For the advanced 4th up to 9th Grade American History 

This U.S. History American History course is designed to create an understanding of the causes, character, and consequences of the developing United States experience and its influence on the world and global societies. Beginning with a historical, geographical, social, political, economic, and cultural understanding of the North American continent, pre colonization, the course will provide a descriptive and corrective overview which will introduce the student to the study of the history from a balanced perspective. 

Why learn history like this? Most Eurocentric curricula begin American history with the moment colonizers landed on the continent. By teaching students about history pre-colonization, you build a deeper respect for the people who were here first and a holistic view of the foundation of our country.

Here is the week class topic 
1	Complex Societies before Colonization
2	Life before Colonization - Agricultural Advancements 
3	Early Encounters with Colonizers
4	The Colonies 
5	The Salem Witch Trials 
6	The Contributions of Women in North America 
7	The Stamp Act, the Boston Tea Party, The Boston Massacre 
8	An Introduction to the American Revolutionary War 

This class is structured to promote engagement, curiosity, and creative thinking among learners. We will use slides, videos, discussions, and games to interact with our learners. 

My teaching style is very laid back, but I also like to encourage learners to participate. I like to be sure all of our students have a chance to speak. 

Here is the typical class structure
5-10  minutes reviewing previous lessons
20-25 minutes of discussions, lectures, and videos 
Classes will be between 30-35 minutes depending on group dynamics

We do a lot of discussion in this class. Oral discussion is a research-backed way to help students build comprehension skills as well as develop and helping to retain information. I ask a lot of questions and may call on students to help build rapport and confidence but we do not require participation. I encourage participation but am sure to be positive and kind when giving feedback. We offer accommodations and modification for learners with unique abilities. 

Regarding Homework:
We will go over homework during class time and will not check it outside or respond outside of class hours. Please upload it to the classroom before your class start time so we can view it together as a class. 

Students do not need any previous experience to take this class. 

Teacher Expertise 
This may be a sensitive way of learning for families who are used to Eurocentric history perspective. 
I am certified in the following:
School Counseling K-12
Special Education K-12
Elementary Education K-6 which covers social studies 
and was required to take classes on cultural competence, diversity, inclusion, and American History while receiving my Master's so that I could teach students of marginalized groups. 
Ms. Shiren who will be team teaching this course is also certified in Middle School Social Studies

I have a degree connected to the topic  I am  teaching and additional training/education related to the topic. (My Masters is in Guidance & Counseling with classes to include cultural competence, diversity, inclusion, and American History from a Decolonized Perspective.)

I have also taught our Black History from a Decolonized Perspective to over 1100 learners on Outschool and have a rating of 4.95 in that course from a majority of our students.