Hello and welcome to my collection of resources for American history teachers. I have been teaching 8th grade American history for the past 15 years and many times in the past people have asked me specific questions about what I teach, how I teach and what resources I use in my classroom. I do not claim to be an expert but I am willing to share what I do in my classroom with fellow teachers. I believe in the power of Web 2.0 tools which can connect teachers around the world who teach the same content.

The site is divided into the units that I teach at South Valley Jr. High School in Liberty, Missouri - a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri. Our curriculum covers American history from the start of settlement/colonies thru the end of the Civil War. In our district the remainder of American history is taught at the 9th grade level.

The textbook we are currently using is McDougal Littell's American History - Beginnings through Reconstruction - copyright 2008.

I have attempted to provide as much information as possible about how we teach each unit. Copies of note packets, notes, study guides, handouts, worksheets, books, articles, related podcasts, videos, etc. If the item is something I have created and can post on the site, I will make it available on the web. If the item is something we have purchased for use in the classroom, I will give a link to where you can also purchase that item.

If you have any questions please contact me through an e-mail. I will attempt to answer your question as quickly as possible. You also may be interested in following my discussions on history, technology and education at my podcast and blog : Speaking of History.

Eric Langhorst

8th Grade American History Teacher

South Valley Jr. High School

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