Looking for...

[sleuth]

I'm looking for some links that will provide a brief, easy-to-understand history of early U.S. history... something that would be geared toward someone who grew up in another country, knows english as a second language, and will explain how our government is structured, why our founding father's made it that way, and the reasoning behind elected government officials.

A co-worker of mine who grew up in another country watched her first election process this year, and she recently confessed to me that she is confused about our whole government, about elections, and why we don't just have a queen or king or something similar. Although she's an American citizen by birth, she grew up in a small country in Asia, where rulers were chosen because of their lineage or because they had money, not because they were voted in.

 

[Ken King]

If they have a decent grasp on the language try having them read the Federalists Papers. Lots of stuff in them but a better explanation would be tough to find.

 

[sleuth]

If they have a decent grasp on the language try having them read the Federalists Papers. Lots of stuff in them but a better explanation would be tough to find.

She has a pretty good grasp on everyday conversational speaking... but words beyond what you would hear in everyday language she has to spend a lot of time looking up.

Rich adjectives like "pristine" or "impeccable" come to mind... I had to explain those to her once.

And yesterday, when we were talking about this, she didn't understand "oligarchy", "monarchy", "feudal", "dictator", or "fascism". Her English reading level is probably close to a middle school level, and her American history knowledge is probably close to that of an elementary school. They didn't teach American history where she is from, and she was taught English by teachers who spoke broken English themselves.

I haven't read the Federalist Papers since High School. Do you suppose they'd be too difficult?

**Edit: I just glanced through a couple.. way too high of a reading level for her

 

[Ken King]

I don't think so, some of the language is old style that might require explanation but remember they were written for New Yorkers so it shouldn't be that tough.

 

[Voter2002]

Take a look at this site....yeah, it's for kids, but has high school/adult sections as well:


http://bensguide.gpo.gov/

 

[Club'nBabySeals]

Her English reading level is probably close to a middle school level, and her American history knowledge is probably close to that of an elementary school.

I wonder if it wouldn't be an idea to get a copy of an 8th grade U.S. History textbook or something? Those facts are a little tamed for the kids, but I imagine it would give a pretty decent overview of our system.

Don't middle schoolers have to go through a citizenship class? I thought they did. I'm sure one of the schools would be able to recommend some appropriate material.

Good luck----It's really commendable that you're taking the time to help your co-worker understand everything.

 

[sleuth]

Take a look at this site....yeah, it's for kids, but has high school/adult sections as well:


http://bensguide.gpo.gov/

Thanks! I'll send it along.

Anyone ever watched something from the "Standard Deviants" series?

 

[sleuth]

I wonder if it wouldn't be an idea to get a copy of an 8th grade U.S. History textbook or something? Those facts are a little tamed for the kids, but I imagine it would give a pretty decent overview of our system.

Don't middle schoolers have to go through a citizenship class? I thought they did. I'm sure one of the schools would be able to recommend some appropriate material.

Good luck----It's really commendable that you're taking the time to help your co-worker understand everything.

That's a good idea...
I had thought about doing something like that.

 

[ylexot]

I just happened to get a book that might be just what you're looking for. I haven't read it yet, so I can't really tell you much about it though. The book is called "The Founders' Almanac: A Practical Guide to the Notable Events, Greatest Leaders & Most Eloquent Words of the American Founding". It's Edited by Matthew Spalding if you want to look it up.

 

[sleuth]

I just happened to get a book that might be just what you're looking for. I haven't read it yet, so I can't really tell you much about it though. The book is called "The Founders' Almanac: A Practical Guide to the Notable Events, Greatest Leaders & Most Eloquent Words of the American Founding". It's Edited by Matthew Spalding if you want to look it up.

Thanks ylexot. Lemme know if you find it useful!