WELCOME! Join me for an adventure in learning ✨️

🎉 Welcome to an exciting journey through the world of Social Studies! 🌍 This comprehensive course has the potential to count for 2 full year-long credits, depending on your homeschooling style, state education policies, and school district or charter school requirements. 🗳️ Whether it's U.S. History, World History, Economics, Geography, Government, Civics, or Humanities, this class has you covered with a robust and engaging curriculum that lays a strong foundation for understanding the world around us! ✨ We also go on weekly field trips in the World of Nations tour! ✈️

🤗 This class is designed for homeschoolers 🏠, after-schoolers 🎒, or anyone looking for fun and enrichment 🎉!  

✏️ This is not your typical 'fluff' class – it’s packed with engaging, meaningful content that challenges students while keeping things exciting and fun! We dive deep, discuss, and learn actively together, making each session an adventure in understanding. Join us for a class that’s both rigorous and full of enthusiasm! 😊

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🚀 💸 Are you brand new to Outschool? Is this your teen's first class? If so, use promo code DRKAIKA2020 at checkout after enrolling your teen into this class to instantly save $20.00! 💫 🙌

In this course, we dive into the multifaceted tapestry of our world, exploring not only the rich history and complex politics of the United States but also those of countries and cultures from every corner of the globe. We'll navigate the fascinating intricacies of societies, economies, and governments, and discover how they intersect and influence each other on a global scale. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity and global awareness, this course will guide students through a thorough exploration of the human experience across different eras and regions. 🌏

Get ready to embark on an exhilarating adventure through the corridors of power, the annals of history, and the complexities of global interactions! This Social Studies class offers a captivating exploration that encompasses everything from the basics of Government and Civics to the nuanced stories of American History, the principles of Economics, the vast expanse of World History, and the intricate dynamics of global politics. 📜

We’ll delve into the mechanics of governance, examining different forms of government, the functions and responsibilities of each branch, and the pivotal role citizens play in shaping democratic societies. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of their rights, responsibilities, and the impact they can have as engaged citizens in a democratic society! 💪✨

🗽 Students will journey through the compelling narrative of America, starting with the revolutionary spirit of the founding fathers, through the struggles and triumphs of pivotal events like the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. We’ll explore the impacts of both World Wars, the Cold War, and the more recent historical events that continue to shape the nation today. This deep dive into the past will illuminate how the events and people of history have molded the present and continue to influence the future of the United States. 

🌐 Dive into the fascinating world of political science, where we’ll unpack the complexities of governance, diplomacy, and decision-making processes. Students will gain insight into the power dynamics that drive political decisions and the intricate web of interactions between nations. 

💰Discover the powerful forces that shape our economies, from the principles of supply and demand to the intricacies of personal finance and global markets. We’ll explore how economic policies affect everyday life and delve into topics like wealth management and the impact of consumer credit on individuals and societies. This segment provides essential knowledge that is crucial for navigating today’s interconnected economic landscape! 

🌍 Embark on a global odyssey through the ages, from the majestic empires of ancient times to the influential movements of the modern era. Students will explore the rise and fall of civilizations, the spread of ideas and cultures, and the revolutionary events that have shaped societies across continents. This broad perspective will help students understand the interconnectedness of human history and the common threads that bind us all. 

🗺️ Explore the complexities of borders, both physical and metaphorical. We’ll examine how geography, politics, and culture define the boundaries of nations and how these boundaries influence the identities and interactions of peoples worldwide. This exploration will shed light on the challenges and opportunities that arise from our interconnected world. 

🧳 And that’s just the beginning! In addition to engaging textbooks and weekly video lectures, students will participate in virtual field trips each week, visiting countries like France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Mali, Greece, Romania, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, China, and finally returning to the United States. Students will collect virtual passport stamps for every country visited, adding an extra element of excitement and engagement as they compare and contrast each country’s government, economy, history, and culture with others and with the United States. ✈️

Throughout the course, students will stay engaged by researching and presenting on current events during our live meetings, encouraging them to connect classroom learning with real-world happenings. We’ll also play interactive Kahoot games for a fun and competitive review of what we’ve learned, because who says learning can’t be fun? 😄

Check out the "Syllabus" section below for all the essential details and our thrilling weekly schedule! Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the past, navigate the challenges of the present, and chart a course for a brighter future. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of an exciting journey of discovery and enlightenment in the realm of Social Studies. Let’s make learning an adventure! 🚀📚

🪜 But this class is just the first step into the fascinating world of Social Sciences! After completing this course, students can dive even deeper by enrolling in other courses like Psychology, Sociology, Cultural Anthropology, Criminal & Social Justice, Comparative World Religion, and many more that I offer on Outschool. These courses will build on the foundation laid in this class and provide an even richer understanding of human behavior, society, and the global community. 🌟

👍 High school doesn't have to be a tedious journey marked by long semesters and strict timelines. Let's break free from that mold! Think of high school in terms of grade levels and credits. After all, high school credit is about the knowledge and effort your teen puts in, not the weeks or months they spend studying. With this perspective, we can accelerate your teen's learning journey. However, remember to follow your state's homeschooling laws, as parents are legally considered teachers in the eyes of the Department of Education. But don't forget the freedom and flexibility you have in crafting your teen's education!

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🗓️ In our first live meeting, I'll introduce myself, the subject, and provide background information. Students will then introduce themselves by giving their preferred name, the state they live in, why they chose to take this class, and a fun fact about themselves. We'll go over what the class involves such as the weekly assignments and field trips. I'll also introduce the first week's readings and provide guidance for the chapter ahead. Each week, there's a short introductory video to get us started.

🗓️ In subsequent live meetings, we'll have meaningful group discussions about the previous week's readings, lessons, and homework where each student will give a short talk about their newly assimilated knowledge via their notes. Students will also share their current events via short oral reports, and I'll introduce the new week's chapters, lessons, and homework. Questions are encouraged, and I'm here to provide answers and support. I teach by adding additional information and details during the discussion and by adding additional information and context to student's answers on their assignments.

✨️ Our thrilling weekly rendezvous via live meetings for 45 minutes after our initial meeting unfolds like this:

1.) 🤗🙋‍♂️ Welcome & Check-in 

2.) 🗣 📰 Engage in dynamic discussions as students enthusiastically present their Current Events, complete with their slideshows tailored to the week's topic.

3.) 🗣💡Students share & exchange insights on newfound knowledge, intriguing discoveries, and crucial topics from the previous week's readings, videos, and additional independent research they may have done by taking notes of the information and orally presenting a summary in the format of "giving a short talk" of what they learned in the past week to spark discussions. Every student has a voice in my classes! The educator adds valuable input & additional information along the way. 

4.) 🗣🍎 Immerse in an interactive mini-lecture by the educator, delving deeper into the chapters of the past week & providing answers to student's questions. 

5.) 💻📚 Anticipate the excitement as the educator unveils the upcoming week's captivating topic, chapters, and assignments, setting the stage for an enriching learning experience. 

6.) 🚀🎮 Embrace the joy of learning through a spirited Kahoot session, reinforcing the week's lessons with a touch of friendly competition. 

7.) 🤔✔️ Conclude with closing remarks, leaving room for questions, issues, problems, concerns & suggestions from students. 

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Your tuition covers so much to ensure your teen has a fulfilling and supportive learning experience! 🎉 This includes weekly live meetings, engaging assignments, and exciting projects, all conducted in our virtual classroom. I provide detailed feedback on each student's work, plan lessons weekly, and grade homework with care. 💼✨

🍎 📃 Here's a list of everything I do "behind the scenes" 7 days a week, each week to support our class: 

• Provide detailed feedback on every student's assignments, adding extra context, information, and examples to enhance learning 📚✨

• Design fun and educational Kahoot games for our live meetings to make learning enjoyable 🎉🎮

• Carefully plan each week's lessons and assignments for posting to the "Assignments" tab in the classroom to ensure meaningful engagement and progress 📅 ✍️

• Respond to all parent and student private messages within 24 hours to stay connected and supportive 💬📥

• Prepare progress reports every three weeks for each learner, giving parents a snapshot of their teen's achievements and areas of growth 📊📋

• Grade homework thoroughly, ensuring every detail is reviewed to guide improvement and celebrate strengths 📝💯

• Prepare and host our weekly live meetings, where students can interact, ask questions, and deepen their understanding through engaging discussions plus prepare my mini-lecture for after their shares 🌍🗣️

• Create engaging assignments and exciting projects, making our virtual classroom an inspiring place to learn and grow 💼🌱

Your tuition covers all of this and so much more, ensuring your teen has a supportive, fulfilling, and dynamic learning experience! 🌟

I’m fully committed to supporting your teen every step of the way, offering assistance seven days a week! You can count on quick responses to messages within 24 hours, and I’m also available for private, one-on-one video meetings up to two times during the semester, if needed, to provide extra help or guidance. 😊 It’s my goal to make sure your teen feels supported and successful throughout the course! 

📚 As professional educators, we recognize that students benefit most from interactive sessions, not long or even moderate lectures. We strive to be coaches, guides, and mentors, facilitating meaningful conversations through strategic questioning and creating valuable teaching moments.

🔁 👐 In my class, I use an exciting blend of both the flipped classroom and open classroom models to create a dynamic and engaging learning experience for your teen! These models are highly effective at helping students truly grasp the material. 💡 The flipped classroom approach means students come to our weekly live meetings fully prepared by engaging with lesson materials beforehand—whether it's through videos, textbook readings, or even independent research. During our live sessions, students step into the role of both learner and teacher by giving a verbal presentation on their takes and learnings from the weekly lesson!  

🗣 ✍️ Students give verbal presentations based on their note-taking, sharing what they’ve absorbed from the weekly lesson materials with their classmates. This is such a powerful way for them to solidify their understanding, and it builds the confidence to explain concepts in their own words. It’s so inspiring to see them take charge of their learning! Even better, their presentations allow classmates to pick up on details or perspectives they might have missed. Everyone’s voice is heard in this class, and every student plays an active part in the learning process. 

As they present, I join in to add extra information, clarify key points, or offer additional context, making the discussion lively and interactive. This method not only enhances their communication skills but also reinforces their learning in a way that feels collaborative and fun! 🎓 Watching them grow into mini-experts is truly a rewarding experience for everyone involved! 🔥

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🎒 Although this is a thirteen-week class, we’ll actually have fourteen live meetings. The extra session at the end serves as a wrap-up to address any lingering questions and provide and receive feedback. it also doubles as a pre-scheduled “make-up” meeting if, in a rare occurrence, any previous live meetings had to be canceled.

🚫 This class doesn’t include live meetings or assignments during the following weeks:

🍂 Fall Semester: FALL BREAK is the 4th full week of November  (Thanksgiving, USA)
🌺 Spring Semester: SPRING BREAK is the 1st full week of March

You are not charged for these weeks.

💁‍♂️ Parents will need to assist their teens in setting up their free Canva accounts and guide them in creating slideshow videos. You will also need to help them learn how to download their slideshow videos, save them as an MP4 file, and attach them to their assignments. These tools are user-friendly once learned, and I’ve included detailed instructions in the "Supply List." 

⌛ This class requires very good time management skills and self-motivation as students will complete the coursework independently and asynchronously from me and from the live meetings. But don't worry—I'm always available through private messages to answer questions, provide guidance, give support, and offer them coaching. Your teen is never alone, and I respond promptly, even on weekends, 7 days a week on the same day or by the next morning! If a longer conversation is needed I'm available for a private, one-on-one live video meeting up to two times during the semester in the Outschool Classroom for both you and your teen. Just send a message at least 72 hours in advance to schedule.

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🫣 The "Hidden Curriculum" also known as "Adulting" of this class:

In this class, there’s more than just the subject material — I’m thrilled to prepare your teen for the broader world, offering a glimpse into life beyond the classroom. Most of this will take time and practice, and that’s exactly what we’re here to do: learn and practice. Here’s how we’ll achieve that:

⏰ Firstly, we focus on time management and setting schedules to meet deadlines. This skill is crucial not only in high school but also in college, vocational schools, and future careers. Students need to submit their assignments by their due dates every week, with deadlines staggered to give them ample time to plan and organize their work.

📰 Secondly, independent research is a key component. Students will delve into current events related to our weekly topics, honing their ability to find reliable sources and create presentations. They’ll have a current event assignment where they’ll conduct internet research to find unbiased articles or videos, take notes on the "who, what, when, where, why, and how," create a simple two-slide slideshow with relevant photos, and then share their slides and articulate their findings concisely in a presentation.

🗣️ Next, we emphasize clarity and public speaking. Learning to communicate effectively and succinctly is invaluable throughout life. Students will practice giving their "talks" and actively participating in discussions during our live meetings. This mirrors the real-world skills of presenting ideas clearly and engaging in professional discussions, essential for success in any career.

✍️ Efficient note-taking is another skill we’ll develop. Students will take brief notes on chapter introduction videos, the textbook, and any additional research they find interesting or valuable. They’ll focus on topics that gave them new knowledge or that they believe are important to discuss in our live meetings. This skill links to the real-world necessity of capturing and processing key information quickly, a valuable asset in both academic and professional environments.

📽️ In addition, students will learn how to create engaging slideshow videos using Canva. For some assignments, they’ll make a slideshow video that not only answers assignment questions but also showcases their creativity. They will incorporate photos, images, emojis, animations, music, and more to craft visually appealing and informative presentations. This task will help them develop skills in digital content creation, a valuable asset in many modern careers where effective visual communication is essential.  This experience mirrors the real-world skill of creating multimedia content, an important aspect of many professions today.

🌍 Lastly, staying informed about the world around them is encouraged. This habit of curiosity and self-directed learning prepares them for lifelong learning, a cornerstone of personal growth and success. They’ll research and prepare their current events to share, and actively listen to and engage with their classmates’ presentations, fostering a well-rounded perspective on global issues.

👀 Throughout the week, I provide feedback on assignments with additional details, context, information, and real-world examples. It’s important for students to read, assimilate, and acknowledge this feedback to fully benefit from the learning process. This approach ensures they’re not only meeting the requirements but also gaining deeper insights and practical knowledge.

🪞 Together, these lessons form a “hidden curriculum” that mirrors the demands of higher education, careers, and adult responsibilities. It’s not just about getting through this class; it’s about preparing for a successful future.

🧑‍🏫 I’m committed to being kind, compassionate, and flexible. If any adjustments are needed for individual students, I’m more than happy to discuss them. Just send me a private message, and we can ensure that your teen is getting the most out of the class while meeting their unique needs.

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We're not in school; we're OUTschool, and that makes all the difference! This course is designed to somewhat mirror the structure of programs at in-person and online colleges, trade schools, vocational schools, and future careers, offering your teen an incredible head start on their journey into adulting! 🎓 It’s a challenging and rigorous experience, but the rewards are absolutely worth it! While the course is accelerated and somewhat advanced, don't worry — I am always here to provide flexible support for each teen’s unique abilities and needs to the best of my abilities! 🚀