1st Edition

Engaging With History in the Classroom The American Revolution (Grades 6-8)

By Janice I. Robbins, Carol L. Tieso Copyright 2014
    186 Pages
    by Prufrock Press

    Engaging With History in the Classroom: The American Revolution is the first in a series of middle-grade U.S. history units that focus on what it means to be an American citizen, living in a democracy that expects as much from its citizens as it provides to them. In every lesson, students are asked to step into the world of the 18th-century American colonies, to hear about and to see what was happening, to read the words of real people and to imagine their hopes, dreams, and feelings. Students also learn to question the accounts left behind and to recognize different perspectives on events that marked the beginnings of our country as an independent nation. Resources for teachers include a running script useful as a model for guiding conceptualization as well as extensive teacher notes with practical suggestions for personalizing activities.

    Grades 6-8

    Unit Overview Lesson 1 What Do You Know About the American Revolution? Lesson 2 What Is Conflict? Lesson 3 Whose Land Is It, Anyway? Lesson 4 What Caused Growing Discontent in the Colonies? Lesson 5 How Did Feelings of Discontent Escalate? Lesson 6 How Did the Conflict Over Citizens’ Rights Lead to War? Lesson 7 The Signers: Heroes or Traitors? Lesson 8 What Are the Key Ideas in the Declaration of Independence? Lesson 9 What Was Life Like on the Front Lines? Lesson 10 How Did Americans Achieve Victory at Yorktown? Lesson 11 Did the American Revolution Result in Equality for All? Lesson 12 What Have We Learned About the American Revolution? References Appendix A: Concept Development Strategies Appendix B: Books About the American Revolution About the Authors Common Core State Standards Alignment

    Biography

    Janice I. Robbins, Ph.D., is an instructor in gifted education at the College of William and Mary. She was formerly Curriculum Chief for the Department of Defense Schools worldwide as well as a district gifted coordinator, principal, and teacher.

    Carol L. Tieso, Ph.D., serves as Associate Dean for Academic Programs and an associate professor of gifted education at the College of William and Mary. Additionally, she teaches graduate courses in gifted education and research design.

    . . . For a new teacher without any curriculum options at his or her disposal, this is an incredibly rich resource. For a teacher with an existing curriculum, it is useful as well—one in which the teacher can “choose their own adventure,” picking from some well-thought-out course material, deciding what offerings best supplement their current content in the classroom and what suits their teaching style and objectives . . . . Overall, this is an extremely worthwhile tool for United States History teachers to have on the actual or virtual bookshelf. The four-book series can be used by any teacher, regardless of where they are in their career, to enhance their curriculum.,Jody Passanisi, Shara Peters ,MiddleWeb, 4/5/15
    Primary sources and authentic artifacts enhance history lessons and help to create inviting learning environments for students while developing in-depth conceptual knowledge. Janice I. Robbins and Carol L. Tieso present a series of four books that entice middle school students to explore . . . The books are replete with lessons, handouts, and thorough instructions for teachers to build knowledge and perspective in their classroom while following history curriculum standards.,Gifted Child Today, 12/17/15