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The Productive Teacher
I help teachers and parents build knowledgeable, skilled readers based on research findings within the Science of Reading.
Explore the Parts of Literacy
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About Me
Hi, I’m Cate, a teacher, literacy researcher, writer, and mom of four. I have taught elementary and middle school since 2012 and am currently a Ph.D. student in Literacy, Language, and Culture at Texas Woman’s University.
As the mother of two children with dyslexia, I am passionate about making learning to read accessible to as many children as possible by empowering teachers and parents with knowledge and practical resources grounded in literacy research.
You can reach me anytime at Cate@TheProductiveTeacher.org!
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The Branches of Buddhism for AP World History
A study of the branches of Buddhism is an illustrative example of the Developments in East Asia from 1200 to 1450 topic in Unit 1 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test. 708528109/Shutterstock The different branches of Buddhism, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan (a form of Vajrayana), each offer unique approaches and practices that cater to diverse spiritual needs. Here’s a deeper look into these three major types: Therav
2 min read
The Spread of Chinese Literary Traditions to Japan and Korea for AP World History
The Spread of Chinese Literary Traditions to Japan and Korea is an illustrative example of the Developments in East Asia from 1200 to 1450 topic in Unit 1 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test. 299173025/Shutterstock From ancient times through the medieval period, China was seen as the cultural and intellectual epicenter of East Asia. The Chinese system of writing, its philosophies, religious texts, and bureaucratic practices were
2 min read
Confucianism and Women for AP World History
The role of women in Confucianism is an illustrative example of the Developments in East Asia from 1200 to 1450 topic in Unit 1 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test. 266339537/Shutterstock Confucianism, an ancient Chinese philosophy developed by Confucius during the 6th to 5th century BCE, has significantly influenced the cultural and social norms of East Asian societies. This philosophy emphasizes ethics, morality, and social ha
3 min read
Neo-Confucianism and Buddhism in East Asia for AP World History
Neo-Confucianism and Buddhism deeply influenced East Asian intellectual, cultural, and spiritual life through a complex interplay of adaptation, contention, and synthesis. Neo-Confucianism and Buddhism in East Asia are an illustrative example of the Developments in East Asia from 1200 to 1450 topic in Unit 1 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test. 1210862998/Shutterstock Neo-Confucianism emerged in China around the 11th century dur
2 min read
Filial Piety in East Asia for AP World History
Filial piety in East Asia is an illustrative example of the Developments in East Asia from 1200 to 1450 topic in Unit 1 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test. 266339537/Shutterstock Filial piety, a concept at the very heart of East Asian societies, has shaped the social fabric of countries like China, Korea, and Japan for centuries. This principle, deeply rooted in Confucian philosophy, emphasizes respect, obedience, and care for
2 min read
Developments in Europe from 1200 to 1450 for AP World History
2379125377/Shutterstock In today’s presentation, we will explore the developments in Europe between 1200 and 1450, an era marked by profound changes and enduring legacies. From the remnants of feudalism, a system that defined the social and political structures after the fall of Rome, to the cultural rebirth of the Renaissance, this period was pivotal in shaping modern Europe. We will explore the societal impacts of the Little Ice Age and the devastating consequences of the P
16 min read
State Building in Africa for AP World History
Africa’s history is marked by the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms and empires, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Africa’s historical and cultural landscape. From the grandeur of the Mali Empire, renowned for its wealth and the legendary pilgrimage of Mansa Musa, to the architectural marvels of Great Zimbabwe and the strategic trading centers of the Swahili Coast, this period highlights the complexity and diversity of African societies. We will explore how these sta
15 min read
Developments in Dar al-Islam from 1200 to 1450 for AP World History
2341238093/Shutterstock The developments in Dar al-Islam from 1200 to 1450 represented an important part of the Golden Age of Islam. Spanning from the Iberian Peninsula in the West to the Indian subcontinent in the East, this period was characterized by significant expansion, intellectual flourishing, and cultural synthesis within the realms of Islam. We will explore the dynamic political landscapes marked by the rise and fall of powerful caliphates and sultanates, delve int
9 min read
Developments in South and Southeast Asia from 1200 to 1450 for AP World History
The developments in South and Southeast Asia from 1200 to 1450 marked dynamic cultural, political, and economic transformations. This era witnessed the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms, the spread of major religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, and the emergence of intricate trade networks that linked these regions with the wider world. From the majestic temples of Angkor in the Khmer Empire to the bustling trade ports of the Srivijaya and Majapahit empires, we wi
17 min read
Developments in East Asia from 1200 to 1450 for AP World History
439146580/Shutterstock In this exploration, we turn our gaze to East Asia between 1200 and 1450, a period marked by profound transformations and enduring legacies. This era witnessed the rise of powerful dynasties, such as the Mongol Empire under Kublai Khan and the Ming dynasty in China, which reshaped the region’s political landscape. We will examine the flourishing of trade along the Silk Road, advancements in technology and culture, and the spread of philosophies and reli
11 min read
State Building in the Americas for AP World History
In this presentation, we delve into the incredible world of indigenous state-building in the Americas, where civilizations like the Inca, Aztec, and Mississippian cultures laid the foundations of complex societies well before European contact. We’ll explore their monumental achievements in architecture, agriculture, and trade, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of these ancient societies. Join us as we uncover the sophisticated organizational structures and enduring lega
11 min read
FREE AP World History Note-Taking Template
As I was working on the information pages for all of the different topics and time periods covered in the AP World History curriculum, I kept thinking about how I would have students take notes on this massive amount of information. At first, I thought I might make notes pages for each topic. I quickly dismissed this idea because it would take an extraordinary amount of time, and it wouldn’t be very helpful as people would have to guess at what I was thinking or constantly ch
3 min read
Continuity and Change in a Globalized World for AP World History
This is the last topic in the AP World History curriculum! This section reviews the big ideas from all of Unit 9. Read the Google Slides to learn about continuity and change in a globalized world. How Technology Has Changed the World Over the past century, technology has revolutionized the world in profound ways, reshaping how we communicate, travel, and interact on a global scale. One of the most significant advancements has been in communication technology. From the inve
8 min read
Institutions Developing in a Globalized World for AP World History
Globalization makes the world a much smaller place. To maintain peace, countries need to work together. After World War II, countries created global institutions to help maintain peace. These institutions include the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These are just a few of the institutions that have developed in our globalized world. Read the Google Slides to learn about institutions developing in a globalized world. Institutions i
6 min read
The Advent of Locally Developed Social Media Networks for AP World History
The advent of locally developed social media networks is an illustrative example of the Resistance to Globalization after 1900 topic in Unit 9 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test. 1338120284/Shutterstock Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, shaping how we connect, communicate, and consume information. While platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram dominate much of the Western world’s social media l
2 min read
Anti-IMF and Anti-World Bank Activism for AP World History
Anti-IMF and Anti-World Bank Activism is an illustrative example of the Resistance to Globalization after 1900 topic in Unit 9 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test. Rafael Correa 1477822472/Shutterstock In recent decades, globalization has spurred interconnectedness among nations, fostering economic integration and interdependence. However, this phenomenon has also birthed a wave of resistance, particularly again
2 min read
Resistance to Globalization after 1900 for AP World History
While there were many positives to globalization, some groups resisted it. Reasons included unfairness to developing nations and the poor, destruction of the environment, and a loss of culture. Read the Google Slides to learn about resistance to globalization after 1900. Illustrative Examples Anti-IMF and Anti-World Bank Activism Local Social Media Resistance to Globalization Resistance to globalization after 1900 emerged as a response to the rapid changes brought about b
4 min read
Global Brands for AP World History
Global brands are an illustrative example of the Globalized Culture after 1900 topic in Unit 9 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test. 281533826/Shutterstock Global brands like Coca-Cola and Toyota serve as powerful examples of how businesses can transcend national boundaries to become iconic symbols of global culture. Coca-Cola, founded in 1886 by Dr. John Pemberton, emerged as the world’s leading beverage company, with its signat
2 min read
Online Commerce for AP World History
Online commerce is an illustrative example of the Globalized Culture after 1900 topic in Unit 9 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test. 2345681387/Shutterstock Online commerce, also known as e-commerce, stands as a prime example of global consumerism, revolutionizing the way people buy and sell goods around the world. Its history traces back to the early days of the internet, with the first online retail transaction occurring in 19
2 min read
Sports for AP World History
Sports is an illustrative example of the Globalized Culture after 1900 topic in Unit 9 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test. 2179682561/Shutterstock Sports serve as a compelling example of globalized culture, transcending geographical boundaries and uniting people from diverse backgrounds through the universal language of competition and athleticism. Throughout history, sports have played a significant role in culture, serving as
2 min read
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