Category: Teaching Social Studies

Looking for a comprehensive essay prompt modeled on the New York State Regents examinations? You’ve found it! This “Civic Literacy” essay, tailored for students who have completed 10 weeks of the eleventh grade Regents US History and Government course, is designed to assess critical thinking skills and historical knowledge aligned with New York State Social Studies Frameworks 11.1, 11.2, and 11.3.

Key Features:

Purchase Resource at our TpT Store

1. Student Version of the Essay Prompt: Delve into the complexities of antebellum America with this thought-provoking essay prompt, which offers FIVE possible issues for exploration. With options to choose from, students can tailor their essays to their interests and strengths.
2. New York State Grading Rubric: Align your assessment with state standards using the provided NYS Regents US History and Government grading rubric, ensuring consistency and clarity in evaluation.
3. Scoring Rubric: Enhance your grading process with a comprehensive scoring rubric that evaluates students’ responses on a scale of 100, providing detailed feedback and assessment criteria.
4. Sample Student Essay: Model exemplary analytical writing for your students with a sample essay that demonstrates effective analysis of primary source documents, synthesis of information, and construction of a coherent argument.
5. Passcodes to Video Lessons: Access online auto-corrected versions of lessons with embedded questions on the historical context needed to complete the essay. Whether you’re a subscriber to Innovation or not, these passcodes provide access to valuable resources to support student learning.

Prepare your students for success with this comprehensive essay prompt, meticulously crafted to align with New York State standards and foster critical thinking skills essential for academic excellence. Get your copy today and unlock the door to historical inquiry and analysis!

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Ignite Historical Inquiry: Engage Students with Essential Essay Prompts

Are you ready to immerse your students in the rich tapestry of American history? Dive into our latest product on Teachers Pay Teachers, featuring a compelling set of essay prompts designed to deepen students’ understanding of constitutional and civic issues. With a curated selection of six primary source documents spanning pivotal moments in American history, this resource is your key to unlocking meaningful historical inquiry in the classroom.

Resource available at our TeachersPayTeachers store

Explore Key Moments in American History:
Transport your students back in time with our carefully curated collection of primary source documents. From early colonial encounters to debates over federal authority and states’ rights, these documents offer a window into critical moments and enduring themes that have shaped the nation’s development. With engaging prompts tailored to each document, students will embark on a journey of discovery through the annals of American history.

Included Documents:

1. Excerpt from A Briefe and True Report of the New Found Land Of Virginia, 1590, by Thomas Hariot
2. Excerpt from Eliza Lucas Letter to a Friend in London, 1740-1741
3. Excerpt From Madison’s Notes on The Constitutional Convention
4. Excerpt from Draft Report of the Northwest Ordinance, 1784
5. Debate on Jackson’s Indian Policy, 1830
6. Excerpt from the Virginia Resolution, 1798

Develop Critical Thinking Skills:
Empower your students to think critically and analytically with our thought-provoking essay prompts. By analyzing primary source documents and synthesizing information, students will sharpen their historical inquiry skills and deepen their understanding of key constitutional and civic issues. Whether they’re examining Thomas Hariot’s account of early colonial encounters or delving into James Madison’s notes on the Constitutional Convention, students will cultivate essential analytical skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

Flexible and Adaptable Resources:
Whether you’re teaching in-person or remotely, our essay prompt product offers versatile resources that can be seamlessly integrated into your curriculum. With printable worksheets and digital materials available for download, you’ll have the flexibility to tailor instruction to your students’ needs and learning environments. Whether you’re teaching a high school history class or a college-level seminar, these resources are adaptable to a wide range of grade levels and classroom settings.

Promote Active Learning and Engagement:
Inspire curiosity and foster active participation in historical inquiry with our engaging essay prompts. Encourage students to grapple with complex historical questions and engage in meaningful discussions that promote deeper understanding. By exploring primary sources firsthand, students will develop empathy for historical perspectives and gain insight into the complexities of American history. Spark lively debates, encourage collaborative inquiry, and empower students to become informed and engaged citizens.

Unlock the Power of Historical Inquiry:
Ready to elevate your history curriculum and ignite students’ curiosity? Purchase our essay prompt product today on Teachers Pay Teachers! With just a few clicks, you’ll gain access to a wealth of resources designed to promote historical inquiry and critical thinking skills in the classroom. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or a first-time teacher, our resources will help you inspire a lifelong love of learning and discovery in your students.

Empower Your Students with Historical Understanding:
Equip your students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of American history and become informed citizens of the world. Our essay prompt product featuring six essential primary source documents is your gateway to fostering historical understanding and promoting critical thinking skills in the classroom. Don’t miss out on this invaluable resource – purchase today and unlock the power of historical inquiry in your classroom!

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On sale at our TeachersPayTeachers store.

Are you eager to infuse your French language classroom with the vibrant sounds and rhythms of Francophone music? Look no further! We’re thrilled to present our latest teacher resource, designed to ignite a passion for French culture through the exploration of music.

In this comprehensive unit, students embark on a captivating journey through the diverse landscape of Francophone music, from classical compositions to contemporary hits. Through a dynamic combination of listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities, students not only deepen their understanding of the French language but also gain valuable insights into the rich cultural heritage of French-speaking regions around the world.

Crafted with both print and remote learning in mind, our unit includes meticulously designed PowerPoint slideshows, vocabulary studies, selected reading and listening tasks, and composition assignments. Whether you’re teaching in a traditional classroom setting or engaging students remotely, our versatile resources cater to your instructional needs.

Key Features of the Unit:

• Two PowerPoint slideshows covering a range of musical genres and artists
• Vocabulary studies to aid student comprehension and engagement
• Selected reading and listening tasks featuring classical composers like Berlioz, Saint-Saëns, and Debussy, as well as contemporary artists such as Piaf, Brel, Mazue, Moffatt, and GIMS
• Composition assignments to foster creativity and critical thinking
• Final unit test to assess student learning and comprehension

At Innovation, we believe in the power of cultural immersion to enhance language acquisition and foster a deeper appreciation for the French language. Join us as we embark on an unforgettable musical journey through the Francophone world. Access our unit plan and resources today and let the melodies of French music inspire your students to new heights of linguistic and cultural proficiency.

Are you ready to take your French language learning to the next level? Explore the captivating world of French cinema with our comprehensive culture unit designed for French 3 students and beyond. Whether you’re teaching in-person or remotely, this versatile unit is packed with engaging materials to spark students’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of French film history, from its early beginnings to the influential New Wave movement of the 1960s.

Our French Cinéma Unit takes students on a fascinating journey through the evolution of French film, providing rich insights into its cultural significance and artistic innovations. With a focus on culture and civilization, this unit is perfect for educators seeking to integrate authentic cultural content into their language curriculum.

French Cinéma Unit, French 3 and up, plus remote access

• Comprehensive PowerPoint Presentations: Dive into French cinema history with our detailed PowerPoint presentations, covering everything from the early pioneers of French filmmaking to the revolutionary New Wave movement.
• Engaging Readings with Questions: Explore key themes and developments in French cinema through a series of carefully curated readings, accompanied by thought-provoking questions and answer keys for easy assessment.
• Visual Resources and Examples: Enhance students’ understanding of cinematic techniques and styles with visual resources, including examples of New Wave filming techniques and iconic scenes from classic French films.
• Online Access to Vocabulary Studies and Etudes: Provide students with remote access to vocabulary studies and interactive activities through our virtual classroom platform at InnovationAssessments.com/TestDrive. With auto-corrected questions embedded in the lessons, students can track their progress and engage with the material in a dynamic way.

Take Learning Beyond the Classroom:
Empower your students to become active participants in their language learning journey with our French Cinéma Unit. Whether in the classroom or online, this comprehensive resource offers a wealth of opportunities for students to explore, analyze, and appreciate French culture through the lens of cinema.

Get Started Today:
Ready to dive into the captivating world of French cinema? Visit our store on Teachers Pay Teachers to access our French Cinéma Unit and transform your language curriculum today! With engaging materials, comprehensive resources, and online access to vocabulary studies, this unit is sure to inspire and engage your students on their French language learning journey.

Unlock the magic of French cinema. Ignite your students’ passion for language and culture. Explore the French Cinéma Unit today!

Are you looking for an innovative and engaging essay prompt to enrich your American history curriculum? Look no further! Our unique essay prompt invites students to delve into key moments and themes in U.S. history through the analysis of primary source documents. Designed for educators teaching U.S. history at grade 11, this prompt provides a stimulating opportunity for students to explore, analyze, and interpret primary sources while honing their historical inquiry and critical thinking skills.

Our essay prompt challenges students to explore the constitutional and civic issue of civil rights and racial equality in early American history. Through the analysis of four carefully selected primary source documents, students will:

Resource at our TeachersPayTeachers store

• Document 1: Excerpt from a contract recording the sale of land along the Hudson River from Mahican Indians to Kiliaen van Rensselaer, 1630.
• Document 2: Image of Paul Revere’s drawing of the Boston Massacre.
• Document 3: Excerpt from a confidential letter, Jefferson’s message to Congress on the Expedition West.
• Document 4: Bartolomé de las Casas — Excerpts from The Very Brief Relation of the Devastation of the Indies.
• Document 5: Jefferson’s “original Rough draught” of the Declaration of Independence, 1776.
• Document 6: A traveler describes life along the Erie Canal, 1829.

Engage Students in Active Learning:
This essay prompt is designed to engage students in active learning experiences that foster historical inquiry, critical analysis, and historical literacy. By examining primary source documents, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities, contradictions, and enduring struggles that have shaped America’s constitutional and civic landscape.

• Passcodes for Online Versions in my virtual classroom at Innovation Website
• InnovationAssessments.com/TestDrive
• Give your students the passcodes to access online auto-corrected versions of the lessons in this unit. If you are a subscriber to Innovation, you can use the passcodes to import the activities into your own account and test banks. You can see and save student work that way. If not, just have your students send you a screenshot of their score on completing the task.
• Contact with Native Americans pt. 1, [preview]
• Contact with Native Americans pt. 2, [preview]
• Contact with Native Americans pt. 3, [preview]
• Contact with Native Americans pt. 4, [preview]
• English Colonies, part 1, [preview]
• English Colonies part 2, [preview]
• English Colonies, part 3, [preview]
• English Colonies part 4, [preview]
• English Colonies, part 5, [preview]
• New Amsterdam, [preview]
• French and Indian War part 1, [preview]
• French and Indian War part 2, [preview]
• French and Indian War part 3, [preview]
• 11.1 COLONIAL FOUNDATIONS quiz, [preview]

Enhance Classroom Instruction:
Integrate this essay prompt into your history curriculum to:

• Stimulate student interest and curiosity in key moments and themes in American history.
• Encourage students to analyze and interpret primary sources, strengthening their analytical and research skills.
• Foster meaningful class discussions and debates on issues of civil rights, racial equality, and social justice.
• Provide students with opportunities to develop their written communication skills through the composition of well-reasoned and evidence-based essays.

Unlock the Past with Teachers Pay Teachers:
Access our engaging essay prompt today on Teachers Pay Teachers. Whether you’re a history teacher seeking to inspire critical thinking and historical inquiry or a homeschooling parent looking for thought-provoking curriculum materials, our essay prompt offers a valuable tool for bringing American history to life in your classroom or homeschool environment.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to empower your students to become active participants in the study of history. Visit our store on Teachers Pay Teachers to download our essay prompt and ignite a passion for historical inquiry and critical thinking in your students today!

• French Heritage “Patrimoine” Unit, French 3 and up, plus remote access – Study of French heritage (monuments, buildings, immaterial heritage, preservation efforts and discussion). On sale at our TeachersPayTeachers store.

Embark on a captivating journey through French heritage with our immersive culture unit tailored for French 3 students and beyond. Rooted in a pedagogical approach that emphasizes cultural exploration, this comprehensive package offers an in-depth exploration of France’s rich architectural and intangible heritage. Crafted with both in-person and remote learning in mind, our adaptable materials provide educators with the flexibility to seamlessly integrate cultural studies into their curriculum, whether in print or online.

Dive into the essence of French patrimoine with our three meticulously designed PowerPoint presentations, totaling 31 slides, covering architectural marvels and intangible cultural artifacts. Enhance vocabulary acquisition with our tier 2 word list, thoughtfully curated to facilitate reading comprehension and linguistic fluency. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of French heritage through four engaging readings complemented by comprehension questions, as well as thought-provoking inquiries tailored for six enlightening videos. Additionally, ignite students’ creativity and critical thinking with two composition assignments designed to deepen their understanding and appreciation of French cultural heritage. Plus, gain exclusive access to our virtual classroom at Innovation, where students can further explore and engage with the rich tapestry of French patrimoine. Elevate your French language curriculum and inspire a deeper connection to French culture with our dynamic and comprehensive French Heritage “Patrimoine” Unit.

Short Essay Prompts, New York State Regents US History and Government 

Unlocking America’s Past: An Exploration of Historical Documents

Join us on a journey through America’s dynamic history with our two groundbreaking products designed to enhance historical document analysis skills and deepen understanding of pivotal periods in American history.

Product 1: Regents US His. Short-Essays “A Nation in Transition” plus Videos

Delve into the transformative era of 19th-century America with our meticulously curated collection of primary sources. Engage in critical analysis as you explore letters from pioneering women activists like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, alongside Senate debates on the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Our comprehensive set includes scoring rubrics, sample student essays, and exclusive access to video lessons with embedded auto-corrected questions. Uncover the voices of change and gain insights into the struggles for equality and justice that shaped the nation.

Documents:

1. Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Susan B. Anthony
2. Excerpt from the Senate Debate on the Kansas-Nebraska Act, 1854
3. Excerpt from the Virginia Resolution, 1798
4. William Lloyd Garrison Introduces The Liberator, 1831

Product 2: Regents US His. Short-Essays “Reconstruction Policies and Jim Crow” plus Videos

Explore the complexities of post-Civil War America with our comprehensive resource focusing on Reconstruction policies and the rise of Jim Crow laws. Analyze primary sources such as the Semi-annual report on schools for freedom, and a newspaper article from the Richmond planet. Gain a deeper understanding of the socio-political landscape through documents like Charles Sumner’s address on the power struggle between the President and Congress, and an excerpt from the Mississippi Black Code. With scoring rubrics, sample student essays, and video lessons, uncover the nuances of America’s evolution during this transformative period.

Documents:

1. Semi-annual report on schools for freedom, 1866
2. Newspaper Article in the Richmond planet, 15 September 1900, Page 8
3. “One Man Power vs. Congress” address, Charles Sumner (Mass.), Boston 2 October 1866
4. Excerpt, Mississippi Black Code (1865)

Immerse yourself in America’s past and unlock the complexities of its history with our engaging and comprehensive educational resources. Visit our blog to learn more about our teaching methods and how these products can elevate your classroom experience.

I submit two new “Enduring Issue” essay prompt modeled on the New Regents examinations in New York State. This Enduring Issue Essay presents the students with five documents, from which they select three to support some enduring issue they see through history.

Available at our TeachersPayTeachers store:

• Regents Global 9 Enduring Issue Essay, “Of Decandance and Empire’s Fall”
• Regents Global 10 Enduring Issue Essay, “On Students in Revolt”

Both products include access to video lessons with embedded questions here at Innovation so your students can review the historical context before writing their analysis.

Video Lesson previews

• Ancient Rome part 1, [preview]
• Ancient Rome part 2., [preview]
• Ancient Rome part 3., [preview]
• Transforming the Roman Republic, [preview]
• Ancient Rome part 4, [preview]
• Early China and the Qin Dynasty, [preview]
• Han Dynasty, [preview]
• Competing Ideologies of the 20th Century part A,  [preview]
• Competing Ideologies of the 20th Century part B,  [preview]
• China in the 20th Century part 1, [preview]
• China in the 20th Century part 2,  [preview]
• Clash with Modernity: Iran,  [preview]

Of Decadence and Empire’s Fall

When empires start to crumble, the “group feeling” that Ibn Khaldun noted as the binding force of society begins to unravel. In the face of the stress of migrations, invasions, internal political polarization, economic distress there comes a disintegration of morals and customs of courtesy. This does not go unnoticed by everyone. In Of Decadence and Empire’s Fall, students explore primary sources from the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty. They may see the warnings from the wise about a decline in moral behavior. They may piece together similar contributing factors to the disintegration of a political unit.

Document excerpts included in this essay prompt:

1. Excerpt, The Conspiracy of Catiline, Gaius Sallustius Crispus, 63 BCE
2. Excerpt, Sima Qian and Laissez-Faire:Manifestations of a “Discordant and Degenerate Age”
3. Excerpt, St. Jerome, “Letter 127: To Principia”, 412CE
4. Excerpt, A Translation of the Chronicle on the ‘Western Regions’ from the Hou Hanshu, the dynastic history of the Han dynasty
5. Painting, The Course of Empire: Destruction (1836) by Thomas Cole

On Students in Revolt

Those of us who have taught high school for decades are well acquainted with adolescent rebelliousness. Frankly, I respect it, I expect it, and I wonder about the young person who is not a little instinctively resistant. Be that said, I know that I am usually right anyway. : )

When the proportion of young in the population gets high, such as in Iran in the late ’70s and the US when the Baby Boomers came to late teens, you can bet there will be social upheaval! In “On Students in Revolt”, students in Global Studies 10 (New York State curriculum) will examine primary sources related to times in history when students were the impetus for change. These are not generally positive, which I hope does not reveal a middle aged bias on my part.

Document excerpts included in this essay prompt:

• Report by Louis P. Lochner, Head of the Berlin Bureau of the Associated Press (10 May 1933)
• Mr. Dai, a sociologist in Beijing, attended Tsinghua University High School, where the first Red Guard groups were formed.
• On the Hostages’ Release, AFP Press Release, 14 January 1980
• The Prague Spring of 1968, image
• Paris: May 1968, Eyewitness Account

Student Orientations

Innovation has developed some very effective applications for teaching world languages remotely or in a classroom with a student 1:1 laptop configuration. I have been teaching French remotely for a few months now and have had the opportunity to really take these apps out for a rigorous test drive and to make some great tweaks under the hood!

Regents Global 9 Enduring Issue Essay Prompt: Belief Systems

This particular enduring theme essay began as an exploration of the idea that spiritual leaders in history often had “wilderness experiences” as part of their own religious awakening. This is the best-selling enduring issue essay prompt product from our store at TeacherPayTeachers that I would like to showcase today.

The enduring issue essay is a task in the curriculum and state testing in New York State for Global History and Geography. Students examine a set of documents and compose an essay making the case for an enduring historical issue that they observe, combining documents and their knowledge of the historical context.

Visit our store at TeachersPayTeachers for a full range of enduring issue essay prompts!

Documents 1-4 of this prompt are selections from religious texts giving evidence for the following: Jesus’ forty days in the desert and subsequent temptation, Buddha’s temptation by Mara in the forest, Muhammad’s visits to the cave where he receives the revelation from the angel Jibreel, Joseph Smith’s walk in the 1832 New York woods to meet Jesus. Document 5 is a map of Abraham’s journey from the Torah.

Strictly speaking, the Regents enduring essay task will be something a bit different from this. However, the theme works nicely in a unit on the world’s belief systems.

When I developed this task, I did have one common theme in mind to start, however students may see others, which I illustrate in the sample student essays included in the product.

This enormous project also includes a modified version of the readings for special education purposes as well as a complete collection of video lessons on belief systems. These video lessons include embedded, auto-corrected questions to guide practice.

Preview one of the video lessons here

I invite the reader to peruse our store and explore the other thought-provoking document-based essay prompts we offer! Support great scholarship with quality materials!