Making Thirteen Colonies Elementary Grades Teaching Guide, A History of US: Teaching Guide pairs with A History of US: Book Two Paperback – August 23, 2010

by Joy Hakim

The teaching guides developed for Elementary schools were created to support 5th grade American history content standards and learning frameworks. They present lesson ideas for each chapter and also groups of chapters called Parts. Part activities help to set context for reading and present overview concepts for the chapters, as well as introduce timeline and map concepts to help frame understanding. Part summaries include project and activity ideas. Chapter lessons are presented in an Ask-Discuss-Write format and focus heavily on nonfiction literacy skill and reading comprehension concepts. In addition, each Chapter lesson includes additional activities to reinforce reading skills, vocabulary retention and differentiated instruction. Reproducible assessments, worksheets graphic organizers and rubrics are found at back.About the Master storyteller Joy Hakim has excited millions of young minds with the great drama of American history in her award-winning series A History of US. Recommended by the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy as an exemplary informational text, A History of US weaves together exciting stories that bring American history to life. Hailed by reviewers, historians, educators, and parents for its exciting, thought-provoking narrative, the books have been recognized as a break-through tool in teaching history and critical reading skills to young people. In ten books that span from Prehistory to the 21st century, young people will never think of American history as boring again.

Unknown Binding

First published August 23, 2010

About the author

I've just updated A HISTORY OF US to include some new stories, especially those on people who haven't had their full story told, like Native Americans and African Americans. I've been astounded by some of what I've learned, I think you will be too.


My husband and I live most of the year in Colorado. I grew up in Rutland, Vermont and graduated from Rutland High School. I earned a bachelor's degree in government at Smith College, a master's degree in education from Goucher College, as well as an honorary doctorate from Goucher.

I've been a teacher: in Syracuse, New York; Omaha, Nebraska; and Virginia Beach, Virginia. And I've taught in elementary school, middle school, high school, and in a community college.

I've also been a newspaper woman: a general reporter, a business reporter, and an associate editor and editorial writer at Norfolk's Virginian-Pilot.

We have three children and five grandchildren.

from: http://www.joyhakim.com/biography.html