First Grade US History Course

Description

This First Grade course is an educational supplement designed to teach all appropriate social studies skills with an emphasis on US History. The course is designed to meet the Virginia Standards of Learning for social studies with an emphasis on American History. It has been crafted to recognize the perspective of students who are living outside of the United States.

What is included?

The course consists of 20 lessons. Each lesson has 4 parts.

1- Digital

Accessed with a tablet or computer, the digital portion includes written and audio material as well as interactive activities and a short quiz.

2- Hands On

Printable worksheets reinforce the material while building motor skills.

3- Creative Activities

Simple craft projects encourage artistic application of the material.

4- Parent Materials

Answer keys and the Parent Guide ensure a clear understanding of the Standards of Learning. The discussion questions help parents and children further engage with the material.

The lesson Topics are:

• Maps and Globes
• Map Skills
• American Flag
• Washington, D.C.
• Bodies of Water 
• Seasons in the US
• Indigenous Changemakers
• Jamestown and Werowocomoco
• Explorers
• Community Then and Now
• Elections in the US
• Presidents’ Day
• Jobs in America
• Needs, Wants, and US Money
• Martin Luther King Jr. 
• American Barrier Breakers
• US Landforms
• Artifacts and Sources
• Good Citizenship

Parents like it because:

• Children engage with the digital learning like it is a game and don’t even realize they are doing academic work.
• Activities are designed for kids to do on their own with minimal help, which builds independence and confidence.
• The Parent Guides includes optional activities for additional enrichment.
• No time constraints. No waiting list. No deadlines. Once you purchase the program it is yours to use as you please.
• Reinforces Standards of Learning that are common in US schools that may not be taught in an international setting.
• Age appropriate and designed specifically for your child’s age and skill level.
• Created for today’s kids, blending technology and paper pencil activities to build motor skills and ignite creativity.
• Includes historical figures from a variety of backgrounds and from different places.
• Connects children to the country that we as diplomats and military families serve.

Kids like it because:

• The lessons are fun. Kids don’t see them as homework, but as a game.
• The materials are visually appealing with bright colors, interactive activities, and engaging videos.
• Many kids who live abroad have a natural curiosity about the US.
• Kids feel empowered with the opportunity to work independently.
• The printable activities and crafts are enjoyable and stretch their creativity.

We created it because:

While living abroad has enriched the lives of my children, it became clear that there were many basic aspects of US History and culture that they did not understand. As a family we have grown to deeply love all of the places we have served. We have spent time trying to understand the culture, food, holidays and history of the people around us.

One day it dawned on me that I had put so much effort in helping them fit into a new culture, I had neglected to teach them those same things about our home culture. When I looked into the Virginia Standards of Learning and realized how few of them were being addressed in their international school I decided I wanted to create something new. So why did we create this? Well, the real answer is for my own kids. But now that it is ready to go, I hope that it will be helpful for everyone else too. There is no reason for us all to recreate the wheel every year. My hope is that this program will help all of our kids to connect to the US so that no matter where they live, they will always know that their roots are American.