Since Monday, I’ve been grading the Spanish and English Colonization essays. I’ve graded about half of them and I’ve notice that many students are not receiving credit for thesis statements. Most of the students that did not receive credit for their theses simply restated the essay prompt. In my eyes, this should be a guaranteed point for them.

Using the PowerPoint, APUSH Review- The Thesis Statement, I explained the structure I want them to use for their intro paragraphs and thesis. I like the idea of using 2-3 background sentences in the intro paragraph, which if done correctly, could count for Contextualization points. When I was done showing them what a good thesis statement looks like for their essay, I had them try one on their own with a new topic. I called on a few brave souls that were willing to share their writing with the class and gave them feedback.

I wanted to give my students more practice with multiple-choice so I took seven questions (based off of two documents) from the APUSH Practice Exam. I spent extra time on two of the questions that students struggled with. At the beginning of every year I’m reminded that students struggle with the new format of multiple-choice questions since they have not had exposure to them until now.

I plan on having tomorrow be a review day in class for the Periods 1 & 2 test. I gave students a flashcard and told them to write down at least two terms/people/events/etc. that they would like me to review tomorrow. Usually when I do this, I see a lot of the same terms on the flashcards. I will makeg a PowerPoint tonight based on these terms.

HW for Friday: Periods 1 & 2 Review Sheets, Test

Have a good day!

I HATE passing work back. It’s easy for work to gather on my desk and before I know it, I have several days (i.e. weeks) worth of old work to give back. For my first APUSH class of the day I have the work on the students’ desks when they come in, but for my other classes I can’t because I have classes before them. Maybe this should make me transition to a paperless classroom.

At the beginning of class, I went over the Enlightenment Video with the students and instead of having them write their answers to the Enlightenment Quick Assessment, we discussed the answers as a class. They have learned about the Enlightenment in both Global I and Global II and were able to explain the impact of various thinkers.

I was able to pass back work during class because the students were working on one of my favorite activities: creating Mindmaps/Sketchnotes of topics. I remind the students that a good way to commit information to long-term memory is to create something with the information. In this case, they will create visuals.

My artwork will never be mistaken for a Michelangelo or Picasso. In fact, stick figures can be a challenge to me. But I can still draw a visual representation of a topic, and if need be, supplement it with words. After explaining to the students the assignment, European Exploration,Colonial America Mindmap, I turned them lose to demonstrate their knowledge of the material. While passing the old work back I was able to answer questions students had and provide suggestions when necessary. I did NOT give artistic advice since that would be like Henry Clay refusing to compromise. I don’t create artistic masterpieces and he cannot help but compromise.

Homework for tomorrow: Chapter 3 Video Guide, European Exploration/Colonial America Mindmap

Have a good day!

I’m always looking to share and learn about lesson ideas for APUSH. HERE is a list with descriptions of some of my favorite lessons I do throughout the year. I will be updating this page on a regular basis with my ideas and ideas from other teachers. If you would like to contribute (with full credit, of course) please send an email to Adam@APUSHReview.com. I hope the ideas are helpful and generate other beneficial ideas. Good luck this year!

With the exam quickly approaching, here are 5 key videos that will help you prepare for the big test. Best of luck!

APUSH Review: Key Terms, People, and Events Associated With The New Curriculum, Periods 1 – 5 (Part I).

If you would like to download the PowerPoint used in the video, click here: APUSH Review: Key Terms, People, and Events SPECIFICALLY Mentioned In The New Curriculum! Part 1 PPT

Download a fill-in the black sheet courtesy of Ms. Ayotte (thanks for creating this!) here: APUSH Period 1-5 Review Fill in the Blank

APUSH Review: Key Terms, People, and Events Associated With The New Curriculum, Periods 6 – 9 (Part II)

If you would like to download the PowerPoint used in the video, click here: APUSH Review, Part II- 1865 – Present (Periods 6 – 9)

Download a fill-in the black sheet courtesy of Henry (thanks for creating this!) here: APUSH Periods 6 to 9 Fill in the Blank Outline

Key People To Know: Periods 1 – 5

If you would like to download the PowerPoint used in the video, click here: APUSH Review- Key People To Know (Periods 1 – 5)

If you would like to download a fill-in the black sheet, click here: APUSH Review- Key People To Know (Periods 1 – 5)

Key People To Know: Periods 6 – 9

If you would like to download the PowerPoint used in the video, click here: APUSH Review: Key People To Know (Periods 6 – 9)

If you would like to download a fill-in the black sheet, click here: APUSH Review- Key People To Know (Periods 6-9)

APUSH Review: Supreme Court Cases In The New Curriculum

If you would like to download the PowerPoint used in the video, click here: APUSH Review- Supreme Court Cases In The New Curriculum

If you would like to download a fill-in the black sheet, click here: APUSH Review- Supreme Court Cases In The New Curriculum

I am an enormous fan of all things Mr. Klaff. I first discovered his videos and amazing REVIEW BOOK during my second year of teaching APUSH. I am such a fan of his review book that the past few years I have purchased copies of the review book for my students – including 45 this year! I have the students take notes, highlight, and answer practice questions in the book. They all tell me this book is a large part of their success.

Mr. Klaff has been generous enough to provide more FREE copies of review books to users of APUSHReview.com. On Monday, April 10, and the following Monday, April 17, you could win a FREE copy of the book. All you have to do to qualify to win a copy is the following:

1. Be signed up for any of my APUSHReview.com courses
2. Complete at least 3 of the modules by the drawing dates

Winners will be chosen at random at 8 pm eastern time on 4/10 and 4/17. If you are the winner, I will contact you and a book will be shipped to you. It’s that easy! Good luck!

Check out the book at Amazon HERE.