January 04, 2018

A New Year with New Resources to Inspire Us All

With the New Year upon us, it can be enlightening to gain a new perspective from an inspirational person. PBS LearningMedia has a collection of interviews, newsreel footage, and archival photos to learn more about Mahatma Gandhi and the struggle for an independent India. His experiences inspired and influenced those engaged in the struggle to end racism and discrimination in America. You can learn more about the American struggle through the Freedom Riders collection of resources.

December 01, 2017

Can The Ideal Mother Really Exist?

Some parents may question if they are doing the right things or being “good” parents.  This question can sometimes be more difficult for working parents.  The debate between “The Ideal Mother Vs. The Ideal Worker” can be very real. 

November 09, 2017

Celebrate Veteran’s Day with Your Class

November 11 is the day America sets aside to honor and recognize our veterans. PBS LearningMedia offers a wide variety of classroom resources for teachers to use to celebrate with their students.

November 01, 2017

The Kings of Washington DC Public Schools

Rising Kings is a three-part audio series from Education Week/NPR that highlights a new male college preparatory high school in northeast Washington DC.

October 27, 2017

Diary of a Worm launches Another Year of WILL’s Book Mentor Project

Pre-K children in Champaign County explore a worm’s life and related activities as WILL’s Book Mentor Project begins.

October 10, 2017

Down on Bended Knees: Discussing kneeling while the “Star Spangled Banner” plays with my children

We have been taught to stand and sing along with our hands over our heart while the “Star Spangled Banner” plays to show our love and respect for our country. Then how do we explain to our children why people have been kneeling during the playing of our national anthem?

September 21, 2017

Are there Benefits to Children Starting School Earlier?

A new study finds that kids who start school at an older age perform better than their younger classmates perform and are more likely to graduate from college. NPR spoke with one of the researchers to learn more.

September 15, 2017

The Vietnam War

This Sunday night, September 17 at 7pm, WILL-TV will air The Vietnam War. This 10-part epic documentary film features testimony from nearly 100 witnesses including American soldiers, Americans who opposed the war and Vietnamese combatants and civilians from the north and south. 

September 08, 2017

Killing the Dream. How the DACA Decision Effects Schools and Families around the Country

On Sept. 5, 2017, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated the phase-out of the program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This decision has great impact on schools and families around the country.

August 25, 2017

Back to School Safety for Your Family

It is that time of year when our children are heading back to school and each year becoming more independent. It is important that we continue to talk about safety in our homes, schools and community. Here are some great resources to teach our kids lessons about safety.