United States History for Expat Kids!

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American History in a Box is a standards-based elementary course on major American History themes and concepts. With levels for different age groups, (grades K through 8) the boxes include historical fiction, non-fiction, games, puzzles, supplies, and an activity workbook based on the Virginia Standards of Learning and the National Common Core Standards.

This introduction to U.S. History provides a framework for future learning for Foreign Service and expatriate children who are not in standard courses offered to students living in the U.S. More information about the boxes here.

The course is intended to be literature-based, flexible, and engaging, as many students will complete the box while attending school or during the summer.

American History in a Box is reimbursable for some families posted abroad with the U.S. government. Email us for more information and a reimbursement approval request form for your Financial Management Officer.

American History in a Box is a standards-based elementary course on major American History themes and concepts. With levels for different age groups, (grades K through 8) the boxes include historical fiction, non-fiction, games, puzzles, supplies, and a digital activity book based on the Virginia Standards of Learning and the National Common Core Standards.

This overview provides a framework for future learning for Foreign Service/expatriate children who are not in standard courses offered to students living in the U.S. More information about the boxes here.

The course is intended to be fun, easy, and student-directed as many students will complete the box while attending school or during the summer.

American-History-in-a-Box coordinates with Twiga Tutors

January 8, 2018April 25, 2018 ~ afterschoolplans ~ Leave a comment

We are thrilled to be coordinating with fellow EFM business owner Christianna Pangalos of Twiga Tutors in the upcoming year to expand our offerings. We have combined forces to provide a history box and tutoring package for all K – 8 students at post. U.S. certified teachers will guide your child as they learn about American history through the books, games, and activity book included in the American-History-Box. Each package includes the history box plus three months of email and online sessions designed to motivate and encourage your child’s learning.

When you order your tutoring and history box package, we connect you with your tutor and coordinate a schedule that works for everyone. Each package will include a mid-box review and a final test. After taking the exam, a final session will explore areas for improvement or additional exploration.

We are so excited to coordinate with a fellow EFM committed to education, interested in history, and working to improve the expat experience for all children. Together we hope to improve your experience and expand on the opportunities your child has while living and learning abroad.

For more information, you can email Leah at afterschoolplans@gmail.com or Christianna at christianna@twigatutors.com. You can also request an invoice from either of us or pay through PayPal here.

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New: Add a tutoring package through Twiga Tutors to your American History in a Box! Each course will include nine email check-ins and three Skype sessions with a certified American teacher over a three month period. Your teacher will review the activities with your child, answer any questions they might have, and encourage learning and excitement about the topics in the box.

Click here to order: Any history box plus a 3 month tutoring package: $749

To order multiple boxes or tutoring packages click here and request an invoice.

Resources to use with your “American History in a Box”

April 11, 2016April 25, 2018 ~ afterschoolplans ~ Leave a comment

Short Movies about History

U.S. History: Crash Course https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dPuuaLjXtMwmepBjTSG593eG7ObzO7s These short videos that take you through the major time periods in American History. This is a great way to start any history lesson. Let your child watch the video for background, then read the book in your box on that topic. Finally, complete the activity for that time period in your activity book.

Watch Know Learn http://www.watchknowlearn.org/Category.aspx?CategoryID=116 You will find a variety of short videos about every topic in American history. After reading about a concept, explore this site for more information!

Video Series

This is America, Charlie Brown http://www.amazon.com/This-America-Charlie-Brown-Complete/dp/B00I462XSY/ref=sr_1_6?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1460333366&sr=1-6&keywords=american+history+video&refinements=p_n_theme_browse-bin%3A2650365011 This series covers most major events in our history and is great fun to watch!

Liberty’s Kids http://www.amazon.com/Libertys-Kids-Complete-Walter-Cronkite/dp/B00CMDPTTA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460302092&sr=8-1&keywords=libertys+kids This video does a great job of teaching children about Colonial America. Then, visit www.libertyskids.com for games and activities to reinforce that learning!

Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? http://www.amazon.com/Where-World-Carmen-Sandiego-Classic/dp/B00002SANG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460302171&sr=8-1&keywords=where+in+the+world+is+carmen+sandiego This fun video series helps children learn about geography and major sights around the world. Use the atlas in your history box to pinpoint where she is!

Primary Documents https://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/PrimDocsHome.html The Library of Congress shares many important documents in our history. Explore their website and check out their book lists for adults and children!

American History Music Songs for Teaching http://www.songsforteaching.com/store/learning-american-history-by-song-pr-58495.html You will find many wonderful songs from all time periods in history with this website. After learning about a time period, check out some of the songs that were being sung, played, or composed!

Schoolhouse Rock http://www.amazon.com/Schoolhouse-Rock-Special-Anniversary-Edition/dp/B00005JKTY/ref=pd_bxgy_74_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1Z7RXYHW95K1HAAVSV9W Many parents will remember these catchy songs including “This is a Bill,” and “Mother Necessity!”

American History Crafts A Book in Time: http://www.abookintime.com/crafts/projectsmainamerica.html Search for crafts by time period. After completing your activity for the time period you are studying, see if you can find a fun craft to do with your family!

Sharing Your Home Culture with your Expat Kids

October 7, 2015April 25, 2018 ~ afterschoolplans ~ Leave a comment

If you are living outside of your home country, you might struggle to share holidays, stories, and the history of your country with your children. We often don’t realize how much of our culture is shared through media, daily interactions, and local attractions! If you can’t visit a museum, go to a parade, or see tributes to historical figures on the magazine rack, how do you share this information with your kids?

1.) Buy books. Think about stories you want to share with your children and have them in the house. Pull them out to read together or allow your child to read or look at the pictures whenever they like.

2.) Celebrate every holiday you can think of and make up a few new ones! take a minutes to read the “I have a Dream” speech on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day or to draw a picture of Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria on Columbus Day. Having an understanding of the concept will allow your child to color in the details later.

3.) Talk about history! When you stumble into history and culture in your new country, compare it to your home country. Is there a monument to World War II? Talk about how the war affected the U.S. Is there an interesting flag flying near your home? Share the story of Betsy Ross.

4.) Share the story of your family as related to your home country. Talk about ancestors that fought in wars, overcame challenges, and participated in noteworthy events. Show how you are connected to your country and why it matters.

5.) Make the most of visits home. Visit landmarks, museums, and historical sites. You can try to cram it all in during the time you are actually in your home country!

Looking for Books to help? We suggest these options: