PreK-2: Teacher Resources and Websites
- Arlene F. Gallagher, George M. Gregory, Deborah Shayo, Living Together Under the Law: An Elementary Education Law Guide. New York State Bar Association, Law, Youth and Citizenship Program, revised edition, 2004. (www.lycny.org)
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Social Studies Instructional Strategies and Resources: Prekindergarten through Grade 6. The University of the State of New York: The State Education Department, 2003. (www.nysed.gov)
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We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, Level 1. Center for Civic Education, Calabasas, CA, 2003. (www.civiced.org)
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Education for Democracy: California Civic Education Scope and Sequence. Los Angeles County Office of Education, 2003. (Contact: www.civiced.org for copies)
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National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, PA at www.constitutioncenter.org and for information about Constitution Day (September 17) at www.constitutionday.us.
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Constitutional Rights Foundation. http://www.crf-usa.org/
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Library of Congress. American Memory. http://memory.loc.gov
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Pages of the Past (SCORE). A production of the California County Office of Education History-Social Science Committee that aligns 1800 pieces of children’s literature to the California history-social science standards for K-6. Located at http://score.rims.k.12.ca.us/litsearch.html
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United States National Archives and Records Administration. http://www.archives.gov/ This site includes an Online Exhibit Hall, Genealogy Page, and historical records of various government agencies. Of special interest to educators is the “Digital Classroom” which contains online lessons featuring archival documents.
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White House for Kids. http://www.whitehouse.gov/kids/ This site includes information and online games suitable for students in primary grades about the White House and the executive branch.
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George Washington. The White House. http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/glimpse/presidents/html/gw1.html
A two-page biography of George Washington and information about other presidents.
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United States House of Representatives. http://www.house.gov/ The official website of the House of Representatives includes general information about current legislation, committee hearings, and a pictorial directory of current House members with addresses and phone numbers.
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United States Senate. http://www.senate.gov/ The official website of the Senate provides information about the current legislative session, names and mailing addresses for senators, and links to exhibits.
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United States Department of Justice. http://www.usdoj.gov/index.html The official website for the Department of Justice includes a Justice Department archive, “Justice for Kids,” and links to other federal government sites.
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PBS for Kids. Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. http://pbskids.org/rogers/
This PBS site provides information about personal responsibilities. It includes a song list that can be used with kindergarteners.
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California Department of Education. Patriotic Symbols. History-Social Science Course Model. A four-week unit for Kindergarten students that explores state and national symbols. http://www.history.ctaponline.org/center/hsscm/index.cfm?Page_Key=1386.
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Smithsonian Institution. National Museum of American History. Star Spangled Banner Website. http://americanhistory.si.edu/ssb/ History, images, and sounds to accompany the story behind the national anthem.
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United States Government Printing Office. Ben’s Guide to the U.S. Government for Kids: Symbols of U.S. Government. http://bensguide.gpo.gov/k-2/symbols/index.html Site includes explanations for national symbols such as the flag, bald eagle, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell.
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Our Nation’s Symbols and Holidays. California Department of Education, History-Social Science Model. http://www.history.ctaponline.org/center/hsscm/index.cfm?Page_Key=1044. A four-week unit for first graders with a focus on U.S. symbols, patriotic songs, holidays, and landmarks.
(Taken from: Education for Democracy: California Civic Education Scope and Sequence. Los Angeles County Office of Education, 2003, p. 41).
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A Trip to the Mall by Dave Forrest. New Haven Unified School District. http://www.nhusd.k12.ca.us/The_Mall/Mall_trip.html A walking tour of the National Mall in Washington, DC showing important government buildings, museums, and memorials.
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The Civic Mission of the Schools at http://www.civicmissionofschools.org
The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) and
the Carnegie Corporation of New York are dedicated to promoting civic learning and participation
in order that students leave school as informed and responsible citizens. They have produced the report,
The Civic Mission of Schools, which outlines the goals of civic education, why schools are important
venues for civic education, why civic education is important in today’s world, six promising approaches
to civic education, and recommendations for implementing civic education in schools and communities.
CIRCLE is located at www.civicyouth.org. Carnegie Corporation is at www.carnegie.org.
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The Annenberg Foundation at www.annenbergcivics.org includes the websites for justice learning (http://www.justicelearning.org) and student voices (http://www.student-voices.org). Both sites provide background information and teaching materials related to
civic learning.
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Law for Kids at www.lawforkids.org.
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American Bar Association at www.abanet.org.
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National Council for the Social Studies at www.socialstudies.org
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New York State Council for the Social Studies at www.nyscss.org