Every class should start with engagement and anticipation . . .

Ideas for routine and mnemonic/memorization tools:

The President's Song. Sung to the tune of "Ten Little Indians" (surely controversial), the song becomes a timeline upon which to associate events and presidents. It sticks in the brain, and, of course, students begin thinking they can never learn them all--a perfect demonstration of the power of melody. Think of how many song lyrics your average teen knows. Yes. They can remember anything desired!


The Presidential Moment. Anticipate the lesson and era of study by telling an interesting, little-known story about a particular president. A great resource is Rick Beyer's "The Greatest Presidential Stories Never Told." Of course, there are countless other interesting facts. Eventually, I will add some here.  


Total Physical Response. Another great way for students to memorize information is by attaching words to physical motion. The Preamble is a perfect example of how even complex writing can be easily mastered and memorized. Try having students create a motion with their hands and arms for every phrase. An example would be saying, "When in the course" while at the same time making a motion to represent setting a course. Oh yeah, please realize the School House Rock song is incorrect. 


​The Bill of Rights Rhyme. Yet another memorization tool, attach each Amendment's number with a rhyming phrase. "One, talking's fun," is a simple start. You then can teach the freedoms enumerated by Amendment One.
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American Geography. Using Google Earth, have students try to identify physical features and locations. Begin with the easy places like Cape Cod, Long Island, The Chesapeake Bay--a great place to start first Semester in preparation for knowing some very important locations in early American history. Build West from there.