American Girl - Girls of American History Unit 13 1954 Life in the USA During the 1950's-Maryellen - Co-op/School License

While the USA is recovering from war and growing well in industry and economy, a young girl struggles to stand out, to find herself and her confidence.  However, along her journey she learns so much about herself, her family and her friends all while battling the effects of a devastating illness.

Making history engaging for students is possibly one of the most difficult tasks for teachers.  How do we overcome that?  Two key things are critical for accomplishing this task.  First, it must be relatable in someway, and secondly, it needs to offer learning opportunities for multiple learning styles.  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. 

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 designing an airplane, sewing a poodle skirt, having discussions about the story, historical information, as well as positive character traits such as confidence, responsibility, compassion, etc.    

Schooling multiple ages together, in a co-op setting for example, is very manageable.  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.

Field trip ideas are arranged state by state to help you with your planning. This six week unit study using the American Girl® Maryellen® series books is also great for doing school in a large class setting,  or a smaller co-op environment.  An end of unit celebration party helps bring everything together that the students learned and worked so hard on.

These American Girl stories are printed in a three book set called "Beforever".  The first two books, in the Maryellen® Beforever series, are needed for the curriculum.  The third is a fun reading, choose your own adventure style book.

During this time in history, the USA was doing well, recovering from wars and enjoying a flourishing economy. During this unit, you might consider including some information on the end of WWII, the Cold War, the Iron Curtain, Polio Vaccine discovery, Sputnik and the case of Brown vs the Board of Education. Enjoy activities such as building a rocket, making paper flowers, painting and more. Craft and field trip ideas from the time period are included in the unit to help enhance the study.

**Crafts are not included in the purchase of the curriculum, but resources and instruction as to what crafts to purchase are included.  Some units do include free craft templates.  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.