War of 1812 Activity Visual Summary Picture Sort Baggies

Are you behind in your curriculum when you get to the War of 1812? I know I always am! I needed a way to quickly go over the “basics” but keep it active for my students. I came up with this strategy that I call “visual summary” that has worked really well with all levels of my students! This is one of my favorite products in my entire store.

Please note! This is NOT meant to be an in-depth study of the War of 1812. It is a basic summary activity and focuses on the topics mentioned below this description.

• In this lesson, students are put in groups of 2 or 3. Student #1 is the reader of a 2 page summary of the War of 1812, which is included in this purchase. Student(s) #2/#3 are the picture sorters. They hear cues from the reader and sort pictures (you cut them up and put them in baggies) relating to the summary in the order they hear them. After they are finished, they put the summary away and “retell” the story of the War of 1812 to their group using only the pictures. You could extend this easily into a writing assignment.
• This is a great activity for you ESL/ELL students. They are "listening, speaking, reading and writing" in this lesson.

After they are finished, you can assess their learning with the assessment page (using the visuals) I’ve included.

What your will receive in this purchase:

• -detailed instructions for the teacher
• -picture of my student working on the picture sort for reference
• -2 page summary (see topics listed below) with picture number cues
• -pictures to cut out for students (to be put in baggies for each group)
• -assessment

War of 1812 topics covered:

• Causes and effects
• Interference with shipping
• British giving aid to the Native Americans
• Impressment
• War-Hawks
• James Madison
• Tecumseh
• Burning of Washington, D.C.
• Star-Spangled Banner/Battle at Fort McHenry
• Treaty of Ghent
• Nationalism
• Industrial Revolution begins

Why do students love it?

• It's hands-on and interactive
• They get to work with a partner
• It's a "different" way to introduce a topic

Why do teachers love it?

• It's a high engagement lesson
• Students are collaborating together and discussing
• It works for all levels of students!
• Once prepped, you can use this year after year - just store the images in baggies
• This lesson "sticks" - and students will remember the key points.

Teacher Feedback:

• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Janette B. says, "I observed this lesson being taught by another teacher last year and knew I wanted to use it this year. The kids really learn a lot!"
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Braden H. says, "I really liked this activity because it got students out of the monotony of normal activities.
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Couple of Teachers says, "This was a quick, easy, and effective way to cover the War of 1812. The visual summary was a great strategy to use with my ESL kids as well. Thanks so much! "