Grade: 6th
Concept: Social Studies
TEKS:
(11) Government. The student understands the concepts of limited and unlimited governments. The student is expected to:
(C) identify reasons for limiting the power of government
http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=144591
Summary:
This link is to a poppular School House Rock song “I’m Just a Bill.” It is a catchy and fun way to learn about the legislative process and the idea of checks and balances. Although this is a 7th grade concept, it follows the 6th grade TEKS which refer to checks and balances.Through this song, I can teach students about the legislative process, the houses of the government, and the role that everyone plays. It is important for students to know that the president does not have absolute power over the nation, and this can help them understand how they can be more involved in what happens around them.
Instructional Stategy:
I would use this song/video to teach about the process of a bill turning into a law. However, before playing the song, I would discuss with the class the three branches of government and the role of each. We would create a chart on the board for a visual display. To reinforce this concept, I would play the song/video for the class to follow along. I would use subtitles as well and play the video a few times. After the video, I would review the branches again, then, separate the class into three groups and assign each group a branch of government. Once each group knows their role and power, we would play a “Guess Who?” game. I would read out different lines that would pertain to each group. For example: “This branch of government is the first to view a proposed bill.” Based on the lesson, the class would tell to which branch I’m referring. I would also have the song playing in the background during this game.
What a great resource! I love School House Rock and definitely remember the “I’m Just a Bill” song. I think this is a really great resource because music and song sticks with kids and makes things easier to remember and learn. I also think it is really relevant to the TEKS and can help to have student achieve learning objectives. I love your activities you have planned! I think the idea of introducing the students to the three branches of government before playing the song is a good idea because students will have some reference for what they are about to hear. I think the “Guess Who” game is a great idea as well.
I knew of School House Rock when I was younger, but none of my teachers ever used it to help teach anything and I wish that they would have! The songs are catchy and easy to understand. I also like that you did a Social Studies lesson on government, it seems that many people are afraid of doing lessons like this. Songs are very helpful in the classroom and can make allow students to learn content in a whole new way!I also like your activity of separating the class into different branches of government and the “Guess Who” game is a great follow up game. I would maybe play these games multiple times over the course of a few days so that student’s are sure to get it! You could have students play different roles each time that way they could understand each branch fully.
Yaaaay for school house rock! Using the song is a great and catchy way to have students learn the concept of checks and balances. I think it’s important for students to know that the President doesn’t make all the decisions. The guess who game is a good comprehension check. Sense this is for 6th grade it’s a good way to let them be kids still and be free and silly. You could even have to kids create a jingle or poster to keep for future reference. I think people forget about school house rock but I’m glad you reminded me!