Learning About the USA

There is a lot going around in politics that is far too brutal for small children. Yet, their little eyes and ears are open, and they're noticing what is going on around them. 

I think this is a good time for the children to learn about the USA.

I prefer to use this interest to teach the children more "safe," "non-biased" information about their country. As teachers, we have an obligation to teach them to think for themselves, and certainly not to tell them how to think! 

I have several Amazon affiliate links below that will bring a few pennies to me, at absolutely no cost to you. These are some examples of teaching children about the United States without teaching them to have an opinion.

How about a book of maps?

Beginner's United States Atlas 

(National Geographic Kids)

How about a book of USA places?

USA Destinations That Spark Our Fascinations 

by Gene Lipen

 

 Here's a fun collection of true tales from American History!

The American Story 

by Jennifer Armstrong

Here are some great biographies about American women!

50 Fearless Women Who Made American History 

by Jenifer Bazzit

Here is a book that will empower little ones!

No Voice Too Small 

edited by Lindsey H. Metcalf, Kelia V. Dawson, and Jeannette Bradley

 

I'm sure you know plenty more children's books to educate children about the United States of America! (Leave a comment below with your favorites!)

Here are a few resources that can be used throughout the year, whether or not there is a patriotic holiday on the horizon!

This is my newest deck on the Boom Learning platform: the children think about each USA fact, and decide if it is true or false. 

 Fun Facts About the USA 

These Reading Comprehension for Active Learners sets have always been a big hit for my learners! 

This one tells about the 5 branches of the US military.  It's easy to differentiate since there are three different leveled texts!

Freedom Isn't Free

Here's another resource on the Boom Learning platform comparing two North American countries! Canada, USA, or Both?

This resource is a favorite! It's perfect for helping the children to recognize and accept the differences between the people in our country!

Just or Unjust? Fair or Unfair?

These mapping task cards help children learn their way around the USA map! 

Mapping Task Cards USA Mapping Sets One and Two

This set combines several skills, and can be used for Presidents Day, Election Day, or any day you're learning about the USA! Mapping, Comparing, Syllables, and Opinion Writing with a President Theme

Do your students struggle to remember which patriotic holiday is which? 

Which Patriotic Holiday? A Sorting Game

Want a fun collection with a huge savings?

 Learning About the USA Bundle

Or perhaps you'd prefer this collection of digital resources on Boom Learning: USA Boom Bundle

How do you help younger children learn about the USA?

November Deals

Somehow, it got to be November already! 

Here are a few Dollar Deal resources to help get you through this busy month! 

 

We start the month with a couple of Patriotic Holidays: Election Day and Veterans Day! Here are a couple of freebies to help you out with these special days: 

(Explore each image for the link!)

Write some thank you letters to our Veterans! (This one is free!)

 Celebrate Election Day the way children should!

 Take breaks and learn about the country at the same time!

Help children distinguish between these 6 tricky Patriotic Holidays!

 

Of course, it's football season! Here's a football-themed game to practice counting to 1,000! 

 

 This game is a true favorite with my kiddos! It's played like "Old Maid", and is guaranteed to get them giggling! (Don't tell them they're practicing an important skill!)

Enjoy this busy month... don't blink, it goes by fast!

What would you do if you were president?

Children shouldn't have to deal with actual politics, especially since these days politics can be far too hurtful and controversial! I think it's best to go in a different direction with kids.

 

 

This year, on election day, we voted for our favorite Indoor Recess Game. Sorry won, with Battleship a close second. We graphed our votes, and drew some conclusions from the data.

A couple of days later, we had a fabulous discussion.

I asked them what they would do if they were President of the United States.  Their answers were amazing!

Here are some of my favorites:

• I would get rid of smoking.

• I would expect people to try to get along.

• I would get rid of drugs.

• I would make sure people stopped hurting each other.

• I would have people smile more.

• I would let people wear their hair however they want.

• I would have the rich people use their extra money to help the poor people.

• I would get rid of junk food.

• I would make everyone read.

• I would make sure people are healthy.

• I would make people exercise.

• I would get rid of bullies.

Honestly, I was inspired and proud! I half expected "typical" kid answers: no homework, no bedtimes, more video games... but they didn't go in that direction at all! 

They've got my vote!

Here's a little freebie with this prompt and another prompt as well:

Election Day Options for Little Learners

I'm tired of watching the attack ads all over the TV, my phone ringing constantly, getting flyer after flyer in the mail, and the signs all over town. Luckily, this campaign season is almost over, thank goodness!

 I also think it's important to teach the importance of the election to the little ones. But in a gentler, kinder fashion.

We vote for our favorite indoor recess game! See the above image or see HERE for this freebie for Election Day. It includes ballots, graphs, and suggestions for the day.

We've been working on common and proper nouns, so I've cooked up this matching game with an election theme. I find ANY special day makes learning more fun, doesn't it? This set has several options, including a board game. You can learn more about this set HERE, or by see the image.

Kids always need brain breaks, and squeezing in a little patriotism doesn't hurt! See the image or see HERE to download this Dollar Deal!

Here are a few books I've found with an election theme.

(These are Amazon affiliates.)

Vote 
Duck for President
Amelia Bedelia's First Vote

Don't forget the Patriotic Music!

(These are also Amazon affiliates.)

America's Favorite Patriotic Songs

Songs of America

Kid's Dance Party Express: Songs of the USA

God Bless the USA: Kids Sing Songs for America

How do you honor election day with your little ones?

Looking at November

I'm looking at the calendar, and I just can't believe we're approaching November already! 

There's a lot going on in November, but no need to fear, I've got your teaching needs covered!

 

Here are a couple of resources to start off November: 

 

November Facts Boom Learning

 

November Morning Meeting Greeting Activities

 

Parent Communication Brochures - November Edition

Here is one of my favorite November resources: Science and Social Studies Activities for November!

 

Don't forget Election Day!

I'm sure I'll be having the kiddos vote for something, but they won't be voting for president... far too controversial! This one's a fun one! Election Day Graphing Option for Little Kids

  Veteran's Day is November 11th! 

Here's a fun activity to help the children understand what a Veteran really is! This will spark some great conversations!  Veterans True or False

Here's another fun resource to help children learn about Veterans! (On the fun Boom Learning platform!) Armed Services Fun Facts

Once they figure out what Veterans are, they can write thank you notes to Veterans using this freebie!  Thank You Veterans!

Since Election Day and Veterans Day are both Patriotic holidays, enjoy these Patriotic Brain Breaks! See the image for the link to this freebie! Patriotic Brain Breaks

 

Of course, everyone's favorite November holiday is Thanksgiving! Check out these Printables!

 

Here's a math game to practice +9s! Turkey Nines  (Oh my goodness, they LOVE this game! It works like "Old Maid")

 

And guess what... there's a freebie version!  Turkey Nines Freebie!

 

Want more turkeys? This little bundle includes more turkey learning fun, (including the Thanksgiving Turkey game) at a huge discount!

I hope you find something your students will love for the month of November!