Mr. Chanin's Visit to Huntsville & Waco

On Monday, I return to the classroom for a week of professional development prior to my students' return to school - I am looking forward to the challenges I will face as well as the new connections I will make in the upcoming academic year. This summer was an adventure, a quick adventure too since time flew by. In June, I traveled to Huntsville with my wife, where we walked among the ghosts of Austin Hall on the Sam Houston State University campus (the original home of Austin College) and I recently returned from Waco in Central Texas. I'll be splitting my summer blogs into two parts - this is part 1. Part 2, which will feature details about the Sam Houston statue and Atlanta's Olympic Park, will be written soon. Enjoy!

I saluted a statue of Doris Miller in Waco during my travel trip. Doris Miller, a Waco native, was a naval cook stationed at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese launched their infamous surprise attack on December 7, 1941. Although Miller had no official weaponry training, he manned one of the anti-aircraft guns on the USS West Virginia and shot down 6 Japanese planes. He also helped get his teammates to safety. Miller was later awarded the Navy Cross, the highest decoration for valor presented by the U.S. Navy. He was killed in action in 1943. Miller's story of bravery, patriotism & overcoming racial challenges inspires me - he is one of my favorite WWII heroes! God bless these United States! Author's Collections.

I snapped this beautiful photograph of the Brazos River and one of Waco's many bridges. Central Texas is magnificent... I braved the scorching 110 degree F. heat & walked along the Waco Riverwalk, admiring the region's natural beauty. Author's Collections.

I found this cool Martin Luther King Jr. mural under the Waco Suspension Bridge. MLK Jr. was one of the principal leaders of the African American Civil Rights Movement (1950s & 1960s). In August 1963, he addressed a crowd of 20,000 activists at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. & delivered his famous "I have a dream" speech. Author's Collections.

Before I returned to Dallas, I walked across Waco's Suspension Bridge - in 1866, the Waco Bridge Company was granted a 25-year charter from the state to build a toll bridge. Construction started in 1868 & after much financial difficulty, finished in 1870. Bridge traffic in the 1870s included pedestrians, cattle herds, and wagons; heavy bridge users were offered special rates. In the 1880s, the public challenged the Waco Bridge Company and demanded the removal of the tolls, yet the greedy businessmen would not eliminate their money-making scheme. In 1889, the bridge was sold to McLennan County, which gave it to the City of Waco as a free bridge. Since there are now many bridges that span the Brazos River and connect the city, not many wander across the once-infamous Suspension Bridge. Author's Collections.

I recently returned from a trip to Waco, where I assisted my sister with apartment move-in (she will be attending Baylor University in the fall and pursuing a masters degree in education). Waco is a fascinating place - it was established in the late 1840s and remained primarily a ranching community until the turn of the twentieth century. As depicted in statue form, cowboys and ranchers herded cattle and oxen from South Texas to Dodge City, Kansas along trails that passed through Waco. Industry and large businesses settled in Central Texas in the 1920s and Waco's population soared following WWII. Chip & Joanna Gaines' hit HGTV series Fixer Upper put Waco back on the national map in the 2010s. Author's Collections.

I am a huge Post Malone fan and have been enjoying his new album, Austin. I have stopped by Raising Canes a couple of times in the summer to pick up two collectible Post Malone cups. Author's Collections.

In between my trips to Huntsville & Waco, I was able to see one of my former APUSH students perform in a theatrical production at White Rock Lake Theater - Phoenix is a very talented actor and will be studying theater at a college in New England. I thoroughly enjoyed the play! Author's Collections.

A panoramic photograph I took of the back of Austin Hall. As you can see, the foundations of Austin College's second building (which was an administration building complete with kitchens and a cafeteria) were recently execrated. Austin Hall housed an assembly room and multiple classrooms, and was primarily used for instruction. Go 'Roos!! Author's Collections. 

This photograph depicts what the exterior of Austin Hall looked like between 1882 and 1889. When Austin College moved to Sherman in 1876 (due to a severe yellow fever outbreak in Huntsville), the building was deeded to the state, who gave it to the faculty of the newly-established Sam Houston Normal Institute (now Sam Houston State University). The third floor was later removed. On our visit to Huntsville, my wife and I noticed that former students (from Austin College & Sam Houston State) had carved their names into the building's bricks. Photograph from East Texas History Collections.

I'm proudly standing outside Austin Hall, located on the Sam Houston State University campus in Huntsville. This facility (erected in 1851) was the original home of Austin College, my dear alma mater, prior to its move to Sherman in the 1870s. The Presbyterian Church of Texas and Reverend Daniel Baker created Austin College in 1849 to further Presbyterian education in the Lone Star State. Sam Houston & local attorney and historian Henderson Yoakum were on the college's first Board of Trustees. The Greek revival-era building features a three-bay front facade, two-story portico, and Doric columns. The facility used to have a third floor (added in 1882), yet this was removed in 1926. This building was a structure I have longed to see with my own eyes (ever since I became fascinated by Austin College's history). I felt the ghosts of Sam Houston (seen in statue form) and former AC students when I walked around this facility. Austin Hall is currently used as an alumni center for Sam Houston State. Author's Collections.

2022-2023 Teaching Reflection

I finished my second year as a high school history teacher a few weeks ago - it was a BLAST! This past year I stretched my wings and taught both the Advanced Placement United States History and the standard ("on-level") U.S. History classes. Since there are many different types of students and learning abilities in both sections, I approached each history class a little differently, carefully blending direct instruction with independent learning and small group discussions to ensure each student mastered the content and became passionate about social studies. I was incredibly proud of each of my students, who appeared to sincerely enjoy my lessons and the many individual/group assignments I created for them. Despite the many late nights I had planning activities and the many early morning/late afternoon tutoring sessions I offered, the positives from teaching both U.S. History sections outweighed the negatives - I enjoyed the challenges! My students excelled on the state U.S. History STAAR exam; 99% met expectations while 61% mastered expectations (compared with the 39% state average). Besides state exam results, it appeared from my End-Of-Course evaluations that a majority of my students walked away from my U.S. History classes smiling, having developed skills that they will continue to use for a lifetime and acquired knowledge and personal courage to positively change their community. Additionally, all my students know that they have a teacher who will consistently encourage them to do their best in academics and extra-curriculars and support them in their final months of high school and beyond. Again, I might sound like a broken record... yet I am beyond blessed to have a fantastic job and to be assisted by a network of caring administrators and veteran educators. I am looking forward to another exciting challenge in next years schedule, picking up the IB History of the Americas 1 course! Below I have attached some photographs from the year as well as my  class/teacher reviews.

APUSH 5th Period, 2022-2023 - despite being the early morning class on B-Days, these students were always energetic and engaged in dynamic class discussions on historical myths, presidents, and the Gilded Age! I'm going to miss them. Author's Collections.

Selected End-Of-Course Evaluations

"I feel like all history teachers are fun and are good at explaining history to students, but Mr.Chanin did more than that and he was very interactive with each student, making sure we understood anything. Mr.Chanin is a real one.”

"The way Mr. Chanin taught and was involved with the class in order to get the information to them was really good. His positive energy helped get the class involved with learning and actually wanting to learn. Just keep doing what you’re doing Mr. Chanin, you’re a great teacher :D”

“Yes, Mr. Chanin worded things that helped us understand every perspective and aspect of the lesson we were on. He’s amazing! He’s very lenient and understanding and he genuinely cares about his students futures and even personal health.”

“Yes, Mr. Chanin’s teaching style is the best out of any History teachers. Most History teachers just give you all the slides to write down your own notes. He actually goes through the slides and points out any information to write down.”

"I liked Mr. Chanin’s lectures because of the way he kept the class engaged using humor and having class discussions.”

“I really liked your interactive lectures in class. You really made me love history because unlike most other teachers, you stood up and told us history as an interesting and relevant story, and made us understand its importance. Thank you so much for doing this! Yes! As mentioned above, your lectures and interactive lesson really made me interested in history and made me want to learn more. Keep doing what you’re doing… you’re truly an inspiration to me!”

“My favorite part of the APUSH class was how the class felt welcoming. Although I was intimidated by the difficulty of the class, I felt like I could walk into the class without constant stress/pressure. The classroom environment is lively which also contributes to why I like this class. Not really, I enjoyed this class a bunch even though it was challenging at times! Mr. Chanin made class discussions interesting and captivated my attention. Rather than reading straight off the slideshow, he would make it engaging by asking the class and by telling personal stories.”

“My favorite part of the APUSH class was definitely Mr. Chanin! I don't think that I would have enjoyed this class or looked forward to coming here everyday if I did not have you as my teacher… no not really :D I really enjoyed your interactive lectures and method of explanation and I could not have asked for a better APUSH teacher.”

I am photographed with two of my favorite APUSH students, Shereef and Priyanka. These two worked extremely hard in my class and always knew how to put a bright smile on my face. I was honored to "pin" them at the annual senior pinning ceremony in May (where I was also selected to be a faculty speaker). I'm going to miss their cheeriness! Shereef will be attending the University of Texas at Dallas in the fall, while Priyanka will be attending American University in D.C. I wish them both the best of luck in college! Author's Collections.

I am photographed with my APUSH partner and legendary educator Diane de Waal - she was a fantastic mentor and soundboard to me as I navigated both APUSH and standard U.S. History classes this past year. I am going to miss her next year when she moves to another campus, but I intend to continue to spread some exuberant "de Waal" energy in social studies dept. meetings! Author's Collections.

A Trip To Boston - (2022 Summer)

Before I continue posting my APUSH lesson plans, I would like to talk about/show readers my wonderful experience in Boston in the 2022 summer. My wife, who has a PhD in statistics, was invited to present her research at a conference in Downtown Boston in July 2022. Thus, I had the opportunity to join her and visit some of the preserved sites of the American Revolution. This was a fantastic trip - I learned a lot of history stories that I incorporated in my APUSH lectures and I immersed myself in the New England culture by devouring clam chowder and lobster rolls. I felt at home in Boston, walking the cobbled streets surrounded by old-ish buildings, dodging spells of inclement weather, and chatting to a few passerbys who were intrigued by my accent as much as I was with theirs. In sum, Boston reminded me of my hometown, London, England, and I am extremely glad that I was able to pay the city a visit. I would not hesitate to visit again! Below I have put a bunch of photographs from my Boston trip (in the 2022 summer):

One of our final stops in Boston was the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library/Museum. JFK was a Massachusetts senator prior to his ascent to the presidency. Despite his presidency ending quickly (just over 1000 days, Jan. 1961 - Nov. 1963), JFK is remembered today as a charismatic, level-headed, dutiful leader who steered the nation through some of its most challenging ordeals at the height of the Cold War (Bay of Pigs Invasion, Space Race, and Cuban Missile Crises). The museum was fascinating and I enjoyed reading more about JFK's rise to power, the history of First Lady Jackie Kennedy, as well as his legacy. This was a brilliant finale to an amazing trip to Boston! Author's Collections.

A recreation of the infamous Boston Tea Party vessel, where, on December 16, 1773, the Sons of Liberty dressed in Native American garments boarded an East India Company ship and threw over 1,200 pounds of tea into the Boston Harbor. Afterwards, the British government closed the port and put Boston under military rule, further igniting revolutionary sparks. Author's Collections.

The Battle of Bunker Hill Monument. On June 17, 1775, Boston patriots engaged the British Army on Breed's Hill, which is located outside the city. The patriots were led by fiery general William Prescott, who is believed to have cried "Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" Despite the battle culminating in a British victory and a patriot defeat (and escape over neighboring Bunker's Hill), the American militia put up a strong defense and killed/wounded more than a thousand redcoats. Unfortunately, the monument was closed to the public, yet I was able to visit the museum. Author's Collections.

Standing beside one of the 52 gigantic cannon on the USS Constitution (also known as Old Ironsides)- this vessel was launched in 1797 and remains one of the world's oldest operating ships. Constitution played a key role in American naval victories during the First Barbary War (1801-1805) and the War of 1812 (1812-1814). She retired from active service in 1881 after several parade trips around the globe. My wife and I were in awe of Constitution's size and powerful ambience. Author's Collections.

At the start of the African American Freedom Trail is a memorial that is dedicated to the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, the first U.S. Army black regiment. Robert Gould Shaw was the commanding officier. Most of the 54th Regiment was killed during the September 1863 Second Battle of Fort Wagner, and were later memorialized in the 1989 film Glory (a FANTASTIC movie!). Author's Collections.

A statue of John Glover, the Massachusetts sailor who assisted George Washington and the Continental Army escape the British Army at the Battle of Long Island in August 1776. Glover, who I have researched in the past, was later elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Author's Collections.

With William Lloyd Garrison, one of America's prominent abolitionists prior to the Civil War. Garrison founded the widely-read anti-slavery newspaper The Liberator in 1831. After the abolition of slavery in 1865, Garrison was a leading advocate for women's rights. Author's Collections.

I was extremely excited to visit Boston's oldest bookstore (and devour a few antiqued history books), yet extremely disappointed to find out the store had turned into a Chipotle restaurant... sigh, the American fast food industry is taking over. Author's Collections.

I am standing on the location of the Boston Massacre, outside Boston's Old State House. On March 5, 1770, British soldiers under the command of Capt. Thomas Preston fired at a rowdy crowd of Bostonians, killing 5 citizens and injuring many more (it was said that the crowd threw snowballs, ice, and clubs at the redcoats). Crispus Attucks, a black sailor, was among the first to die at the scene. Paul Revere publicized this event as a "massacre," further boiling the blood of the patriot movement in the thirteen colonies. The British soldiers were put on trial, where they were defended by esteemed attorney John Adams. Six soldiers were acquitted and two were found guilty of manslaughter and branded on their hands. This was a powerful moment for me to step in the shadows of those who had been involved in this tragic event (and I was flooded with emotions when I told this story to my APUSH classes). Author's Collections.

Posing with a British Redcoat outside of the Green Dragon Tavern. This dimly-lit facility was a notorious meeting place for Boston's patriots, including Paul Revere and Samuel Adams. Author's Collections.

Paul Revere's house is one of the oldest standing residences in the United States, built c. 1680. Revere, who is famous for his "Boston Massacre" drawing, was a silversmith, printer, and fervent supporter of the Revolutionary War. Revere warned the minutemen at Lexington and Concord during his April 1775 midnight ride. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed walking the cobbled streets outside of this residence, imagining what life was like in eighteenth-century Boston. Author's Collections.

Boston's Old North Church, which was constructed in 1723, was the location where sexton Robert Newman hung two lanterns from the steeple on April 18, 1775, which alerted Paul Revere of the British Army's movements prior to the Battles of Lexington and Concord (the first campaign of the American Revolution, 1775-1783). The Episcopal church is one of the oldest standing churches in the United States. It was fascinating to see the church at dusk! Author's Collections.

A magnificent statue of Benjamin Franklin stands tall above a courtyard that is next to the King's Chapel Burial Ground. Franklin, who is famous for discovering electricity and partaking in the Revolution with other Founding Fathers, was born in Boston in January 1706. Many scholars and historians predict that Franklin would have been a great president for the fledgling United States, however, he was too old after the Constitution had been signed (Franklin died in April 1790). Author's Collections.

The grave of John Winthrop is located in the King's Chapel Burial Ground. Winthrop is considered the founder of Boston, after leading eleven ships and 700 colonists to the New World in 1630. Winthrop was a fair yet strict governor (of 13 years), condemning religious dissent and banishing citizens who opposed allegiance to the Anglican Church, including Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson. Winthrop is most famous for his "City upon a Hill" sermon. Author's Collections.

John Hancock, the presiding official during the Declaration of Independence signing and the governor of the Massachusetts Commonwealth at the end of the eighteenth century, is buried in Granary Burying Ground. He has the biggest gravestone and is surrounded by several distinguished Bostonians, including Samuel Adams, James Otis, and Paul Revere. The Granary Burying Ground (which was established in 1660) was subject to grave digging and burial thefts in the nineteenth century. Author's Collections.

Although George Washington was not a Bostonian (he hailed from Virginia), there is an impressive statue of the first president in the Boston Commons Park. Washington paid the city a visit as part of his 10-day tour of New England in October 1789 (soon after he was elected president). The crowds flocked to see the victorious Revolutionary general; people preserved the dishes he ate from, the chairs he sat on, and the beds he slept on. John Hancock, the governor of Massachusetts, was a vain man and insisted that Washington should come to visit him, not the other way around. Eventually, Hancock saw the error in his judgement and belatedly paid his respects to the president (he claimed that an excruciating attack of gout had prevented him from welcoming Washington to the city earlier). In an effort to promote national unity, Washington ignored Hancock's "child-play" and accepted the explanation with grace. Bostonians named "Washington Street" after Gen. George Washington. Author's Collections.

Enjoying the crisp New England air and lush surroundings... the Boston Commons Park is famous for its lakes and swan-boats. Author's Collections.

I snapped a photograph of the Wendell Phillips statue in one of Boston's parks. Phillips was a nineteenth-century abolitionist who many labeled as "the one white American wholly color-blind and free from race prejudice." Boston was home to several distinguished abolitionists (from the anti-slavery movement) prior to the Civil War, including William Lloyd Garrison and Charles Sumner. Author's Collections.

Faneuli Hall, a huge marketplace that houses food vendors and retail shops. This building was designed by Peter Faneuli, one of Boston's wealthiest merchants, in 1742 and became home to city government functions, concerts, and banquets. My wife and I were frequent visitors to "The Cradle of Liberty" as we tasted the best New England grub there! A statue of Samuel Adams, second cousin to John Adams and leader of Boston's Sons of Liberty, stands proudly outside the hall. Author's Collections.

My wife and I preparing to board our plane to Boston, July 2022. Author's Collections.

APUSH Units 1-3 Big Ideas

In this blog post and the next several posts, I will be sharing some AP United States History presentations that I have created for the next academic year. Each lecture presentation focuses on the big ideas of a unit and correlates with the APUSH Course and Exam Description (CED - aka the College Board curriculum). If you are a APUSH teacher, you may use these presentations for your classes, with my permission. My goal is to immerse the students into the content as well as give them many opportunities to connect topics together - after all, history is one BIG story!

George Washington was sworn in as our nation's first president in New York City in April 1789. Washington simply wore clothing made from American tailors, refusing to wear posh British regalia. During the ceremony, Washington spoke so softly that most of the crowd could not hear his remarks (remember, Washington had bad teeth & was required to wear wooden dentures for most of his adult life!). Photograph from the History Channel.

APUSH Unit 1 Big Ideas Presentation - the content focuses on the indigenous peoples and early European conquests, 1491-1607.

APUSH Unit 2 Big Ideas Presentation - the content focuses on Britain's thirteen colonies in the New World, including founding, people, economies, political institutions, religion, and cultures, 1607-1754.

APUSH Unit 3 Big Ideas Presentation - the content focuses on the French & Indian War, Revolutionary War, and the establishment of a new government in the United States, 1754-1800.

APUSH (Muppets) Review - a fun study guide for the students - each of the presidents is depicted as a muppet... I enjoy talking about these leaders as their political philosophies and visions embody the spirit of our nation in their times. Also, I have found that my students recall historical events easier when they learn about the life and times of the presidents!

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FQM Royal Article & Denison Hotel

I recently had an article published in the online French Quarter Magazine (May 1, 2023) on the late Queen Elizabeth II's warm relationship with France. The article surveys the Queen's sincere passion for the French language, culture, and people during her 70-year reign; the former British monarch harbored an interest in France since she was a young girl, where she learned to speak French and had the opportunity to meet prominent French elected officials and military generals. That relationship flourished through state visits, royal banquets, military parades, and political meetings over seven decades. This was my second article on the late Queen; the first was about Her Majesty's legacy in Texas and published in the North Texas e-News. I thoroughly enjoyed writing both of them, as a historian and a proud monarchist. Again, I give praise to my fantastic editor, Isabelle Karamooz, who consistently supports my writing endeavors. I would recommend reading this article in preparation for King Charles III's coronation on May 6, 2023!

"Vive la Reine!": The Queen's Legacy in France article link (enjoy reading!)

His Majesty King Charles III was the longest serving heir apparent in British history (since his mother HM Queen Elizabeth II was on the throne for over 70 years). The king will be crowned in Westminister Abbey on Saturday, May 6. God save the King! Author's Collections.

My wife and I recently visited my sister in Sherman. On the way back home, we swerved off course towards Denison, Sherman's little sister city in North Texas. Denison has a fascinating history - including being the birthplace of WWII hero and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. One of the old Denison buildings that has a rich history is the old Denison Hotel, one of the tallest buildings in the region. The hotel was built by local businessman Howard Murray Smith in 1884, and was often regarded as "one of the finest hotels in the region," according to critics. Every room on ten floors had luxury furniture that was manufactured in Texas factories, and the grand lobby had a cigar lounge and a dignified dining room. An elevator was added to the facility in 1910 to accommodate the large amount of guests that stayed in the city during the early years of the Progressive Era. Guests at the hotel also enjoyed reading volumes by William Shakespeare and Mark Twain at the hotel's stocked library, located on the second floor. The wealthiest guests rolled around in the splendors of the penthouse suite on the top floor, complete with a balcony and splendid views of the North Texas/Oklahoma countryside.

The front of the Denison Hotel featured a grand entrance. Today, the facility (which cost $400,000 after the disastrous 1920s fire) is abandoned -  the lobby is empty and windows appear to have been smashed. Author's Collections.

On the evening of September 23, 1927, the Young family from New York was getting ready for dinner in their suite when a fire broke out in the empty room above. The embroidered ceiling collapsed without warning, killing all five members of the Young family and a maid. The city's fire department was unable to control the high-rise building fire, and the flames were soon out of control. The dining room's ceiling collapsed, killing many people. At the end of the fire, when the embers glowed and an eerily silence fell on the hotel, officials inspected the damage. The damage was extensive - the interior was destroyed and only the exterior brick remained. After a period of mourning, a group of local businessmen who were upset that the city had no other hotel, including W.E. and Arthur Simpson and Joe M. Crumpton, sold over $200,000 worth of bonds to rebuild the hotel. The new facility was magnificent, a product of the 1920s economic boom. The Great Houdini, a revered Hungarian stunt performer, said the new incarnation of the Denison Hotel was the. "most elegant hotel between Dallas and Kansas City." Room rates began at $2 and ran up to $3.50, and more than 60,000 guests signed the hotel's register every year in the late 1920s and 1940s (there was a dip in hotel stays during the 1930s Great Depression).

The fire escape at the back of the Denison Hotel - it does not look very safe... Author's Collections.

Famous guests at the Denison Hotel included celebrated country singer Roy Rogers, actress Rosemary Clooney and famed Puerto Rican. Jose Ferrer on their honeymoon, and longtime Congressman and North Texas benefactor Sam Rayburn. In October 1948, the Denison Hotel Company President T.J. Long sold the locally-owned hotel to the Alsonett Hotel Company. As the number of large hotel corporations drastically grew in the Cold War years, the traffic at the Denison Hotel gradually drained... some locals recalled to have seen ghosts in the lobby and rooms because the spaces were so empty. According to local records, the hotel suites were renovated to one and two-bedroom apartments sometime between 1997 and 2014. I am not sure when the Denison Hotel facility closed, yet the building appeared abandoned and worn-out when my wife and I took photographs in spring 2023. Despite its rough shape today, the Denison Hotel building continues to stand tall as a proud, significant symbol of Denison's colorful history. 

Research is from the Denison City Archives and Vintage History Profile (digital resources).

The Denison Hotel Lobby appeared to be abandoned when my wife and I swung by the City of Denison in spring 2023 - note the checkered floor, ornate front desk, and the dining room in the background. In the later days of the hotel when rooms were frequently vacant, some locals believed they saw various ghosts of the guests who died during the1920s fire, including maids walking the upstairs halls, children playing cards in the dining room, moustached men smoking in the cigar lounge, and Emily Young on the balcony of her family's suite overlooking Denison prior to the fire. Author's Collections.

Last-Minute APUSH Review Packets

My Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH) students take their AP exam this Friday; the exam - which comprises of stimulus multiple-choice questions, short-answer prompts, a document-based question, and longer essay prompt - is the climax of the course and the culmination of many long-winded lectures, group discussions, and late-night study sessions. To briefly prep my students for the AP exam, I created a few review packets, which survey significant political, economic, social, and military events in American history. I was very proud of my APUSH students from last year, who outperformed the state and global score averages (Mr. Chanin's students who received a passing score of a "3" or above - 57%, state - 39%, global - 48%) - I also had 36 students who received a "4" and 10 students received a coveted "5". I have high expectations for this year's APUSH students, and I am very proud of their hard work/dedication. The review packets have been attached below - if you are a new APUSH teacher, you may use these for your classes, with my permission:

Pictured with Anita, one of my best U.S. History students - Anita is active in KCBY, the school's award-winning student broadcasting group, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching her creative film shorts! Author's Collections, March 2023.

Significant APUSH Dates/Documents - you do not need to know the specific dates of events in American history, yet it helps to know the story of the United States in chronological order to prepare you for the SAQs, DBQ & LEQ writing prompts. I always remind my students to "visualize" the American story in their head (i.e. a digital timeline).

APUSH Political Cartoon Review - there is going to be at least one political cartoon on the APUSH exam; I frequently give my AP students political cartoons to closely examine and analyze after each unit. This final practice sheet will give students another opportunity to scrutinize the politics of specific eras.

We Love Content! Review - APUSH students are required to know a lot of content - eras, events, people, places - ranging from Columbus to modern politics. Being familiar with the content is essential to passing the AP exam (and hopefully get a "4" or a "5"). I usually give groups of students time to recall this content (without looking at their notes) and attempt to complete the worksheet - what can they remember from the Colonial Era?! A class discussion follows the worksheet, where I usually have groups share their findings with other groups.

APUSH Political, Social, Judicial Review - once again, students need to be familiar with the content - the large review packet here contains significant Supreme Court cases, military conflicts, rebellions, land acquisitions, government crises, major political parties, among other concepts... don't we just love all this content?!

GODD LUCK on your APUSH exam on Friday, y'all!

Additional Teacher Resources - US History

By popular demand, I am sharing additional resources for U.S. History teachers, found below. All of my assignments and activities are student-led, have academic purpose, and require a certain degree of critical thinking. If you are a US History teacher, feel free to use these resources during your lesson planning:

At the start of the 2022-2023, my principal included a photograph of me in her weekly newsletter - I felt honored and, despite how tired I am, am still incredibly blessed to work in a pleasant environment with a supportive network of administrators, veteran teachers, and talented students. Author's Collections.

Muckrakers Worksheet - I usually use this worksheet after a lecture on the Progressive Era Muckrakers. Students read brief biographies on Ida Tarbell, Lincoln Steffens, and Upton Sinclair, among others, and apply their new knowledge on significant reformers to answer several questions. Originally found on the Teachers Pay Teachers website.

Analyzing Booker T. Washington v. W.E.B. DuBois - this is another worksheet that I found online; this assignment gives students an opportunity to look further into the lives of two radically-opposed giants of the early African American Civil Rights Movements (in the Gilded Age/Progressive Era), Washington and DuBois. Additionally, I enjoy discussing with my students the connections to this early crusade with the later movement we see in the 1950s/1960s with MLK Jr. and Malcolm X.

America: The Story Of Us, Heartland - worksheet that is completed by students as they watch this episode of the America: The Story Of Us documentary - this video offers a fantastic survey of westward expansion and industrial boom after the Civil War (commonly known to historians as the Gilded Age).

America: The Story Of Us, Cities - worksheet that is completed by students as they watch this episode of the America: The Story Of Us documentary - this video offers a superb introduction to the Progressive Age, including the Titans of Industry and immigration. I remember watching this fascinating series in my 5th grade classes at Denton Creek Elementary and falling in love with American history - I persuaded my parents to buy me the DVD box set... I am a history nerd! My students also thoroughly enjoy these videos!

Study Of The Titanic/Social Classes - my wife and I are Titanic nerds, and immediately booked our movie tickets when James Cameron announced he was re-releasing his 1997 blockbuster in theaters in 3D/4K - and it was fantastic! The movie's score always gives me goosebumps! Since my APUSH were studying the Gilded Age at the time of the film's re-release, I decided it would be a great idea for us to examine the social class hierarchy on the RMS Titanic. My students watched various clips from the movie, comparing the dress, mannerisms, and customs of both Rose and Jacks' worlds - small group discussions followed.

USA Imperialism Graphic Organizer - this may be completed by students after a lecture on the Spanish-American War and U.S. Imperialism; the worksheet encourages students to understand the big ideas and factors that motivated America to create their own mini empire in the early twentieth century.

Flappers Video Notes - when time permits, I usually show an old, yet interesting documentary on the 1920s flappers and task my students to take video notes; I discuss the evolution of American women dress, mannerisms, and sexuality during the 1920s lectures, and this video is an appropriate resource to show in class that surveys this episode of major societal change.

Major Modern Events Worksheet - since time catches up on us at the end of the academic year, I usually do not have adequate time to discuss the events at the start of the 21st century in detail; therefore, my class and I have a productive yet brief discussion on major modern events (2000 presidential election, 9/11, Iraq invasion, Hurricane Katrina, and the 2008 presidential election - i.e. significant events in George W. Bush and Barack Obama's presidencies). During the discussion, I assign my students this worksheet to fill out.

1970s/1980s/Modern Era Teacher Resources

I am currently wrapping up the TEKS & content in my on-level U.S. History classes - students will take the state STAAR exam next week. Although I have felt that we were rushed for time (the "no school" ice week in February did not help our schedule), I have constantly reviewed the content as well as given many End-Of-Course Exam resources to my students. I strongly believe that my U.S. History students are fully prepared to ace this state exam! I am happy to report that we made it to the historic 2008 presidential election - we covered a lot of content between the end of the Civil War in 1865 and 2008. Below, you will find some of the assignments I created for the final unit of our course (Modern Era) to familiarize my students with the United States' changing role in global affairs at the end of the Cold War and into the new century - teachers, please feel free to use my resources to help you while planning lessons:

Our last unit in the on-level U.S. History course surveys the modern presidents, including Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama...the state curriculum has yet to reach Donald Trump nor Joe Biden. (History)

UGTP Nixon/Ford Questions - students answer the questions while watching the Nixon/Ford segment of Ultimate Guide to the Presidents, episode 8. Video is one of the best teaching tools to streamline content!

UGTP Carter/Reagan Questions - up next... students answer the questions while watching the Carter/Reagan segment of Ultimate Guide to the Presidents, episode 8.

UGTP Modern Presidents Questions - students answer the questions while watching the final segment of Ultimate Guide to the Presidents, episode 8 (surveying the presidencies of Bush Sr., Clinton, Bush Jr., and Obama - essential question: how has the Office of the Presidency changed since the days of Lincoln?).

Carter/Reagan Cartoon Analysis - students closely examine political cartoons of the Carter/Reagan Era and survey the political climate that existed in the nation at the end of the Cold War. Again, I consider political cartoons as useful primary source tools for students to study in order to grasp an understanding of what life was like from a particular era.

CounterCulture/Vietnam Geography Worksheet - in this assignment, students briefly learn about the 1960s and 1970s CounterCulture Movement (aka the Hippies) and the geography of Southeast Asia (the latter part of the worksheet encourages students to acquire new geography skills, which in turn later helps them visualize the conflict in Vietnam and South China Sea).

Examining Watergate Worksheet - this is a reading comprehension assignment, where students read a synopsis of the infamous Watergate Scandal before answering several questions. Students also become familiar with Nixon's response, and ultimately consider how the Watergate Scandal led to public distrust of the Office of the Presidency.

1960s/1970s STAAR Practice - this is a warm-up activity where students may become familiar with STAAR questions and test their knowledge on American politics during the 1960s/1970s.

Vietnam War Review - also, this is a warm-up activity where students have the opportunity to further master content from the Vietnam War Era. I enjoy letting the kids loose for 10-15 minutes and allow them to have those highly-productive conversations before discussing answers/test-taking strategies as a class.

Carter/Reagan Review - a warm-up activity focusing on the presidencies of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. I love content reviews with my students!

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1960s Civil Rights Teacher Resources

In March, I guided my U.S. History students through the significant Civil Rights Movements of the 1950s, 1960s & 1970s. We discussed the importance of the African American civil rights marches throughout the South, which spawned other civil rights campaigns, including Asian Americans, Native Americans, gay Americans, disabled Americans, Hispanic Americans & the elderly. Also, we engaged in provoking chats on the civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., Betty Friedan, Cesar Chavez, and Malcolm X. At the end of the unit, we reviewed the material and I emphasized the fact that the civil rights movements in the United States never officially ended - the campaigns are active today, most notably the Black Lives Movement and abortion/Planned Parenthood crusades, among others. The resources I have attached below were created by me, and include lecture presentations (which are tied to Texas standards), worksheets, and student-driven (fun) activities. If you are a high school history educator, feel free to use these resources in your class, and let me know how your students responded to each report - enjoy!

In August 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I have a dream" speech, one of the most famous addresses in American history. The March On Washington event attracted some 250,000 people. (History)

Lectures (created by Mr. Chanin, 2023) - each lecture includes content and academic vocabulary that the state requires U.S. History students to be familiar with (Unit 8 of the 11th grade curriculum). Images and embedded videos provide students with a fuller, colorful picture of what happened in the United States at this time. Each lecture has a recap slide at the end, where the teacher may highlight the important parts of that presentation (and allow the students to "connect the dots"). My lectures emphasize content as well as critical thinking/application opportunities. Each lecture (20-30 minutes in duration) was presented on the projector and the students were tasked to answer questions on the content. After the lectures, I reviewed the material with my students and ensured everyone was familiar with the main people, places & events of this unit before moving on.

Segregation in Post-WWII Period - this lecture covers the Jim Crow Laws & methods Southern officials used to suppress the black vote, the Green Book, the NAACP & CORE, Thurgood Marshall, and the 1954 landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education.

The Civil Rights Revolution - this lecture surveys the heart of the African American crusade, including Rosa Parks and the bus boycott, Martin Luther King Jr, freedom riders, sit-ins, Little Rock Nine, Selma, 1963 March on Washington, and LBJ's 1964 Civil Rights Act & 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Redefining Equality: Black Power & Affirmative Action - this lecture covers black ghettos & the Kerner Commission, Malcolm X, black power & Black Panther Party, Afrocentrism (including the hit TV series Roots), and the 1968 Civil Rights Act.

The Widening Struggle - the final lecture in this unit surveys the other civil rights campaigns in America after WWII, including women, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, disabled & gay Americans, and the elderly. In all my classes, I strive to foster a diverse & inclusive atmosphere by discussing histories and viewpoints from every culture in the U.S.A. - our nation's history is not only the story of the white men!

JFK & LBJ - a short presentation on John F. Kennedy & Lyndon B. Johnson, the presidents in the 1960s. It is important for students to become familiar with the White House occupants and politics of this era so that a higher level of content immersion can occur.

Martin Luther King Jr. and Lyndon B. Johnson in the Oval Office, 1964 - despite their tense relationship, the two giant leaders respected one another and jointly vowed to create/sign the biggest pieces of civil rights legislation in history into law. In this unit, I highlighted LBJ's perseverance in social politics & foreshadowed his ultimate political demise via the Vietnam War. (History)

Notes/Assignments (created by Mr. Chanin, 2023) - lecture notes are given to the students prior to the start of each lecture; students then answer each question according to the information in the lecture. The many student-driven assignments in this unit were designed to give students the opportunities to not only become more familiar with the content, but also apply the material to real-life scenarios.

Segregation in Post-WWII Notes - the notes worksheet that pairs with the first lecture.

Civil Rights Revolution Notes - the notes worksheet that pairs well with the second lecture.

Redefining Equality Notes - the notes worksheet that pairs with the third lecture.

Widening Struggle Notes - the notes worksheet that pairs well with the fourth & final lecture

Brown v. Board of Education Cartoon Analysis - I consider political cartoons to be invaluable primary resources to study the past - these "doodles" give us a unique window into how the media and public were feeling about a particular event, person, or topic in time. In this worksheet, students analyze a few political cartoons on the famous 1954 Supreme Court case, and answer questions that require critical-thinking skills. The analysis activity pairs well with the first lecture.

Civil Rights Road Trip Timeline - this is a massive assignment - students create a timeline/roadmap on the events from the African American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s/1960s. Students observe the cause & effect relationships, as well as the dramatic buildup of this great American crusade. This assignment links to the content found in the second lecture.

MLK "I have a dream" Speech Analysis - I enjoy discussing the importance of great speeches in American history; these passionate and timely outbursts illustrate a person's emotions and plans for a brighter future. MLK's "I have a dream" speech is an essential primary resource for students to examine during this unit. In this assignment, students will grasp the sincere gravity of the situation many African Americans found themselves in during the 1960s. The assignment pairs well with the third lecture after students have compared MLK's peaceful marches with Malcolm X's abrasive/direct campaign.

A Farmer's Tale Activity - after students have learned about the various other Civil Rights crusades that were happening across America in the latter-half of the twentieth century, they are tasked to imagine being a Hispanic-American farmer in either California or Texas and document their story (i.e. a journal entry). Students are asked to get creative, and write down everything they do, every person they meet (including Cesar Chavez), and every union/labor organization they join. Students who enjoy writing and using their imagination will love this brief writing activity. This assignment pairs well with the fourth lecture.

Review Presentation #1 & Review Presentation #2 - these may be used as warm-up activities for students where they are able to informally test their prior knowledge without looking at notes. Class discussions about correct & wrong answers/test-taking strategies follow the reviews.