Teach the Meaning and Message of Animal Farm Before Its Netflix Release

| By Gale Staff | The 2025 film adaptation of Animal Farm promises to breathe new life into George Orwell’s satire of the Soviet Union for a modern audience. However, the story’s symbolism contains a complex and profoundly important message that risks misinterpretation without the necessary context. What better place to help your students appreciate … Read more

Discover Ronald Reagan’s Road to the Presidency

| By Gale Staff | Ronald Reagan was one of the most prominent American presidents of the 20th century. He was a charismatic, confident leader who helped define the modern Republican party. He prioritized domestic affairs, reduced federal oversight, and implemented significant tax cuts. He led a campaign of antagonism against the former Soviet Union, … Read more

Shine a Light on Ground-breaking Female Inventors

| By Gale Staff | In 1867, Wladyslaw and Bronislawa Sklodowska welcomed their fifth child, a girl named Maria. Growing up in Poland, Maria was a motivated and curious student. However, despite excelling academically, she could not attend the all-male University of Warsaw. In her early 20s, Maria left Poland to enroll at the prestigious … Read more

Explore the Quirky History Behind Groundhog Day

February can be a tough month. The days are still short, the magic of the holidays has ebbed, and spring break feels miles away. If you’re in need of a fun lesson plan to shake things up, look no further than Groundhog Day! With Gale In Context: Elementary, the lesson plan is easy to pull … Read more

Add Some Sparkle to Christmas-Themed Lesson Plans

| By Gale Staff | With the winter break fast approaching, elementary teachers are undoubtedly preparing light-hearted, holiday-themed activities. Among other popular holidays such as Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and the Winter Solstice, Christmas is one of the most widely observed holidays in the United States, with around 93% of Americans celebrating it in some fashion. Your … Read more

Head to the Movies with Gale In Context

| By Carol Brennan | This December promises to be an exciting one for moviegoers of all ages, and Gale In Context: Biography is a tremendous resource for discovering more about the stars and creative professionals behind some notable releases. The animated feature Moana 2 hit theaters in late November 2024, just in time for … Read more

Honor the Abolition Movement’s Ongoing Legacy

| By Gale Staff | Slavery is a dark chapter in American history. The Atlantic slave trade forced an estimated 12.5 million West Africans into enslavement—and from that number, an estimated 2 million died during the Atlantic crossing. The U.S. government considered these men and women to be the personal property of their owners. In … Read more

Share Valentine’s Day Around the World

| By Gale Staff | Americans love Valentine’s Day. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent more than $25 billion on the holiday in 2024. That’s a lot of chocolate! That same year, Target’s limited-edition Valentine’s Day–themed tumblers sparked retail chaos, reselling online for almost $250 each. Beyond the flowers, cards, and candlelit dinners, … Read more