happypamama Posted January 24, 2014 Share Posted January 24, 2014 I need some quick and easy (and inexpensive) ideas for civics that I can use this year (3rd and 6th) and next (4th and 7th). Last year was easy, because it was an election year, so we talked about that and did a few worksheets. This is the kind of stuff that we talk about when/if it comes up naturally in real life, but I need something that will generate some paper for the portfolio. Maybe some sort of topic for a persuasive paragraph for my older child? I'm just drawing a blank about what would qualify as civics, other than "how the government is structured" kinds of things. Ideas, topics, even workbooks or worksheets? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherry in OH Posted January 24, 2014 Share Posted January 24, 2014 Some ideas Symbols of the Government Activity Book http://bensguide.gpo.gov/files/Ben_Activity_webversion.pdf [aimed at elementary students] Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government http://bensguide.gpo.gov [all grade levels] United Nations Cyberschoolbus https://www.un.org/Pubs/CyberSchoolBus/ Your state’s website may have a section for children. You could adapt questions from the naturalization test Learn about the United States: Quick Civics Lessons for the Naturalization Test or from the Citizen’s Almanac Both are available at http://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/organizations/civics-and-citizenship-toolkit/explore-toolkit All of the above are free. The Complete Book of Presidents and States is an inexpensive option. It may not be enough for your older child though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Twain Posted January 24, 2014 Share Posted January 24, 2014 Since you need something for the portfolio, you could consider doing a lapbook. My 3rd and 5th graders and going to do an American Government lapbook from Hands of a Child. We do one piece per day, and it doesn't take much time. HOAC has a lot of other choices, too. Or use the lapbook pieces and add some extra paragraph/reports. Assemble it as a notebook, and that could look nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted January 24, 2014 Author Share Posted January 24, 2014 Thank you, both of you -- I am short on time right now, but I will check out all of those ideas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serendipitous journey Posted January 25, 2014 Share Posted January 25, 2014 Connect the Thoughts has an "All Purpose Civics Course" that might do, though at $22 it is not super cheap. Intellego also offers internet-based unit studies on Civics; the content for their units is good, though they are not my preferred format. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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