Age-appropriate Text and Engaging Activities with Studies Weekly | Educator Spotlight

Speaker: Frances B., Elementary Learning Specialist, CA

How will the Studies Weekly session impact your approach to supporting teachers?

Frances B.: Through the dialogue that we have, we were able to really understand the power of the different things that Studies Weekly brings to our sites and our classrooms.

Our hope is that through our conversations today, through the coaching that we received as elementary learning specialists, we can best support our teachers, who will then, in turn, be able to feel equipped and confident to teach their students as they embark on equity and inclusion and looking at social studies.

Frances, a kindergarten, second-, and fourth-grade teacher, now an Elementary Learning Specialist, has dedicated 16 years to helping young students find their voices and realize their potential.

Today, her work focuses on building connections between students, teachers, families, and communities, and ensuring all students, especially multilingual learners and those from historically marginalized communities, have access to the support and resources they need to thrive.

“I love those moments when a concept finally makes sense or when a student feels truly seen and valued,” she shares.

She also finds meaning through building connections with students, families, and colleagues. To her, “…education isn’t just about learning—it’s about creating a supportive, empowering community.”

The dynamic and collaborative nature of education keeps her motivated to bring her best to the classroom every day.

Equity and Collaboration

In her role, Frances brings a special focus to ensuring all students have equitable support and opportunities. Sometimes, this involves overcoming many existing barriers between students, teachers, and families and the resources they need to be successful. She is grateful to work alongside so many educators who share her goal of minimizing obstacles and reaching all students.

To tackle these barriers, Frances emphasizes the power of relationships.

“When I walk alongside teachers, ensuring they feel supported and confident in their work, their students benefit in meaningful ways,” she says.

She believes encouraging a culture of grace and continuous learning allows educators to explore new strategies, take risks, and refine their practices in ways that uplift students.

Advice for Fellow Educators

For educators facing their own or similar challenges, Frances offers the advice: “Lean into the wisdom and experience of those around you, and give yourself grace. Education is not a solo endeavor. Building relationships with colleagues, families, and the community helps us understand what works and what needs to change.”

She also stresses the importance of staying open to learning, trying new approaches, and reflecting on best practices.

“Education is an evolving journey, and it’s okay not to have all the answers right away.”

Experience with Studies Weekly

Frances recently attended a Professional Development training hosted by Studies Weekly.

“I appreciated seeing the variety of resources available,” she shares. “Studies Weekly does an excellent job of incorporating age-appropriate text and engaging activities, and I loved exploring the online components that make it such a robust program.”

Frances’ favorite feature of Studies Weekly is the printed, full-color newspapers.

“It may seem simple, but the ability to use printed, colored text and images when teaching social studies is incredibly impactful,” she explains. “[The newspapers] draw students in with their visuals and text features. They can be used in so many ways—cutting out pictures, making connections, highlighting key details, and annotating. Unlike traditional textbooks, Studies Weekly removes barriers and allows for a dynamic, interactive approach to learning.”

Frances is optimistic that her coaching through Studies Weekly will help her better support teachers as they work toward equity and inclusion for all students.