Welcome to Teaching Materials

Go forth, and contextualize! Give students the opportunity for solo connection to historical places.

Tramping Through History: Crafting Individual Field Trips
In Teaching Guides
Lithograph, "Charles Frohman presents. . . ," 1900, Metropolitan Printing, LoC

When you just can't get your students to care what the Founders, or anyone else, wrote.

Realizing the Value of Primary Sources
In Ask a Master Teacher

Political cartoons are often conceptually complex, but offer valuable insights into history.

Interpreting Political Cartoons in the History Classroom
In Teaching Guides

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
Causation: The War of 1812 and the Star-Spangled Banner

A great way for students to learn more about the War of 1812 and our nation' [...] »

Propaganda and World War II

Help students understand wartime propaganda with this excellent lesson plan [...] »

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English Language Learners

Instructional strategies and resources for ELL
America's Heritage: An Adventure in Liberty
The Prayer at Valley Forge by Arnold Friberg

Find lessons about American heritage and the responsibilities of American [...] »

Reframing English Language Development
The storming of Chapu[ltepec] Sept. 13th [1847]

Discover how to teach English learners history and historical thinking.

[...] »
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Teaching Guides

Explore new teaching methods and approaches
Historical Agency in History Book Sets (HBS)

Looking for ways to use fiction in your elementary history curriculum? Read [...] »

Comanche Nation and "Manifest Destiny": A Guide for Pre-Service Teachers

Help students better understand the history behind the term "Manifest [...] »

History of Higher Education: A Guide for Pre-Service Teachers

Help students understand the different types of universities and colleges in [...] »

Mystery Strategy for Elementary Students

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

Writing to Learn History: Annotations and Mini-Writes

A pen or pencil in your student's hand is an excellent tool for teaching [...] »

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Ask a Master Teacher

Let's Get Folky
Photography, Musical Instruments, 2005, Flickr CC

Looking for a way to spice up your lesson plans? Try incorporating folk [...] »

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