Lynnhaven on Stage at VCSS

Melendez meets author Kwame Alexander at the Virginia Council for Social Studies Conference.

Richmond, VA - Mrs. Melendez, a member of the 2023 Virginia Council for Social Studies Conference Committee, was also a featured presenter at the VCSS conference in March where over 300 social studies educators gathered in Richmond, VA from across the state. Her session, entitled Simple Stories to Teach Hard History, was a resounding success, providing attendees with practical strategies for teaching difficult topics such as slavery and Jim Crow in secondary social science classes.

Mrs. Melendez's session focused on the use of picture books, graphic novels, young adult, and middle-grade novels to teach these difficult subjects. She shared a range of effective teaching strategies, including read-alouds as writing prompts, interactive read-alouds, using the concept development model, and using the inquiry design module framework to create a classroom environment that promotes empathy, understanding, and critical thinking.
Her presentation also offered valuable insights into the rationale for using these texts and resources to help teachers acquire the necessary tools to address sensitive topics with their students. By providing practical examples and a wealth of resources, Mrs. Melendez's session was both informative and engaging.

Mrs. Melendez's expertise and innovative approach were a valuable addition to the VCSS Conference, and we are grateful for her contributions to this year's event. We look forward to future opportunities to learn from her insights and experience.

For more information on Mrs. Melendez's session and the VCSS Conference, please visit the VCSS website or contact us directly.

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