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by Cindy 4 Comments

Easily Teach American Government in Your Homeschool

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A solid understanding of the history of the U.S. Government, its procedures, and our rights and responsibilities as citizens is of utmost importance in the education of any resident of the United States. As homeschooling parents, we should always be sure to teach American Government thoroughly and with great care.

Use these resources to easily teach American Government to your middle school and high school students.

We’re raising the next generation who will go forth in this world to either uphold the framework of this country or dismantle it. As homeschoolers, we’re usually pretty good about teaching history…and that’s a wonderful thing! People who have a good grasp of history are less likely to repeat the bad parts.

We need to be sure that alongside a thorough training in history is a thorough training in the processes of the U.S. Government as early as middle school, but definitely by high school. Luckily, there are so many great resources out there to help you make it easy!

This post contains affiliate links.

U.S. Government Unit Study

U.S. Government Lapbook Unit Study

Using a lapbook with middle school students seems like an oxymoron, but we absolutely loved the United States Government Lapbook for 7-12th Grades from Knowledge Box Central. It was a great refresher for me and a thorough way to teach my children about the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the government, the Constitution, the design and procedures of our government, and the rights and responsibilities we have as citizens.

If you aren’t familiar with lapbooks, they are ready-made unit studies that require your children to make mini-booklets to share their understanding of particular topics within the study.

Not all kids appreciate the cutting and folding that goes into making each booklet, but it’s a great way to get in some sneaky writing. Lapbooks can also provide a nice change of pace from textbooks or other typical studies.

U.S. Government Extras for Middle School

There are a couple of companion studies for middle school students could take a study of the government a bit farther and deeper. First, consider including a time for your children to research some or all of the presidents – especially those that played significant roles in upholding or changing the government.

Additionally, consider a study of all the states – or some that were important during certain events that you would like to highlight in your government studies.

These printable notebooking pages can help keep your students focused in either case.

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American Government High School Curriculum

I’m not a huge fan of textbook curriculum. But, my very favorite way to teach U.S. Government in high school is Abeka’s American Government in Christian Perspective. It can be completed in a single semester and provides a thorough understanding that doesn’t go over the heads of teens.

American Government - Abeka High School United States US Government Student Textbook

 

Real-Life Government Experiences

I would also encourage you to enjoy some real-life government experiences! Depending on the age appropriateness of your children, consider any of the following activities.

  • Call a local judge to get permission to sit in on court proceedings one day.
  • Visit a town hall meeting.
  • Help on a local campaign committee.
  • Visit your state capitol.
  • Call your state senator or representative and ask if you can be a page during their legislative session.
  • Take a trip to Washington, D.C.

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Last Updated: September 16, 2020 Filed Under: Elementary, History & Geography, Middle School, Unit Studies Tagged With: Civics, History, homeschool, lapbook, unit study, US Government

Previous Post: « US Geography Resources
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  1. Vennesa says

    September 19, 2009 at 3:24 pm

    Thanks so much for this post. I linked to the site and purchased my first lapbook. I also got 50% off using couponcode StockUp50. Your pictures really helped me get an idea how cute lapbooks can turn out.

Trackbacks

  1. Celebrating Lewis and Clark with To-Scale Mapping | Our Journey Westward says:
    August 1, 2012 at 10:28 am

    […] be fitting to giveaway one ebook of their US Government Lapbook (you get to choose your level.)  We did this lapbook a few years ago and learned SO much!  You’ll love […]

  2. Presidents of the United States Unit | Our Journey Westward says:
    August 13, 2012 at 9:56 pm

    […] might be interested in our US Government study, […]

  3. Constitution Unit Study says:
    September 13, 2020 at 3:07 pm

    […] US Government Unit Study from Our Journey Westward […]

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Happy birthday to my favorite girl in the world! L Happy birthday to my favorite girl in the world! Love you, @mahaylawest_1! 🥰
The breath of God produces ice,⠀ and the broad The breath of God produces ice,⠀
and the broad waters become frozen.⠀
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he scatters his lightning through them.⠀
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over the face of the whole earth⠀
to do whatever he commands them.⠀
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When my boys were little, I loved reading these “letters from God” to them as blessings to start the day.
As I was sorting bookshelves earlier this month, I stumbled across this sweet book again. I decided the blessings are still as pertinent today for my bigger boy as they were years ago. So, we’re starting our day yet again with a quick, but powerful “letter from God” before jumping into our daily Bible studies.
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Winter homeschooling can be tough in normal years. Winter homeschooling can be tough in normal years. It’s cold, the days are dark, and everyone’s cooped up together 24/7. That’s a recipe for the winter blahs to march right into your house and wreak havoc on attitudes and motivation.⠀
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Oh, what peace this quote brings to my soul. It’ Oh, what peace this quote brings to my soul. It’s true, you know. I’ve told my children for years that it only takes a nature walk to see God through His handiwork and to know that His promises are true.⠀
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It might seem trite to post a winter picture book It might seem trite to post a winter picture book list right now, but I’m a big believer in keeping things as normal as possible in my home when things aren’t so normal otherwise.⠀
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We celebrated a 14th birthday over Christmas break We celebrated a 14th birthday over Christmas break! 🎉🎁🎂🏀🥰
I love being auntie to a sweet baby again! 😍 I love being auntie to a sweet baby again! 😍

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