Welcome to a fun American History Class!

This ongoing American History class is designed to make learning engaging, interactive, easy to understand, and memorable for students.

 *** Students can join at any point *** without needing prior knowledge from previous classes, ensuring a flexible and accessible learning experience. 

Each session delves into a distinct topic, covering key aspects of American history from the early colonial period to the establishment of the early republic. The areas of focus include:

Early Colonization and Settlement
Colonial Conflicts and Developments
The Road to Revolution
The American Revolution
The Formation of a New Nation
Establishing the Government and Early Republic

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS CLASS? 
Catering to students ranging from 5th grade to high school, this course is suitable for those who need American history credit, including homeschoolers, alternative schools, and after-school review & reinforcement.

It also serves as an excellent opportunity for students who have struggled with American history in traditional school settings by addressing any gaps, offering reinforcement, and deepening their understanding of the subject.

This continuous course encompasses a full semester of American history aligned with standards. Each subject rotates, guaranteeing students receive thorough instruction regardless of their start time. Additionally, I will provide any necessary background or context to ensure students grasp the material effectively.

NOTE: I'm happy to accommodate schedule requests and restart the cycle for a group of 2 or more students if the current content doesn't align with their needs, as the current schedule aligns with the school calendar in my state. 

Classes meet twice a week.

Taught by a seasoned certified elementary and secondary educator.
Syllabus, grades, assessments, and a certificate of completion are available upon request. 

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😊 "TODAY is a GREAT DAY to LEARN SOMETHING NEW!" 😊
Join us as we journey from life in the colonies to breaking up with Britain, from the battlefields of the American Revolution to the formation of the Constitution & Bill of Rights.

Here is why you should take this class:

(1) It's Casual - Feel Free to Bring a Snack!
Learning should be enjoyable! Our relaxed and friendly environment lets you feel comfortable while exploring exciting historical events.

(2) It's Interactive - Ensuring You Stay Engaged (and Won't Fall Asleep!)
With short and informative videos, interactive activities like Kahoot and Blooket games, plus discussions and optional hands-on projects, you'll be actively involved and look forward to class each week!

(3) You'll Discover the Treasure of American Roots to Become a Protector of Our Nation’s Legacy!
Understanding the origins of the United States introduces you to key concepts like democracy and individual rights, which remain crucially important today. How can you protect something you don't know exists? 

(4) Fun and Flexible Learning
Making history both fun and informative involves a blend of engaging activities, interactive learning experiences, and compelling storytelling.

Weekly Handouts and Graphic Organizers: Receive concise summaries and tools to help structure your learning.

Answer Keys Provided: Use them to ensure you understand the material and share your knowledge with family and friends.

(5) Optional Extension Activities Included
To make learning even more fun and engaging, students can select from a range of extension projects to accommodate diverse learning styles and interests. This approach allows learners to dive deeper into topics of personal interest.

Extension activities may include recipes and cooking, arts and crafts, mapping and geography, writing and literature, and building models.

In addition, some weeks may include interactive Kahoot and Blooket games, as well as links to additional reading and videos from PBS American Experience, TED-Ed History Lessons, the Smithsonian Channel, National Geographic's "America: The Story of Us," or the always entertaining CrashCourse American History videos to name a few.


What You'll Learn:

💥Colonization: Explore the early settlements, the diverse motivations of the colonists, and how these beginnings shaped the future of America.

💥Reasons for Breaking Up with Britain: Understand the key events and ideas that led the American colonies to seek independence from British rule.

💥The Revolutionary War: Delve into the major battles, strategies, and heroes of the war that won America's freedom.

💥The Declaration of Independence: Discover how this powerful document still inspires movements for freedom and equality around the world.

💥The Constitution: Understand the supreme law of the land, how it sets up our government and guarantees our rights and liberties.

💥The Bill of Rights: Learn about the first ten amendments and their continued impact on our lives.

💥Gain insights and briefly discuss the historical context surrounding amendments 11 through 27 of the Constitution.

Join us to make history come alive and see why it's important to understand and appreciate the past. Together, we’ll explore the remarkable journey of our nation and have a lot of fun along the way!

See you in class!
😊Ms. Ganley


---  JOIN ANY TIME! ---
Class meets 2 times per week 

[New to this class? Don't fret! I can restart it and adjust the schedule to suit the educational requirements of groups with two or more students.]😉

Calendar week:  topic #1 / topic #2

January 2025
Lost Roanoke Colony / Jamestown
The Pilgrims / The Puritans
King Philip’s War / New England Colonies
The Middle Colonies / The Southern Colonies

February 2025
Bacon’s Rebellion / French & Spanish Colonization of America
Growth of the English Colonies / The Great Awakening
The French & Indian War / Sugar & Stamp Act
Townshend Acts / Sons of Liberty
The Boston Massacre / The Boston Tea Party

March 2025 
The Intolerable Acts / Paul Revere's Midnight Ride
Battle of Lexington & Concord / Fort Ticonderoga
Battle of Bunker Hill / Second Continental Congress


April 2025
Writing of the Declaration of Independence / Declaration of Independence Explained
Battle of Long Island / Battle of Trenton
Battle of Saratoga / Winter at Valley Forge
Fall of Charleston / Battle of Yorktown

May
Treaty of Paris in 1783 / Articles of Confederation
Shay’s Rebellion / The Constitutional Convention
The Great Compromise / The Constitution

June Camp
The Preamble of the Constitution / Article 1 (Section 1 - 3)
Article I (Section 4 - 7) / Article I (Section 8 - 10)
Article II (Section 1 - 2) / Article II (Section 3-4)
Article III (Section 1 - 3) / Article IV

Article V / Article VI and VII 

** As we explore each amendment, we'll briefly discuss the historical context surrounding them. However, the primary focus will remain on the Constitution itself.

 The Bill of Rights / Amendment 11 (1798) & 12 (1804) The Electoral College

13th Amendment (1865) - 15th Amendment (1870) / 16th Amendment (1913) - 19th Amendment (1920)

20th Amendment (1933) - 23rd Amendment (1961) / 24th Amendment (1964) - 27th Amendment (1992)


Repeat Cycle - Begin with The Lost Roanoke Colony / Jamestown

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This class covers a wide range of standards, including:

💥 Understanding the early colonization of America, including the motivations behind exploration and settlement.

💥 Exploring the challenges faced by early colonists, including interactions with Native American tribes and struggles for survival.

💥 Understanding the causes and outcomes of pivotal events from the American Revolution, including significant battles.

💥 Analyzing the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of the United States to comprehend the profound impact of the American Revolution on the nation's formation.

💥 Examining the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, along with the principles and ideals it embodies, to understand the foundational framework of the United States government and its enduring impact on American society.

💥 Studying the articles of the Constitution to understand its foundational principles and framework.

💥 Exploring the duties and responsibilities of the three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—to gain insight into the system of checks and balances established by the Constitution.

💥 Understanding the significance of the Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments) in guaranteeing individual rights and freedoms, including exploring the historical reasons behind its creation, to comprehend its pivotal role in shaping the principles of liberty and justice in the United States.

💥 Analyzing Amendments 11 through 27 of the United States Constitution to grasp the evolution of constitutional rights and governmental structure throughout American history.

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A Sample of Student-Friendly LEARNING GOALS - instructional objectives

** Additional Learning Goals Are Available Upon Request **

Discover the Pilgrims' journey for religious freedom and their role in making rules for their new home in America through the Mayflower Compact.

Explore the challenges and successes of early settlers in New England, and understand how the settlers' commitment to religious freedom influenced the laws, education, and social structures they established in New England.

Learn about the different jobs and cultures in the Middle Colonies, where people from various backgrounds lived together peacefully.

Understand how society was structured in the Southern colonies, including rich plantation owners, small farmers, and enslaved people.

Find out how the Great Awakening changed colonial life, making people more passionate about religion and individual freedoms.

Learn why the French and Indian War happened and how it affected colonial boundaries and relationships with Britain.

Explore how the Intolerable Acts made colonists upset with British rule and led to more tension before the Revolutionary War.

Understand how the Sons of Liberty fought against British rules before the Revolution and what impact they had on American ideas.

Discover the events leading up to the first battle of the Revolutionary War, where tensions boiled over between colonists and British troops.

Learn about the Second Continental Congress and its role in guiding the colonies toward independence and forming a new government.

Understand the significance of the Declaration of Independence in American history and the ideas upon which it was based.

Study the Articles of the Constitution to understand how the U.S. government is set up and how it works.

Learn about the Bill of Rights, which protects important freedoms for every American citizen.

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STANDARDS - broader educational guidelines 

State standards vary.  Check your state's Department of Education website for information on the specific standards and expectations for American history at each grade level. This will help you verify alignment with what is taught in this class.

Common Core standards provide a clear framework for what students should learn and achieve, ensuring students meet national benchmarks for learning and college readiness.

-- Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for MIDDLE GRADES --
The standards listed, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.1 through RH.6-8.8, correspond to grades 6-8. Students are expected to develop proficiency in reading and analyzing historical texts, understanding key historical events, and gaining knowledge about the foundations of American government and society.

These standards focus on developing students' ability to read and comprehend historical texts, analyze key events, and understand the principles of American government and society. 

Understanding Early Colonization of America: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.1

Exploring Challenges Faced by Early Colonists: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.2

Analyzing Causes and Outcomes of the American Revolution: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.3

Studying the Declaration of Independence and Nation Formation: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.4

Examining the Constitution's Drafting and Ratification: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.5

Studying the Articles of the Constitution: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.5

Exploring Duties and Responsibilities of Government Branches: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.6

Understanding the Significance of the Bill of Rights: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.7

Analyzing Amendments 11-27 of the Constitution: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.8


-- Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for high school grades (9-12)  --
These standards indicate the skills and knowledge that HIGH SCHOOL students are expected to develop in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language related to historical and social studies content.

Understanding Early Colonization of America: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.1 / CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.1

Exploring Challenges Faced by Early Colonists: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2 / CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.2

Analyzing Causes and Outcomes of the American Revolution: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.3 / CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.3

Studying the Declaration of Independence and Nation Formation: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.4 / CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.4

Examining the Constitution's Drafting and Ratification: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.5 / CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.5

Studying the Articles of the Constitution: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.5 / CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.5

Exploring Duties and Responsibilities of Government Branches: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.6 / CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.6

Understanding the Significance of the Bill of Rights: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.7 / CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.7

Analyzing Amendments 11-27 of the Constitution: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.8 / CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.8