introduce you to the art of Paj Ntaub (pronounced pan-dow). This traditional art form was created by women of the Hmong culture.

The Hmong originated in the mountains of southern China. Southward migration brought many of them to Laos and Thailand. Many emigrated as refugees to the United States, including Kansas, after the Vietnam War ended. The word Paj Ntaub means “flower cloth.” The fabric pieces include embroidery and reverse applique that create geometric designs with symbolic meanings.
This month's Virtual Classroom features The Three Branches of Kansas Government. This middle school Nearpod.com lesson can be teacher led or self-paced for students. It examines the three branches of government in the state of Kansas by looking at the duties of each branch, the source of their power, how individuals are chosen to serve in one of the branches, and where they are located.
Vast numbers of people moved to Kansas from 1854 to 1900. These early Kansas settlers lived on farms and in towns. They came to Kansas by wagon, boat, and train. They worked, played, and went to school. They had the opportunity to both shop for what they needed and make it themselves. Lesson plans for grades two, four, and seven explore the lives of these Kansas settlers through objects and a variety of primary sources. 
The Kansas Museum of History will reopen soon! We can't wait to welcome you in person once again. Watch our website to get the most current information.
#HistoryTime Will Be Back in August
#HistoryTime: A Newsletter for Kansas Educators will return in August with more Kansas lessons and activities. Have a nice summer!

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Don't Forget!
Many State Historic Sites are reopening for the 2021 season. Look for a site in your area.

Virtual Classroom lessons using Nearpod.com are available on Kansas history topics at no charge.
Traveling Resource Trunks are available to borrow. Some are adapted to use virtually. Reserve now for next school year.

Virtual Tours of the Kansas Museum of History are available with live tours for both groups and students at individual remote locations.
Shop online at our Museum Store and discover a variety of Kansas made items and historical resources.
Support the Kansas Historical Society and our educational programs by becoming a member. You will receive a quarterly magazine, discounts on merchandise, and free admission to the Kansas Museum of History and our 16 historic sites.