This year we'll focus on the concept of being an American. We'll dive into learning the 50 states and then learn about Colonialism, the American Revolution, and Westward Expansion in the first semester. We'll then discuss the Roaring 20s/Great Depression, jump over WWII -- since we covered it two years ago -- study the Civil Rights Era and Modern Society to wrap up the year. Our literature circle books dive into both of these content areas ("Early" America and "Modern" America). We'll also be taking a different approach to writing this year by implementing the Lucy Calkins Writing Curriculum.