You Decide

 

 

Foundations of Democracy & Colonial America, 5th Grade 

 

PRINT RESOURCES: NON-FICTION

A Kids' Guide to America's Bill of Rights: Curfews, Censorship, and the 100-Pound Giant, Kathleen Krull

http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Guide-Americas-Bill-Rights/dp/0380974975/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261059372&sr=8-1

Krull packs her books with interesting questions, sidebars and gossip-like tidbits that whet the reader's appetite to learn more about the topic. 

 

Colonial America (How'd They Do That In...Series), Patrice Sherman

http://www.amazon.com/Colonial-America-Howd-They-That/dp/1584158174/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261062254&sr=1-10#noop

Hot off the press for 2010, this book covers the social history of Colonial America.  Topics such as how they played, what they ate, or how they made shoes, welcomes students into the world of their Colonial counterparts.

 

How America Works, Kids Discover Magazine

http://tinyurl.com/yk3d75y

Designed for grades 4-8, has a basic layout of how laws are made, Bill of Rights etc. Usually this series is very basic, but I put it on the list as it is a digestible overview and easy and cheap to get every kid a copy. 

 

How the U.S. Government Works,  Syl Sobel

http://tinyurl.com/c39bcg

Written for grades 3-5, uses the simplest terms to describe basic workings of our government.  Looks accessible for students and a useful addition.

 

George vs. George: The Revolutionary War as Seen by Both Sides, Rosalyn Schanzer  

http://tinyurl.com/cojhnm

Glowing reivews abound for this richly illustrated, well-researched book.  Presents views from the man, George Washington, and the monarch, King George.  A strong addition for your collection.

 

Liberty!: How the Revolutionary War Began, Lucille Recht Penner

http://www.amazon.com/Liberty-Revolutionary-Began-Landmark-Books/dp/0375822003/ref=pd_sim_b_4#noop

Presents the events leading up to the Revolution in a fun and lively way.  Originally published as The Liberty Tree: the Beginnings of the American Revolution.  Gr 2-4.

 

Outrageous Women of Colonial America, Mary Rodd Furbee

http://www.amazon.com/Outrageous-Women-Colonial-America-Furbee/dp/047138299X/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261405884&sr=1-8

Written for the 3-5th grade audience, this book provides biographies on some of the well known and many lesser known notable Colonial women. 

 

The Bill of Rights in Translation: What It Really Means, Amie Jane Leavitt 

http://www.amazon.com/Bill-Rights-Translation-Finders-Translations/dp/142962843X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241532764&sr=1-2

A unique approach to decoding the Bill of Rights as it take the original version and line by line, translates it into everyday language.  Perfect for students new to these ideas. Very robust reviews which states that it is the strongest book in its class.   

 

The Constitution of the United States (True Books Series), Christine Taylor-Butler

http://www.amazon.com/Constitution-United-States-True-Books/dp/0531147797/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241637109&sr=8-2

In simple language, outlines the basics of our federal government and our Constitution. 

 

The U.S. Constitution and You, Syl Sobel

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764117076/ref=rdr_ext_sb_ti_sims_4

I like this book as it covers similar ground as others but includes helpful pictures that reinforce the concepts covered.   Along with the graphics, the text is sparing yet does cover the fundamentals of our democratic ideals.

 

We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States, David Catrow

http://tinyurl.com/db483g

Lively and engaging, this has fantastic illustrations and even reviewed as being funny! 

 

Witness the Boston Tea Party With Elaine Landau, Elaine Landau

http://www.amazon.com/Witness-Boston-Explore-Colonial-America/dp/0766025535/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262146681&sr=1-1

A prolific writer for kid history and science book, this one should be equally interesting.  I found it on a number of booklists suggested by a variety of librarians for this age-group.

 

You Wouldn't Want to Be at the Boston Tea Party!: Wharf Water Tea You'd Rather Not Drink (You Wouldn't Want to series), Peter Cook

http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Boston-Party/dp/0531124479/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262143917&sr=1-4

You Wouldn't Want to Be an American Colonist: A Settlement You'd Rather Not Start, Peter Cook

http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-American-Colonist/dp/0531163989/ref=pd_sim_b_1

These titles from the popular series a great addition to your collection if you don't have them already.  Whimsical, humorous and catchy first-person perspective pique the reader's interest. 

 

Your Travel Guide to Colonial America (Passport to History) 

http://www.amazon.com/Travel-Colonial-America-Passport-History/dp/0822599082/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261405884&sr=1-4#noop

Refreshingly different layout and readable text that lays out history as if students were embarking on a journey.  Fun and different, this should appeal to students. 

 

 

PRINT RESOURCES: FICTION

Colonial Voices: Hear Them Speak, Kay Winters

http://www.amazon.com/Colonial-Voices-Hear-Them-Speak/dp/0525478728/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259177312&sr=1-1#noop

Using free-verse vingnettes, the colonial-era characters express their opinions on current politics and daily life in a Boston that "is about to explode."  A 2008 Newberry Medal winner.

 

Five Smooth Stones: Hope's Diary,  Kristiana Gregory

http://www.amazon.com/Five-Smooth-Stones-Revolutionary-America/dp/0439369053/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1262149270&sr=1-1-fkmr1

From the My America series, this book centers around the life of a 9 year old girl who lives in Pennsylvania in 1776 and worries as her dad has not returned from a sea voyage while around her the Revolution brews.  Easier reading level, and also not as inticing plot structure, as the Dear America selections.

 

Johnny Tremain, Esther Forbes 

http://tinyurl.com/ygwe45a 

This 1944 Newberry Award classic might be perfect as a read aloud. 

 

John's Story, 1775 , Joan Lowery Nixon

http://www.amazon.com/Johns-Story-1775-Lowery-Nixon/dp/0879352280/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_c

Maria's Story, 1773, Joan Lowery Nixon

http://www.amazon.com/Marias-Story-1773-Lowery-Nixon/dp/0879352272/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262148493&sr=1-1

Nancy's Story, 1765, Joan Lowery Nixon

http://www.amazon.com/Nancys-Story-1765-Lowery-Nixon/dp/0879352256/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262147997&sr=1-1#noop

More history than story, these fictional book are based on the records of real families of the time.  According to School Library Reivew, "the plot moves swiftly, and the characters are well developed. The story is much more realistic and personal than books in the "Dear America" series (Scholastic) since it is based on an actual person." For example, in Nancy's Story, the main character navigates life impacted by a new step-mother, helping her family's slave learn to read and the impending Stamp Act.

 

Love Thy Neighbor: The Tory Diary of Prudence Emerson, Ann Turner

http://tinyurl.com/yf6lg96

From the Dear America series, this book focus on the tensions between Patriots and Loyalists as told through the eyes of a young girl.

 

Phoebe the Spy, Judith Berry Griffin

http://tinyurl.com/ygl4wq6 

School Library Journal says "this episode drawn from the Revolutionary War is related with historical accuracy and suspense and illustrated with finesse." More than that, it doesn't hit kids over the head with history, rather the story draws in readers by outlining historical truths of the era in less obtrusive ways.

 

Revolutionary War on Wednesday, Mary Pope Osborne

http://tinyurl.com/yzgxt7l

From the ever-poular Magic Treehouse series, this book has Annie and Jack travel back in time to help General George Washington.  See companion, non-fiction book listed above. 

 

The Winter of Red Snow: The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, Kristiana Stewart

http://www.amazon.com/Winter-Red-Snow-Revolutionary-Pennsylvania/dp/0439555078/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262146270&sr=1-2 

Also from the Dear America series, this book is noted for it's historical accuracy along with a satisfying plot.  It takes place during the Revolutionary war and through her diary, the narrator, Abby, recounts the horror of war along with her everyday realities of chores of Colonial life. 

 

 

DVD/CD-ROM RESOURCES

American History for Children Video Series

http://tinyurl.com/dms8bl

Short, 25 min. sections written in conjunction with teachers.   Has one in the series called "Equal Rights for All" about the Bill of Rights. Could not find professional reviews but many teachers have mentioned that they like this series.

 

Johnny Tremain, Walt Disney Home Entertainment

http://tinyurl.com/yflc7m4

Could be shown in portions as you read the book aloud in class. 

 

The Boston Tea Party [videorecording]: thirsty for freedom! a Remember When Production in association with Great Scott!! Productions.

http://tinyurl.com/yfjhygn

 

Why don't you get a horse, Sam Adams?, VHS

http://tinyurl.com/yhlxd6o

You mentioned at the meeting that you were interested in Fritz's books on DVD/VHS.  This is the only one in the WCLS collection that meshed with your topic.  

 

Liberty! the American Revolution.  (VHS/DVD)

http://tinyurl.com/dzd8xy

A PBS documentary that chronicles the events leading up to the Revolution. The Peabody award-winning series has lots of teacher resources designed for K-12 teachers.  http://www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty/teachers.html   Though the whole movie is too long to show in its entirety.  However, there are some good sections on how the different British imposed laws incensed the Colonists.  The series can be purchased online from PBS, although there is a VHS copy available from WCLS. 

 

Liberty's kids [videorecording] : the complete series / DIC Entertainment Corp. 2002

http://tinyurl.com/cwktcc

Some teachers I spoke to love this, others felt it was too "cartoony".  I thought you might just want to know that it is in the WCLS library and you might find it useful! 

 

 

CURRICULUM RESOURCES

10 EASY-TO-READ AMERICAN HISTORY PLAYS THAT REACH ALL KINDS OF READERS

http://tinyurl.com/cfef7s

Plays for 3rd grade reading level that look like a fun way to liven up a history lesson.  Students might think about writing their own plays based on this style

 

COLONIAL DAYS: American Kids in History

http://tinyurl.com/dgbv8o

Follows a year in the life of a family living in Colonial times.  Show how they provide for themselves and includes creative projects that students can do including making quill pens and playing games. 

 

Colonial Economy Game

http://www.socialstudies.com/c/product.html?nocache@30+s@aPcj1UoP_bQcc+record@TF10861+s@aPcj1UoP_bQcc

Students start with a small sum of money and try to make their way in Colonial America.  For grades 5-8.

 

Primary Sources Teaching Kit: Colonial America

http://www.amazon.com/Primary-Sources-Teaching-Kit-Colonial/dp/0590378473/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262144626&sr=1-16, Karen Baiker

Sometimes it is nice not to have to search online for the document you need.  These are reproduction are copy ready and come with some ideas on how to integrate them into your lesson.  There is a copy of the Stamp Act and a political cartoon.  Not sure if is something you would use, but wanted to give you a source for primary documents that would be accessible.

 

Read-Aloud Plays: Colonial America, Marci Applebaum

http://www.amazon.com/Read-Aloud-Plays-Colonial-Marci-Appelbaum/dp/043936602X/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262144626&sr=1-17#noop

Haven't read too many reviews, but at least an option to get kids up and moving during the day and involved with what they are learning.   

 

 

ONLINE RESOURCES

     Premium Digital Resources (must have WCLS card to access) 

eLibrary

Primary Source

http://elibrary.bigchalk.com.ezproxy.wcls.org:2048/elibweb/elib/do/search?edition=&ts=

If you only had time to look at one database in the WCLS collection, look at this one.  There is so much here that is going to be useful for you and your students.  Lots of primary source and related resources including art, poems and articles. 

 Stamp Act:  Archival prints

     http://tinyurl.com/yf2ezqg

 

History Resource Center, US

http://galenet.galegroup.com.ezproxy.wcls.org:2048/servlet/HistRC?locID=wcls_main

This is a good teacher resource if you are looking for a primary source document or teacher background information.  

 

Digital History 

http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/

An online textbook that has great links to primary source documents, lesson plans and background information displayed in a user-friendly format.

     Columbus & the Columbian Exchange

     http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/learning_history/columbus/columbus_menu.cfm

     Lesson plan that uses maps and other primary source materials.

 

     Declare the Causes: The Declaration of Independence, Lesson Plan for grades 3-5

     http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=282

     Some great ideas on how to teach the Declaration of Independence by having students write their own "complaint letter".

 

     Learn about the Revolutionary War          

     http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/modules/revwar/index.cfm 

 

    Other Resources

Colonial Williamsburg

http://www.history.org/

This is a site rich with activities & information on colonial life.  Check out the slideshows daily life as well as the kid zone for activities, tours and games. 

     Experience the Life

     http://www.history.org/Almanack/life/ 

     I love the link on "Manners."  This is a fabulous resource that details the life of everyday colonists. 

 

 

National Archives, Teaching With Documents

http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/revolution-new-nation.html

These materials are geared to a high school audience, but I thought you might be interested in some of the materials, especially the worksheets below.  You could pair the worksheet with illustrations from a specific event and have students deduce information about the event from careful observation.

     Primary Source Worksheets

     http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/worksheets/index.html

 

 

MUSEUM RESOURCES 

Smithsonian Museum of American History

http://historyexplorer.americanhistory.si.edu/

The whole site is wonderful, though check out the above link to get into the educator's portal. There is one whole lesson plan with video and activities on Causes of the American Revolution and war in our nation's history.

     Online, colonial era activites:

     http://historyexplorer.americanhistory.si.edu/lessons/index.asp?typeKeys=3&typeKeysOr=&stdsKeys=&gradeStart=-1&gradeEnd=-1&keywords=colonial+&orderBy=&perPage=10 

     These look interesting and fun.  The one about the Choate family brings your students right into the homes of a colonial era family.