March 1st is Statehood Day in the state of Nebraska. We will be celebrating 152 years since officially becoming the 37th state on March 1, 1867!
I moved to Omaha, NE, for my first teaching job back in 1995. My assignment was 4th grade. The biggest part of the Social Studies curriculum for 4th grade is to teach Nebraska History. I had just moved to Nebraska, living here for only 2 months. Omaha was the only part of Nebraska I had ever been in! If you are familiar with a Nebraska map you will see that Omaha is on the extreme east side of the state, you don’t even need to drive through other areas of Nebraska to arrive in Omaha. You head over the Missouri River (Iowa border) on I-80 or I-29 and go directly into Omaha. So needless to say I did not have one bit of background knowledge of the state of Nebraska or its history!
In addition to a lack of personal experience, the district gave me ZERO resources to use to teach this curriculum, no textbooks, no informational books, no teacher’s manuals, nothing, zero, zip! So to say I really was not qualified or prepared to teach this required Social Studies curriculum is an understatement!
I made it through that first year, how I’m not quite sure? I learned about Nebraska right along with my students. The second year I was able to start to refine the resources that I created and by the third year, it was looking even better. The silver lining of the experience is that by being given nothing I was able to refine my creating skills and have been able to utilize those skills with my The Teaching Bankadventures!
When my son was in 4th grade his teacher contacted me asking if I had any resources to help with her Nebraska Unit. I enjoy sharing my resources with my children’s teachers and her email sparked an idea to create a product line using the materials I had created for my own classroom. I would have been in heaven to have something like this available in my first year of teaching! So with that my Complete Nebraska State Study Interactive Notebook Unit was born!
I do understand that this product doesn’t have the widest audience, mainly Nebraska teachers! I created it with 11 distinct sections that can be used in isolation or as a full-year curriculum so that teachers can pick and choose to fit their needs. This also gave me the opportunity to offer the Lewis & Clark section and The Oregon Trail section as separate, stand-alone items to market to the wider US audience. You don’t have to be a Nebraska teacher to use either of those!
Section 1: Nebraska Maps, covers Nebraska’s location within the United States, surrounding states, populous cities, regions, waterways/aquifers, and weather.
Section 2: Nebraska State Symbols & Government, covers Nebraska’s flag, seal, state symbols (bird, tree, etc), federal government representatives, state representatives, introduction to the Unicameral Legislature, and the steps of how a bill becomes a law.
Section 4: Prehistoric Nebraska, covers Nebraska during Prehistoric times. Activities include vocabulary, Ashfall Fossil Beds, animals in Nebraska during the Ice Age, and the first humans in Nebraska.
Section 5: Indigenous Peoples of Nebraska, covers the tribes of Nebraska, the study of an Earthlodge, Earthlodge vs. Tipi comparison, and investigates the many uses of the bison.
Section 6: Lewis and Clark, covers the location and exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, maps the journey of Lewis & Clark, investigates supplies needed for the journey, a timeline of the journey, journals the journey, and the impact of the exploration. *This section is not Nebraska-specific and can be used nationwide!
Section 7: The Oregon Trail, covers the first pioneer settlers, mapping the Oregon Trail, investigates reasons for traveling the Oregon Trail, research supplies needed for the journey, hardships endured, journals the journey, and the Mormon Trail. *This section is not Nebraska-specific and can be used nationwide!
Section 8: Nebraska’s Road to Statehood,covers Nebraska’s road to statehood, including activities for the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Homestead Act, housing on the prairie, life of a pioneer child, the impact of the railroad to NE, and NE becomes a state.
Section 9: The Age of Progress in Nebraksa 1870-20th Century, covers how the issues (suffrage, prohibition, race relations, Native Americans, child labor, worker’s rights, election reforms, political reforms, and anti-monopoly reforms) during this time period affected the people of Nebraska.
Section 10: WWII and the Cold War, includes 2 informational articles along with activities touching on Nebraska’s role in World War II, the Cold War, and the role of SAC and STRATCOM.
All of these sections are available on their own so you can tailor it to your own classroom needs. You can also buy the entire unit together as one bundle at a reduced cost.
This can save you money and it includes everything you need to teach your entire state study for Nebraska. The alignment to the newly adopted 2019 Nebraska 4th Grade Social Studies State Standards is included with every section to make planning even easier!
In creating my resources I made a conscious effort to use only historical images and clip art. I know there are a lot of resources out there that utilize cutesy type clip art in their history products with a goal to entice children into thinking it is “fun”. I don’t subscribe to that line of thinking, especially when dealing with topics such as war, slavery, genocide, or in the depiction of indigenous people, enslaved people, or immigrants. I feel very strongly that using cartoonish imagery sends the wrong message to students preventing them from seeing the people and events as real and serious in nature.
You don’t have to make these topics “fun”, but you can very easily make these topics interesting through deep discussions. Children are naturally empathetic and tolerant. It is a perfect time to tap into that empathy and tolerance as they learn of the atrocities of the past. This doesn’t need to be sensationalized or cutesy, these discussions of the events of the past taught in an honest and real depiction will engage the student’s interest. The deep discussions you have as you learn together will spark an understanding and appreciation for what has come before and hopefully will lead to the goal of learning this uncomfortable history, which is not to repeat it.
I hope this product can be the lifesaver for you that it would have been for me back in that first year of teaching! This covers everything that you need for the Nebraska study in an interactive way. Your students will be motivated, involved, and at the end have their very own Nebraska State Guide!
In an ideal world, every classroom would have an abundance of time and resources to dedicate to social studies instruction, enabling educators to engage their students in immersive, hands-on learning experiences. However, the reality for many teachers is quite different. Limited time and tight budgets can pose significant challenges when it comes to delivering effective social studies instruction. Nevertheless, with creativity, strategic planning, and a commitment to student engagement, educators can still provide meaningful learning experiences in this crucial subject area.
Practical strategies to make the most of social studies instruction in a classroom with constraints on time and money:
Prioritize Key Concepts: To maximize social studies instruction in a time-constrained classroom, it’s essential to focus on the most critical concepts and skills. Start by identifying the key standards and learning objectives for your grade level or curriculum. By prioritizing these concepts, you can ensure that your students receive a solid foundation in social studies even with limited time. I have created units that touch on key concepts which you can find in my store HERE.
Integrate Social Studies Across Subjects: Consider integrating social studies into other subjects whenever possible. This cross-curricular approach not only saves time but also enriches students’ understanding by connecting social studies concepts to other areas of their education. For example, you can incorporate historical events into English language arts through literature, or explore geography through mathematics. I offer several novel studies that address historical themes such as Number the Stars, Esperanza Rising, Projekt 1065, One Crazy Summer, Al Capone Does My Shirts, Little House in the Big Woods, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, and Blood on the River.
Leverage Technology: Inexpensive or even free digital resources can provide students with access to a wealth of information and interactive learning experiences. Websites, apps, and online videos can supplement your classroom instruction, making it more engaging and informative. Look for resources aligned with your curriculum and objectives to make the most of your limited budget. I have created units that incorporate free resources which you can find in my store HERE.
Use Primary Sources: Primary sources, such as letters, diaries, photographs, and documents from historical periods, can provide valuable insights into social studies topics. These resources are often available online for free or at low cost. Incorporate primary sources into your lessons to give students a firsthand look at historical events and perspectives.
I have created units that link to primary sources which you can find in my store HERE.
Collaborate with Community Resources: Take advantage of local museums, historical societies, and community organizations that may offer educational programs or field trips at little to no cost. These experiences can enhance your curriculum and provide students with a deeper understanding of the world around them. Collaborate with these resources to make social studies come alive for your students.
Encourage Student Inquiry: Foster curiosity and critical thinking by incorporating inquiry-based learning into your social studies instruction. Pose open-ended questions and encourage students to explore topics independently. This approach can be particularly effective when time is limited, as it empowers students to take ownership of their learning.
I have created units that utilize these strategies which you can find in my store HERE.
Embrace Flexible Instructional Models: Adopt flexible instructional models. Each of my units provides an interactive notebook format, a Google Drive format, and a short-on-time IntelliNotes format which you can find in my store HERE.
Make the Most of Classroom Materials: Utilize the resources you already have in your classroom. Repurpose materials, textbooks, and educational tools to create engaging social studies activities. The units that I provide HERE can easily pair with textbooks that you may have available.
Each of my units contains an informational slideshow that goes along with the activities to help if you have limited resources. I also include links to free online resources that can be utilized while working through the units.
It is critical that you keep social studies instruction in your classroom to help students understand cultural identity, foster civic responsibility, recognize the impact of historical events, promote critical thinking, and encourage empathy and tolerance. Social studies instruction is a vital component of a well-rounded education. By providing students with a deep understanding of their nation’s history, we empower them to become responsible, informed, and engaged citizens.
My product line for the 4th-6th grade student contains units that take you from the early days of North America to the beginning of the 20th Century.
All of the units follow a similar format and contain both a printable and Google Drive format and include:
Contain a cover sheet in both color and black & white.
Informational slideshow presentation for instruction
Links to helpful online resources.
Guide with a link to a Google Drive file and instructions on how to use it.
IntelliNotes™ format to use when you are short on time.
A tutorial guide showing how to make all foldable activities.
Two different vocabulary activity versions (foldable or flash card). The file also contains blank editable pages so that you can add or change the vocabulary to best fit your needs. **This is the only editable portion of the products.
Interactive notebook activities to cover each topic within the section to help students pinpoint and highlight the main ideas and concepts.
An End of Unit Assessment.
Answer keys for all included activities
From the first unit, Early People of North America:
Teaching social studies in a classroom with limited time and money requires adaptability and creativity. By focusing on essential concepts, integrating subjects, leveraging technology, using primary sources, collaborating with community resources, encouraging student inquiry, embracing flexible instructional models, and making the most of existing materials, educators can provide meaningful social studies instruction that prepares students for a well-rounded understanding of the world around them. Despite the challenges, dedicated teachers can inspire a lifelong love of social studies and foster critical thinking skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
History is a complex story woven with threads of both triumphs and tribulations. One crucial part of this intricate narrative is the story of the Plymouth Colony and the origins of Thanksgiving. Teaching about the Plymouth Colony in a factual way is not just a matter of historical accuracy; it’s an essential tool for understanding the foundations of America. By presenting this history accurately, we can learn from it, appreciate the complexities of the past, and build a more inclusive and informed future.
Importance of teaching about the Plymouth Colony in a factual manner:
Preserves Historical Accuracy: The founding of the Plymouth Colony by a group of English Separatists seeking religious freedom, played a pivotal role in American history. Teaching about this colony in a factual way ensures that we preserve the historical accuracy of this event. Misrepresenting or simplifying the history of the Plymouth Colony can lead to misconceptions and a distorted view of America’s roots. By teaching facts such as the motivations behind the colony’s establishment, the Mayflower Compact, and the interactions between the Pilgrims and the indigenous Wampanoag people, we provide students with a solid foundation to understand the complexities of the past. This, in turn, allows them to critically analyze historical events and their consequences.
Promotes Empathy and Understanding: Factual teaching of the Plymouth Colony and the origins of Thanksgiving fosters empathy and understanding. Students learn not only about the hardships the Pilgrims faced but also about the significant assistance they received from the Wampanoag people. Teaching these historical facts encourages students to appreciate the cooperation and shared experiences that contributed to the survival of the Plymouth Colony. In turn, students can apply these lessons to contemporary issues, promoting inclusivity and cooperation in their own lives. Understanding the importance of cultural exchange and alliances in history helps students recognize the value of diversity and collaboration today.
Encourages Critical Thinking: When students learn about the Plymouth Colony and the origins of Thanksgiving in a factual manner, they are encouraged to think critically about historical events. They can explore the complexities of the past, such as the hardships faced by the Pilgrims, the impact of European diseases on indigenous populations, and the complexities of intercultural relationships. This critical thinking promotes a deeper understanding of history and the ability to evaluate historical events from multiple perspectives.
Develops the Recognition of the Ongoing Impact: Teaching about the Plymouth Colony and the origins of Thanksgiving in a factual way also allows students to recognize the ongoing impact of history. The consequences of interactions between European settlers and Indigenous Peoples are still felt today. By acknowledging the historical injustices and their contemporary implications, we can work towards reconciliation and justice.
Teaching about the Plymouth Colony and the origins of Thanksgiving in a factual way is essential for preserving historical accuracy, promoting empathy and understanding, encouraging critical thinking, and recognizing the ongoing impact of history. By approaching this topic with honesty and respect for all parties involved, we not only gain a deeper appreciation of our past but also equip future generations to build a more inclusive and informed future. It is through understanding the complexities of history that we can hope to create a more just and harmonious world.
I offer a unit for teaching about The Plymouth Colony to use in your classroom. This unit provides three formats for differentiation, an interactive notebook, an IntelliNotes™ note-taking format, and a Google Drive format for the paperless classroom.
Try a free sample of the Plymouth Colony unit
You can purchase this unit at the following locations:
You can also find this resource in the following bundles:
I came across an article in the Omaha World-Herald titled “Teachers ‘Say Social Studies Suffers‘,” and it really stirred up some strong emotions in me.
While reading, I found myself in complete agreement regarding the sidelining of Social Studies due to the emphasis on extensive state testing. I wholeheartedly share the concern about the serious implications this trend holds for the future generation of Americans and their understanding of citizenship.
However, my perspective shifted when I encountered this specific paragraph: “Several board members acknowledged the pushback against social studies, encompassing history and geography, being overshadowed in classrooms. Yet, they suggested that the only way to prioritize it like math and reading would be through implementing a state social studies test.”
Is the solution really to burden students and teachers with more state testing? Seriously?
The pressure from state and standardized tests is already overwhelming, leading to a loss of genuine teaching and creativity!
Acts like the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and the Every Child Succeeds Act of 2015, with their excessive focus on testing, have drained schools of authentic learning. Teachers are overly fixated on meeting these test benchmarks, neglecting the opportunity to truly teach and encourage students’ minds, imagination, and creativity.
Most states have implemented the Common Core Standards or similar ones, introducing additional layers of paperwork and hurdles for teachers to navigate. Across various blogs and forums, I constantly encounter posts from frustrated teachers who simply want to get back to teaching. They’ve had enough of the testing and standards meant to “fix” the system!
Moreover, amidst increasing budget cuts, schools struggle to afford extensive testing. It’s a substantial expense for school districts (which means it’s coming out of taxpayers’ pockets!)! Wouldn’t investing that money in more teachers and smaller class sizes be a wiser choice?
These educational decision-makers are just as tangled up as Congress. It’s a disheartening reality, especially considering that it’s the future generations of Americans who will bear the consequences. As an educator, that deeply troubles me, but as a parent, it makes me furious! I’m fed up with these self-proclaimed “experts” hindering my children’s educational opportunities. How many of them have actually spent a full school year in front of a classroom, working directly with children? It’s outrageous!
The most successful teaching years I’ve had were under a principal who believed that as college-educated certified teachers, we were equipped to teach. Unless he identified an issue, he trusted us to do our job the way we deemed best. He understood that we knew these kids better than any administrator or board member and trusted that we would strive to push these kids to their fullest potential. During those years, my students flourished the most and achieved remarkable progress.
In my experience, the more the board or administration intervenes, the less successful children tend to be! Teachers are highly trained professionals. We hold college degrees, often advanced ones. We continuously undergo development courses throughout our careers and are present in the classroom every single day, closely interacting with students—second only to their parents. We’re educated and qualified. Let us fulfill our roles and teach! Saving taxpayers’ money and rescuing the American education system involves scrapping all this unnecessary and excessive testing!
I’m Shelley from The Teaching Bank. I have taught 3rd, 4th, and 6th grades.
My goal is to provide lessons and units for K-12 that are practical and ready to teach with minimal prep needed.
