American Government From Harcourt School Supply

Description

By tracing American democracy back to the British Magna Carta and even earlier Greek civilization, this text gives a rich history as to how the United States government was formed and how it continues to affect the lives of its citizens. This text is focused on the formation of the United States government, branches of the federal government, state and local governments, and how citizens and government work together in our democracy. Each lesson includes introductory questions, a running vocabulary with definitions, pictures, and comprehensive review. End-of-chapter questions include writing activities, vocabulary exercises, critical thinking questions, and "Skill Builders." My favorite parts are the critical thinking activities and Skill Builders included at the end of each lesson. These activities ask students to apply the information they have learned or analyze a political cartoon or graph. The teacher's guide includes key concepts and discussion questions for each chapter, suggested pre-reading activities, and key vocabulary. Answers and explanations to student book exercises, extension activities, unit tests, and, graphic organizers are also provided in the teacher's guide. An easy-to-use introduction to our government, this is a great program for middle-school students that could be incorporated into a U.S. history program, or used as an elective. ~ Steve

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.