Becoming a Country

Submitted By: Mayela Hernandez

EDEL 453: Teaching Elementary School Social Science Nevada State College Spring 2012 Instructor: Karen Powell

Becoming a Country Social Studies Lesson Plan

Summary of the Lesson Plan: This social studies lesson is designed for 2nd grade students to learn about the how the United States became its own country and why. This lesson uses the Houghton Mifflin Social Studies textbook Communities (p. 124-127). Target Population: 2nd grade students at all learning levels whole group small group independent H2.2.1 Identify ways in which people cooperate to achieve a common goal. H2.2.2 Explore the importance of both local and national landmarks, and explain how they create a sense of community among citizens.

Objectives:

Procedure: 1. Have students discuss in small group how they celebrate the fourth of July. After having them discuss it in whole group ask them why it is such an important day.

2. After reading Becoming a Country to themselves, ask the students what Great Britain required the colonies to do. 3. After discussing the situation of the colonies with the class read the story to the whole class. This time stopping throughout the section asking questions to jog some sort of whole class and group discussion. After each page, talk about the material we just read: a. (p. 124-125) What did the British government require of the colonies? b. (p. 124-125) What is the Declaration of Independence? c. (p. 126-127) What hard job did American Leaders have after the war? d. (p. 126-127) What can citizens in a democracy do? e. (p. 126-127) Who was elected the first leader of the new democracy? 4. After reading students will work on Reading Skills and Strategy and complete it. (Unit Resources workbook p. 36)

EDEL 453 - Spring 2012

Submitted by: Mayela Hernandez

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Becoming a Country Social Studies Lesson Plan

Assessment: Have students work in their group to create their own country. Have them discuss what laws they would have for their own country. After finishing up have the students write in their journals about their experience in creating their country and its laws. Did group members all want the same thing was there disagreements. Have them also write if they think Benjamin Franklin and the others had the same problem.

Reflection: Which part of the lesson do you think will be the easiest for you to teach? Probably having to stop during reading to promote discussion with the questions provided. I think the students would participate. Which part will be most challenging for you to teach? I think the students will have a lot of questions about what happened during the actual war since it is not being discussed in the book. I think the students would be very curious and I wouldnt know how to explain it. How will you follow up or extend this lesson? To extend the lesson I would want to discuss the actual battle that happened and everything that happened in between. Discuss important things that happened for the colonies to finally separate. What can you do for students who dont grasp the concepts? For the students who dont understand the concepts in this lesson, I would work with them in a small group and have them do a readers theater that has to do with the declaration of independence and its battle with Great Britain. Which part of the lesson, if any, do you think might need to change? I dont think it needs any changing the lesson is simple enough to where the second graders wont need much guidance. When you were writing this lesson plan, what was the most difficult part? It was probably deciding an effective assessment for the students afterwards. I wouldnt grade them on the assessment that I chose to do. I didnt know if I should have picked one that could be easily graded and straightforward. I chose one that was more of an understanding. Materials: Study Guide (Unit Resources workbook p. 36 sample at the bottom of TE p. 127) Social Studies Book: Communities p. 124-1277 paper and pencils journal

EDEL 453 - Spring 2012

Submitted by: Mayela Hernandez

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