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7th grade history

Kay A. Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 2

Posted on: Aug 4, 2009 04:57 pm

Kay A. wrote:

I've been teaching state history for the entire 7th grade year, but this year will teach TCIs "Medieval World..." for the first 3 quarters. We will then follow the Spanish Explorers into the new world and cover Texas history in the final quarter of the year. I'm looking for feedback regarding the sequence in which I should teach TCI. If I begin with Western Europe and go east, as the book does, I'll end up in the Americas, then have to go back to Europe for Renaissance, then back to the Americas with the Explorers.

I'm thinking it may be better, in my case, to begin with the Americas, then go west to Asia, Islam and Africa, then to Europe. By closing the Medieval period with Europe, it seems natural to move on into the Renaissance to follow Explorers into Texas.

I've never used TCI and don't know if the chapters stand alone, or if they rely heavily on skills previously learned in the curriculum. Ie, how difficult would it be to change the order in which I use the book?

I welcome any and all feedback here.

Thanks,

kay allen

Posts 1 - 5 (5 total)
Donald S. Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 6	Sign in to post a reply Aug 6, 2009 09:41 am Donald S. wrote: I recommend the following sequence: Asia (both China and Japan), then combine the European chapters (medieval through Enlightenment), then the Americas. Finally, you can move into Texas history. Doesn't lookk like you would have time to discuss the Middle East or Africa. However, once you begin your unit on the America's it might be a good idea to discuss the Slave Trade and if time permits, colonization of Africa. Don Spano Challenger Middle School Academy District 20 Colorado Springs, Colorado
Dawn L. San Jose, CA Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 74	Sign in to post a reply Aug 7, 2009 12:49 am Dawn L. wrote: Teachers at my school have reordered the chapters for thier use. The chapters can stand alone, although occasionally the introduction will mention what the students covered in the last chapter, but I don't see that this would really get in the way. Dawn - Middle School Moderator
Peter B. Sacramento, CA Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 3	Sign in to post a reply Aug 13, 2009 12:30 pm Peter B. wrote: I also have reordered the patern. If you want to start with Europe, you should do all of Europe at once, this includes the later chapters. Since those do work better later, I would start with Islam then West Africa (they have a conection) then China - Japan (as they too have a connection). Then, Europe (all) and ending with the New world. The connection is the Age of exploration sends the Europeans to America that is your connection. Note, some chapters will have to be moved to their best location like Crusades can't really happen until you have covered both Islam and Europe, but then it does fit near the ned well as a review of Islam.
Erin S. Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 4	Sign in to post a reply Mar 9, 2010 11:36 am Erin S. wrote: We follow our CA state standards order. I haven't really had any problems with the order of TCI being different from my CA order. I feel more freedom in picking and choosing activities or simulations that way as well.
Jessica C. Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 1	Sign in to post a reply Mar 16, 2010 10:26 am Jessica C. wrote: I have used America's Past (5th grade text) and it has a great lesson on the Spanish Explorers and westward expansion, with a focus on Texas. I reorder the chapters all of the time. It makes using the standard interactive notebook a challenge, so you might consider buying a classset and then creating your own.

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