I Survived Curriculum - Historical Stories of Survival Units 25-26 Surviving Historic Tornadoes - Teacher License

Making history engaging for students is possibly one of the most difficult tasks for teachers.  How do we overcome that?  Two key things are critical for accomplishing this task.  First, it must be relatable in someway, and secondly, it needs to offer learning opportunities for multiple learning styles.  Historical Stories of Survival uses the New York Times best selling and popular I Survived book series.  This instantly makes history relatable, as the main characters are school age children and families.

Historical Stories of Survival uses multisensory learning, which follows a pattern of Do It, Write It, Say It, Read It, See It. Multisensory learning is great for every kind of learner - because each learner gets to experience learning the way they are most comfortable - but they also have the opportunity to learn through other senses.  Studies and research have shown that learning material through multiple senses helps children to retain information better.

The experiences practiced in multisensory learning allow each student to participate in ways that help them understand and retain best.  Boys and girls learn together and help each other with projects such as creating a diorama or creating a helicopter model, having discussions about the story, as well as positive character traits such as endurance, compassion, bravery and generosity. 

Schooling multiple ages together, in a co-op setting for example, is very manageable.  And, with the continuity of the same subject matter for literature, science and history, as well as crafts and field trip experiences, opportunities for discussion are plentiful and help build a love of learning.

Field trips can include a local weather, police or fire station tour.  This seven week unit study, using the I Survived True Stories Tornado Terror  from the I Survived book series, is great for doing school in a large class setting,  or a smaller co-op environment. Have a class survival party at the end of the unit!

The reader book for this unit learns about real people who lived during very difficult times.  Lauren Tarshis, the author of the I Survived books, captures the memories and experiences of two young people who survived seemingly impossible circumstances.  

Some examples of *crafts include; creating a diorama, drawings and more. Science can be added to this unit by learning about severe weather and safety. Each unit will include a suggested weekly schedule, list of required and suggested books, craft resources, field trip ideas and suggestions, meal ideas, templates, a game, lapbook materials and other resources. 

**Crafts and science experiment supplies are not included in the purchase of the curriculum, but resources and instruction as to what crafts and supplies to purchase are included.  Some units do include free craft templates.   Teacher License allows permission for the purchaser to teach to as many groups and classes as they like.   There is no expiration.  The teacher may not make copies for parents, other teachers or schools/co-ops.  The file remains the property of the purchasing teacher only.