Higher Education U.S. History Resources

These three pre-reading activities are the perfect introduction to the literature unit for The Scarlet Letter by Nathanial Hawthorne. The activities are anticipatory and get students in the mindset of Puritan and Colonial New England life, put in the shoes of the community members of those times, learn some initial vocabulary, and have the opportunity to tie this all together by writing what they think the novel is about based on these pre-reading activities.

What does this product include?

• One debate/discussion slideshow with 15 statements such as, "People should always be forgiven for their mistakes, no matter how serious the mistake."
• One group/class game "Secret Sinner"
• One printable worksheet with 8 vocabulary words such as "redemption" and "ostracism" for students to match with the definition. This worksheet has an added game in which when all the vocab words have been matched with their definition, students will unscramble the secret word (which is another vocab word), and they have space to write what they think the novel, The Scarlet Letter, is about based on the vocabulary words

How should I use these activities in the classroom?

You will ultimately determine how these three activities can be used, and they truly can be used in whichever order you see fit. And if you have a class full of students who are completely unfamiliar with the plot of The Scarlet Letter, I suggest completing the slideshow first, the Secret Sinner game second, and the worksheet third (or send it home as homework).

Grab the annotation-supported digital and print copy of the novel here.

Music is a great way to get students engaged and support the learning process. Our brain and body must be in a state of calmness to gear up for learning. Studies have shown that using music in the classroom provided an increased level of positivity and calmness in students.

This bundle includes 7 lessons + 3 freebies.

OR BUILD YOUR OWN BUNDLE HERE

This 25-page resource with 15 primary sources plus a DBQ question gives students a chance to delve deeper into the experiences of Japanese-Americans during World War II, both in internment camps and outside of internment camps. Many students know that Japanese-Americans from the West Coast were interned. Here’s a chance to read documents that shed light on how the decision was made, whether the racial prejudices were shared among all Americans, how Japanese-Americans contributed outside the camps, and how re-integration was perceived. The Japanese-American experience went far beyond their internment in the camps.

Assign just one, a few or all of the sources depending on time constraints and student interest.

Primary Sources include:
*Customer Complaint and Restaurant Owner’s Response
*Transcript from a Meeting in General DeWitt’s Office, January 1942
* Excerpt from Executive Order 9066, February 1942
*Evacuation Notice Number 9, April 1942
*Images from Evacuation and Assembly Center
*Letter from Internee to Former Middle School Teacher, September 1942
*Excerpt of Congressional Report of Dies Committee, August 1943
*Photographs of Life inside the Internment Camp
*Resolution by the Native Sons of the Golden West, Santa Cruz Parlor, April 1944
*Photographs of Contributions by Japanese-Americans
*Letter Insert by Assistant Director of War Relocation Authority, January 1946

Included is a one-page sheet that explains what primary sources are and how to analyze them using specific questions through a process called HAPPY. Primary sources include letters, photos, reports and other documents. Each page of primary sources includes questions. There is also a page at the end for students to apply the HAPPY process to one source. Two DBQ prompts are included at the end. An Answer Key to all the questions and the DBQ prompts are available at the end of the packet.

This is excellent practice for all high school students, particularly Honors and AP students, but all students will find these resources engaging.

This is also available as a digital resource through Easel so students may complete it online.

Please check out my other Teaching Resources about World War II:

*The Japanese-American Experience in World War II: PowerPoint Presentation
*The Japanese-American Experience in World War II: Reading Assignment and Worksheet
*Women in the US Military during World War II: Reading Assignment and Worksheet
*Victory Gardens of World War II: PowerPoint Mini-Lesson
*Victory Gardens during World War II: Analyzing Primary Sources
*Victory Gardens during World War II: Classroom Activities
*The Home Front in World War II: Crossword Puzzle and Word Search
*The Home Front during World War II: Reading Assignment and Worksheet
*The Home Front in the United States During World War II: PowerPoint Lesson

More are always being added so check back frequently!

If you like World War II historical fiction, I have written a book called Hearts of War about a Nisei soldier who served in the Military Intelligence Service and a woman who served in the Women Army Corps. In writing this book, I wanted to bring an unknown aspect of history to light. Available on Amazon or Kindle and I appreciate any reviews!

Thank you!

Christa Nonnemaker

A review of ten presidents that changed history (Lincoln, Kennedy, Roosevelt, and more). Includes facts, visuals, coloring handouts, supplemental resources, activities guide. Everything needed to celebrate President's Day! 23 visually stimulating slides with dates and facts.

Celebrate Black History Month by having your students research different influential individuals.

This resource includes report pennants for :

-> Martin Luther King

-> Maya Angelou

-> Jackie Robinson

-> Ida b. Wells

-> Harriet Tubman

-> George washington carver

-> Frederick Douglas

-> Booker T. Washington

-> Rosa Parks

-> Bessie Coleman

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

• 10 coloring pages ( PDF + PNG )

• Large 8.5'' x 11'' designs that can easily be printed on regular sized paper

• High-resolution images

• Unlimited prints

• Great for kids, boys, girls, and teens

JUST DOWNLOAD, PRINT AND GET STARTED

• This item comes as a high-resolution PDF + PNG files that you can download straight after purchasing.

• You can print as many copies as you want.

NOTE

• This is a digital item.

• No physical product or printed material will be shipped.

• No refunds as this is a digital product.

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Discover an Important Invention from the Industrial Revolution with This Engaging Assignment!

This is one assignment from a series of 15 (check out my store for the others or a bundle deal for all) that explores groundbreaking discoveries and inventions from the Industrial Revolution. Perfect for engaging students and fostering curiosity about the transformative ideas and innovations that reshaped industries and societies.

Each assignment is:

• Written at a 7th-grade ESOL level – accessible for English learners yet suitable for a wide range of learners.
• 4 Paragraphs – clear, engaging, and packed with fascinating information.
• 4 Comprehension Questions – with an included answer key.

Dive into the series to spark a deeper appreciation for the innovations that revolutionized the modern world. Check out my store for more engaging resources and bundle deals!

Unlock Critical Thinking on Voting Rights and Election Reform with this Engaging Resource

Boost student engagement and civic awareness with this timely resource on the crucial issues of voting rights and election reform in America!

Key features:

• Explores real-world concerns like voter suppression, gerrymandering, and potential solutions.
• Features engaging reading comprehension activities, thought-provoking primary sources, and diverse perspectives.
• Includes multiple-choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions to cater to different learning styles.
• Boosts reading comprehension, critical thinking, and argumentation skills.
• Aligned with current events, civics, and social studies standards.
• Answer key included for easy assessment.

Empower students to navigate complex issues, analyze diverse viewpoints, and advocate for a stronger democracy today!

Download this activity and spark informed discussions in your classroom!

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Student Rights:

• Empower students to navigate real-world situations! 10 clear, engaging reads on rights & responsibilities. Get yours now!

Student Led Action:

• Make your students' voices heard! 10 inspiring readings of student-led action on current issues. Ignite change today!

“One cannot and must not try to erase the past merely because it does not fit the present.” ~ Golda Meir Make your social studies classroom pop with this set of 25 beautifully-made posters featuring quotes about history! Each 7.5 x 7.5 (square) PDF poster contains a provocative quote imposed over a stunning photograph that will spruce up your history 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 year after year! Quotes from famous figures such as: Thomas Jefferson Martin Luther King Jr. Bertolt Brecht Golda Meir Daisaku Ikeda Karl Marx Edmund Burke Robin Hobb Napoleon Bonaparte Winston Churchill Julian Barnes Confucius __________________________________________________________________________ Also, check out this best-selling "History Talk" activity for your history classroom! "History Talk" Activity More beautifully-crafted quote posters for your classroom by Language Arts Excellence: 50 Motivational Quote Posters 50 Famous Author Quote Posters The Alchemist Quote Posters

It’s a perfect coloring Pages to practice and perfect your coloring skills. Whether you’re just beginning your creative journey, or you’re a coloring connoisseur, everyone can have fun with this exciting and varied collection of patterns. A Gorgeous Activity Sheets Coloring develops motor skills while fostering creativity and imagination.

Fun February Activities
What You will Get

• 28 lovely Coloring sheets
• PDF + PNG Format
• HIGH QUALITY
• 8.5x11

NOTE

• This is a digital item.

• No physical product or printed material will be shipped.

• No refunds as this is a digital product.

JUST DOWNLOAD, PRINT AND GET STARTED

This lesson will have students critically explore a contentious current event issue involving the cases of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. The lesson will invite students to examine the context and controversy that surrounds the two cases, although emphasis will be placed on the Eric Garner case. A thought-provoking Slide Presentation & accompanying handouts will prompt students to analyze a variety of news resources; all of which frame the issue in a particular way, and offer different explanations as to the underlying causal factors in Garner’s death.

**New Google App format available now***

This lesson includes:

• One 18 Slide Presentation
• Detailed Lesson Plan
• Handouts:

1. Handout #1- Guided Notes
2. Handout #2- Current Events: America’s Criminal Justice System

Race, Criminal justice system, controversy, racism, Black Lives Matter, Colin Kaepernick

If you liked this lesson see other related 'Government' lessons here:

• Analyzing 'The Bill of Rights' (click here to open in new tab)
• Mock Trial: Truman and the Atomic Bomb (click here to open in new tab)
• Mock Trial: Class Preparation (click here to open in new tab)
• Analyzing The Declaration of Independence & the U.S. Constitution (click here to open in new tab)
• Our Constitutional Amendments: Analyzing Supreme Court Decisions (click here to open in new tab)
• Causes and Effect: Protest Movements of the 1960's
• The Affirmative Action Debate: Exploring Two Sides of the Issue

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Printable Veterans Day activities are perfect for keeping kids engaged and entertained during school . These activities include a variety of fun and educational options that can be easily printed and completed at home or on the go.

This bundle contains coloring pages, word search, mazes, sudoku And Much more ...

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

• (PDF + PNG)
• Large 8.5” x 11” designs that can easily be printed on regular sized paper
• High-resolution images
• Unlimited prints
• Great for kids, boys, girls, and teens

Bundle for Brittany G.

Please note as stated in the Build Bundle guidelines, other bundles cannot be included within a bundle.

OR BUILD YOUR OWN BUNDLE HERE

This Mini-Bundle includes four Reading Assignments and Worksheets from the Pre-Columbian Era through 1860:
* Native American Women Reading Assignment and Worksheet
* Colonial Women Reading Assignment and Worksheet
* Women of the American Revolution Reading Assignment and Worksheet
* Early Women's Rights Movement Reading Assignment and Worksheet

Each Reading Assignment and Worksheet is designed to take one class period or for students to complete on their own as independent study or to complete as homework. These close reading assignments will help students learn more about women's contributions in American society as well as the challenges that women faced during each of these eras.

Worksheets provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their reading. Worksheets are available as a printable or as a digital option through Easel.

Other American Women's History Series Reading Assignments and Worksheets are also available:
Women during the Civil War

Women during the Industrial Revolution
Women's Suffrage Movement: 1865-1920
Women during the Progressive Era
Women in the 1920s
Women during the Great Depression

Do you or your students like historical fiction? Consider a book called Hearts of War about a Nisei soldier who served in the Military Intelligence Service and a woman who served in the Women Army Corps. In writing this book, I wanted to bring an unknown aspect of history to light. Available on Amazon or Kindle and I appreciate any reviews! Thank you, Christa Nonnemaker

1 Crossword, 1 Word Search, and 3 Crytogram puzzles to accompany Top Ten Outstanding Presidents' unit found at: http://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Top-Ten-Outstanding-Presidents-A-Complete-Unit-for-Presidents-Day Can be used alone. Fun for group or individual activities!

Printable Black History Month Activities are perfect for keeping kids engaged and entertained during Black History Month . These activities include a variety of fun and educational options that can be easily printed and completed at home or on the go. this bundle contains, Word search , mazes, Sudoku , mandala coloring sheets .

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

• ( PDF + PNG)

• Large 8.5'' x 11'' designs that can easily be printed on regular sized paper

• High-resolution images

• Unlimited prints

• Great for kids, boys and girls

JUST DOWNLOAD, PRINT AND GET STARTED

• This item comes as a high-resolution PDF + PNG files that you can download straight after purchasing.

• You can print as many copies as you want.

NOTE

• This is a digital item.

• No physical product or printed material will be shipped.

• No refunds as this is a digital product.

Follow me from Here .

Discover an Influential Person from the Industrial Revolution with This Engaging Assignment!

This is one assignment from a series of 15 (check out my store for the others or a bundle deal for all) that explores the lives and contributions of influential individuals from the Industrial Revolution. Perfect for engaging students and fostering curiosity about the people whose ideas and actions reshaped industries and societies.

Each assignment is:

• Written at a 7th-grade ESOL level – accessible for English learners yet suitable for a wide range of learners.
• 4 Paragraphs – clear, engaging, and packed with fascinating information.
• 4 Comprehension Questions – with an included answer key.

Dive into the series to spark a deeper appreciation for the individuals who revolutionized the modern world. Check out my store for more engaging resources and bundle deals!

Dust Bowl Dreams & Dust Bowl Dilemmas: 20 Grapes of Wrath Movie Questions Spark Insight Embark on the Joad family's poignant journey with this set of 20 thought-provoking "Grapes of Wrath" movie questions. Designed to follow the film's emotional narrative, these prompts will ignite discussions about resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of hardship.
Why choose our "Grapes of Wrath" Movie Quiz Questions?

• Chronological Exploration: Questions unfold alongside the film's powerful story, allowing viewers to analyze key moments and character choices scene by scene.
• Beyond Survival: Go beyond plot with questions that explore themes of family, injustice, economic disparity, and the fight for human dignity.
• Perfect for: Movie nights, classrooms, online forums, or sparking meaningful conversations about American history, social issues, and the timeless human spirit.
• Instant Download: Receive your quiz questions immediately, ready to print, share, or post online.
• Discussion Prompts: Extend the conversation beyond the questions with additional thought-provoking starters.

"Grapes of Wrath" is more than just a film; it's a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Use these questions to unlock its full potential, foster dialogue, and learn from the timeless lessons of John Steinbeck's masterpiece.
Order now and embark on a thought-provoking journey through "Grapes of Wrath"!

Make the perfect gift for anyone who Loves Coloring , This non screen activity can help your child to improve their pencil grip, hand-eye coordination as well as train their brain to focus. Coloring and drawing help kids to relax, self-regulate their mood and develop their imagination. 

What You will Get

• PDF + PNG Format
• HIGH QUALITY

NOTE

• This is a digital item.

• No physical product or printed material will be shipped.

• No refunds as this is a digital product.

JUST DOWNLOAD, PRINT AND GET STARTED

This unit bundle is composed of four highly engaging, primary based, interactive Slide Presentations, and activities-- designed to have students critically explore the period of Reconstruction/Jim Crow.

LESSON ONE: Reconstruction Era [Intro]

Includes:

• 45 Slide Presentation & Guided Notes Handout
• POV Freedmen Scenario Activity

LESSON ONE will have students examine;

• the different ways in which newly freed slaves expressed their emancipation
• the POV of a Freedmen (POV Activity). Students will respond and debate four questions central to this time period from a Freedman's perspective;

1. Now that the Civil War is over, who should own and control the plantations?
2. What do you propose should happen to the ex-Confederate leaders?
3. Who should be allowed to vote in the new South? Everyone? Only formerly enslaved people? Only those who were loyal to the United States during the war? Women?
4. How will African Americans be protected from the revenge of the defeated soldiers and from the plantation owners?
5. What conditions should be put on the Southern states before they are allowed to return to the Union?

LESSON TWO: The Pursuit to Vote

Includes:

• 48 Slide Presentation & Guided Notes Handout
• Black Codes Scenarios Matching Game
• Louisiana State Literacy Test

LESSON TWO will have students examine;

• the Black Codes (Matching Game included)
• Three Reconstruction Plans
• the POV of a Freedmen in regards to the different obstacles they faced in their pursuit to vote (Inequality of land, the Grandfather Clause, Literacy Test, Poll Tax, Intimidation & Violence)

LESSON THREE: The Ku Klux Klan (Comparing the Past to Today)

Includes:

• 34 Slide Presentation & Guided Notes Handout
• Venn Diagram- 'Comparing White Supremacy of the Past with Today'
• Primary Source Reading- 'C.P. Ellis Why I Quit the Klan'

LESSON THREE will have students examine;

• the underlying roots from which the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) came to exist in America
• the organization's primary tactics of using intimidation & fear in fighting against social equality, and why many poor whites were recruited to join the KKK organization.
• & compare/contrast the circumstances & social conditions of two former white supremacist leaders (one who lived during the era of Jim Crow, and the other of present day).

LESSON FOUR: Jim Crow Laws

Includes:

• 38 Slide Slide Presentation & Guided Notes Handout
• A Tale of Two Schools' Supplementary Reading Comprehension Activity
• 'Freedom Song' Movie Handout

LESSON FOUR will have students examine;

• the period of the Jim Crow era, with a focus on the segregation of schools.
• the implications of monumental Supreme Court decisions of 'Plessy v. Ferguson', and 'Brown V. Board of Education'.

Choice of three supplementary activities; 

• The 1st Optional Activity will have students analyze four political cartoons. Students will identify whether the author was FOR or AGAINST the Jim Crow Laws, & describe supportive details from the cartoon on their POLITICAL CARTOON HANDOUT.

• The 2nd Optional Activity will have students critically read a primary source article titled ‘A TALE OF TWO SCHOOLS’, and respond to text dependent questions in their ‘TALE OF TWO SCHOOLS QUESTIONS HANDOUT. The teacher can do a read-aloud, OR students can read independently. Class discussion is encouraged.

• The 3rd Optional Activity will have students analyze a film titled ‘FREEDOM SONG’. Students will apply their knowledge from their guided notes, and respond to open-ended questions in their FREEDOM SONG HANDOUT.

Fun and Challenging Puzzles for Kids , These Worksheets can help improve fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, and visual perceptual skills.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

• 100+ Pages
• (PDF + PNG)
• Large 8.5” x 11” designs that can easily be printed on regular sized paper
• High-resolution images
• Unlimited prints
• Great for kids, boys, girls, and teens