Have you ever found yourself pulling together last-minute history lessons? As a former 5th grade teacher, I know this scenario well. I remember most of my prep time was spent on tested subjects (math and ELA).
As a result, engaging social studies lessons felt out of reach unless I was willing to spend hours every weekend dreaming up special activities.
I want to bring purpose, enthusiasm, and joy into teaching history! So, to help make it easier for you, I’ve spent hours researching and creating effective and engaging U.S. History lessons.
In this free Early Presidents Activity, your students will research the first seven presidents (from George Washington to Andrew Jackson).
Engaging Students with Research
To research is to study and investigate something thoroughly. How often do you ask students to research a historical topic?
Research can be a very engaging activity. As students conduct research, they develop new skills, foster their independence, and gain a deeper understanding of the material. In addition, students also strengthen their problem-solving skills.
Tips for Teaching Students how to Research
Kids these days certainly have a knack for technology. However, while most students have experience searching for information online, many do not understand how to search effectively.
Here are a few tips to help you teach your students how to research online more effectively:
- Clarify the assignment
- Describe the task required of them
- Discuss keywords, synonyms, or alternate phrases they can search
- Practice how to search
- Type in simple search terms
- Use only the most essential words and phrases
- Be specific
- Use quotation marks if you want your keywords to be in an exact order
- Double-check the source
- Encourage students to look beyond the first few results
- Help students distinguish between ads, sponsored content, and actual search results
- Set up guidelines that require students to cross-check the information on multiple websites before assuming it is true
- Websites that end in .gov or .org are typically trustworthy
- Practice searching online with these lessons and activities made by Google
- For younger grades, consider using kid-friendly search engines, such as:
Free Early Presidents Activity
In this free Early Presidents Activity, you will find:
- A detailed lesson plan
- Student booklets
- A timeline worksheet
- And access to a Google Classroom version of the lesson!
I designed the booklet for my Early Republic unit. However, it is useful even if you don’t have my unit.
In this activity, students explore several biographies about one of the first seven presidents. After organizing their research, they present it to their peers.
Finally, students create a timeline including the most important events from the Early Republic.
Download your FREE Early Presidents Activity
More Early Republic Resources
I hope this Early Presidents Activity for middle school is helpful as you plan and teach the Early Republic in your classroom.
Are you looking for additional resources to help you teach about the Early Republic?
- 3-Week Early Republic Unit: This three-week unit includes interactive activities that will keep your students engaged and clear lesson plans that will save you time.
- Early Republic Picture Books: 8 captivating picture books about the Early Republic.
- Early Republic Primary Sources: An outline of 5 primary sources, complete with teaching suggestions. I have also created a compilation of primary sources for several other U.S. History topics as well!
- Early Republic Videos: 5 worthwhile videos to help bring the Early Republic to life in your classroom.
Ive tried putting in my email for the free presidents booklet but cant see where to confirm it. Thank you for your interesting lesson plans.
Oh no! Do you still need help? If so, send me an email to becca@thecleverteacher.com and I can help you get the lesson.