Elementary

BRI Jr. resources are:

Primary source based
Inquiry-based
Content-area literacy instruction focused
Modular and time-friendly

Each lesson contains:

Paper-based worksheets
A tie to our BRI Jr. Principles & Virtues Framework
Performance-based assessments
Lexiled readings
Games and/or simulations
An optional video component

Teachers Say:

“My students loved {this lesson}! They were able to make real world connections, but also learn and understand what came after the Revolution, which we had already begun to learn about prior to {this}.” – 4^th grade pilot teacher, Florida

“I like how modular it is, explicit but yet open to interpretation allowing the teacher to modify as needed for their population.” –5^th grade pilot teacher, Tennessee

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4 Videos

Video

Elementary Lessons | Colonial Era

4 Min

In this elementary history lesson, explore the courageous journey of Native Americans and European settlers during the colonial era. Discover how John Smith and other settlers established Jamestown, and how the Pilgrims formed bonds with the Wampanoag tribe, leading to the first Thanksgiving. Learn about the challenges they faced, from disease to food shortages, and how they persevered to build the foundations of America. From the Mayflower Compact to the struggles with the Powhatan Confederacy, this action-packed story shows how courage and resilience shaped the early American colonies into what we know today.

Video

Elementary Lessons | Course of the American Revolution

5 Min

In this elementary history lesson, explore the courageous actions of Paul Revere and the incredible resolve of the colonists in the battles of the American Revolution. Discover how Thomas Jefferson and other Founding Fathers drafted the Declaration of Independence, and learn about the brave women Mercy Otis Warren and Phillis Wheatley who played vital roles in the fight for liberty. From the freezing hardships of Valley Forge to the triumphant victory at Yorktown, this action-packed story shows how the colonists' perseverance shaped the nation we know today.

Video

Elementary Lessons | Causes of the American Revolution

7 Min

Get ready to travel back in time to the early days of America and discover the thrilling events that led to the American Revolution! In this elementary lesson, we explore the key moments that paved the road to independence—from the end of the French and Indian War to the fiery debates over "taxation without representation." Our elementary lessons are primary source-based that focus on content-area literacy instruction and performance-based assessments. Designed for grades 3-5, these lessons use a modular approach for all learners and are ideal for helping elementary students explore American history and citizenship.

Video

Elementary Lessons | Development of the Constitution

6 Min

Join us on an exciting journey as we uncover the secrets of the US Constitution! In this elementary history lesson, we explore how the founding fathers, like James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington, came together to solve the "puzzle" of creating a government for the new United States. From the challenges of the Articles of Confederation to the famous Great Compromise, discover how these brilliant minds crafted the framework that shaped the nation we know today. Learn about the Constitution’s three branches of government, the system of checks and balances, and how these pieces fit together to ensure a government by the people. Our elementary lessons are primary source-based that focus on content-area literacy instruction and performance-based assessments. Designed for grades 3-5, these lessons use a modular approach for all learners and are ideal for helping elementary students explore American history and citizenship.