Teaching complex social studies topics like U.S. History, World History, Government, and World Geography can be a challenge, especially when addressing the needs of diverse learners. Power Basics offers a streamlined approach that makes these subjects accessible and engaging for all students, particularly those reading below grade level. This blog explores how Power Basics can be used in the classroom and why it is an essential resource for educators.
What’s Included in Power Basics
Power Basics is a comprehensive curriculum designed to meet students where they are. Each program—whether it’s U.S. History, World History, Government, or World Geography—includes a student textbook, a teacher’s guide, and supplemental resources such as workbooks and assessments. The materials are crafted to deliver high-interest content at an accessible reading level, making them ideal for middle and high school students who struggle with traditional textbooks.
For example, the World History II program covers critical periods such as the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the Age of Imperialism. Each unit in the student textbook is broken down into short, clear sections, each followed by practice activities that reinforce understanding. The teacher’s guide offers detailed lesson plans, additional activities, and graphic organizers that help students organize and retain information.
Available Sets:
- Classroom Set: Get your class ready to explore the world with ten student texts, one teacher’s guide, ten workbooks, one workbook answer key, and one test pack. Plus, take advantage of budget-friendly ten-packs of student texts and workbooks.
- Singles Pack: Perfect for small groups or individual learners, the Singles Pack includes one student book, teacher’s guide, workbook with answer key, and test pack—everything needed to navigate the globe.
- Classroom Kit: Need some flexibility? The Classroom Kit offers all materials as reproducibles, giving you the freedom to adapt lessons to meet your students’ needs
How to Use It
Implementing Power Basics in the classroom is straightforward and adaptable. The modular structure allows educators to integrate specific lessons or entire units into their curriculum, depending on their students’ needs. Teachers can begin by selecting relevant units, such as European Exploration or Nationalism, and using the teacher’s guide to plan lessons that align with learning objectives and state standards.
The workbooks offer activities that reinforce key concepts through different learning styles, providing practice in both critical thinking and basic comprehension. These can be used for in-class work or as homework, ensuring that students engage with the material multiple times in varied ways. Assessments included in the program allow for monitoring progress and ensuring that students are mastering essential terms and concepts.
The Power in the Classroom
Power Basics stands out for its ability to support diverse learners, particularly those reading below grade level. Accessible language and concise text are designed to engage students who might otherwise find social studies daunting. The program includes assessments that focus on ensuring students grasp basic concepts and terms, which is crucial for building a strong foundation in subjects like U.S. History and Government.
Additionally, the use of graphic organizers in Power Basics helps students visually organize information, making it easier for them to understand and retain content. These tools are especially beneficial for students who need to refer back to key ideas and concepts as they progress through the material. Whether it’s mapping out the causes of the Industrial Revolution or charting the expansion of empires, these organizers provide a clear, visual way to process complex information.
In conclusion, Power Basics is more than just a curriculum—it’s a tool that empowers all students to succeed in social studies. By offering high-interest content at an accessible level, it ensures that every student, regardless of their reading ability, can engage with and understand essential topics in history, government, and geography. For educators looking to create an inclusive classroom where every student has the opportunity to succeed, Power Basics is an invaluable resource.
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Dr. Aaron Willis is the Chief Learning Officer for Social Studies School Service. He works with districts around the country to provide resources, strategies, and training to help teachers make meaningful connections with their students. He can be reached via email at [email protected].