Curriculum for Government Class--Ages 8-12? (Full Version)

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amannoftruth -> Curriculum for Government Class--Ages 8-12? (9/1/2008 1:31:11 AM)

I will be teaching two sections of government for our homeschool support group--one for 8-9 year olds, and one for 10-12 year olds. There will be ten weekly class periods, each 35 minutes long.

Is anyone aware of some type of curriculum available online (for free, or close to free) that someone else has already put together for a government class for this age range? I never like to reinvent the wheel if I can avoid it!



dianetavegia -> RE: Curriculum for Government Class--Ages 8-12? (9/1/2008 8:22:28 AM)

I would suggest you ask on www.freecycle.com for some history books for grades 1-7. I REALLY liked (our son who is 13 really liked) the Bob Jones History books. I just gave away 6th and 7th grade world history to a mom (p/s teacher) who had quit her job and pulled her kids from school.

In Georgia, 8th grade is state history. 6th and 7th grades were pretty much review of what had been learned the previous years.

If you've not heard of Freecycle, you join for your county/ area and items are always FREE.



sen10tious -> RE: Curriculum for Government Class--Ages 8-12? (9/1/2008 8:44:54 AM)

You might want to check out National Standards to give yourself a baseline. Grades 5-8 are here: http://www.civiced.org/index.php?page=58toc If you need to adjust that up or down there will be options in the side bar. This site also offers some online curricular material, but I was not overly impressed by it.

You ought to check out what is available on your home state's Department of Education website because the 10-12 age group is prime time for state history.

You asked for free—there is: http://free.ed.gov/ but you are on your own in searching it because I used it only to look for art class. They have a long listing under social studies though.

The National Museum of Patriotism offers free lesson plans. This is the middle school link: http://www.museumofpatriotism.org/Education/lpMiddle.html Checking out museum sites often offers great little nuggets.

If you can find it at your library for free, ask about Are you Conservative, Liberal, or Just Confused? The author is pretty biased, but in a way that does not conflict with biblical concepts, and the level of instruction is very good for that age group. Here is a book review: http://homeschoolchristian.com/Reviews/AreYouLiberal.html



dramagal -> RE: Curriculum for Government Class--Ages 8-12? (9/7/2008 12:56:21 AM)

When I went to the homeschool convention, I came across HSLDA's Generation Joshua.

Here are some of the online courses they offer:

quote:

Generation Joshua currently offers the following courses:

Introduction to Constitutional Law
Campaign School: Successful Campaigning
Revolutionary War Era Sermons
The Federalist Papers
Democracy in America
The Great Awakening
Constitutional Convention- Group Course
America's Founding Documents
Founding Fathers I, II (now available)
Founding Fathers III (coming soon


GenerationJoshua

It's more than courses. They encourage youth working to have an impact on the nation.



MrsDC -> RE: Curriculum for Government Class--Ages 8-12? (9/7/2008 8:37:49 PM)

For a 10 week class, I would avoid a standard history text. Actually, I would avoid a history text period, but that's just my style.

The first thing that jumps to my mind is a study on the Declaration of Independence, but you know better what YOU are interested in and what your strengths are.

You and your students will enjoy the class more if you are really interested in your topic and if you can share that interest with them.

Check out this site for some topic ideas. The History Channel

I once downloaded a study on the Declaration of Independence and even though I have it in my hand, I can't find the link to it. Of course, I printed it out more than 5 years ago, so who knows where the link has moved to!

Anyway, once you decide what you want as your topic, you'll have an easier time finding lesson plans/teacher helps. "US Government" is a huge topic. You'll quickly find yourself overwhelmed.

I hope that was helpful! Good luck with your class!
-- Rebecca



bzirk -> RE: Curriculum for Government Class--Ages 8-12? (9/7/2008 9:54:31 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: MrsDC

For a 10 week class, I would avoid a standard history text. Actually, I would avoid a history text period, but that's just my style.



I agree. History texts are mostly good for an outline to follow.

quote:



The first thing that jumps to my mind is a study on the Declaration of Independence, but you know better what YOU are interested in and what your strengths are.

You and your students will enjoy the class more if you are really interested in your topic and if you can share that interest with them.

Check out this site for some topic ideas. The History Channel

I once downloaded a study on the Declaration of Independence and even though I have it in my hand, I can't find the link to it. Of course, I printed it out more than 5 years ago, so who knows where the link has moved to!

Anyway, once you decide what you want as your topic, you'll have an easier time finding lesson plans/teacher helps. "US Government" is a huge topic. You'll quickly find yourself overwhelmed.

I hope that was helpful! Good luck with your class!
-- Rebecca


Here's a link for the Declaration of Independence and other documents relating to the federal government:

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/help/constRedir.html

Here are some more links that might be helpful:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/kids/

http://thomas.loc.gov/teachers/

http://free.ed.gov/subjects.cfm?subject_id=173&toplvl=178



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