American History: Pre-History to Early/Mid-1800S

NOTE: on my class page you will find social studies sections for grades 1-5 and American History.

Ask about sibling discounts!

This social studies class mainly addresses early American history standards for grades 5-7. Due to the number of geographical areas (continents / countries), people (ancient and modern), causes and dates there is a lot to learn.  It takes a number of years to master the concepts.  If students show growth in the area of history, I will then add on standards such as geography and economics.

I use diagraming, note-taking, books, video clips and hands-on activities to create an interactive learning environment to help students stay engaged. The concepts under social studies can be harder concepts for learners to grasp - it’s not as cut and dry as a science topic. Due to this, there will be a lot of hands-on learning. Students will begin to understand the world they live in and discuss what their roles and responsibilities are.


GRADES 5-6 TOPICS TO BE COVERED:

Introduction:  5 Themes of Geography
     - Place
     - Location
     - Region
     - Movement
     - Human / Environment Interaction 

-- PRE-HISTORY --

** Land Bridge Theory:  After the “5 Themes of Geography,” we will begin the year with a quick review on the Bering Strait and Early Inhabitants.  (20,000 BCE to 1400 CE) **

-- EUROPEAN EXPLORATION --

3 Gs of Exploration
   --  Gold, God, Glory
Columbian Exchange
   -- New Trade Routes
   -- Joining Eastern & Western Hemispheres
France, Spain, Portugal, England

-- 3 EARLY ENGLISH COLONIES --

Roanoke the Lost Colony
   — Captain John Smith
   — Virginia Dare
Jamestown 1st Permanent British Colony
   -- Powhatan Tribe
   -- John Smith
           - “You Don’t Work, You Don’t Eat”
   -- John Rolfe
            - Pocahontas 
            - Tobacco Cash Crop
   — House of Burgesses
Plymouth Colony
   — Thanksgiving Truths & None Truths
   — Religious Freedom
   — Pilgrimage 
   — Puritans vs Separatists 
   — Salem Witch Trials

-- COLONIAL AMERICA --

Jamestown
    - Indentured Servants vs Slavery
    - Triangular Slave Trade
    - Middle Passage
    - Future of Virginia
          - First English Royal Colony
          - First Slave Society (Chattel Slavery)

13 Colonies Under British Rule
   -- 3 Regions (PEGS)
           - Population
           - Economy
           - Government
           - Slavery
   -- Backcountry Identity
   — King Phillip’s War
   — Freedom of the Press Beginning 1735

-- RISING TENSIONS & the AMERICAN REVOLUTION --

Causes of the Revolutionary War
   -- French and Indian War (7 Years War)
   -- King George III & Taxes
   -- Boston Tea Party
Battles of the Revolutionary War
   -- Struggle for Independence
   -- Declaration of Independence
   -- Conclusion of the War

— A NEW GOVERNMENT —

United States of America
   -- Early Presidents
   -- 3 Branches of Government

** if time permits ** otherwise in Part 2 (2025-2026)

-- WESTWARD EXPANSION —

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2025-2026 AMERICAN HISTORY PT 2

-- WESTWARD EXPANSION 1801-1961 —

Louisiana Purchase
Manifest Destiny
Lewis and Clark Expedition
   -- Reasons to Explore
   -- Routes
   -- Sacagawea
   -- What came of the Expedition

War of 1812
   — Attack on Washington 
   — Star Spangled Banner

Westward Expansion Again 
   -- Trail of Tears
   -- Oregon Trail
   — Mormon Trail
   -- California Gold Rush

The Civil War & Reconstruction
Industrialism
WWI Overview
Great Depression & WWII Overview


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2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR SCHEDULE

COMPLETED Sept to Early November:

Introduction:  5 Themes of Geography
     - Place
     - Location
     - Region
     - Movement
     - Human / Environment Interaction 

Land Bridge Theory (discussed land vs water migration)

3 Gs of Exploration
   --  Gold, God, Glory
Columbian Exchange
   -- New Trade Routes
   -- Joining Eastern & Western Hemispheres

Native American Legend:  The Three Sisters

Roanoke the Lost Colony

November 18 to December Break:

Jamestown 1st Permanent British Colony
   -- Powhatan Tribe
   -- John Smith
   -- Pocahontas & John Rolfe
Plymouth Colony

JANUARY - FINISH 3 Early Colonies Overview and Begin:

Plymouth Colony
   — Thanksgiving Truths & None Truths
   — Religious Freedom
   — Pilgrimage 
   — Puritans vs Separatists 
   — Salem Witch Trials

-- COLONIAL AMERICA --

Jamestown
    - Indentured Servants vs Slavery
    - Triangular Slave Trade
    - Middle Passage
    - Future of Virginia
          - First English Royal Colony
          - First Slave Society (Chattel Slavery)