Dave’s blog entries often include links to free downloadable activities and references. Make sure to visit his posts for resources in addition to the items listed here.
Online Article
Design a Book: A Quest in Ancient Egypt
Students combine research, organization and planning skills, and fiction writing to create Choose-Your-Own-Adventure style books.
Middle Level Learning pp. M9-M15 copyright 2005 National Council for the Social Studies
Free Resources on Teachers Pay Teachers
You can download these and many other resources as a guest or create a free Teachers Pay Teachers account. Creating an account takes only a few minutes, and I believe all teachers will find this site to be a helpful resource– not to mention a great support to our colleagues around the world. Follow the directions when you click on any of the download links when you reach Teachers Pay Teachers.
We’re a Little Like Lincoln– A Social-Emotional Learning Mini-Lesson
We sometimes overlook an emotional-health principle many pre-adolescents have difficulty internalizing— adversity and defeat are parts of everyone’s life. “We’re a Little Like Lincoln” is a mini-lesson for grades six through eight normalizing thoughts and feelings associated with struggle by examining perceptions of “greatness” and how individuals overcome setbacks. A brainstorming activity involving key words and sketches introduces a reading presenting some of Abraham Lincoln’s political defeats prior to becoming president and three steps to use when dealing with struggle. Students engage the reading through a simple active reading strategy then respond to reflective prompts and questions connecting personal challenges, or the challenges of someone admired, to the concept of greatness. A set of closing discussion questions provides additional opportunities for students to realize facing adversity and asking for help are normal parts of life.
A Profile of The Nile River: An Informational Text and Comprehension Questions
The Nile River is an intriguing feature rich in history, geography, and history. Use this brief geographic overview and reading strategy as a Geography warm-up activity, an introduction to Egypt (past or present), or an introduction to the region of North Africa. The reading and connected activity address Common Core Standard RH6-8.10.
The Declaration of Independence: The Making of Liberty Informational Text and Activity
The Declaration of Independence is an inspiring document built upon the trials, hopes, and fears of Americans in the late 18th century. Much can be learned about how the United States came to be and what drives its government today by knowing more about the Declaration of Independence. This stand-alone two-page informational text and activity are parts of a larger work entitled Analyzing The U.S. Declaration of Independence also available from Teachers Pay Teachers.
The Five Themes of Geography Resource Sheet
The 5 Themes of Geography are useful tools for analyzing locations and human interaction with geographic features. Provide this handout to students for use as a reference when engaging activities involving the themes. The handout’s “clue words” are in-text signals some students may find helpful when connecting content to themes. These words can also serve as the basis for a micro-lesson on using context clues when analyzing geographic information.
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