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Social Studies Teachers Chatboard

Funding a Nation Broadcast

by Faithe Smith

Sep 21, 2011

During this broadcast, our first president and two members of his cabinet discuss and debate the ways and means of financing the government of our fledgling nation. This free program will be broadcast via satellite and the Internet.

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Government for 3rd grade

by krayray

Oct 1, 2011

Does anyone have activities for teaching three brnaches of gov.'t and all the other govt things we need to do in GA?

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Sara On 10/01/11, krayray wrote: > Does anyone have activities for teaching three brnaches of > gov.'t and all the other govt things we need to do in GA?

I declare some of my students to be on the Supreme Court. I declare others to have been elected to Congress. And I choose a President (that's often not easy)

And then I put the ...See More

Oct 5, 2011

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Differational Instruction

by Shannon

Oct 16, 2011

I know that following the models of differentiation may be hard in the classroom because of time contraiants. What are some of the easiest ways to differentiate instruction within the classrom while being the most beneficial to students?

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Great Activities 4 Teaching Government + US & World History

by Joseph

Oct 26, 2011

I wanted to share something that has been great for me as a someone who teaches government. I'm currently using a program called "Lessons on American Government" (reproducible lessons published by Learning Center USA) in my classes. It has been a tremendous help. You can use these materials exclusively throughout the year, or you can mix in the les...See More

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Erik S. If you're looking for eBooks with activities & worksheets for history/government, GoEd Online has many to choose from that are much more affordable.

[link removed]

On 10/26/11, Joseph wrote: > I wanted to share something that has been great for me as a > someone who teaches government. I'm currently using a > program ...See More

Jan 13, 2012

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Joseph Sorry I did not see your post until now. As far as what kinds of activities are included...it's hard for me to describe because there are so many different ones and there's nothing I can think of to really compare them to. Many of the lessons are great at involving the class in a group activity. There are fun contests and games that you can do with...See MoreSorry I did not see your post until now. As far as what kinds of activities are included...it's hard for me to describe because there are so many different ones and there's nothing I can think of to really compare them to. Many of the lessons are great at involving the class in a group activity. There are fun contests and games that you can do with the whole class while other lessons can be done by students individually. There's a nice mix. The information included in the lessons is excellent and to-the- point. I would say the lesson topics should work well with most any US government curriculum as the information included with them is good quality and to-the-point. But back to the activities themselves, once I have gone through an activity with the class...depending on the type of lesson, there is often times a follow up 20 question quiz included. I have a pretty solid routine now where I will go through one of the activities on one day. Then for homework I have my students study the handout sheets that were part of the activity, as well as have them read a selection from our textbook that deals with the same topic as the lesson. Then the next time I meet with those students, at the beginning of the class period, I will give them the 20 question quiz to assess their progress. The kids always know that there will be a quiz at the beginning of each period testing them on what they learned the last time we met, so I find this gives them extra incentive to study and show up prepared. Once we are done with the quiz, which does not take too long, I move on to the next lesson/activity for the remainder of that period, and the pattern continues. This program has worked very well for me.

If I was you, I would either email and ask for a sample or to be honest, just buy one of the books from whatever series you are interested in and see for yourself what is included. I know we all have different styles of teaching and different students, but for me I am sold on this stuff and I'm pretty sure at the very least you would not be disappointed.

OH....and to the person who said "don't be lazy" in response to my original post about using these lesson books, I find that to be quite insulting. I am very dedicated to my career and to my students. Just because I have not personally created every single esson that I am using in no way makes me lazy. That is a ridiculous statement. I found something that has helped out a lot and my students have responded positively to the activities and the structure in which I have developed within each class. To say these lessons are mostly just worksheets could not be any further from the truth. Sounds like you may be the one who is lazy as you might not have taken the time to fully understand and or properly conduct the activities.

On 1/01/12, historyteacher wrote: > These look interesting. I wonder if you could describe what > sorts of activities are included? I wish there was a sample > to look at before purchasing. > > On 10/26/11, Joseph wrote: >> I wanted to share something that has been great for me as a >> someone who teaches government. I'm currently using a >> program called "Lessons on American Government" >> (reproducible lessons published by Learning Center USA) in >> my classes. It has been a tremendous help. You can use >> these materials exclusively throughout the year, or you can >> mix in the lessons with some of your own ideas. I use it >> right along with the textbook, but there's also a lot of >> information in the lessons themselves. I'd be lost without >> this stuff. >> >> If you go to learningcenterusa.net and click on "American >> Government" you can get more info. I'd highly recommend >> checking it out if you're in need of a great resource for >> teaching US government. You don't have to buy the whole >> program (there are 7 parts/lesson books)....although I did >> because that way you can get it on CD and it covers the >> whole course. Without a doubt, it's the best money I've >> ever spent for my classroom. These lessons do a great job >> of keeping my students awake and involved during class. >> >> There are also other programs available for US history, >> world history, etc. If anyone actually benefits from this >> recommendation, I'd be interested to know.

Jan 25, 2012

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WW2 -- History day topic

by Revolution, Reaction and Reform

Nov 2, 2011

OK my 7th grade students do History Day. This year the theme is Revolution, Reform, and Reaction. I am doing pretty good at helping students fit the topics that they want to study with this year's theme, however I cam coming up blank on WW2 and I have about 12 students who want to do this topic. I did come up with one idea for the Holocaust, which ...See More

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Sara On 11/02/11, Revolution, Reaction and Reform wrote: > OK my 7th grade students do History Day. This year the > theme is Revolution, Reform, and Reaction. I am doing > pretty good at helping students fit the topics that they > want to study with this year's theme, however I cam coming > up blank on WW2 and I have about 12 students who...See More

Nov 3, 2011

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RRR On 11/03/11, Sara wrote: > On 11/02/11, Revolution, Reaction and Reform wrote: >> OK my 7th grade students do History Day. This year the >> theme is Revolution, Reform, and Reaction. I am doing >> pretty good at helping students fit the topics that they >> want to study with this year's theme, however I cam coming >>...See MoreOn 11/03/11, Sara wrote: > On 11/02/11, Revolution, Reaction and Reform wrote: >> OK my 7th grade students do History Day. This year the >> theme is Revolution, Reform, and Reaction. I am doing >> pretty good at helping students fit the topics that they >> want to study with this year's theme, however I cam coming >> up blank on WW2 and I have about 12 students who want to do >> this topic. > > Isn't any war a form of revolution? Indeed, Hitler did > overthrow the established government of Germany and assumed the > power of a dictator - there are violent revolutions and not > violent revolutions. He used the old man who had been lawfully > elected - this site does a nice job of detailing the revolution > that Hitler occasioned in Germany as he wrested power. > [link removed].

Your right. ANy war could fit this category, however the students only have 500 words to explain the events leading up to the "event", the event itself, and the impact or aftermath of the event. They also must count all the words in their captions, title, subtitles, and thesis in this 500 word count. What I am looking for is much narrower topics that fits the theme with in the WW2 subject area.

I have been able to switch two of my guys out of WW2 already. They liked the idea of tanks, so I suggested World War 1 and the invention of tanks and tank tactics.

> > I did come up with one idea for the Holocaust, >> which was the Nuremberg Trials. I have a couple of ideas >> that would be doable if they were in 11th or 12th grade, >> but these are 7th graders. >> >> You can use one, two or all three of the three R's. Also >> revolution can be any major change in the way things are >> done. >> >> Other students' topics that I am also having difficulties >> with. 1. Norway > > Have this student research Quisling - the traitor in Norway > who agreed with Hitler's reforms. > > 2. Venice > > Research the flood gates they built in Venice against the > wishes of many of the Italian people.

I like this idea, she may go for it.

> > 3. Vietnam War > > Research the 1968 Democratic Convention which was a form of > revolution when the Democratic Party did not endorse an > anti-war candidate.

I will run this one by the student, but I don't think he will go for it. I already tried th the idea of the student antiwar movement during this time but he wants a "WAR - War" topic. >

> 4. Canada, >> especially Toronto > > Why didn't Canada join the U.S. in its resistance to Great Britain?

I like this one, I will definitely run it by her tomorrow.

> > 5. Clothing/fashion This student has a >> lot of difficulty reading, so material must be easily >> available at a middle school reading level. > > Mini-skirts in the 1960s were a 'revolution' in the dress code. > Women's skirts had never been so short (however commonplace it > might be now)

This idea might be a winner. The other ideas I had were Jeans.

> > >> >> Thank you for your help.

Nov 3, 2011

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how do you motivate apathetic students who are poor readers?

by Mpachank

Nov 4, 2011

I teach general level 11th grade American history, and the majority of my student are reading below grade level and are happy if they make a D-.

I love my subject and try my best to make it relevant and interesting.

I'm required to stick to the state pacing guide and comprehensive curriculum and don't have much leeway to add in ...See More

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Jo Not one person here accused you of just doing bookwork all class and sending them home to study. No one accused you of making tricky questions.

However, it seems you solved your problem by history teacher's suggestion. Have your "study" session in class instead of them doing it at home since the only thing missing is them studying at home...See More

Nov 9, 2011

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GW @ Mpachank LOVE YOUR POST!!! I can tell you love your job. My hat is off to you. As a teacher and a parent of a LD student, thank you for your concern. It means alot to the students. I really wish that more teachers would try to understand that for these kids, many do not try for fear of failure and frustration.

On 11/07/11, depression and discourag...See MoreLOVE YOUR POST!!! I can tell you love your job. My hat is off to you. As a teacher and a parent of a LD student, thank you for your concern. It means alot to the students. I really wish that more teachers would try to understand that for these kids, many do not try for fear of failure and frustration.

On 11/07/11, depression and discouragement breeds apathy wrote: > On 11/04/11, Mpachank wrote: > > Poor readers are discouraged - don't mistake it for pure > apathy. If you can't read well, you can't do well in school > because school is based on reading and history classes > especially so. > > For such kids, I don't assign them reading - it's pointless. > Textbook reading is difficult at best - textbook writing tends > to be very dry and with long stilted sentences. Poor readers > simply can't make any sense of textbook reading. > > I rewrite the material and in one succinct page and we read > that aloud in class - I let students volunteer to read. If they > don't, then I read it in a clear, expressive voice. And the > rest of the class is activity and discussion based. > > To get these kids to break through their depression and seeming > apathy, you have to contrive some success for them. I give > quizzes that are easy but your students are juniors - they've > known 11 years of failure in school. It's NOT easy to break > through that. > > Projects don't need to be added in - condense the textbook into > a handout and add that in. It can be done. > > Picture yourself with handcuffs on and being told to sculpt in > clay and with enthusiasm - could you muster enthusiasm to > sculpt with handcuffs on? Or picture yourself taking a history > class but the instruction is in Hungarian. Do you speak Hungarian? > > History as it's given to us in textbooks and curriculum guides > is way too detailed and too many history classes are almost > solely about memorizing details - that's why even good readers > end up hating history. > > Teach the concepts - when we broke away from England, we were > like 13 rebellious teenagers. When we had our Civil War, we > were like two siblings angry with each other. They can > understand history when it's taught in concepts rather than in > details. > > > Make your tests open note, short and concept based. And what > kind of a future do these kids really have? Why would they be > chipper in times like this? You can at least make your class a > brighter spot in their day but no teacher can promise students > in a general track a promising future. >> >> Help!

Dec 14, 2011

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British North America Student Indepedent Project

by Minh Huynh

Nov 14, 2011

I'm looking for indepedent project ideas dealing with British North America for students in grade 7 history. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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brachhus Their interactions with the native americans. Bond servants/indentured servants slavery in the british colonies

On 11/14/11, Minh Huynh wrote: > I'm looking for indepedent project ideas dealing with > British North America for students in grade 7 history. Any > suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Nov 15, 2011

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Social Studies Simulations in the Classroom (Survey)

by Brian Wolterman

Nov 15, 2011

Hello everyone,

I'm currently working on completing my Master of Education (K-12 Social Studies) at Xavier University.

For my research project, I am studying the use and effectiveness of simulations (i.e. role-playing activities, games, and the use of digital or computer simulations) in the Social Studies classroom for grades 7-...See More

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Layered Curriculum?

by Turtle

Nov 16, 2011

Hi all,

I am thinking of moving to a layered curriculum but am not sure.

Are any of using it now and if so, or not, any thoughts on why?

Thanks!

Turtle

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Bulldog back to Joe Sorry I haven't been around for a few. It depends on the actual unit, but we usually have two or three assignments. We look at the degree of difficulty on the assignments as well as the estimated time it would take for the student to complete each layer.

Hope this helps.

Bulldog!

On 11/22/11, Joe/HS/CT wrote: > I am u...See More

Dec 1, 2011

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sonya I was just doing some research for a new unit on Maus and came across this discussion. First, let me say that I teach all girls in a residential facility, English, grades 8-12. Abilities are literally from one end of the spectrum to the other. I needed a new approach. I first used layered curriculum this year. As we all know, every student is diffe...See MoreI was just doing some research for a new unit on Maus and came across this discussion. First, let me say that I teach all girls in a residential facility, English, grades 8-12. Abilities are literally from one end of the spectrum to the other. I needed a new approach. I first used layered curriculum this year. As we all know, every student is different. Most of the kids loved it, once they got started. I did have one class who requested a more traditional approach- my 10th graders. I made it a stipulation that they were NOT allowed to complete only the first (lowest) level. I like that it allows the kids to work at their own pace and set goals. The kids like that they can also be creative and not just have to write all the time. It's really a trick! They do create a lot of writing, just in smaller chunks. I can assess a true understanding of the material through their work and our one on one conferences after each assignment. I love it and will continue to use it! Sonya On 12/01/11, Bulldog back to Joe wrote: > Sorry I haven't been around for a few. It depends on the actual unit, > but we usually have two or three assignments. We look at the degree of > difficulty on the assignments as well as the estimated time it would > take for the student to complete each layer. > > Hope this helps. > > Bulldog! > > On 11/22/11, Joe/HS/CT wrote: >> I am using it right now in one of my World History classes. I >> created a two day layered curriculum activity based on one of the >> topics we're currently studying. Students have to do 1 of 3 > choices >> for the C layer, everyone has to do the same B layer assignment, >> and they have to do 1 of 2 choices in the A layer. Bulldog, how >> many choices do you include for your two day layered curriculum >> units? >> >> On 11/21/11, Bulldog wrote: >>> I use it for my US Govt class. We do instruction on Mon and >>> Tues, work on Weds and Thurs, tests on Fri. It works well. I >>> would hesitate using it with younger students as they often lack >>> the drive and discipline. >>> >>> Good luck with whatever you decide. >>> >>> Bulldog! >>> >>> On 11/21/11, Andrea wrote: >>>> I tried layered curriculum for a short while, but dropped it >>>> for the same reasons Linde listed. If you go to the website >>>> [link removed]

Dec 28, 2011

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