ABSTRACT

Learn new approaches to teaching history in middle school so students are more engaged in the big ideas and eager to examine the world around them. Co-published by Routledge and MiddleWeb, this practical guide will help you consider the unique needs of middle schoolers, who are in the midst of many social and emotional changes and need to see why the study of history matters to their own lives. Author Jody Passanisi shares helpful strategies and activities to make your social studies class a place where students can relate to the material, connect past history to present events, collaborate with others, think critically about important issues, and take ownership of their learning. Topics include:

  • Reading and analyzing primary and secondary sources for deeper comprehension of historical issues
  • Developing a written argument and defending it with supporting details and cited sources
  • Examining the social context of a historical event and tracing the historical underpinnings of present day issues
  • Using field trips, games, and Project Based Learning to make learning history a fun and interactive experience
  • Assessing your students’ progress using self-reflection, projects, essays, and presentations

The appendices offer resources for each of the topics covered in the book as well as reproducible Blackline Masters of the charts and diagrams, which can be photocopied or downloaded from our website (https://www.routledge.com/products/9781138639713) for classroom use.

chapter 1|7 pages

Introduction: Teaching Middle School History

It's Not Quite Elementary School ... It's Not Quite High School

chapter 2|13 pages

Day to Day

Providing Structure and Routines for a Middle School History Classroom

chapter 3|15 pages

Comprehension and Analysis of Expository Texts in History

What Does It Say? What Does It Mean?

chapter 4|15 pages

Evaluation of Text

What's the Perspective?

chapter 5|16 pages

Writing in History

Making Arguments, Backing Them Up, and Citing Sources

chapter 6|18 pages

Relevance: Why Does This Matter to Me?

Social Context, Historical Legacy, and Current Events

chapter 7|15 pages

Engagement

Historical Figures, Field Trips, and Games

chapter 8|18 pages

Inquiry

Project-Based Learning

chapter 9|14 pages

Assessment

The Changing Nature of Assessment

chapter 10|8 pages

Epilogue

What Is the Future of History in Middle School?