WCSS 25: Full Schedule

Welcome to WCSS 25 - MAKING SOCIAL STUDIES MATTER! We are excited to host a powerful two day conference in our state capital, sharing countless ideas and methods to continue making social studies relevant to our students. Get ready to learn, grow, and have some fun in the process!

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8:30am CDT

“I don’t have time for social studies!” Teaching Elementary U.S. History with new BRI resources

Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT

SENATE B

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Discover dynamic U.S. History resources, enriched with primary sources, tailored for grades 3-5 and beyond. Immerse yourself in Bill of Rights Institute’s new elementary curriculum exploring a lessons that simultaneously fosters literacy and history. Gain practical strategies and ready-made lesson plans to reclaim valuable social studies time in the elementary classroom.

Speakers

Lori Rech

Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
SENATE B

US History, Elementary K-5

Host Organization Bill of Rights Institute
Company It’s Elementary!
Audience 60 minute General Presentation

1:45pm CDT

Should students memorize the 50 states? Facts, Knowledge and Critical Thinking in K-8 Social Studies

Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

SENATE B

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This session combines presentation and discussion about how foundational social studies in K-5 classrooms supports learning in middle/high school. The presenter will highlight what she learned when she set out to have her 7th graders learn the locations of all 50 states on a map, and then seek participant feedback on the implications for elementary level social studies teaching and advocacy.

Speakers

Lauren Brown

Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
SENATE B

Elementary, Elementary K-5

Host Organization Oak Park District 97, Illinois
Company It’s Elementary!, Social Studies Advocacy
Audience 60 minute General Presentation

1:45pm CDT

Storybook Adventures: Bringing Social Studies to Life

Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

SENATE A

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Ignite your students’ curiosity and bring social studies to life through storytelling and art! Learn how integrating storybooks and art activities can make social studies MATTER. Walk away with practical strategies, lesson plans, and resources to create engaging, multi-sensory experiences that transform social studies into meaningful learning.

Speakers

Renee Schumacher

Arts Integration Coordinator, Oshkosh Area School District

I was a K-12 visual arts teacher for 8 years before transitioning to the District Arts Integration Coordinator position in Oshkosh, WI.I received my Master's in Educational Leadership and got certified in Arts Integration and curriculum coaching. Now I get to work with and coach amazing... Read More →

Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
SENATE A

Elementary, Elementary K-5

Host Organization Oshkosh Area School District
Company Engaging Pedagogy, It’s Elementary!
Audience 60 minute General Presentation

1:45pm CDT

Primary Sources in Early Grades: Historical Literacy for Little Historians

Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

UNIV CD

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Engage your elementary classroom with innovative primary source integration inspired by the Bill of Rights Institute’s curriculum. Gain practical strategies, resources, and hands-on techniques for engaging historical inquiry and empowering students. Leave prepared to inspire!

Speakers

Lori Rech

Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
UNIV CD

US History, Elementary K-5

Host Organization Bill of Rights Institute
Company It’s Elementary!
Audience 60 minute General Presentation

3:00pm CDT

Integrating Social Studies Inquiry in Elementary Classrooms

Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

UNIV CD

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Many elementary students do not have chances to engage in social studies inquiry. Learn how to integrate elements of inquiry into your day-to-day instruction by hearing how early preservice teachers (i.e. novices) were supported in developing inquiry projects, exploring examples of quality inquiries, and identifying areas you can incorporate student inquiry.

Speakers

Matt McParker

Associate Professor/ EME Program Director, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
UNIV CD

Elementary, Elementary K-5

Host Organization University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Company It’s Elementary!, Learning Through Inquiry
Audience 60 minute General Presentation