Engaging Minds and Bodies: Insights from MidCon24 and Discovering Ohio's Charm

Last week I had the opportunity to travel to Westfield, Indiana to participate in MidCon24, an education conference designed for Middle School Teachers. After teaching Middle School for two years and being married to a current Middle School teacher, I’ve known that this group of educators is special. But after engaging with them for two days, I was reminded of just how dedicated and passionate this group is.

Often, conferences are oriented to K-8 or 5-12. But too often, they end up catering to the early grades or high school classes. Middle School can get lost in the mix. MidCon addressed this neglect by focusing exclusively on the unique needs of these learners. 

I exhibited and presented for Thinking Nation where I work as Director of Curriculum.

The Presentation: Movers & Shakers- Strategies for Teaching Historical Thinking Through Movement

There is a lot of buzz right now around incorporating “Brain Breaks” for students and many activities rightly include movement opportunities. But then, whenever we want students to engage in rigorous thinking and work, we have them sitting at their desks with pencil and paper. And shockingly, students find this boring. 🤔

However, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. We can give students the opportunity to participate in highly engaging kinesthetic activities while also undertaking the true work of historians. Too often, history courses fall into the “sit-and-get,” traditional approach to learning. My friend, Dan Lewer of History For Humans, explains it this way: 

While you likely were not in my audience at MidCon24, I’m excited to announce that this presentation was accepted to the National Council for Social Studies Conference in Boston, taking place from November 22-24, 2024. In my session, I’ll be having teachers walk through my favorite activities that blend movement with historical thinking. But here is a quick resource that you can peruse and hopefully incorporate into your lesson plans. If you have plans to attend NCSS in the fall, please come say “Hi” at the session or at the Thinking Nation booth!

The feedback from fellow educators at MidCon24 was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed appreciation for the practical and innovative nature of the activities presented. Educators shared their own experiences and ideas, creating a rich dialogue about the benefits and challenges of kinesthetic learning. It was inspiring to see such a collaborative spirit, with attendees eager to adapt these strategies to their unique classroom environments.

I am grateful for the opportunity to present at MidCon24 and to connect with so many passionate educators and I am looking forward to continuing this work with Thinking Nation and at future conferences.

The Road Trip

Each summer, my family enjoys taking a trip to see the Major League Baseball ballparks. We spent three days in Cincinnati and enjoyed getting to see the Reds beat the Pirates at the Great American Ballpark. (This marks the 13th stadium out of 30 for my husband and I.)

Additionally, we spent time at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. This was an absolutely incredible experience. I created a brief reel of the highlights, but this is one you absolutely need to put on your list if you are ever in the area. 

After traveling to Cleveland  and rural Amish country a few years ago, and now loving Cincinnati, I feel like Ohioans are keeping wraps on their state. I have been happily surprised at all the fun things to do and the beauty of the state.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy your summer as well! As always, please reach out with ways that I can support you!

Annie