Building Knowledge

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary story of Eleanor of Aquitaine with author Sara Holdren. Journey through a world of royalty, power, and intrigue as we uncover the lasting impact of this legendary queen. Get ready for a fascinating dive into one of history’s most influential figures! You can read this biography for free on our website From the Bookshelf. If you are enjoying our podcast...

Get ready for an engaging conversation with Jennifer Evlgren, the author of our biography of on Lousia May Alcott from our Voices in History Biography Series.  On today’s episode we journey back in time to explore the world of Louisa May Alcott, unraveling the complexities of her life, her literary contributions, and the impact she has had on generations of readers. You can read this biography for...

In this episode, we will be delving into the incredible narratives of Maya Angelou and Harriet Tubman through our Voices in History Biography Series with author Glenda Armand. From Maya Angelou's poetic brilliance to Harriet Tubman's heroic efforts in the fight against slavery, these legendary women have left an unforgettable mark on history. These books are available to read for free on...

In this episode we explore latest biography in the Voices in History series focusing on the legendary Renaissance artist and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci. Author Kathy Erskine sheds light on the incredible life and legacy of this iconic figure, inviting young readers to discover the brilliance and creativity of da Vinci. This book is available to read for free on our free library website From the B...

In this episode we are speaking with author Nancy Churnin about our newest book in our Voices in History Series, Vincent Van Gogh. We learn not only about Vincent's art, but also his life and his special connection with his family. To learn more about Nancy's work visit her website . To reading our Voices in History Series, visit our Free Library . If you are enjoying our podcasts, pleas...

In this episode, we delve into the biographies of Dorthea Dix and Alexander Hamilton in our Voices in History Series. Author Anne Marie Pace brings to life the remarkable journeys of these two historical icons, shedding light on their lasting impact on society. From Dorthea Dix's tireless advocacy for mental health reform to Alexander Hamilton's indelible mark on American history, these...

In this episode, we will be exploring  "Collection of Tales: Tales from Latin America and the Caribbean." With author Silva Lopez.  Get ready to embark on a journey through enchanting stories that celebrate the rich culture and traditions of these vibrant regions. This collection of tales is available to read on our free library website From the Bookshelf. If you are enjoying our podcast...

Core Knowledge is committed to creating literate citizens through the implementation of knowledge-building curricula. History and geography have been a large component of that effort. Now, to help deepen students’ knowledge building and expand students’ literacy skills, Core Knowledge History and Geography is introducing Primary Source Activity Books for Grades 3–6. We chat with the editorial dire...

We are pleased to announce our first national conference in over a decade! To get more information checkout out conference webpage. To learn more about our call for proposals check out this page . To sign up to stay in the know about all things Core Knowledge fill out this form . If you are enjoying our podcasts, please leave a five star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-knowl...

In this episode, we talk with Stacy Hoeflich, librarian at Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy in Alexandria, Virginia. Stacy takes us through how she supports students and teachers with Core Knowledge and how the library is an essential component to effective Core Knowledge implementation and supports instruction and the growing of students' base of knowledge.  If you are enjoying our podcasts,...

In this episode, we chat with Matthew Spahn, an instructional coach at Lincoln Charter Academy in Arvada, Colorado. We discuss how he supports middle school teachers and instruction, and since Lincoln Academy has been a Core Knowledge school for over two decades, Matthew tells us how they tackle many of the issues that long-time Core Knowledge Schools face.   If you are enjoying our podcasts, plea...

March 22, 2024, is Dr. Hirsch's 96th birthday!  In honor of this, we are looking back at our first two interviews with the person responsible for Core Knowledge.  If you are enjoying our podcasts, please leave a five star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-knowledge/id1618939881 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoreKnowledgeFoundation Follow us on Instagram:...

In this episode, we talk with Tempest Neu Collins, founder of Doodles Academy, a non-profit that provides resources that empower educators to become advocates for high-quality art education in their schools and classrooms. Tempest and I discuss the importance of the arts in a well-rounded knowledge-based education for all students. The Doodles Academy resources can be found here . If you are enjoy...

On this episode, we chatted with Sara Holdren, who was tasked with adapting the book Anne of Green Gables for the Core Knowledge Foundation. We had a fascinating conversation about what it took to take this story from its original form to our newest Core Classic.  If you are enjoying our podcasts, please leave a five star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-knowledge/id161893988...

In this episode, we talk with Mary Catherine Sauer, a founder of four charter schools in North Carolina.  Mary Catherine shared her varied experiences with each of her charter schools and how Core Knowledge plays an important role in all of them.  If you are enjoying our podcasts, please leave a five star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-knowledge/id1618939881 Follow us on Fa...

In this episode, we speak with Ted Duncan, director of Brevard Academy in Brevard, North Carolina.  Ted and I had a great discussion about the role of servant leaders in an educational setting and how this type of leader can transform a school. You can learn more about Brevard Academy here . If you are enjoying our podcasts, please leave a five star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bu...

In this episode, we are talking to Nikki Grant Holliman, a preschool teacher at Head of the Class Early Learning Center in Monticello, Arkansas. Nikki shares her experience with the Core Knowledge Preschool program and why it is so important to begin building knowledge in early childhood. If you are enjoying our podcasts, please leave a five star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/build...

In this episode, we chat with Susan Smith. Susan is our Core Knowledge Licensed Professional for our preschool program. We talk about the importance of preschool in general and how the Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence can even work for schools that do not use Core Knowledge in later grades. If you are enjoying our podcasts, please leave a five star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bu...

In this episode, we chat with Emily Bryant, Education Manager of the USS Constitution Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, about the various teacher and student resources they provide about the oldest commissioned ship in the US Navy and its involvement in the War of 1812. A link to their website can be found here .  The educator resources can be found here. Field Trip Information can be found here ....

In this episode, we are talking with Kajal Patel Below about biliteracy and Amplify Education's Caminos product.  You can learn more about Caminos here. If you are enjoying our podcasts, please leave a five star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-knowledge/id1618939881 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoreKnowledgeFoundation Follow us on Instagram: https://w...

In this episode, we talk with author Nancy Churnin about her latest book, Lila and the Jack O'Lantern: Halloween Comes to America.  This book is not only a sweet story about an immigrant family but also tells the story of the origins of some of our Halloween traditions. Nancy's book can be ordered here. The link to the teacher guide for the book is here. If you are enjoying our podcasts,...

In this episode we are have a chance to talk with Peter Michaud from Noirlab. Noirlab has some amazing resources for teaching astronomy at a variety of grade levels you can take look at these resources here: https://noirlab.edu/public/education/ If you are enjoying our podcasts, please leave a five star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-knowledge/id1618939881 Follow us on Face...

In this episode we have the chance to catch up with Dr. Dan Franck, Director of Science Curriculum for the Core Knowledge Foundation.  Dan helps us to understand what CKCompSci is and how teachers can use this new CKSci unit in their classrooms.  If you are enjoying our podcasts, please leave a five star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-knowledge/id1618939881 Follow us on Fac...

In this episode we are talking with Adrienne Williams, a former CKLA  classroom teacher and a Director at Student Achievement Partners.  We discuss creating and using texts sets in conjunction with CKLA, which may seem like a daunting task, but Adrienne provides some sound advice.  Links to the resources she mentions are below https://achievethecore.org/page/3416/creating-text-sets-to-support-cult...

In this episode we are talking with Lauren Karas, Director of Education for the Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanities Center.  The Holocaust and anti-Semitism can be difficult topics to discuss with students but Lauren has insights to share. You can access the resources she talks about on the Center's website. https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/education/ If you are enjoying our pod...