You Decide

 

Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness

 

 

PRINT RESOURCES: NON-FICTION

 

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

http://tinyurl.com/dnltkd

Many good reviews from Horn Book and ALA Booklist suggest this would be a solid choice for your collection.  Has overview of text of Bill of Rights and then divided into chapters, each chapter focusing on an amendment.  Has legal cases and controversies that help show relevance to students.

 

A History of US

http://tinyurl.com/d9ggab

If a textbook was ever to seem a bit interesting, this would be the one.  Well written and lively, I think this would be a great classroom edition to have for all the students.  This edition from the series specifically covers the formation of the United States and would help clarify basic democratic ideals on which the CBAs are focused. Some reviewers point out that they are directed towards a middle school audience.

 

A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution, Betsy C. Maestro 

http://www.amazon.com/More-Perfect-Union-Story-Constitution/dp/0688101925/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241495606&sr=8-1

I couldn't decide if this was too simplistic and too bland with pastel illustrations or if it would be useful as getting to the core of how the framework of our government was formed.  I'll let you decide.

 

ATLAS OF UNITED STATES HISTORY

http://www.socialstudies.com/c/product.html?nocache@9+s@BHOCpT1_Drz32+record@TF10049+s@BHOCpT1_Drz32

Has over 100 maps, illustrations and diagrams that should help with making history more "visual" your students.  Has a poster that  comes with it. 

 

HOW AMERICA WORKS: Kids Discover Magazine

http://www.socialstudies.com/c/product.html?nocache@4+s@DpDG9N5MmeC.o+record@TF36611+s@DpDG9N5MmeC.o

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, by Rosalyn Schanzer  

http://tinyurl.com/cojhnm

  

IF YOU...SERIES

http://tinyurl.com/dkl86f 

There is one book in the series on "If You Lived in Colonial Times."  3rd grade reading level that might help students envision life in those times.

Presents both sides' views on reasons for war including taxation.  First half seems to compare/contrast the monarch and the man, the second seems to go into more detail on the reasons for their views.  Looks like it is at a good reading level for your students.  Though not specifcially on your topic, I added it in because it is a accessible and engage resource and you had it highlighted on the list you gave me.

  

JEAN FRITZ'S AMERICAN HISTORY BOOKS

http://tinyurl.com/cguqsb

Accessible to kids, the Jean Fritz books on American history are a great resource.  You may want to look at specific titles such as "Can't You Make Them Behave, King George?" and "Then What Happened, Paul Revere?"  These are also available through the WCLS website.

 

Knowing Your Civil Rights, Christin Ditchfield  (True Book Series)

http://www.amazon.com/Knowing-Your-Civil-Rights-Books/dp/0516279106/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241643482&sr=1-1

Using fairly simple vocabulary, these books explain difficult concepts and terms clearly.  With short, 10 page sections, this book covers "who is a citizen" and "what are rights?"  However, doesn't look like much on historical context.  Written for grades 3-5.

 

Rights and Values,  Patricia Hynes

http://www.amazon.com/Rights-Values-Citizens-Their-Governments/dp/1602790655/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241643220&sr=1-1

Readable texts that cover historical background information as well as ways kids can get involved.  Grades 4-6.  

 

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

This looks like a perfect book for what you are doing.  Some booksellers don't have it in stock yet as it is new, but I did find it available on Amazon.  A unique approach 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.  Published by Fact Finders Press.

 

The Constitution, Hal Marcovitz

http://tinyurl.com/dgtzro

Discusses the history of Constitution including amendments to the document. 

 

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

For ages 9-12, this book, and perhaps the whole series, might be something worth purchasing for your classroom or library.  I know Julie had this series when we spoke, but I wasn't sure if it was from Skyline's collection.

 

THE U.S. CONSTITUTION AND YOU, Syl Sobel

http://www.socialstudies.com/c/product.html?nocache@10+s@D7EcKE4yp0eRQ+record@TF33544+s@D7EcKE4yp0eRQ

Straight forward accounting of what the constitution is and says.  Short chapters keeps it in digestable bits and easy to understand for students.  Might be good pairing with other Sobel titles (Bill of Rights, How Government Works.)  I know you were looking for one title to consider for a class set.  This might work.

 

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

http://tinyurl.com/db483g

Though on the Preamble and not specifically the Bill of Rights, I thought this book lively and engaging and could help in future CBAs.  Great illustrations and even reviewed as being funny?!

 

What Are Citizens' Basic Rights? William David Thomas

http://www.amazon.com/Citizens-Basic-Rights-American-Government/dp/0836888669/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241644308&sr=1-1

This is one in a newer series that looks really on target for what you are doing.  Each copy opens with a quick story to draw in readers.  Titles in the series include "Constitution"  and "Parts of Government".  Positive reviews. For grades 3-5.

 

Who Was Ben Franklin?  Dennis Brindell Fradin

http://www.amazon.com/Who-Was-Ben-Franklin-Was/dp/0448424959/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241534002&sr=1-1

I know you have a copy of this in your library, but you might be interested in more copies or more in the series such as Who Was Thomas Jefferson? Engaging biographies that are lively and accessible to students.

 

 

PRINT RESOURCES: FICTION

 

ADVENTURE ON THE WILDERNESS ROAD 1775: AMERICAN SISTERS #4 (American Sisters Series)

http://www.amazon.com/ADVENTURE-WILDERNESS-ROAD-1775-AMERICAN/dp/0671015532/ref=pd_sim_b_2

While these look mostly out of print, they are still readily available and you might consider picking up a few copies to have for motivated readers. 

 

Dear America Series 

http://tinyurl.com/dl7qhb

This link should take you to Amazon's listing of the 20 or so books in this series.  As we discussed at the meeting, you  might find a way for students to use these in literature circles.  Also, there is a Teaching With Dear America Books, Jeanette Sanderson in which you may be interested until you look at the price!

 

Emma's Journal: The Story of a Colonial Girl (Young American Voice Books)

http://tinyurl.com/cs2uym

For ages 9-12, this series might challenge some of your higher end readers.  Deftly weaves historical accounts into the novel. 

 

My Name Is America: The Journal Of William Thomas Emerson, A Revolutionary War Patriot  

http://www.amazon.com/My-Name-America-Journal-Revolutionary/dp/0590313509/ref=pd_sim_b_4

A 12 year-old narrates this novel which reviews say "make 1774 come alive."  Great that it is from a boy's perspective as many historical fiction novels in this era seem to be from girl's viewpoint.

 

Will Northaway and the Price of Loyalty (Young American Patriots)  Susan Olasky

http://www.amazon.com/Northaway-Price-Loyalty-American-Patriots/dp/1581344775/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241671190&sr=1-3

From the Adventures of the American Revolution Series.   Some are available from WCLS.

 

 

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 and play out the debate between Patriots and Loyalists.

 

AMERICAN KIDS IN HISTORY: Discover the Past With Fun Projects, Games, Activities, and Recipes

http://www.socialstudies.com/c/product.html?nocache@4+s@BHOCpT1_Drz32+record@TF30827

Looks like some fun ideas for integrating more hand-on activities.  Has one book on Colonial Period in the series.

 

CELEBRATING CONSTITUTION DAY

http://tinyurl.com/cn3bkz

A reproducible activity book with lessons combine primary source documents and images with critical thinking questions, extension activities, and assessment activities.  I could not find reviews but might have some helpful lessons on Bill of Rights using primary source material.

 

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.

 

 

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 reviews.

 

Digital History: see below about Hollywood movie trailers in Online Resources below.

 

Jean Fritz on DVD

http://tinyurl.com/dl94h7

Narrated by the author, you can just purchase singular dvd instead of the whole series.

 

Liberty! the American Revolution.  (VHS/DVD)

http://tinyurl.com/dzd8xy

A PBS documentary that chrornicles the events of the revolution uses dramatic reenactments to bring to life the story of the nation's founding. The Peabody award-winning series has lots of teacher resources designed for K-12 teachers.  http://www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty/teachers.html Once again, definitely too much in its entirety but there are probably some good sections on how the different British imposed laws incensed the Colonists.  For example, the first lesson is called "Reluctant Revolutionaries" and "examine(s) why colonists, many of whom felt strong loyalties to the British Empire, decided to abandon their mother country and join the Revolution."   

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! 

 

Multi-media Collections for US History

http://tinyurl.com/coqtyn 

CD-ROMs, designed for Grades 4-8.  The one on the American  Revolution might be a useful resource for illustrations, video clips or documents on the causes of the war that are visual and accessible to students. No reviews but might be a nice addition for use by students on a final project.

 

UNDERSTANDING GOOD CITIZENSHIP

http://www.socialstudies.com/c/product.html?nocache@4+s@rICxNj9iTULzU+record@TF39827+s@rICxNj9iTULzU

Narrated by kids, this DVD begins with "Who is a citizen" and then a short segment on "Rights of Citizens".  The rest is on the responsibilities of being a citizen including volunteerism.  Might be helpful if this was the direction you wanted to head after teaching the ideals of democracy. 

 

 

ONLINE RESOURCES

 

Biography Resource Center

http://www.wcls.org/

On the WCLS website, you can access this fantastic resource on biographies of all kinds by using your library card.  Not only do you get multiple resources for each individual, it also gives websites and other sources for information about the individual.  Covers people from pre-colonial times to the present.

 

Digital History

http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/timeline/timelineO.cfm

This digital US history book can be found on the WCLS site.  It is dedicated to helping teachers use technology to liven up Social Studies curriculum.  For example, there is a whole database of film trailers that can help you introduce Hollywood's version of history.  Check out the Lifespan Timeline!  It is so cool.  Move the gold bar, which represents one lifespan, through an American history timeline to find out what economic, social or political events occured and graphically displays them on a US map.  There is also a section on primary documents, but none of the links worked.

 

National Archives: Teaching With Documents: U.S. Constitution Workshop

http://archives.gov/education/lessons/constitution-workshop/

Access a lesson plan and all the documents you need to teach about the US Constitution.  Written by archivists and educators, they say it is for grades 4 and up.  Looks really interesting!  A great way for students to get introduced to looking at a primary document.   

 

World Book Online

http://www.wcls.org/

Also available on the WCLS website, this is a good source to remember for basic information as well as photos and interesting quotes and facts.  For example, on the US Constitution home page, there is a list of "interesting facts" about the constitution. 

 

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.  

Check out Within these Walls, an online exhibit which is about a house through which they explore the lives of the 5 families and 200 years of history it has survived.  Features a "Go Back in Time" mystery for students to piece together that will challenge them to use reasoning and historical skills to complete.  http://americanhistory.si.edu/house/home.asp

 

 

GENERAL RESOURCES

 

Facing the Future        

http://www.facingthefuture.org/

Gates Foundation funded curriculum "think tank" that designs curriculum for classroom use based on issues of sustainability.  Is working to align curriculum with Washington State CBAs.  Has online curriculum and simulations that are engaging, student-centered and inquiry-based.

 

History Link       

http://www.historylink.org/

A free on-line encyclopedia of Washington State History that is also accessible through the WCLS website.  Has a fantastic database of biographies, photos, slideshows, interactive "cybertours" and essays about the people and places in Washington's history.   

 

National Council for Social Studies   

http://www.socialstudies.org/

The mission of National Council for the Social Studies is to provide leadership, service, and support for all social studies educators.  They publish a quarterly magazine called "Social Studies for Young Learners" which targets elementary school teachers.  They have some fabulous publications and resources, all of which are well researched and reviewed.  Under "Classroom  Resources" there are tabs for "Teaching with Documents" , "Lessons" and "Notable Tradebooks for Young People".  Access to sites are for members; a membership costs $59.00.  If the site seems particularly useful, you might choose to use some of the grant money for the fee. 

 

National Archives   

http://archives.gov/research/american-revolution/pictures/

 A great source for art from the era and primary documents. You may wish to look up other key documents by searching on the home page.   

 

Ones that didn't work: 

We discussed Declaring Freedom, by Gwenth Swain but that had poor reviews including one that called it condescending. 

 

Life After the American Revolution, by Linda Wade had really poor reviews including this one from SLJ which states: "These books are disappointing. The texts are overly simplistic and dry."