5th Grade Social Studies and ELA: American History: Prehistoric- Reconstruction
This course covers American history from early peoples to Reconstruction. Students will explore key events, figures, and themes through interactive lessons and activities. Integrated ELA will enhance literacy through reading and writing.
Harrow Strickland, NBCT 2010/2020 M.Ed
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(2)
What's included
36 live meetings
36 in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Homework will consist of a variety of writing assignments and projects-physical and digital.Progress Report
Progress reports detailing your child's achievements, areas for improvement, and overall performance are available upon request at any time. Please feel free to reach out to me directly to request a progress report or discuss your child's progress in more detail.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 6
Beginner Level
What will be taught? This year-long history course will teach American history from the arrival of early peoples to the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. What topics will you cover? The topics covered will include: Early Peoples and the Land Bridge The Age of Exploration The Colonization of America The American Revolution Formation of the New Nation Westward Expansion and Native American Displacement The Civil War and Reconstruction How is your class structured? The class is structured to meet online once per week for an hour over 36 weeks. Each week focuses on a specific topic with engaging activities and integrated English Language Arts (ELA) components. How will you teach? I will teach through a mix of interactive lessons, multimedia resources, and hands-on activities. We’ll use primary sources, historical fiction, music, and creative projects to deepen understanding and engagement. What's your teaching style? My teaching style is dynamic and student-centered, emphasizing interactive and engaging methods to make history come alive. I integrate storytelling, discussions, and creative assignments to foster a love of learning and critical thinking. How much will learners get to interact with you? Learners will get to interact with me regularly through weekly online classes with discussion, and feedback on assignments. I encourage active participation and am available for additional support and questions throughout the course.
Learning Goals
Understanding Key Events:
Students will identify and explain the significance of major events in American history from early peoples to Reconstruction.Analyzing Primary Sources:
Students will analyze primary sources to gain a deeper understanding of historical events and perspectives.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)36 Lessons
over 36 WeeksLesson 1:
Journey Across the Land Bridge
My lesson is about how early peoples crossed into North America. We’ll read engaging texts, create a migration map, and write a short story from a settler’s viewpoint. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Ancient Cultures Come Alive Pt. 1
My lesson is about early Indigenous Cultures: Maya/Olmec. We’ll read informational text about the different cultural groups, and write a descriptive paragraph about a tribe’s daily life. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Ancient Cultures Come Alive Pt. 2
My lesson is about early Indigenous Cultures: Aztec/Inca We’ll read informational text about the different cultural groups, and write a descriptive paragraph about a tribe’s daily life. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Tribal Traditions and Territories Pt. 1
My lesson is about tribal traditions and regions. We’ll use graphic organizers to compare tribes and create an infographic highlighting a tribe’s unique features. 60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
I will support various learner needs through clear timelines and instructions, consistent routines, and engaging content and visual supports. I will foster an encouraging environment for all learners.
Parental Guidance
In this year-long history course, we will cover topics that may be upsetting or difficult for some learners. These include discussions about the forced displacement of Native Americans, the experiences of enslaved people, and the harsh realities of the Civil War. We will approach these subjects with sensitivity and care, ensuring a supportive environment for all students. If you or your child have concerns or need additional support, please do not hesitate to contact me. We encourage open communication to ensure a safe and respectful learning experience for everyone.
Pre-Requisites
Basic reading and writing skills.
Supply List
Materials Needed for the Course To successfully participate in our year-long history course, students will need the following materials: Books or e-books: Blood on the River: James Town 1607 by Elisa Carbone Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson Supplies for Projects: Poster board or large paper for projects Colored pencils, markers, and crayons Scissors and glue Construction paper Index cards Writing and Note-taking: Notebooks or lined paper Pens and pencils Highlighters Sticky notes Craft and Activity Supplies: Specific materials list will be provided closer to the activity date These materials will help students engage fully in the class activities, projects, and assignments throughout the year.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Class Resources and Source Material
In our year-long history course, we will use a variety of books, articles, websites, and other sources to enrich our curriculum and deepen our understanding of American history. I have curated these sources over 30 years of teaching social studies and through place-based professional development teacher institutes such as at Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Mt. Vernon, Lexington & Concord, National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Monticello, Ford's Theater, Smithsonian National Museum of American History, and Alabama Department of Archives and History.
Here are some of the key website resources we will utilize:
Indigenous Cultures:
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/olmec-civilization/
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/aztec-civilization
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/inca-civilization
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/topic/native-americans
"The Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears” from National Geographic
Age of Exploration:
https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/history/general-history/10-facts-about-the-vikings/
https://learninglab.si.edu/collections/the-age-of-exploration/MIwk3lmv9RJ8CcGi
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/columbus-confusion-about-the-new-world-140132422/
https://www.oerproject.com/the-columbian-exchange?WT.mc_id=09_0_2023__topic-CX_OER-SEM_&WT.tsrc=OERSEM&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnei0BhB-EiwAA2xuBovZUGxCPtLCaZL2XeK0Cas5Vt0kUH_5q04qflL-rQikEIwe4HI2wRoCaZ4QAvD_BwE
Early Colonies:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-evidence-roanoke-colonys-disappearance-180976248/
Chapter books and Picture Books such as:
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water By Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson
Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
Blood on the River: James Town 1607 by Elisa Carbone
Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and the True Story of an American Feud by Suzanne Jurmain
Articles like:
"How the Louisiana Purchase Changed the World" from Smithsonian Magazine
Websites such as:
Smithsonian Institution (www.si.edu)
Library of Congress (www.loc.gov)
National Archives (www.archives.gov)
Mount Vernon (www.mountvernon.org)
Multimedia:
Songs from Hamilton: The Musical
"Now or Never: The Yorktown Campaign" video from Mount Vernon
Interactive timelines and maps from PBS LearningMedia
Primary Sources:
The Declaration of Independence
The Constitution of the United States
Letters and diaries from historical figures
These resources will help provide a well-rounded and engaging exploration of American history, supporting our interactive lessons and activities throughout the year.
Joined July, 2024
5.0
2reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Alabama Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Auburn University
Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Auburn University at Montgomery
30 years public school experience teaching 5th grade ELA/Social Studies integrated
Professional Development
2019 American Revolution Institute- Washington DC
2017 Gilder Lehrman Seminar: The American Revolution, NYC
2015 Gilder Lehrman Alabama History Teacher of the Year
2015 NEH Landmark Workshop: Seat of War and Peace, Ford’s Theater, Washington, DC
2014 Barringer Fellowship Thomas Jefferson Monticello Teacher Institute, VA
2012 Mt. Vernon Summer Teacher Institute, Washington, DC
2012 NEH Landmark Workshop- At the Crossroads of the Revolution- Concord/Boston, MA
2012 Teacher Advisor for Smithsonian National Museum of American History
2011 NEH Landmark Workshop: Constitutional Convention, Philadelphia, PA
2010 Smithsonian National Museum of American History K-12 Summer Teaching AssociateReviews
Live Group Course
$20
weekly1x per week, 36 weeks
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-12
10-12 learners per class
