Welcome to Everything is a Primary Source History
Welcome to Everything is a Primary Source History
Your source for social studies consulting, podcast coaching and the interactive event I like to call "Podcast Karaoke"
A few years ago I presented at a social studies conference here in New Hampshire where I introduced my EPS method of instruction. At the last minute I grabbed a video camera because I thought to myself, “maybe consultant work will be in my future.” I started the Everything is a Primary Source Podcast the following month and now, two seasons and several EPS Podcast Live! events later, I am proud to introduce www.everything-history.com, which is the whole package of my social studies methodology as well as my podcast work and services all in one place.
Please reach out to me if you’d like to schedule, and please share with anyone you believe could benefit from these services!
The EPS Method
Imagine teaching every single unit of every social studies course with just three pieces of paper. And imagine holding onto the activities and supplements that have worked well for you throughout your career. The EPS method is not about building up a collection of new materials but recognizing the value of what we already have and finding the best way to integrate them into effect lessons and units.
Social Studies can be a difficult to teach and that’s because it’s so important. We want to get it right. Covering history, economics, civics, geography and more is rigorous work for students, and planning, delivering, and assessing can be just as an enormous task for social studies teachers.
We have plenty of tools to use; textbooks and their supplements, videos, documentaries, podcasts, worksheets, websites, games, maps, overheads, with new materials being produced all the time and coming to us from all directions … sorting through all of those to find the most effective way to teach our students day in and day out can be overwhelming.
I developed the Everything is a Primary Source method because I’ve been there; staying up all night crafting a series of questions to get students engaged in a lesson, and with the stacks of assignments to grade, but not knowing how to really gauge if students have met the tasks or just were kept busy for a while. The EPS method is designed to help my social studies colleagues at all levels simplify the planning process while enhancing student learning and skill building.
Podcast Creation and Coaching
As podcasting approaches its 20th anniversary as a media form, it’s as popular as ever. I entered the podcasting arena a few years ago because I knew the Everything is a Primary Source mindset would carry over well to a conversational program, entertaining and informing listeners around the world.
Producing a regular podcast is ideal for anyone who wishes to include their thoughts into the arena of ideas. I’ve long encouraged students to create podcasts as class projects for this reason, and it is what prompted me to create a school podcast club. Seeing students take on the roles necessary to produce a podcast, from planning to hosting and engineering to marketing-- and then hearing what they have to say when they publish an episode is a reminder of what education is all about.
Podcast creation and coaching is not limited to schools, as museums, libraries, local governments, and businesses all have something to share with listeners. It would be my pleasure to help your thoughts and ideas stand out by conceptualizing the show, teaching equipment and software use, providing tips on how to find and book guests, and even acting as an interim host for your show until you’re ready to take off on your own.
“Podcast Karaoke”
Who said learning about history can't be fun?
If the Everything is a Primary Source Podcast was an extension of my teaching strategies, then my live podcast enrichment activity is my attempt to reach even further outside my history classroom.
The EPS Podcast LIVE! was launched in the Spring of 2022 and quickly became known as "Podcast Karaoke." Audience members become on-the-spot guests as I invite them to choose a pop culture "artifact" (toy, movie, book, game, etc.) and then record a conversation based on a critical thinking question. Podcast Karaoke is engaging, entertaining and educational, and appropriate for many settings and all ages. Students, teachers, library or business patrons, museum guests, festival attendees
Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone should have their voice heard.
Visit everything-history.com for more information and to book your consultation or podcast session today!