What do you use to teach your kids about U.S. government?

[Prairie~Phlox]

Thanks,
Phlox.

[Jane]

Well...

History certainly introduces the concepts of governments and governing authorities, as do bible stories. Specifically, for US Government, I mostly just use Current Events. I also have a couple of living books that teach the branches of government. Overall, I guess US Government is pretty informal in K-6th for us.

[Prairie~Phlox]

I should have added the main reason I'm looking for something is to appease my dh.

:001_smile:

[dragons in the flower bed]

Uncle Eric books are good fodder for discussion from age ten and up.

How the US Government Works (http://www.amazon.com/How-U-S-Government-Works-Sobel/dp/0764111116/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227558932&sr=8-1) has gotten good reviews from WinterPromise users, and I see the same author has written one on the Constitution (http://www.amazon.com/U-S-Constitution-You-Syl-Sobel/dp/0764117076/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227559075&sr=8-2).

My then 9yo thoroughly enjoyed A Kid's Guide to America's Bill of Rights (http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Guide-Americas-Bill-Rights/dp/0380974975/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227558991&sr=8-3).

I'm putting The Bill of Rights in Translation (http://www.amazon.com/Bill-Rights-Translation-Finders-Translations/dp/142962843X/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227558991&sr=8-2) and the other books in this series on my wish list.

My 8yo has been reading The Land of Fair Play (http://www.learningthings.com/items.asp?Cc=CLPHIS08&iTpStatus=1&Tp=), a Christian text that uses an extended sports analogy to explain government.

[Lori D.]

We used 4 of the 6 books in the American Government Today series, geared for 2nd-6th grade students. Looks like that series might fit your age range quite well. The books are:

- Your Right to Vote
- Congress
- Presidency
- Supreme Court
- The White House
- Washington D.C.

If you buy them as a set for $37 from www.rainbowresouce.com, you also get a free teacher guide. Otherwise, each book is $6.50; each about 48 pages long, paperback, lots of photos/illustrations, and easy to read and understand. We used all but the last 2, and found them a great little intro into Government.

See them at: http://www.rainbowresource.com/prodlist.php?sid=1227578062-1905843&subject=14&category=4800


BEST of luck in finding what works for your family! Warmest regards, Lori D.

[laughing lioness]

Have you looked at TeenPact? www.teenpact.com (http://www.teenpact.com) They have a one-day class for kids ages 8-12 years old, held in most state capitals. Their web-site will give more info. Also, Schoolhouse Rocks Dvd's. They are a lot of fun. We've enjoyed Uncle Eric, too.

[Alphabetika]

We're going to use Notgrass, Uncle Eric, God and Government series, lots of discussion and following of current events (my dd loves politics; this is why so much material)

[Julie in MN]

Barnes & Noble had a book called "How the U.S. Government Works" which I picked up. (They have an educator discount, too.)

I didn't end up using it, though, so I can't testify to its use. Our coverage of the Constitution et al this year more than covered it. However, I might use it as a kid-friendly refresher next year.

[Beth in SW WA]

Land Of Fair Play

[arcara]

Hands Of a Child has some government lapbooks, if you're a lapbook person. We haven't done the Government one, but we did do the Election one at the end of October and it was very good! Very thorough!

[Lori D.]

PS -- I just realized, I still have our 4 books and we're done with them. Email if you're interested in buying used. : )

[Luann in ID]

Our Living Constitution is one resource recommeded in WTM for the logic stage. It's great for teaching the Constitution. We use it around 7th/8th grade.

[HappyatHome]

Have you looked at TeenPact? www.teenpact.com (http://www.teenpact.com) They have a one-day class for kids ages 8-12 years old, held in most state capitals. Their web-site will give more info.

I was going to suggest this as well. Great hands-on type learning experience.

[attachedto4]

For elementary, School House Rock. Seriously. :D