Civics

 

 

Revolutionary War, 5th Grade

 

PRINT RESOURCES: NON-FICTION

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.

 

Can't you make them behave, King George?, Jean Fritz

http://tinyurl.com/yj9n67r

Jean Fritz's book have reason to be classics for this genre. 

 

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

http://tinyurl.com/dkpnse  

Presents both sides' views on reasons for war including taxation.  The first half compares/contrasts the monarch and the man, and the second goes into more detail on the reasons for their views.  It looks like it is at a good reading level for your students and a perfect supporting text for your topic. 

 

How to Be a Revolutionary War Soldier,  Thomas Ratliff & John James 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=How+to+Be+a+Revolutionary+War+Soldier+%28Library+Binding%29

From the National Geographic Society, this book looks really interesting and is supported by strong reviews.  The book is a sort of "choose your adventure"  that tests the reader on whether he or she has what it takes to become a Revolutionary War soldier. 

 

King George: What was his problem? Everything your schoolbooks didn't tell you about the American Revolution, by Steve Sheinkin

http://tinyurl.com/ct5gkr

I know you have a copy of this already, but put it on the list in case you wanted to purchase more.  Presented in a fun way for kids and gives good information with more detail than most textbooks.  Good reviews from academics and teachers alike.

 

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 writing style.  Originally published as The Liberty Tree: the Beginnings of the American Revolution.  Gr 2-4.

 

Liberty or Death: The American Revolution: 1763-1783, Besty & Giulio Maestro

http://www.amazon.com/Liberty-Death-American-Revolution-1763-1783/dp/0688088023/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_2_2 

A solid introductory overview of events leading up to the Revolution.  Review from Booklist state that the authors "weav(e) a dramatic tale of ideals and hardship, heroism and betrayal, and illustrat(e) events with a series of detailed, dramatic, and informative pictures and a number of excellent maps."

 

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

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 U.S. Constitution and You, Syl Sobel

http://www.amazon.com/U-S-Constitution-You-Syl-Sobel/dp/0764117076/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263827029&sr=1-1

Written with short, digestible chapters, this book explain the unique division of government branches.  Clear writing, pen and ink illustrations and a good source for basic understanding not just of the Constitutuion's history but of its meaning.  For grades 3-5. 

 

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 American Revolution, Steve Sheinkin

http://tinyurl.com/ct5rgq

If you liked "King George, What Was His Problem" check out this title written by the same author.  Presented in a fun way for kids and gives good information with more detail than most textbooks.  Good reviews from academics and teachers alike.   

 

Tories and Patriots: Neighbors at War, Jeremy Thornton

http://www.amazon.com/Tories-Patriots-Neighbors-Thornton-Democracy/dp/0823962792/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264010052&sr=8-1

This is one we discussed at our meeting and should be a good choice for you.   

 

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

http://tinyurl.com/db483g

A fabulously lively, engaging and even funny introduction to the Preamble.  Great illustrations that captivate from the front cover onward. Publisher's Weekley review lauds the book stating that "he takes fresh liberties (using) the Preamble as text for spry, loopy cartoons chronicling three eccentric-looking kids and a spirited pooch on a backyard camping caper." A strong addition to your collection to teach about this important document. 

 

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, 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, Nancy Day

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.  School Library Journal review states that the book presents "engaging trips through time and space."   Contains information about schools, medicine, forms of punishment, and various group activities. 

 

 

PRINT RESOURCES: FICTION

A Young Patriot: The American Revolution as Experienced by One Boy, Jim Murphy

http://www.amazon.com/Young-Patriot-American-Revolution-Experienced/dp/0395900190/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263910719&sr=1-1

A first person narration about a 15 year old boy who joins the War only to realize the actual horrors.  This one might be good for a read aloud or as a book for your higher end, history buff readers.

 

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. 

 

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.  Gr 4-6.

 

Johnny Tremain, Esther Forbes 

http://tinyurl.com/ygwe45a 

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

Johnny Tremain, winner of the 1943 Newbery Medal, is one of the finest historical novels ever written for children. "As compelling today as it was fifty years ago, to read this riveting novel is to live through the defining events leading up to the American Revolutionary War seen through the eyes of a boy who turns in his smithing tools to take up a rifle and fight for the liberty of America."

 

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.  School Library Review notes that "the author does an outstanding job of showing how Tories became embroiled with their neighbors in a sort of civil war... Details of Colonial life are intricately interwoven, from Prudence's difficulty in obtaining ink to write in her diary to her mother's use of herbs in her midwifery practice. The action and suspense build steadily and will keep readers hooked. A compelling portrait of a "dissenting" voice." 

 

My Brother Sam is Dead, James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier.

http://tinyurl.com/ylyuxjm

One son joins the Rebel forces while his brother and family attempt to remain neutral while living in a town that sides with the Tories.  A Newberry Award winning book, My Brother Sam is Dead is a powerful book focus spot on the topic you are examining between Tories, Patirots and trying to find one's own opinion.

 

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. 

 

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 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 and another entitled "History of American Government" that might mesh well with your civics component.  "Technical quality is excellent, the young actors are ethnically diverse, and the narration is very clear and understandable."  School Library Journal Review. 

 

American Colonies & American Revolution, Howard Egger-Bovat

http://tinyurl.com/ylecfhe

Teachers who have used this tell me they like it and it fits your topic and era.  Has one section on the "Rebel and British Solider's Life".  Made for the grade 3-7 audience. 

 

Liberty's Kids,  DIC Entertainment Corp. 2002

http://tinyurl.com/cwktcc

In the WCLS library, this video is one other teacher's have told me they really like.  Cartoon characters help explain the causes and reactions to events leading up to the Revolutionary War.

 

Liberty! the American Revolution.  (VHS/DVD)

http://tinyurl.com/dzd8xy

A PBS documentary that chronicles 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 

Definately 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.  

  

 

CURRICULUM RESOURCES

History Pockets: The American Revolution (Paperback)

http://www.amazon.com/History-Pockets-Evan-Moor-Educational-Publishers/dp/1596732601/ref=pd_sim_b_19

You mentioned these at our meeting and that you liked them. There is one for Colonial America as well.   

 

 

ONLINE RESOURCES

     Premium Digital Resources (must have WCLS card to access) 

World Book Online

http://www.worldbookonline.com/student/home

This is a solid supporting resource for you for basic information, historical maps or link to other resources. Here is one search I did for the American Revolution:

     American Revolution:

     http://www.worldbookonline.com/student/search?st1=american%20revolution&searchprop=WBS

 

 Other Online Resources: do not need WCLS card to access 

Declaration of Independence, Social Studies for Kids

http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/subjects/declaration.htm

A great website that you might want to explore further has this collection of Declaration of Independence documents and curriculum support materials.  For example, the Declaration of Independence: Cry for Freedom link http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/declaration.htm takes you to a basic overview of the historical events that gave rise to the Declaration.

 

 

Spy Letters of the American Revolution, Clements Library, University of Michigan

http://www.si.umich.edu/spies/ 

This is such a fun website for your students!  They show how both the British and Patriots used invisible ink and secret codes, explains what happened when a letter was captured and lots more intrigue.  This is a great way to incorporate primary source materials and bring the era alive! 

     People of the Revolution 

     http://www.si.umich.edu/spies/index-people.html 

     These are great biographies of Tories and Patriots and their roles in the War.  You might consider giving      students the first portion of these biographies which explain their identity and roles. After researching and then      defending their "views" on the war, you can give the latter half of the biographies which explain what happened      to them.

     Teacher's Lounge

     http://www.si.umich.edu/spies/index-people.html

     Great classroom activities that includes making invisible ink and ideas on how to teach interpreting a      primary resource.  

 

The American Revolution and its Era: Maps and Charts of North America and the West Indies, 1750-1789

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/gmdhtml/armhtml/armhome.html 

A collection of maps and charts from the Library of Congress that allows you to look at historical maps from this time period.  Also check out the Classroom Connections link http://memory.loc.gov/learn/ that has great teaching ideas for incorporating maps into your curriculum.

 

 

 

MUSEUM 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. 

 

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. I found it a bit difficult to navigate, but there are some real gems here.

    The Choate Family:    http://americanhistory.si.edu/house/families/choates.asp