Torn Union [4th grade, 2 of 2]

Torn Union [2019-2020 edition] is the second of two new Tennessee History for Kids booklets for grade 4 that meet the new social studies standards.

Click here to order and here for the teacher’s guide.

Under the new standards, fourth grade contains two semesters of “straight up” U.S. history. During the year, teachers will teach fourth-grade level U.S. history, from colonial times to the end of the Civil War.

Torn Union is intended for the spring of 4th grade. It covers the period from about 1830 until the end of Reconstruction.

“This booklet covers the new standards perfectly,” says Angie Long, a fourth grade teacher at Mountain City Elementary School in Johnson County. “It makes it possible to use only this book, and not another textbook.”

The booklet contains chapters on topics such as the Jackson presidency; the development of the railroad and telegraph; westward migration and the Gold Rush; the Texas War of Independence and the Mexican-American War; the build-up to the Civil War; Civil War battles such as Bull Run, Shiloh, Antietam, Gettysburg and Vicksburg; the Emancipation Proclamation; the surrender of General Robert E. Lee; the passage of the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments, Reconstruction, and more.

Its content was previewed, screened and edited by four fourth grade teachers from different parts of Tennessee. Great care and effort was made to make the booklets attractive, interesting and appropriate for fourth graders.

“Torn Union is a great resource for teaching our new 2019 social studies standards,” says Kim Colson, a fourth grade teacher at Allons Elementary School in Overton County. “History Bill has hit most, if not all, of the new standards. Having this book has saved me a lot of time and planning.

“I recommend every fourth grade teacher use this great resource.”

The booklet also contains a glossary and an index. Primary sources are in red ink throughout the text.

“This is an awesome resource for fourth grade teachers,” says Jocelyn Rimmer, a fourth grade teacher at New Market Elementary School in Jefferson County. “It presents information in a condense and student friendly way. The questions included with each chapter will be great for student discussions and independent work.”

Click on the table of contents to enlarge it.

Click here to order the booklet and here for the teacher’s guide.