Page 151 - Powerful Social Studies for Elementary Students 4th Edition

that the students have had during the unit. Portfolio contents should be indicative of their continuous development. The portfolio should serve as a power- ful stimulus for students to use as they articulate
FIGURE 5.3 Portfolio Worksheet Goal 1
To enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of the circumstances that transpired between 1620 and 1776, setting the stage for the Declaration of Independence.
major understandings about the American Revolution and evaluate their own work.
We have included sample writing entries that reflect Goal #1 identified on our “worksheet” in Figure 5.3.
Suggested Possible Portfolio Entries
Pre-unit—What does the American Revolution mean to you?
Post-unit—Repeat entry, drawing on what has been learned. What does the American Revolution mean to you?
Imagine that you lived in England throughout the 150-year time period (between 1620 and 1776). Explain what life was like.
OR
Imagine that you lived in America during that same time period. Explain what life was like.
OR
Adopt the role of the King of England during this time period. Explain the situation from your perspective.
OR
Imagine you are a colonist. Write a letter to a relative in England explaining what your life in America was like in the mid-1700s.
OR
Imagine you are a journalist. Explain the trade-offs that occurred because the colonists were considered British subjects.
for students, especially with regard to key understand- ings about the American Revolution that they probably would not develop by studying disconnected facts to prepare for a conventional test.
CHAPTER 5 How Can I Teach History Powerfully? 123
(Encourage students to share their entries with their peers. If they wish to illustrate their writing, suggest they do it at home or when they have completed all of their assignments.)
Student-led conferences using the portfolio entries as springboards could serve as nice culmination activi- ties for the learning. If structured properly, such con- ferences will provide powerful learning opportunities
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