A REVIEW OF AMERICAN HISTORY

Appropriate for grades 4-8.

OVERVIEW: A good knowledge of the past is essential to

understanding the present as well as the future. Students need to
appreciate that the present comes from people and events from the
past and that history is a chronological record. To be
responsible citizens in the world today and tomorrow, students
need to comprehend the historical concepts of time and chronology,
cause and effect, continuity and change, major historical events
and periods, and the impact of religion, philosophy, and other
major belief systems on history.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this lesson is to review the importance

historical events and time periods of United States history from
discovery to the present. Through the use of art, crafts, drama,
music, and dance, students can acquire a better understanding of
the important contributions of individuals as well as cultural
groups, and their impact on U.S. history. This lesson is used to
culminate all the units studied during the year.

OBJECTIVES: Students will be able to:

1. Understand that life is influenced by man's physical

environment, heritage, and cultural interchange.

2. Understand that people of all races, cultures, and religions

have made a contributions to world history.

3. Develop a sense of pride and appreciation for their own as

well as other's work.

4. Develop the ability to work well in groups as well as

independently.

ACTIVITIES:

1. Students will write and illustrate a time line depicting

major time periods or interesting facts. They can work in
groups or independently to make single panels for a time line
or use butcher paper to make longer ones.

2. Students decorate a shoe box into a mini-float showing their

research. Use small toy figures, rocks, vehicles, sotto, and
other materials for construction.

3. Children can pick an area of interest and write and/or act

out a play or recite a speech (Ex. Gettysburg Address).
Students can make a background and costumes reflecting the
time period. Puppet shows are another good source especially
for shy students.

4. Make dioramas or murals. These are best when done in small

groups. Nothing beats the hands on approach.
 5. Learn songs and dances of the different time periods.
Patriotic songs will only be learned if taught as part of the
curriculum.

RESOURCES/MATERIALS NEEDED: Some of the potential resources might

include:

- American history textbooks

- Encyclopedia
- Books on plays
- Music books, tapes, and records
- Educational magazines and periodicals

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: A year end program culminating the years

work allows the students to perform and/or display their work to
classmates and parents. Display time lines, murals, dioramas, and
floats at Open House, school assemblies, or in the classroom.
Children can act out plays, perform dances and/or sing songs from
the era studied. A tape of patriotic songs can be played as
people view the floats and awards for the best floats may be
given.