Living Civics???

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  • February 22, 2009 at 12:42 pm
    CJKJ
    Participant

    I started planning my CM Education last night (thanks for the book, Sonya!) and saw that my state requires me to teach civics. Does anyone know what civics actually is? Is it American History, Citizenship and government, or patriotism, or something else? Do you know of any living books that teach civics?

    Thanks for any help!

    Keri

    February 22, 2009 at 1:29 pm
    Karen Smith
    Moderator

    I wasn’t exactly sure what civics was either so I googled a definition of civics.

    Here is what I got:

    – Civics is the study of citizenship and government with particular attention given to the role of citizens― as opposed to external factors― in the operation and oversight of government.

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civics

    -An identifiable body of knowledge, understanding and skills relating to the organisation and working of society, including a country’s political and social heritage, democratic processes, government, public administration and judicial systems.

    syllabus.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/go/7-10/hsie/history/glossary

    Sounds to me as if it is basically a study of government, maybe with a study of citizenship thrown in. Do your state requirements specifically mention teaching government as a separate study? If not, they may be calling government civics.

    We used Ray Notgrass’ Exploring Government. He does a pretty thorough study of the U. S. Constitution to explain how government works. He also has the student read many other Supreme Court decisions, news articles, and other documents.

    I hope that helps clear up what is meant by civics. I’m interested in hearing what others have used for government.

    February 22, 2009 at 3:14 pm
    LivingUnderGrace
    Member

    Here are some living sources:

    Whatever Happened to Penny Candy by Richard Maybury (govt & econ)

    Whatever Happened to Justice by Richard Maybury (govt & econ)

    Are You Liberal, Conservative, Confused? by Richard Maybury (govt & econ)

    The Rights of Man by Thomas Paine (govt & econ)

    Common Sense by Thomas Paine (govt & econ)

    Ourselves by Charlotte Mason (citizenship)- break this up into 3 yrs worth

    February 23, 2009 at 12:54 am
    CJKJ
    Participant

    Thanks for the book suggestions. They look great for older students. I forgot to mention that I’m homeschooling a first grader and 4th grader.

    I found a free civics course online that is for K-12 but it was created for a classroom and is a little dry.

    I’m wondering if the TruthQuest American History will work as a start to understanding how our government/nation was formed.

    Does anyone have experience with the American History for Young Students I (Exploration – 1800) from them?

    February 23, 2009 at 2:31 am
    LivingUnderGrace
    Member

    Ah, I didn’t realize your children were so young. 🙂 Sorry about that…

    No, then, I don’t know first hand of any civics/govt books for young children. Most public schools do not teach civics or government until high school. (I too am in a civics required state). I hope your able to find something…

    Does your PS system actually teach it this young? You might want to call and ask…

    if they don’t then you probably don’t need to either. Do you state laws specify what grade it must be taught? (mine don’t)

    February 23, 2009 at 4:03 am
    CJKJ
    Participant

    I can check with the local schools on the ages. I remember when I was in school that we had a Social Studies class so I’m wondering if that would be classified as civics. I don’t remember what grade I was in though.

    Our law does not specify the grades that need to be taught certain subjects. I also found it odd that our state doesn’t require science to be taught. That is just a foreign concept to me!!!

    February 23, 2009 at 12:59 pm
    LivingUnderGrace
    Member

    No science? Wow, that *is* a foreign concept.

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