Congress for Kids - Interactive, Fun-filled Experiences About the Federal Government Congress.gov | Library of Congress C-SPAN Classroom | Free Primary Source Materials For Social Studies Teachers National Student Mock Election « National Student Mock Election Teach the First Amendment | 1 for All Help Tomorrow’s Citizens Find Their Voice. Teach the First Amendment. The most basic liberties guaranteed to Americans — embodied in the 45 words of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution — assure Americans a government that is responsible to its citizens and responsive to their wishes. These 45 words are as alive and important today as they were more than 200 years ago. We know from studies beginning in 1997 by the nonpartisan First Amendment Center, and from studies commissioned by the Knight Foundation and others, that few adult Americans or high school students can name the individual five freedoms that make up the First Amendment. The lesson plans below — drawn from materials prepared by the Newseum and the First Amendment Center — will draw young people into an exploration of how their freedoms began and how they operate in today’s world. Amy Trenkle teaches 8th grade U.S. history at Stuart-Hobson Middle School in Washington, D.C. New Lesson Plan View Classroom Guide U.S.
Classroom Resources This lesson explores the debate about whether public schools, which typically close on major Christian and Jewish holidays, should also shutter for important celebrations in other faiths. This debate is relevant in many cities, districts and states. The activities ask students to think critically about the question and identify multiple points of view before forming their own opinions and proposing possible solutions and/or compromises. This lesson is based on the following news stories: “Should public schools close for Muslim holidays?” “New York City Adds 2 Muslim Holy Days to Public School Calendar,” published in the New York Times after officials in New York City announced school would be closed to mark two Muslim holidays.
Creating a Culturally Responsive Classroom Julia Thompson, a practicing teacher for more than 35 years, considers what it means to have a culturally responsive classroom and the steps necessary to create one. Adapted from the 3rd edition of her book The First-Year Teacher’s Survival Guide. by Julia G. Thompson In the early years of the 21st century, we are constantly and unconsciously bombarded with messages from the various societies that surround us. From restaurant choices, music, sports, fashion, and all forms of popular media to proceedings as significant as wars and threats of terrorism, we adults function in a culturally diverse world. One of the most enduring strengths of the public school system in America is the variety of cultures that meet peacefully in thousands of classrooms each day. Although some people try to define culture in ethnic or racial terms, a broader definition is more accurate. Check your attitudes & set the tone Be aware that your own attitudes are influenced by your own culture. Julia G.