Submit Ideas for Cash

Submit your ideas for cash on The Mailbox website. For each idea they accept you get $20! I just submitted an idea and it was already accepted! Give it a shot! It doesn't hurt to try. 

Free Online Government and Economics Classes for High Schoolers

Hillsdale College offers FREE online courses in government and economics (and a few others). They recommend these classes for high school and beyond. They are self paced and can be started anytime.

Life Bible Booklets

I just learned about this amazing resource, Life Bible Booklets.

This website has printable Bible booklets from early readers to completely independent readers. All booklets (besides the early reader level) have a worksheet that goes along with it as well. What an amazing resource!

Proof The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading Actually Works

In June, after we had finished our school year, I had my kids take the DORA reading assessment (purchased through Seton Testing and administered online through Let's Go Learn).

We took summer off from school. We started back in August, and I began using The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading with my 4th grade struggling (dyslexic) reader. We finished the book in 10 weeks. It wasn't always easy. We both wanted to pull our hair out sometimes. It was 10 weeks of intense work. However, it worked. Here's proof.

The DORA Reading Assessment tested her high frequency words, word recognition, phonics, spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension. Here are her results:

Let's take a moment and praise God right now!!!! Her high frequency word score stayed the same, but that doesn't surprise me, or concern me, because TOPGTR is a phonics program, not a sight word program. As you can see her overall word recognition jumped significantly. However, the main score I wanted on this test was that phonics score...what the book is all about. She went from a high second grade level to a mid 4th level (aka right where she should be) in 10 weeks. She did not score a 4.83, which doesn't surprise me either, because the last 2 sections of TOPGTR are the multi-syllable sections, and she struggled most with those. However, that's okay. I know what to continue to work on. Besides, that is expected to be mastered by the end of her 4th grade year. We have time. She's never had a problem with vocabulary and comprehension, but those increased slightly anyway.

The author of TOPGTR specifically states in the book not to worry about spelling while focusing on getting the child reading. So, we didn't. Her spelling still increased slightly, but this is obviously something we will now need to put more intensive work in.

It is said that at the end of TOPGTR students are left reading at a 4th grade level. Well, here's proof.

Note: Below is an affiliate link. I get a portion of the sale price via Amazon credit if you purchase through my link (which I'd greatly appreciate). However, I purchased this book on my own, and this post and my previous review are all true to my own opinions and experience.

The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading Review

I found this book over summer accidentally through a google search. It intrigued me, so I bought it used on Amazon. This is my review of the book/program.

I used this book with my 9 year old struggling reader. We got through the entire book (231 lessons) in 10 weeks. This book would likely take 2 years to get through with a young student/new reader. Used as a remedial program you can work through as slow or as fast as you need.

Pros:

• Reasonably priced (especially if you use it over and over)
• Teaches phonics systematically
• There is no grade level, therefore older kids do not feel like they are "behind"
• Scripted (tells you exactly what to say and do)
• Doesn't require any prep work (open and go)
• Non-consumable

Cons:

• May be boring or overwhelming with both parent and student text on one page and no pictures 
• Doesn't go in depth into how to apply phonics rules when reading outside of this book
• A few times I found that sounds were taught differently than we say them (this is a dialect issue I'm sure-we are from California/Arizona)
• The "rules" associated with some words/phonograms aren't always explicitly explained-for example, it may say something like, "These words come from the French language so they have this sound..." and basically the student needs to memorize those words have that sound versus being able to apply the rule

Bottom Line: I recommend this book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to be used as a remedial phonics program for older/struggling kids. I think it can definitely work with younger kids, but may not be every young kids cup of tea. My 9 year old did not always love the lessons, and would sometimes get frustrated. However, she feels very accomplished and reading is now easier for her, which ultimately makes us both happy. It was extremely easy to use on my (the teacher's) end.

If you'd like to purchase this book yourself, I'd appreciate it if you'd use my affiliate link (which gives me a portion of the purchase price in Amazon credit). Thank you!

Early 19th Century Family Life and Culture

Read about Pioneer life. Read more about life in the 19th century.



Read about Pioneer hygeine.

Learn about Pioneer children's experiences in this PowerPoint.


Do this Pioneer life word search.

Do one of these Pioneer crafts.

Older elementary students can do this Pioneer life research project.

Watch this video:

In the 19th century children learned to read using McGuffey readers. You can download the 6 McGuffey readers, the McGuffey primer, and the McGuffey spelling book here. Practice reading this week from the readers!

The Industrial Revolution

• Read about the Industrial Revolution and do the accompanying worksheets (middle-high school students).

• Follow the links on this page to research the Industrial Revolution.

• Research the major inventions of the Industrial Revolution using this worksheet.

• Do this vocabulary cut and paste worksheet.

• Enjoy viewing this PowerPoint showing fashion styles during the Industrial Revolution.

• Read about the Rhode Island System of Labor. Can you imagine your entire family working at these factories? Read more about child labor during the Industrial Revolution.

• Read about the Lowell System. If you are a girl, would you want to work and live in a Lowell factory?

• Read about Samuel Morse. Then practice using Morse code. When you think you're ready, practice on this Morse Code Machine (totally fun, even had me hooked).

• Listen to the Erie Canal song:

Manifest Destiny, Native Americans, and the Mexican War

Note: There is a lot covered in this lesson. You could easily spread it out over 2 (or more) weeks.

Manifest Destiny-

Students read a small explanation of Manifest Destiny, analyze a picture and answer questions in this worksheet.

Middle school students can do this week long Manifest Destiny project.

You can use the word wall cards to practice vocabulary related to Manifest Destiny.


A  Westward Push-

View this PowerPoint on westward expansion.


Do this Oregon Trail webquest.

Read more about the Oregon Trail.

Identify parts of a covered wagon with this worksheet. Investigate reasons why the pioneers traveled west with this worksheet. Read and answer questions about the Oregon Trail in this reading passage and worksheet.

5th-10th grade students can do this Oregon Trail journal project.

Write about the Oregon Trail on this notebooking page.

Check out these Primary Sources from the Library of Congress.

Texas and the Alamo-

Read about the Battle of the Alamo.

Read this packet and do the worksheets. You may even want to try the sugar cube alamo project!


The California Gold Rush and the Forty-Niners-

Read about the Gold Rush.

Complete this Gold Rush activity pack and play the game.

Explore routes to California in this map activity.

Decorate this 49er.

Write about the Gold Rush on this notebooking page.

Native Americans-

Read about the Indian Removal Act.

Read about the Trail of Tears.

View these Native American photos.

The Mexican War-

Read about the Mexican-American war.

View this Mexican-American war PowerPoint.

Extras:

Watch the movie Seven Alone (Note: It's a bit shaky on this website, but free. You can also rent it on amazon but that costs).

Sing The Ballad of Davy Crockett:

Sing Oh My Darlin' Clementine:

Review events with this westward expansion timeline card set.

The Jacksonians and the Whigs

A New Political Era-

Watch a video and read about Jacksonian Democracy.


Watch a video and read about the Whig Party. Younger kids may read here.

The Five Civilized Nations-


Read about the five civilized tribes.

John Quincy Adams (1825-1829)-

Read about John Quincy Adams.

Write about John Quincy Adams on this notebooking page.

Andrew Jackson (1829-1837)-

Read about Andrew Jackson.

Write about Andrew Jackson on this notebooking page.

Middle school students can view this PowerPoint and complete the accompanying worksheet.

Martin Van Buren (1837-1841)-

Read about Martin Van Buren.

Write about Martin Van Buren on this notebooking page.

William Henry Harrison (1841)-

Read about William Henry Harrison.

Write about William Henry Harrison on this notebooking page.

John Tyler (1841-1845)-

Read about John Tyler.

Write about John Tyler, Jr. on this notebooking page.

James Polk (1845-1849)-

Read about James Polk.

Write about James Polk on this notebooking page.

EXTRAS:

View media of William Henry Harrison.

Have you ever been in a fight with a friend? What does the Bible say about friends? Read and discuss Proverbs 6:3, 17:9, 17:17, and 18:24.

Primary Language Lessons Printables

I have created printable worksheets that go along with Primary Language Lessons (stopped at Lesson 36 because we moved on to a different curriculum)

Lesson 2

Lesson 4

Lesson 8
Lesson 15 

Lesson 16
Lesson 20

Lesson 24
Lesson 25 
Lesson 26
Lesson 29
Lesson 31
Lesson 33
Lesson 36

The War of 1812 and Native American Battles in the Northwest Territory

Causes (and effects) of War-

View this PowerPoint for elementary students. Students can fill out this cause and effect worksheet.

Warfare with the Native Americans-

Read about Tecumseh's role in leading his warriors in major battles in 1812. This essay goes into a lot more depth for older middle school and high school students.

Canadian and Naval Battles-

Read about Captain Oliver Perry's successes in naval battles.

Battle of the Thames and the Battle of Bladensburg-

Read about the Battle of the Thames River. Then read about the Battle of Bladensburg.

Battle of Fort McHenry-

Read about the Battle that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner. Read more here.

The Battle of Horseshoe Bend and the Battle of New Orleans-

Read about the Battle of Horshoe Bend. Next, read about the Battle of New Orleans.

Now for my favorite part! The Battle of New Orleans song! It's extremely catchy, famous, and full of great information. I challenge you (moms included) to learn it!

The Treaty of Ghent-

Read about the Treaty of Ghent.

Extras:

Read the story behind the Star Spangled Banner and the War of 1812. Then, learn to sing the Star Spangled Banner.

Here are some vocabulary cards for the War of 1812.

The Federalists and the Jeffersonians

George Washington (1789-1797)-

Read about our first president! You can follow the links at the top for many more activities. Watch the video at the bottom of the page.

Young students can read about George Washington in this mini book. 1st-3rd graders can make this George Washington timeline. 5th-9th grade students can make this George Washington stick figure (pretty funny, but a good lesson).

Write about George Washington on this notebooking page. For fun, students can make these George Washington trading cards.

John Adams (1797-1801)-

John Adams becomes the first vice president and then became the second president of the United States! Read about him here. Watch the video at the bottom of the page.

Read about the federalist party. John Adams was the only federalist president!

Write about John Adams on this notebooking page.

Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809)-

Thomas Jefferson became the third president of the United States! Read about him here. Watch the videos at the end and click the links at the top for more activities.

3rd-5th grade students can read this Thomas Jefferson passage and do the timeline activity. Younger students can make this Thomas Jefferson fact book.

1st-3rd grade students can read these differentiated reading passages and answer the comprehension questions.

When Thomas Jefferson was elected the Federalist period of presidency ended, and the next three presidents were Democratic-Republicans. They also called themselves "Republicans" or "Jeffersonians".  Read about the Anti-Federalist party.

Write about Thomas Jefferson on this notebooking page.

James Madison (1809-1817)-

Then came James Madison as the fourth president. Read about him here. 3rd-5th grade students can read this "Father of the Constitution" worksheet.

Write about James Madison on this notebooking page.

James Monroe (1817-1825)-

James Monroe became the fifth president. Read about him here.

Write about James Monroe on this notebooking page.

Extras:

This wikipedia page lists the president's, their party affiliation, term of office, previous office held, and a picture. It's very informative!

A New Nation is Born

Note: I'm having a hard time finding free resources on the topics this week for younger students. I will probably re-visit this and create my own little printout of the basic points for this lesson, but for now, here you go.
 
Results of the War for Independence-

Read about the effects of the American Revolution.

National Instability-

Read about the economic crisis of the 1780's.

State Constitutions-

Read about state constitutions after the American Revolution.

Mount Vernon (Virginia) Conference and Annapolis Convention (1785-1786)-

Read about the Mount Vernon Compact and the Annapolis Convention.

Shay's Rebellion (1786-1787)-

View this PowerPoint on Shay's Rebellion.

Study this cause and effect thinking map of Shay's Rebellion.

Constitutional Convention (May-September 1787)-

Watch this rap video: (Note: this is a rap video. I watched the entire thing, and it doesn't say anything bad, and in my opinion gives information in a very clever way, but if you do not like rap music, then I would suggest an alternate video)

Alternate video (not as fun but still very informative... in my opinion):

Younger students can make this United States Constitution mini book.

Decisive Southern Victories, Cornwallis's Surrender, and The Treaty of Paris

Unconventional But Effective Patriot Strategies-

Read about how Francis Marion, Thomas Sumter, and Andrew Pickens kept the spirit of resistance alive in the south. (Cool presentation)

The Battle for Charleston and South Carolina (April -May 12, 1780)-

Read about war in the south.

The Battle of Camden (August 16, 1780)-

Read about the battle of Camden.

Battle of Kings Mountain (October 7, 1780)-


Read about the battle of Kings Mountain.

Battle of Cowpens (January 17, 1781)-

Read about the battle of Cowpens.

Battle of Guilford Courthouse (March 15, 1781)-

Read about the battle of Guildford Courthouse and take a short quiz.

Battle of Yorktown (October 20, 1781)-

Read about the last major battle of the American Revolution.

The Treaty of Paris (September 3, 1783)-

Read about the Treaty of Paris that ended the Revolutionary War. Then click the link at the bottom to take a short quiz.

Extras:

Watch episodes 35-40 of Liberty's Kids. 

View this slideshow about the differences between Loyalists and Patriots.

In 1782 the bald eagle was chosen as the U.S. emblem. Read about it here. First through fourth graders may do this bald eagle research report. Kindergarten-second grade students can practice their reading with this American symbols emergent reader. Or they can read this guided reading book. Third to fifth grade students can learn about (and illustrate) bald eagles and the food chain. Everyone (even mom) can learn to draw a bald eagle.

War in the South, War in the West, and War on the High Seas

Note on this week: Like the last 2 weeks there is a lot of reading and information this week that might be too much for younger students to comprehend. Again, a great resource this week is the Liberty's Kids videos and extra activities. 

The Backbone of the Patriot Cause-
Men and women of all races, classes, and ages contributed to the Patriot cause. Read about some of the amazing women like Deborah Sampson, Martha Washington and Abigail Adams.

The Winter at Valley Forge (December 19, 1777-June 19, 1778)- 

Read about the winter at Valley Forge.

The Battle of Monmouth Courthouse (June 28, 1778)-

Read about the battle.

The Battle for Savannah (December 29, 1778)-

Read about the capture of Savannah.

War Along the Western Frontier-

Read about George Rogers Clark and his work in the war along the Western frontier.

I Have Not Yet Begun to Fight!-

Read about John Paul Jones and the circumstances surrounding his famous remark.


Extras: 

Watch Liberty's Kids episodes 27-34.

Learn the song Yankee Doodle.

Sing along with this video:

Learn the song I'm in the Lord's Army:

After you learn the sing focus on the terms "cavalry" and "infantry".  What were these in the Revolutionary War? How are we part of the Lord's Army?

Learn about the first submarine the Turtle. Watch this video:

Have a family movie night and watch Spy Kids (available to watch free for Amazon prime members) or 20,000 Leagues under the Sea. Discuss the differences between their submarines and the Turtle.

Notes on Using the Free American History Curriculum

I started out compiling resources to supplement All American History, Volume 1 that I am using to teach a middle school co-op class. I quickly decided that instead of buying a separate history curriculum for my younger students at home, I would simply use what I already had.

You are free to use the free American history curriculum however you want. If you are also using All American History, Volume 1, this would serve as a great supplement. If you are using another American history curriculum you can easily find the topic you are learning about and click on it for links, videos, projects, and resources. If you do not have any history curriculum then you can use this as a stand alone curriculum. Some weeks there is more than others. Some projects and resources are geared towards younger kids while others are geared towards older kids. I like the saying, "Take what you like and leave the rest". You do not have to watch every video or do every project. The point is, like any curriculum, to make it work for you. Never be a slave to a curriculum. The joy of homeschooling is learning freely!

I would recommend having a notebook for each student to collect their work in as you go. A 1" binder should do the trick. It will also serve as a great keepsake. If your state requires you keep records, you can simply copy and paste the list of topics from the free American history home page and stick it at the front of the binder as proof of the topics you studied. Basic supplies like crayons, pencils, and paper are also recommended. You will also need a printer (or at least access to one).

In my opinion, using this as a stand alone program is more than enough for elementary and middle school students. You may want to require extra reading for high school students (though unit 3 is pretty heavy on the reading). Again, it's completely up to you! You know your own children best!

Most everything is "click and go". There isn't really any planning required. Occasionally I will link to a recipe or craft. You may want to glance ahead a week and see if there is something you may need to get on your grocery trip, but you could also skip those activities too.

EVERYTHING linked is completely free.

I want to take a moment to thank every person/company who created a resource, website, video, recipe, or project I have linked to. Without all these amazing people and companies putting their work online (for free!!!) this would not be possible. So THANK YOU! If you download something from a blog or Teachers Pay Teachers store that I link to, please make sure to leave them a comment thanking them for their hard work! A nice comment can make someone's day brighter!

Lastly, please share this with others. I want other people to use this. I hope that it will help even one mom in her homeschooling endeavors, but the more the merrier. If you have a fantastic idea or activity, or want to share pictures or comments as you go along, then please do! I would love to see others using and enjoying this, because it took me for-e-ver. If you're reading this on July 21st, then I'm actually not even finished, haha!

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and keep up the good work in educating your children!

P.S. Final note: The first 2 lessons aren't as "good" as the others. I put those together when I thought I would be the only one viewing them. I will probably eventually re-visit them. 

Draw Write Now-Supplement to American History

Note: The Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning if you choose to buy these books from Amazon a portion of the purchase price goes to me in Amazon credit that I can use to help purchase curriculum and supplies for my children. I appreciate you using the links if you are going to buy the books.

The Draw Write Now books that go along beautifully with my free American History curriculum are:



I did not schedule these in the free curriculum links, because the books themselves are not free. However, they are truly a beautiful addition and I wanted to create this page so readers can easily identify which DWN lessons go with which lessons in the American History curriculum.

Draw Write Now is a drawing and handwriting course for kids. However, it also includes bits of history, geography, and science. There are questions and answers and recommended books if you wanted to learn more about a subject. It's wonderfully made!

You can get free Draw Write Now printable here. These are not made by me, but I am extremely grateful to the creator. There are two versions for each lesson: one where a student traces the words, and one where a student writes the words on their own. Each one has an empty space at the top for their drawing to go in. These correlate exactly with the Draw Write Now lessons.

Below I have put together a schedule of when to use the lessons in these DWN books that correlate with the free American History curriculum.

Draw Write Now Book 3, pages 10-31: Native Americans:
These will fit nicely into unit 1 or 2. I would recommend spreading them out over the weeks where there are not others listed below.

Unit 1, Christopher Columbus:
Draw Write Now Book 2, pages 10-19.

Unit 2, The Massachusetts Colony:
Draw Write Now Book 3, pages 50-59.

Unit 2, The Delaware Colony, the Pennsylvania Colony, and the Maryland Colony:
Draw Write Now Book 5, pages 30-31.

Unit 3,  More War in the Northeast and The Articles of Confederation:
 Draw Write Now Book 5, pages 10-11.
 
Unit 4, A New Nation is Born:
Draw Write Now Book 5, pages 12-15 & 28-29

Unit 4, The Federalists, and the Jeffersonians:
Draw Write Now Book 5, pages 32-33.

Unit 4,  Manifest Destiny, the Native Americans, and the Mexican War:
Draw Write Now Book 5, pages 34-39 & 48-49

Unit 4, Early Nineteenth Century Culture:
Draw Write Now Book 5, pages 46-47

More War in the Northeast and The Articles of Confederation

Note on this week: Like last week, much of this information will be too much for younger students to comprehend. Focusing on the Liberty's Kids episodes and the extra activities will be more than sufficient. Perhaps review key points from the episodes with your students.

The British Army-

Read about the British Army.

The American Army-

Review this PowerPoint on the Continental Army.

Read about the Continental Army (for older students).

Trenton (December 26, 1776)-

Review this PowerPoint about the Battle of Trenton.

Read about the Battle of Trenton (for older students).


Princeton (January 3, 1777)-

Watch this video about the Battle of Princeton:

The Ambush at Bennington, Vermont (August 16, 1776)-

Read about the Battle of Bennington.

The Battle at Brandywine Creek (September 11, 1777)-

Read about the Battle at Brandywine Creek.

The Battles of Saratoga (September 19-October 17, 1777)-

Read about the Battle of Saratoga.

The Articles of Confederation (1777-1781)-

Read about The Articles of Confederation and play a game at the end. Read more here.

Extras: 

Watch Liberty's Kids episodes 20-26.

Read about the U.S. flag. If you want to dive deeper, here's an entire lesson about the flag.

Teach younger students the Pledge of Allegiance if they do not already know it. Do these fun activities about the Pledge (preschool-1st grade), or these (2nd-5th grade).

Draw and define these flag terms using story paper: canton, field, fly, hoist, halyard.

Make your own American flag.

War in the Northeast and the Declaration of Independence

Note on this week: A lot of this will be over younger students heads, but great for middle and high school students. For younger students, if all you did was the activities listed under "extras" (including watching the Liberty's Kids videos) that would be more than sufficient. 

Common Sense-
Read the Sparks Notes on Common Sense written by Thomas Paine. Older children might want to read the full text. Older students can practice analyzing a primary source in this activity.


Watch this video:

British Evacuation of Boston (March 17, 1776)-

Read about it here.

Watch this short video:

The Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)-

Listen to the Declaration of Independence:

Read about The Declaration of Independence. Then follow the links for the reading comprehension activities.

Students can make their own declaration.


The Fight for New York (August-October, 1776)-

Scroll down and read the events that took place between August and October in 1776 (or read the entire thing as a review).

Extras:

Watch Liberty's Kids Episodes 12-19.

Spies date back even to Bible times. Read the spy story in Joshua Chapter 2. Then students can make their own secret message like a spy!

Ben Franklin had his own newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette. Students can make their own newspaper about their family.

Check out Franklin's inventions.

Check out Jefferson's inventions.

The War for Independence Begins

The Battles of Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775):

Read this Battles of Lexington and Concord lesson, and then complete the attached timeline and source detective activity.

The Surprise Attack at Fort Ticonderoga (May 10, 1775):

Read about Fort Ticonderoga and take a quiz at the end.

Second Continental Congress (1775):

Read the portion about the Second Continental Congress.

Watch the muppets reenact the Second Continental Congress:

Battle of Breed's Hill and Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775):

Read about the Battle of Bunker Hill and take the quiz at the end.

Watch this video:

A Canadian Invasion and Failure in Quebec (December 30-31, 1775):

Read about the invasion of Canada.



Extras:

Watch Liberty's Kids episodes 6-11.

Read The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.

Craftsmen provided many essential items and services during the Revolutionary War period. Where do we see examples of craftsmen in the Bible? Check out this article and read the verses.

Students can use these battles of the Revolutionary War foldables as they learn about the different battles.

Colonial Tensions Mount

The Boston Massacre (1770)-Seventh Step to War

Read and watch a video about the Boston Massacre. Then click on the link for the reading comprehension activity.

Students can write about what they learned about the Boston Massacre on this writing paper.

Burning of the Gaspee (1772)-Eighth Step to War

Read about the burning of the Gaspee.

Watch this animated video:

Committees of Correspondence (1772)-Ninth Step to War




Read about the Committees of Correspondence.

Watch this video:

Tea Act and the Boston Tea Party (1773)-Tenth Step to War


Review this PowerPoint.

Read about the Boston Tea Party. Then click on the links for the reading comprehension activities. Students can write about the Boston Tea Party on this notebooking page.

Students can make a Boston Tea Party invitation (to assess their learning in a super fun way).

Do this Boston Tea Party experiment (you will need 4 types of loose tea).

Watch this Schoolhouse Rock video:

The Intolerable or Coercive Acts (1774)-Eleventh Step to War

Read about the Intolerable Acts. Here is another article. Use this fun graphic organizer to write down notes.



First Continental Congress (1774)-Twelfth Step to War

Read the comic about the First Continental Congress and then complete the attached assessment.

Read about the First Continental Congress.

Extras:
These American Revolution notebooking pages include: the Townshend Acts, John Adams, Boston Massacre and Tea Party.

Read about John Hancock. Do this reading comprehension activity.

Read about Patrick Henry.

Read Patrick Henry's famous speech. Or, listen and read along.

Have a family movie night and watch the movie Johnny Tremain (try to check it out from your library). 

Watch the first 5 episodes of Liberty's Kids. Rather than link each video I am going to link directly to all the videos. I highly recommend this series. All my kids love it from my preschooler to my middle schooler. Here are study guides to go along with episode 1, episode 2, episode 3, and episode 5. Sorry, I couldn't find a free one for episode 4. I guess the kids get a break that day :)

A Time of Crisis in Colonial Relations

Proclamation of 1763-First Step to War

Watch this video on the Proclamation of 1763:

Now read about it. Read more here.


Enforcement of the Navigation Acts (1763)-Second Step to War

Watch this video on the Navigation Acts:

Sugar Act (1764)-Third Step to War

Read about the Sugar Act.

Watch this video on the Sugar Act (made by kids):

Quartering Act (1765)-Fourth Step to War

Watch this short video on the Quartering Act:

Read about the Proclamation if 1763 and the Quartering Act.

Stamp Act (1765)-Fifth Step to War

Watch this video about the Stamp Act:

Read about the Stamp Act. Read and answer the three questions.

Play this game. (You will need M&M's)

Townshend Acts (1767)-Sixth Step to War

Watch this video:

Read about the Townshend Acts.

For fun, watch this Townshend Acts rap:

Extras:

On this website there are many printable files. Specifically, scroll down and click on "reference-British Acts". You may want to laminate these for future reference.

For fun, play this Road to the Revolution game.

Students can take notes on this causes of the Revolutionary War foldable. 

Learn about the causes of the Revolution with this rap video:

Review this PowerPoint about the causes of the Revolutionary War.

French and Indian War

Read about the French and Indian War.

Students can make this French and Indian War notebook.

Read more about the war. As you read fill out this worksheet.

Do this French and Indian War reading comprehension activity, and/or try this cloze reading activity.

Try this interactive scavenger hunt.

Review this French and Indian War PowerPoint. Take notes on this notebooking page.

Look at the above painting by Benjamin West titled "The Death of General Wolfe". What can you learn about the Battle of Quebec by looking at it?


The French had a huge impact on North American culture. For fun, learn to count to 10 in French:

Then, make some french crepes!

Watch a video on the French and Indian War:

Colonial Family Life and Culture

Read about Colonial family life.

Here is a Colonial life lesson plan and printables.

Learn about hornbooks. Make your own hornbook. You can even make a hornbook for your doll!

Explore the Colonial Williamsburg kids site.

Make a colony travel brochure.

Watch this video about a child's life in the 18th century.

The North Carolina Colony, the South Carolina Colony, and the Georgia Colony

Watch this video on the Southern Colonies: Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Read about the North Carolina Colony.

Read about the South Carolina Colony. Then do this South Carolina Colony reading comprehension activity.

Read about the Georgia Colony. Then do this Georgia Colony reading comprehension activity.

The Delaware Colony, the Pennsylvania Colony, and the Maryland Colony

Watch the video that you watched last week about the Middle Colonies: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

Read about the Pennsylvania Colony. Do this Pennsylvania Colony reading comprehension activity.

Read about the Delaware Colony.

Read about the Maryland Colony. Then do this Maryland Colony reading comprehension activity.

Read about the Liberty Bell. Color the Liberty Bell.

Read about William Penn. Then write about William Penn on this notebooking page.

Make a log cabin with pretzel logs and frosting.

The New York Colony and the New Jersey Colony

Read about the New York Colony. Then do this New York Colony reading comprehension activity.

Read about the New Jersey Colony. Then do this New Jersey Colony reading comprehension activity.

This website has some free Colonial America maps and worksheets.

Make some Pennsylvania Dutch oatmeal.

For fun, make Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas stockings.

Watch this video about the middle colonies: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. You will review this video again next week.

The New Hampshire Colony, the Rhode Island Colony, and the Connecticut Colony

Read about the New Hampshire Colony.

Read about the Rhode Island Colony. Do this Rhode Island reading comprehension activity.

Read about the Connecticut Colony. Do this Connecticut Colony reading comprehension activity.

Read the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut. Pay attention to the parts it talks about God.


Watch this video about the colonies of Massachusetts (from last week), Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island:

The Massachusetts Colony

Read about the Massachusetts Colony.

Watch this video about the Mayflower Voyage and Plymouth:

Read about the Plymouth Colony.

Watch this video and sing along:

Read about the Puritans.

Read about the Mayflower and the Mayflower compact.

Tour the Mayflower. Journey on the Mayflower.

Read the Longfellow poem.

The colonists were very thankful to God about their arrival at Plymouth. Memorize Psalm 100 or 111. Write a Thankful acrostic poem.

The Virginia Colony

Review this Virginia is Growing PowerPoint presentation.

Watch the video "The Colony of Virginia was Founded in 1607":

Read about Jamestown. Do these Jamestown reading comprehension activities: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Have your younger students try reading this Pocahontas early reader PowerPoint.

Read about Pocahontas (and take a short quiz at the end). Then, complete this internet biography assignment. 

Students can complete this Pocahontas Four Square. 

Write about Pocahontas on this notebooking page.

Check out these Primary Sources on Jamestown from the Library of Congress (awesome stuff and teacher's guide as well!)

Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain

Watch a video about Henry Hudson:

Read about Henry Hudson.

Review this Henry Hudson Power Point.

Students can write about Henry Hudson on this free notebooking page.

Students can complete this packet on Henry Hudson (right side under Henry Hudson-says free next to it)

3rd-5th grade students can do this Henry Hudson packet.

Watch a video on Samuel de Champlain:

Watch Samuel de Champlain in legos:

Students can write about Samuel de Champlain on this free notebooking page.

Students can complete this Samuel de Champlain word-fill.

Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh

Watch  this (pretend) news report on Sir Francis Drake:

Read about Sir Francis Drake.

Students can write about Sir Francis Drake on this free notebooking page.

Watch this video on Sir Walter Raleigh (parents will need to read it to younger children):

Read about Sir Walter Raleigh.

Students can write about Sir Walter Raleigh on this free notebooking page.

Learn this fun song about "The New World".