American History for Expat Kids!

Featured ~ afterschoolplans ~ Leave a comment

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.

Monthly live classes on Zoom include instruction in the key concepts in each chapter, an interactive activity, and an assessment. If you are unable to join the class, an email discussion with a certified teacher is available.

This introduction to U.S. History 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 literature-based, interactive, and engaging as many students will complete the box while attending school or during the summer. Optional Zoom classes allow students to discuss the reading, learning, and to review the Standards of Learning.

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.

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 Box – Summer Edition

March 17, 2018April 27, 2018 ~ afterschoolplans ~ Leave a comment

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Are you looking for activities for your children in elementary or middle school this summer? Our boxes provide books, games, and an activity book that can be done anywhere and at anytime.

You can also add on a tutoring package through Twiga Tutors to have a U.S. certified teacher guide your child through the major concepts.

In May we will also have a new expansion pack with ten activities focusing on U.S. History in the Washington, D.C., area with worksheets to help explore places like Mt. Vernon, Georgetown, the American History Museum, and the National Monuments. Stay tuned for more information!

Women in History Expansion Pack

January 11, 2018May 2, 2018 ~ afterschoolplans ~ Leave a comment

Recent events have brought women’s rights back into the national discussion. Workplace harassment, disparity in pay, and equality in opportunities remain major issues for most women. As more women speak up about their experiences and demand equality and respect, it is worth looking back over the history of equal rights in America.

From the first women’s rights convention in Seneca, NY, in 1848 to the current “Time’s Up” initiative, there have been a wide variety of intelligent, thoughtful, and motivated women who have influenced our history. Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Mary Church Terrell, Mary McLeod Bethune, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Betty Friedan are just a few of those who fought this battle over the years.

Our “Women in History” expansion pack explores the impact of these women and others as they fought for equal rights or simply inspired others through their work in science, politics, or education. Our history is full of inspiring women who have contributed in meaningful ways to our story. Reading about the women in our past is a great way to understand the current movement and the limitations and challenges faced by women today. Combine our history with current events to help our kids move forward so that our future is more inclusive, safer, and maybe a bit more equal.

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For more information about our expansion packs, including “Women in History,” click here.

Remember that our history boxes and expansion packs are often fully reimbursable for State and private sector families living abroad. Email us at afterschoolplans@gmail.com for more information and a Reimbursement Request Form to find out if you qualify for full reimbursement.

American History Videos to Complement your American-History-in-a-Box!

December 31, 2017April 25, 2018 ~ afterschoolplans ~ Leave a comment

Our American History boxes include books, games, puzzles, and activities to learn the major concepts in our history. We recommend starting each topic with a quick video to learn background information before reading the books included in the box. We love the videos found at Have Fun with History because they are short, engaging, and full of great information.

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Another great option is to listen to the free Khan Academy lectures on each time period.

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Including a variety of resources when learning history helps kids to internalize the major concepts and ideas in our history. We recommend watching a short video for each topic, then read the books in your box, and finally complete the activities in the workbook. We encourage families to talk about the topics and to try to:

Put the concept in the context of the time period. What else was happening in the U.S. at that time?
Put the concept in the context of today. How do we look back on that person, event, or idea? How do we think about it now?
Put the concept in the context of the country in which you are currently living (if possible). What was going on in your host country during this time period?

For additional materials or resources, write to us at afterschoolplans@gmail.com.