Stones of Erasmus — Just plain good writing, teaching, thinking, doing, making, being, dreaming, seeing, feeling, building, creating, reading
17.4.25
What Three People Said About Using My Humanities Resources in the Classroom with Actual Students

2.3.24
Redefining Literacy in the AI Era: The Shift from Linear to Fragmented Reading
In this blog post, I discuss how literacy is evolving—a concept that has fascinated humanity since the advent of long-distance communication technologies such as the telegraph and telephone. Nowadays, our interaction with information is marked by its agility and rapidity, as demonstrated by AI advancements like ChatGPT from OpenAI.
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Print magazines line a newsstand at the airport. |

9.9.23
Unveiling Mythology to Teens: Insights from the Humanities Classroom
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Storm-Tossed and Star Crossed: Paris and Helen's Epic Journey to Troy |

17.8.23
Shaping Tomorrow's Citizens: Education, Religion, and Cultural Norms in the Classroom
In this blog post from Stones of Erasmus, I connect philosophical ideas with practical aspects of teaching and societal values. Let's invite reflection on the role of education, the influence of religion, and the importance of cultural norms in shaping the citizens of tomorrow.
The sun may appear small and lightbulb-like to the viewer, but it's actually a massive fusion-powered fireball that sustains life on Earth. |
Parity in the Classroom: The Common Gifts of Our Students
In every classroom, there lies a hidden world of potential. That gossipy student in the back row? Perhaps a budding playwright, weaving tales for the stage. Our students are not just learners; they are creators, thinkers, and future citizens.
The Personal Stance vs. The Professional Stance
Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it's a national effort to produce productive citizens. But what does that mean?
Producing productive citizens is about nurturing individuals who contribute positively to society and the economy. It's about fostering responsibility, hard work, and a commitment to the common good. It's about developing skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork that are vital in today's workforce.
The Image of Citizenship: A Reflection of Values
What should citizens of a country look like? The nineteenth-century image of the American family was a myth, yet it shaped perceptions. Today, we recognize that there is no one specific way citizens should look. Every individual is unique, bringing their own strengths and perspectives. The goal is to cultivate responsible, engaged members of society who contribute to the common good.
Religion and Education: A Complex Relationship
"Orderliness is godliness." This saying reflects how we often infuse public education with ideology, including the notion to "pull yourself up by your bootstrap." But do religious influences benefit the school system?
The Puritans were able to impose their ideology, but the relationship between religion and education is complex. Some believe that religious values can create moral grounding and community. Others see challenges in separating church and state, ensuring inclusivity for all students.
Folkways and Mores: The Fabric of Society
Folkways and mores are the threads that weave the social fabric. Folkways are the everyday customs and traditions, while mores are the deeper, moral values that guide a culture. Together, they shape our collective identity.
Opinions: The Personal Take on Knowledge
An opinion is more than a fleeting thought; it's your unique perspective on what you know. It's a reflection of your understanding, your beliefs, and your individuality.

5.8.23
Unleashing Creativity: Crafting Engaging Digital Content for Humanities Education
As a passionate educator, I've dedicated countless hours to crafting engaging digital content for middle and high school humanities teachers. The intricate process involves dozens of steps and takes up to six hours per listing. But the result? A treasure trove of resources that bring depth and engagement to the classroom.
My journey begins with sourcing public domain content from libraries such as the New York Public Library digital collections and public domain content I find on Google Books and from the Library of Congress. These timeless resources serve as the foundation upon which I build. I then add my original lesson plans, question banks, exit tickets, writing prompts, and activities. The aim? To create content that not only educates but also captivates.
Sometimes, the raw materials need a little sprucing up. An illustration from a nineteenth-century book might be old and dingy, or text from a public domain source might be outdated. That's where Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator come into play, helping me breathe new life into these resources.
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Revitalizing history: the top image showcases my restoration of a 19th-century lithograph, significantly enhancing its clarity compared to the original below. Retrieved from the NYPL digital collection. |
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I partner with TpT to provide educational content for Humanities and English language arts teachers. |
