The 1920s and 1930s
This unit covers the period of decadence that led to the period of depression. You will read books, participate in simulations, listen to music, and examine primary sources to discover what life was like during this time.
This unit is written to cover 20 school days. You will need the required workbook and books below. In addition, you will also need to pick a historical fiction and biography to read while you study about the time period. We have a list to choose from, but you can always read a family favorite.
This curriculum is written with students 4th-8th grade in mind. You can always scale down to fit your needs, but we don't recommend trying to use it for high school age students.
Free!
Required Materials
Workbook
This workbook is written to the student. It will guide them through the daily reading and activities with minimal parent involvement.
Answer Key
The answer key is not necessary to complete the unit. It is identical to the Student Workbook, but with answers in red.
This complete encyclopedia of American history showcases the incredible journey the United States of America has made to become the major 21st-century power it is today.
Every American History unit uses this encyclopedia.
The Roaring Twenties began on the heels of one tragedy--the flu pandemic of 1918--and ended with another: the start of the Great Depression. But in between there were plenty of good times--the Model T cars that Henry Ford made were cheap enough for the masses, the new sound of jazz heated up speakeasies and nightclubs during the time of Prohibition. Women, recently given the right to vote, cut their long hair into bobs, wore short skirts and makeup, and danced the Charleston (sometimes in marathons that lasted days).
On October 29, 1929, life in the United States took a turn for the worst. The stock market – the system that controls money in America – plunged to a record low. People lost their jobs, homes or both. Though the U.S. has seen other times of struggle, the Great Depression remains one of the hardest and most widespread tragedies in American history.
Students will be creating a biography poster. These premade templates are an excellent tool.
Every American History Unit will have a biography poster project.
Other supplies
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Historical Fiction from the list below
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Non-Fiction books from the list below
Historical Fiction Options
You will read one historical fiction book for this unit. There are several great historical fiction books to choose from. Listed below are a few at different reading levels.
•Bud, not Buddy- Christopher Paul Curtis
•The Mighty Miss Malone- Christopher Paul Curtis
•Full of Beans- Jennifer L. Holm
•Bea and the New Deal Horse- L.M. Elliott
•Esperanza Rising- Pam Munoz Ryan
•Out of the Dust- Karen Hesse
•The Secret School- Avi
•Echo Mountain- Lauren Wolk
•Beyond the Bright Sea- Lauren Wolk
•Stella by Starlight- Sharon M. Draper
•Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry- Mildred D. Taylor
•The Gallery- Laura Marx Fitzgerald
•Al Capone Does My Shirts- Gennifer Choldenko
•Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy- Gary D Schmidt
Non-Fiction Options
There are many notable people who were involved in the Civil War. Below is a list you can choose from. These men and women all have several age appropriate biographies written about them. Choose one that interests you. Make sure you pick a biography that matches your family values.
•Walt Disney
•Shirley Temple
•President Hoover
•President Franklin D Roosevelt
•Charles Lindbergh
•Babe Ruth/George Herman
•Charlie Chaplin
•Fred Astaire
•Benny Goodman
•Marian Anderson