American History

 

OK, so I for real just finished reading 1776 and started reading John Adams even though I posted them last July. I love reading on my phone, but I only downloaded the sample of Adams so I'm not looking forward to switching to the actual heavy, awkward book. This is the time of year when I really get into teaching about the American Revolution so I also rented the musical 1776 and watched it along with the PBS classic about the French and Indian War called The War That Made America. I really want to be reading The Traitor's Wife and Sophia's War during April vacation, but I may have to save them for the summer. Ah, summer!

1776 and John Adams

                                                                                 

So, I LOVE teaching social studies, and the fifth grade curriculum is really fun. We start with reviewing maps and globes, then a quick overview of the early natives to settle in the Americas, then European exploration of the New World in the 16th and 17th centuries, development of the colonies, and finally the American Revolution and Birth of a New Nation. David McCullough's books provide a wealth of background information to help bring this time in history alive for me. I am fascinated reading about the personalities and inner thoughts of the early settlers and leaders in America.

First I started reading 1776 on my phone, and then I used a gift card I had to purchase hard copies of 1776 and John Adams. Reading these books gives me lots of juicy details to share with the kids, and makes me feel like I'm doing professional development at the same time!