Reading Like a Historian

I used to be the one researching picture books for Solana, but on the last Scholastic books order that came in, Solana circled some great books that I hadn't read yet. In the content areas, we're always talking about ways of getting students to read like a scientist or a historian. Those Rebels, John and Tom is one of the books Solana found that is a great way to introduce students to reading like a historian. While contrasting the lives and ideas of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the author uses quotations from primary sources which are listed along with an author's note at the end of the book. The illustrations really bring the historical concepts alive. I'm always excited when I can relate children's books to books in the adult world, and I pointed out to Solana that this book is very similar to a book that I just finished reading called American Sphinx: the Character of Thomas Jefferson. 

Mission U.S.

My ESL student's classroom teacher and I were struggling with helping my student to understand concepts in American history until the teacher discovered Mission U.S.—what a great way to immerse students in history—the teacher’s guide comes complete with learning goals, essential questions, a planning guide and more.