Welcome to Teaching Materials

A great way for students to learn more about the War of 1812 and our nation's emblem: the Star-Spangled Banner.

Causation: The War of 1812 and the Star-Spangled Banner
In Lesson Plan Reviews
graphic, Six-Set Edwards-Venn diagram, 11 Sept 2007, Flickr CC

Graphic organizers can be tricky. Check out these tips on how to keep them simple!

Tips and Tricks for Using Graphic Organizers
In Ask a Master Teacher
Photo, "Montessori en famille, vie sensorielle," 2007, valilouve, Flickr, cc

In the Montessori philosophy, which prioritizes creativity, how can you best present history?

Meshing History and Montessori Method
In Ask a Master Teacher

Spotlight on Elementary Education

History is made by those who are unafraid to push the envelope and redefine the society in which they live. Encourage your students to examine the men and women who worked to make America what it is today with this creative activity. FIND OUT MORE »

Lesson Plan Reviews

Evaluate key elements of effective teaching Watch the INTRODUCTORY VIDEO
Locate Yourself on a Map of the Americas

Young students locate themselves on a map and explore spatial relationships [...] »

A Look at Slavery through Posters and Broadsides

How to identify the author, audience, date, and message of historical [...] »

View All »

English Language Learners

Instructional strategies and resources for ELL
Reframing English Language Development
The storming of Chapu[ltepec] Sept. 13th [1847]

Discover how to teach English learners history and historical thinking.

[...] »
The Struggle for Time: Using Persuasive Essays to Teach Elementary History

From chanting to formal essay framing—discover creative ways to frame ELL [...] »

View All »

Teaching Guides

Explore new teaching methods and approaches
Mystery Strategy for Elementary Students

Using the premise of a mystery, elementary students act as history [...] »

Stating Your Case: Writing Thesis Statements Effectively

Thesis statements form the backbone of history essays and DBQs.

[...] »
Truth in Transit: Crafting Meaningful Field Trips

Leave your students with intellectually and emotionally significant memories [...] »

Using Old Maps as Tools to Explore Our World

Maps show far more than how to go from point A to point B! Discover how to [...] »

Webquest, Inquiry, and Lincoln’s Views on Technology

Searching for new, exciting ways to engage your students in the classroom? [...] »

View All »

Ask a Master Teacher

Exploring Historical Fiction

Make the Lewis and Clark expedition and life on the Oregon Trail come alive [...] »

Browse Questions »