course component
Got History? Effective Practices
(Grade 3-6)
Kevin Simpson
Subject Area: History
Course Title: Got History? Effective Practices
Course Requirements: Video Program and Assessment
Course Description: Looking to bring life and fun to your elementary history and social science classroom? In this session you will be engaged with your colleagues in hands-on, experiential learning tasks you can use with your students. The presenter will take common units (Revolutionary War, New Nation, Civil War) taught across grades three through six. Strategies shared will be based on observations of teachers using best practices when he worked as an elementary social studies curriculum teacher. Teachers in attendance are asked to bring an idea or strategy they use to bring life to their history curriculum. Ideas will be shared with colleagues.
Course Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
1. Describe techniques that promote storytelling using prompts
and pictures by students.
2. Utilize strategies and methods to increase activity to
promote student understanding of history vocabulary.
3. Utilize a variety of graphic organizers with students to
promote increased understanding of history content.
Course Assessment:
A certificate of completion will be awarded to participants who successfully complete the online assessment after viewing the video program.
Alignment with Standards:
The Nation's Report Card
Mid-continent Regional Educational Laboratory Standards
National Center for History in the Schools
WestEd: Assessment, Standards, and Accountability
Professional Development Points: 2
Additional points may be earned through completion of follow-up activities.
Additional Helps: Follow-up activities and resources
It is recommended that participants in the video course complete follow-up activities to deepen their knowledge and skills. When these activities are completed in accordance with local staff development guidelines, participants may be able to earn additional professional development credit. Contact your local staff development office for determining how you might receive credit for completing the video program and additional credit for completing follow-up activities.
Follow-up Activity 1: Share Presentation with Peers
Follow-up Activity 2: American Presidents Lesson
