Home
Mission
Blog
Professional Development
Launchpad
Plans
Community
Help
World Cultures The Government of SW Asia Passage & Activities - NO PREP!
By Holly O'Hara
This passage and assortment of activities are an engaging and accessible way for your students to strengthen their knowledge of the government of Southwest Asia, including countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Turkey.
THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:
I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.
5th Grade Yearlong Social Studies Activities: Aligns with Studies Weekly
By Colleen Burdette
Engaging Activities for 5th Grade Social Studies:
These activities keep students engaged throughout the year as they study United States History. Although these activities are aligned with Studies Weekly, each activity can be completed without Studies Weekly. "Missing" weeks are due to Studies Weekly assigning inquiries once per unit.
What's included:
Beginning of the Year Escape Room:
Inquiry: How to Research (Weeks 1-4)
North America Before European Contact (Weeks 6-8)
European Exploration and Colonization (Weeks 10-18)
The American Revolution (Weeks 19-26)
Creating a New Nation (Weeks 27-31)
End of the Year Escape Room
Aligns with Indiana Standards: 5.H.1, 5.H.2, 5.H.3, 5.H.5, 5.H.6, 5.H.7, 5.H.8, 5.H.9, 5.H.10, 5.H.11, 5.H.12, 5.H.13, 5.H.14, 5.H.15, 5.H.16, 5.H.17, 5.C.1, 5.C.2, 5.C.3, 5.C.5, 5.C.7, 5.G.1, 5.G.2, 5.G.7, 5.E.1, 5.E.2, 5.E.3, 5.E.5.
What's Included:
How is this bundle useful:
By Language Arts Excellence
A perfect conversation starter for Election Day or any time during your course on government or current events, this product features a thought-provoking lesson to help students articulate their current views on the definition of democracy. In this activity, they must choose between 6 different quotes about democracy and explain why the quote aligns with their own perspective. It is a great way to gain insight about your students' current attitudes in the midst of a higher level thinking activity. A digital version of the Democracy Talk worksheet is included to support distance learning and cut down on paper.
Product includes:
This lesson is perfect for using during the 2020 Election, President's Day, or during any unit on current events, civics, or history!
____________________________________________________________________________
Also, check out these great products by Language Arts Excellence:
⭐History Quote Posters
⭐ Letter to a Member of our Military
____________________________________________________________________________
Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence
Analyzing the Declaration of Independence & U.S. Constitution
By Sarah Austin
This lesson involves having students identify the basic principles and grievances of the Declaration of Independence, as well as exploring the conception of the 'Articles of Confederation' and the 'Constitution of the United States'. Students will demonstrate their interpretation of excerpts of the Declaration of Independence in a hands-on activity.
The provided slide presentation is a primary based resource that is designed to engage the students in the learning process. Full of colorful images, intertwined with problem posing questions, discussion, and a variety of engaging video clips, students will be invited to closely examine and understand the historical interconnections between the 'Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution.
A wrap-up, thought-provoking activity includes having students work in pairs and analyze a fictitious country and its' governing laws. This activity serves as a critical discussion piece in prompting students to understand the complexities and ethical considerations in creating laws that govern a country.
Materials Include:
If you liked this lesson see other related 'Government' lessons here:
I OFTEN PROVIDE FREEBIES TO MY FOLLOWERS AND ALL NEW PRODUCTS DEBUT AT 20% OFF:
• Look for the green star next to my store logo at the top right corner of this page and click it to become a follower. This will allow you to be notified each time I debut a new product or freebie.
The Civil War: Union Leadership Passage & Activities - NO PREP!
By Holly O'Hara
This product introduces Union leadership to students, particularly in the context of the lead up to the Civil War. The passage specifically discusses names such as Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and William Tecumseh Sherman.
THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:
★ 3 page passage
★ 15 multiple choice comprehension questions
★ 5 short answer comprehension questions
★ Primary source analysis of a political cartoon depicting the Emancipation Proclamation
★ Choice board with diverse activities to extend learning
★ Answer keys
★ Link to Google Slides version
This product is a part of my Civil War series (products will be linked as they are published) ⤵⤵⤵
Pre-War: 1830s-1860
Secession and Formation of the Confederacy (1860-1861)
Opening Conflict (1861)
Early War (1862)
Eastern Theater
Western Theater
Turning Points (1863)
Total War and Union Advancements (1864)
End of the War (1865)
Reconstruction (1865-1877)
I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.
Creating a New Nation: 5th Grade Studies Weekly Weeks 27-31
By Colleen Burdette
Creating a New Nation-After the American Revolution:
This bundle contains a wide variety of worksheets, activities, and games concerning the events following the American Revolution.
Most products include extension questions which engage students in deeper level thinking. These questions help students make connections American history topics or their own experience. These questions are also excellent discussion starters for class time.
These products align with Indiana 5th Grade Social Studies Standards 5.C.1, 5.C.3, 5.C.5, 5.E.3, 5.H.14, 5.H.15. 5.H.16, 5.H.17.
What's included:
How are these products useful:
First Day of School Government Talk
By Language Arts Excellence
Now with digital worksheet to support distance learning!
This product features an engaging back to school Government Talk activity that will have your students thinking, writing, speaking, and moving all in one class period. A perfect conversation starter for the 2020 elections, the activity prompts students to choose between 6 different quotes about the role of government and articulate why the quote aligns with their perspective on the government. Use this lesson every year to set the tone for what you expect in class; it is a great way to gain insight about your students' current attitudes toward government while getting to know one another with a higher level thinking activity. We have also recently added a digital version of the Government Talk worksheet to support distance learning and cut down on paper.
Product includes:
This lesson is ideal for sparking conversations about the role of government during the 2020 elections!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Also, check out these great products to start your school year off strong by Language Arts Excellence:
⭐ First Day of School Powerpoint
⭐ Study Hall Expectations Powerpoint Presentation
⭐ Back to School / Open House Brochure
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence
By Sarah Austin
This resource will provide students with an introductory framework from which to understand the judiciary process. Students will delve into the fundamental aspects of a courtroom such as: the basic structure and lay-out of a courtroom, the function of different roles (judge, jury, defense, prosecutor), and the common procedures and language used in a courtroom environment. Students will also explore the importance of how to create an opening and closing statement, the legal grounds of when to object, and understand the dynamics of a direct and cross examination. This resource will be very useful for teachers who are searching for an engaging & informative way to introduce students to the concept of mock trials.
Materials:
If you liked this lesson see other related 'Government' lessons here:
World Cultures The Government of the USA Passage & Activities- NO PREP!
By Holly O'Hara
This passage and assortment of activities are an engaging and accessible way for your students to strengthen their knowledge of the government of the United States of America!
THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:
I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.
Bill of Rights/Dec. of Ind. Grievances Reveal: 5th Studies Weekly Week 29
By Colleen Burdette
Engaging way to connect to the Bill of Rights:
Students will complete an activity making connects between the Declaration of Independence Grievances and the Bill of Rights. In the activity, students will be presented with a grievance and will have to enter the number of the Amendment it inspired.
Correct answers will reveal an image.
Easy to assign in Google Classroom or Google Drive.
This aligns with Indiana 5th Grade Social Studies Standard 5.H.16.
What's included:
How is this product useful:
By Language Arts Excellence
A perfect conversation starter for Election Day or any time during your course on government or current events, this product features a thought-provoking lesson to help students articulate their current views on the definition of democracy. In this activity, they must choose between 6 different quotes about democracy and explain why the quote aligns with their own perspective. It is a great way to gain insight about your students' current attitudes in the midst of a higher level thinking activity. A digital version of the Democracy Talk worksheet is included to support distance learning and cut down on paper.
Product includes:
This lesson is perfect for using during the 2020 Election, President's Day, or during any unit on current events, civics, or history!
____________________________________________________________________________
Also, check out these great products by Language Arts Excellence:
⭐History Quote Posters
⭐ Letter to a Member of our Military
____________________________________________________________________________
Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence
What 28th Amendment Would YOU Propose?
By Sarah Austin
The Constitution's 27 Amendments read like a tour through American history. This interactive, project-based lesson will provide students with an overview of the 27 Constitutional Amendments in a fun and engaging way! A deeper analysis is also promoted as this lesson is designed to give the teacher flexibility in choosing from a variety of discussion questions that will have students critically think, debate, and apply their understandings to our Constitutional rights. Transform your classroom into Congress, as the final project entails having students create and present a 28th Amendment to members of Congress (their classmates).
Time Frame: 5 to 7 class periods (55 min) contingent upon the degree of classroom discussion, and whether the teacher has by passed any of the discussion topics.
Materials:
Overview of ALL 27th Amendments with compelling discussion/debate questions;
1st Amendment: ‘Tinker V. Des Moines’: Do you think the student’s constitutional rights were violated or not?
14th Amendment: Do you agree or disagree with altering or abolishing the ‘Citizenship’ clause of this amendment?
5th Amendment: Double Jeopardy- why do you think this law exists? Do you think there are any exceptions to this law? Do you agree or disagree with this law?
8th Amendment: What defines ‘Cruel & Unusual Punishment’? Does the provided example constitute a violation of the 8th Amendment?
19th Amendment: Were the suffragists being ‘unpatriotic’ when they continued to picket the White House despite the fact the U.S. joined WWI?
12th Amendment: Do you think the ‘Electoral College’ is fair & democratic?
18th Amendment: Do you agree or disagree with those who wanted to eliminate or place restrictions on alcohol?
If you liked this lesson see other related lessons here:
World Cultures The Government of East Asia Passage & Activities - NO PREP!
By Holly O'Hara
This passage and assortment of activities are an engaging and accessible way for your students to strengthen their knowledge of the government of East Asia, including countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:
I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.
Ratifying the Constitution Stations: 5th Grade Studies Weekly Week 28
By Colleen Burdette
Engage your students in ratifying the Constitution:
Students will complete 8 different stations which take a closer look at each section of the United States Constitution. This can be done individually, with a partner, or in a group.
Students can discuss and support one another as they work through the preamble and articles of the Constitution.
When complete, students can complete follow up questions which will allow them to decide how the Constitution relates to them. They will explore how the Constitution outlines the jobs of our government.
Simple set up for teachers, everything included except some envelopes.
Aligns with Indiana 5th Grade Social Studies Standards 5.C.1, 5.C.3, 5.C.5.
What's included:
How is this product useful:
By Language Arts Excellence
What does it mean to be a feminist?
The perfect supplement to any unit on women's studies or current events, this product features a thought-provoking lesson to help students articulate what feminism means to them and to see how it varies widely (and often passionately) from person to person. In this activity, they must choose between 6 different quotes about feminism and explain why the quote aligns with their own perspective. It is a great way to gain insight about your students' current attitudes about what it means to be a feminist in the midst of a higher level thinking activity. A digital version of the Feminism Talk worksheet is included to support distance learning and cut down on paper.
Product includes:
____________________________________________________________________________
Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence
The 'Bill of Rights' Time Travel
By Sarah Austin
This resource will provide students with an engaging way to learn about the 'Bill of Rights'. In a critical reading activity, students will explore and understand the historical background of how each Constitutional Right came to exist. The provided reading is an easy to read, attention-grabbing resource. The second part of this lesson involves having students delve deeper into their analysis by completing a graphic organizer in which students will:
Interpret each amendment.
Summarize the historical background of why/how each amendment came to exist.
Illustrate: Find an image/gif (or draw) that best depicts the meaning behind each of the 10 amendments. Be creative!!
SUPPLEMENTARY ACTIVITIES:
Option #1: This activity will have students vacillate between two different time periods: late 1700’s and current day. The slide presentation will guide students through the ‘Bill of Rights' reading AND prompt student discussion and debate as it surrounds the 1st, 2nd, 5th, & 8th amendments.
Option #2: The Bill of Right Rank-O- Meter will have students rank their Constitutional Rights in terms of importance. Working collaboratively, students will present and defend their analysis to their classmates.
If you liked this lesson see other related 'Government' lessons here:
I OFTEN PROVIDE FREEBIES TO MY FOLLOWERS AND ALL NEW PRODUCTS DEBUT AT 20% OFF:
• Look for the green star next to my store logo at the top right corner of this page and click it to become a follower. This will allow you to be notified each time I debut a new product or freebie.
The Civil War: The Formation of the Confederacy Passage & Activities - NO PREP!
By Holly O'Hara
This product introduces the formation of the Confederacy to students, particularly in the context of the lead up to the Civil War. The passage specifically discusses the tensions that led to the formation of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis, and the Confederate States of America Constitution.
THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:
★ 2 page passage
★ 10 multiple choice comprehension questions
★ 5 short answer comprehension questions
★ Primary source analysis of an excerpt of the Confederate States of America Constitution
★ Choice board with diverse activities to extend learning
★ Answer keys
★ Link to Google Slides version
This product is a part of my Civil War series (products will be linked as they are published) ⤵⤵⤵
Pre-War: 1830s-1860
Secession and Formation of the Confederacy (1860-1861)
Opening Conflict (1861)
Early War (1862)
Eastern Theater
Western Theater
Turning Points (1863)
Total War and Union Advancements (1864)
End of the War (1865)
Reconstruction (1865-1877)
I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.
Bill of Rights Four Corners Review: 5th grade studies Weekly Week 29
By Colleen Burdette
Actively Review the Bill of Rights:
Students will get up and move in this review of their knowledge of the Bill of Rights. They will determine which Amendment of the Bill of Rights is being described. Students will be presented with a right and will have to choose which of four choices of Amendments. The students choose their answers by moving to a corner labeled with the number of their choice.
Directions for the activity and options for area posters or individual card sets are provided.
This activity aligns with Indiana Social Studies Standard 5.H.16.
What's included:
How is this product helpful:
The Handmaid's Tale Activity Bundle
By Language Arts Excellence
This resource features a bundle of all of our best-selling lesson plans, materials, and activities for Margaret Atwood's chilling dystopian novel, The Handmaid's Tale. Each product is thoughtfully crafted and allows students to think outside the box by delving deeply into the novel's themes, characters, and plot development. Lessons have all been classroom-tested and allow for differentiation while encouraging optimal student engagement. You will not find tedious lists of comprehension questions and vocabulary words in this bundle; instead you will find materials that will bring the novel to life!
Included in this Bundle:
⭐ Introduction to Dystopia Powerpoint:
This is an engaging, fully editable powerpoint presentation for introducing (or reviewing) Dystopian Fiction to your students! Powerpoint presentation goes through an entire lesson from warm-up to explanation, application, and summarizer. Also included are 2 pages of "guided notes" so that you may differentiate your lecture for all levels of students. Since dystopias are intrinsically motivating for students, this lesson is always a fun one and gets students excited about the upcoming unit on whatever dystopian novel you'll be reading!
⭐ The Handmaid's Tale Anticipation Guide & Lesson Plan:
This product features an anticipation guide for The Handmaid's Tale, and a meticulously-explained lesson plan that is in my opinion, the absolute best way to approach a new novel. Using a non-intimidating method called "Numbered Heads", this activity will get your students thinking, writing, conversing, and reporting about themes you will be encountering during your study of The Handmaid’s Tale.
⭐ The Handmaid's Tale "Silent Conversation" Quote Pass Activity:
Sometimes the best classroom discussions arise when students say nothing at all! This product features a thoughtful and engaging activity for use during your study of The Handmaid's Tale. Centering around 5 different provocative passages from the book, this lesson provides your students with a chance to think, reflect, and respond to their peers without ever saying a word. This creative approach is a great way to differentiate instruction among your students and allows even your most quiet students to shine. I am confident that this no-prep lesson will become a must-do activity within your unit on The Handmaid's Tale!
⭐ The Handmaid's Tale "Hot Seat!":
This product features all the materials you need to conduct a thoughtful and engaging "HOT SEAT" for The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. The hot seat is set up essentially like a talk show, however in order to allow for full class participation, there are multiple interviewers and multiple character guests. Through role play, this lesson tests your students' understanding of the novel and allows them to showcase their knowledge of the characters and the relationships between them. Your students will be having so much fun that they will not even realize the high-order thinking skills they are applying.
⭐ The Handmaid's Tale Socratic Seminar Lesson Plan and Materials:
Socratic Seminars (or "Fish Bowl" Conversations as I like to call them with my students) are fantastic, higher order ways of assessing whether your students are able to understand and react to your class text. These seminars rely on the power of inquiry and allow students to take the lead in their learning and discussion. The only problem? They require a great deal of preparation. Fortunately, I have done the work for you! This packet includes everything you need to conduct a structured and formal set of Socratic Seminars in your classroom surrounding the novel, The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood.
⭐ The Handmaid's Tale Journal Prompts:
This product features 16 reader response journal prompts for your study of the harrowing dystopian novel, The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood. Prompts are intended for contemplation following each section of the novel and work great for both independent study and open-ended class discussions. These prompts encourage deep thinking from students but more importantly, allow students to understand the relevance of the novel to today's world.
⭐ The Handmaid's Tale Social Media Materials:
This resource features two fun, interactive activities to bring The Handmaid's Tale into the 21st century! In this 45 minute lesson plan with accompanying materials, your classroom will transform into a real life "twitter-world" in which students will create twitter accounts for characters in the novel and interact with one another through their twitter pages. The Snap Chat worksheet is perfect for an engaging homework or sub-plan that your students will look forward to working on and sharing with their friends.Your students will thank you for offering such fun ways to connect with Atwood's dystopian tale and will not even realize how much they are learning by digging deep into the text. Both work perfectly for a Friday or any day that students need a mental break and a chance to tap into their creativity!
⭐ The Handmaid's Tale Essay Questions:
This product contains 15 Common Core aligned essay prompt_s_ for The Handmaid's Tale. Prompts are all perfect for a 5 paragraph essay, discussion questions, or a short open response for a test (I have used them all three ways).
⭐ The Handmaid's Tale Escape Room:
Get ready to have the most fun you'll have teaching with a lesson that your students will be talking about for years to come with The Handmaid's Tale ESCAPE ROOM! There is no wonder why escape rooms are so popular; they are highly engaging and encourage people to work together and think creatively in order to solve different puzzles... all while trying to beat the clock. This meticulously-crafted resource features all of the materials you need to conduct a full-length Escape Room for The Handmaid's Tale. Planning an escape room may seem like quite the daunting task, but this product provides everything from the basics and set-up instructions to signs and answer keys to help yours run smoothly from start to finish. The activity involves movement, energy, creative thinking and most of all, collaboration. Your students will be having so much fun that they won’t even realize the higher order thinking skills they are applying in the playing of this game.
⭐ The Handmaid's Tale Quote Posters:
Make your classroom pop with this set of 21 beautifully-made posters featuring quotes from The Handmaid's Tale. Each 7.5 x 7.5 (square) PDF poster contains a noteworthy quote from the novel imposed over a stunning photograph that will spruce up your ELA classroom. The square format is reminiscent of Instagram and makes for an eye-catching arrangement on your wall or bulletin board. I suggest laminating the posters and using them not just during your unit on The Handmaid's Tale, but all year long!
⭐ What is Feminism Activity included for FREE with the purchase of this bundle - newly added
The perfect supplement to any unit on women's studies or current events, this product features a thought-provoking lesson to help students articulate what feminism means to them and to see how it varies widely (and often passionately) from person to person. In this activity, they must choose between 6 different quotes about feminism and explain why the quote aligns with their own perspective. It is a great way to gain insight about your students' current attitudes about what it means to be a feminist in the midst of a higher level thinking activity.
___________________________________________________________________
Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence
The Debate on Affirmative Action
By Sarah Austin
Affirmative Action had been a contentious issue in the United States since the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's. The Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to reject race-conscious admissions at colleges and universities around the nation upended decades of law and the higher education landscape. This lesson will invite students to draw connections between the past and today, as they take a focused look at affirmative action as it applies to admission programs at universities. Students will be provided with an introductory framework from which to understand the historical roots of affirmative action and its' controversial application today through the analysis of primary sources, research, and student-led discussion forum activity.
Time Frame: 2-3 class periods (Based on 60 min class period)
Materials:
If you liked this lesson see other related 'Government' lessons here: