American Girl - Girls of American History Unit 10 1853 New Orleans in the 1850’s/Marie-Grace® and Cecile® - Co-op/School License

Girls of American History uses multisensory learning, which follows a pattern of Do It, Write It, Say It, Read It, See It.  Multisensory learning is great for every kind of learner - because each learner gets to experience learning the way they are most comfortable - but they also have the opportunity to learn through other senses.  Studies and research have shown that learning material through multiple senses helps children to retain information better.

The experiences practiced in multisensory learning allow each student to participate in ways that help them understand and retain best.  Boys and girls learn together and help each other with projects such as creating a costume, making a beaded purse, having discussions about the story, historical information, geography, as well as positive character traits such as confidence and sacrifice, etc.  

Making history engaging for students is possibly one of the most difficult tasks for teachers, however it is easier when the subject matter is relatable.  Girls of American History uses the popular American Girl book series.  This instantly makes history relatable, as the main characters are school age children, families and strong male characters. 

Schooling multiple ages together, in a co-op setting for example, is very manaegable.  And, with the continuity of the same subject matter for literature and history, as well as crafts and field trip experiences, opportunities for discussion are plentiful and help build a love of learning.

This six week unit study using the American Girl® Marie-Grace® and Cecile® series books is great for doing school in a large class setting,  or a smaller co-op environment.   Various craft and field trip options are listed for your convenience.  At the end of the unit celebrate with your class with a Mardi Gras Party of your own!

The American Girl Marie-Grace® and Cecile® series is available in a six book reader set.  These books can generally be found in most used book stores or online on ebay or Amazon. 

This series of books follows two young girls through life in a part of the United States that truly has it's own culture.  Their lives are different, yet their paths cross and a wonderful friendship blooms. Additional areas of study include the Louisiana Purchase, Yellow Fever Epidemic, French language and more.  Strong male characters include a grandfather, father  and older brother.

This is a unique unit that really encourages children to think about others, serve and help in their community and appreciate the arts. This unit helps make children aware of how a community is formed with distinctly different cultures. The hardship of illnesses and deaths of the time are made apparent with the understanding of the significant increase in orphans. New Orleans is rich with a history unlike any other in the United States. Giving, serving and thinking about others and ways to help are things that help build long lasting positive character traits. The crafts in this unit lean more toward girls. 

**Crafts are not included in the purchase of the curriculum, but resources and instruction as to what crafts to purchase are included.   Co-op/School License allows permission for the purchasing school allow as many teachers to teach this curriculum to as many groups and classes as they like.  There is no expiration.  The school may not make copies for parents, or other schools/co-ops.  The file remains the property of the purchasing school only.