wh.gov: The White House Transforms into a Season of Peace and Light for the 2024 Holidays
Sunday, December 22, 2024
The White House Transforms into a Season of Peace & Light for the 2024 Holidays
Saturday, December 21, 2024
New musical project tells 1800s story of US transcontinental railroad
VOA News: New musical project tells 1800s story of US transcontinental railroad
Listen to "American Railroad" by Silkwood Ensemble and Rhiannon Giddens. Also check out the American Railroad Podcast!
Lean more about the Transcontinental Railroad
The Transcontinental Railroad was built across the United States, starting after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railroad Act in 1862 during the Civil War.
Much of the railroad was built on land taken from Native American tribes. The Central Pacific Railroad built east from Sacramento, California, while the Union Pacific Railroad built west from Omaha, Nebraska. The two railroads met at Promontory Summit, Utah, on May 10, 1869. Workers from China and Ireland, played a big role in its construction.
The railroad reduced travel across the U.S. from months to weeks or days. At the time, it was one of the longest railroads in the world, and more railroads were built later.
POP QUIZ:
- USCIS 100:89. What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
- USCIS 100:59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
- USCIS 100:44. What is the capital of your state?
- Bonus: Sacramento is the capital of California. What is the capital of Nebraska?
- USCIS 100:75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?*
- USCIS 100:33. Who signs bills to become laws?
Friday, December 20, 2024
Winter Solstice
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 14
Classroom:
- 10 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)
- Holiday Stamps and Religious Freedom pdf
- A Citizenship Quiz for Christmas (2021) mp3 / pdf / video
- Voices of Freedom: Ch 12: Citizens Rights and Responsibilities
- Preparing for the Oath: Responsibilities (homework)
- n-400r-18 Oath of Allegiance
- Civic Responsibilities pdf
Monday, December 16, 2024
A Quick Review of the Bill of Rights and the N-400 (2024) Part 9 plus Civics Questions
After a long hiatus, we are back with regular podcasts that feature questions from the new USCIS N-400 Application for Naturalization. In honor of the Bill of Rights Day, December 15, we are pairing the first ten amendments with some questions from the new N-400 Part 9 and some Civics questions. pdf
Before we begin, there are three news items:
1)
On September 20, USCIS released their new “One
Nation, One People: Civics Test Textbook” for adults preparing
to naturalize. In support of their
commitment 2gen civic literacy, USCIS also released “Color
Me Civics: U.S. Landmarks and Symbols Coloring Book” in English
and Spanish. You can download these free
resources from USCIS.
·
Pearson ELT USA Team just release a free pdf of
the UPDATED
Naturalization Speaking Test from Voices of Freedom by Bill Bliss.
Download
the test practice.
·
New Readers Press has just posted a new
“Tricky Vocabulary” handout (for explaining vocabulary in the new
N-400 part 9): . This resource complements Citizenship:
Passing the Test Ready for the Interview Student Book 4th Edition by
Lynn Weintraub
3) On December 13, LINCS.ed.gov The 2024 Naturalization Fee Reduction Webinar with Shawn Chakrabarti, a former Education Specialist with the office of Citizenship, USCIS. Mr. Chakrabarti explained the USCIS naturalization fee structure, highlighting that 9.2 million people are eligible for citizenship, with 4 million likely having limited English proficiency. He detailed the new fee waiver and reduction rules, noting that 80% of LPRs may qualify for fee reductions. Mr. Chakrabarti emphasized the importance of detailed student intakes, partnering with legal service providers, and leveraging digital literacy to navigate the new fee rules. He also encouraged commenting on Federal Register notices to influence future policies. Although this webinar was not recorded, detailed notes and resources are available on LINCS.ed.gov Civics Education and Citizenship Group under the “FOLLOW UP: 12/13 The 2024 Naturalization Fee Reduction Webinar.”
4)
Finally, a petition titled, Call to Codify
Improvements to U.S. Naturalization Test, hosted on the TESOL Advocacy
Action Center. The petition asks USCIS
to codify two items in the Federal Register:
·
Intermediate low level of English is the fair
and appropriate level for the civics and speaking test.
·
The speaking test which is based on eligibility
interview with an USCIS officer should be limited to basic questions. For
complex questions, applicants may use interpreters.
With just one click, you can virtually sign the petition, which is immediately sent to your US representative and both senators. Please sign this petition immediately to protect the fairness of the Naturalization interview.
Sunday, December 15, 2024
2024 Bill of Rights Day Naturalization Ceremony at the National Archives
National Archives: 2024 Bill of Rights Day Naturalization Ceremony at the National Archives
Saturday, December 14, 2024
What is Bill of Rights Day?
Friday, December 13, 2024
Biden memorializes painful past of Native Americans
VOA News: Biden memorializes painful past of Native Americans
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 13
Classroom:
- 09 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)
- A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of the UDHR and Human Rights Day mp3 and pdf
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Word Search Puzzle pdf
- Voices of Freedom: Ch 11: Presidents and Holidays
- Preparing for the Oath: Famous Citizens (homework)
- A Quick Review of the Bill of Rights and the N-400 Part 12 plus Civics Questions mp3 and pdf and video (2017)
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Share America: 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Learn more:- LINCS: Civic Resources for Human Rights Day (Dec 10) and Bill of Rights Day (Dec 15) links
- TED-ed: The rights you might not realize you have - Shannon Odell
- uscitizenpod: Resources for Human Rights Day links
- uscitizenpod: A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of the UDHR and Human Rights Day mp3 and pdf
- uscitizenpod: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Word Search Puzzle pdf
Monday, December 9, 2024
National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion?
▪ You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
Sunday, December 8, 2024
City of Dallas welcomes 30 new US citizens with naturalization oath ceremony
FOX 4: City of Dallas welcomes 30 new US citizens with naturalization oath ceremony
Saturday, December 7, 2024
How South Asian Muslims and Mexican Americans United in the 1920s
- PBS: American Muslims: A History Revealed
- A series of six short documentary films that reveal and explore the early history of Muslims in America. The series is hosted by three leading American Muslim journalists: Malika Bilal, Aymann Ismail, and Asma Khalid. Over the course of the series, they travel the country to piece together stories spanning over 200 years. from the first Muslims to arrive as enslaved people from Africa to the establishment of early South Asian, Syrian-Lebanese, and Black American Muslim communities. The series weaves key moments in U.S. history with the unexpected but essential story threads of Muslims whose lived experiences offer us new insight into how race, religion, and nationality are intertwined in the American fabric. Actors reading the part of historical characters include Hiam Abbas, David Rasche, Kamal Khan, and Faarshad Farahat.
- PBS: Is This One of America’s First Mosques? video
- PBS: From Slavery to Freedom: The Untold Story of America's First Muslims video
- PBS: Fighting for Freedom: The Little-Known Story of Muslims and the Civil War video
- uscitizenpod: A Citizenship Quiz for the Month of Ramadan pdf mp3 video
- uscitizenpod: A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of India and Pakistan Independence Day pdf
- uscitizenpod: Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 to Oct 15) Part 1 (pdf) (mp3)
Friday, December 6, 2024
Two Resources for USCIS N-400 Part 9
Created with MS Image Designer AI 12/05/2024 3:30 PM PT |
Pearson ELT USA Team just release a free pdf of the UPDATED Naturalization Speaking Test from Voices of Freedom by Bill Bliss. Download the test practice.
New Readers Press has just posted a new “Tricky Vocabulary” handout (for explaining vocabulary in the new N-400 part 9): https://www.newreaderspress.com/site/Additional%20Resources/CitizenshipRFTI-VocabularySheet-2024.pdf . This resource complements Citizenship: Passing the Test Ready for the Interview Student Book 4th Edition by Lynn Weintraub
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Manhattan artist invites Americans to write postcards to US president
VOA News: Manhattan artist invites Americans to write postcards to US president
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 12
New York Historical: World War II // The Citizenship Project [E06]
Classroom:
- 08 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)
- Coin Quiz
- Voices of Freedom: Ch 10: 20th century
- Preparing for the Oath: The 1900s (homework)
- Citizenship Interview Quiz: América Griselda Ayes (Tegucigalpa, Honduras) pdf
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Secretary Blinken Visits Emma's Torch
Share America: Secretary Blinken Visits Emma's Torch
Monday, December 2, 2024
President Biden invites HSI leaders to the Oval Office
wh: President Biden invites HSI leaders to the Oval Office
And our historic President’s Advisory Board on Hispanic-Serving Institutions means more students than ever will have that shot at the American dream.
POP QUIZ:
USCIS 100:15. Who is in charge of the executive branch?
USCIS 100:28. What is the name of the President of the United States now?*
USCIS 100:35. What does the President’s Cabinet do?
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Rosa Parks Day
How do you show your support for causes you believe in?
TED-ED: The hidden life of Rosa Parks - Riché D. Richardson
Learn about the life of civil rights activist Rosa Parks— her work with the NAACP, bus boycotts, and her lifelong fight against racial inequality.
Throughout her life, Rosa Parks repeatedly challenged racial violence and the prejudiced systems protecting its perpetrators. Her refusal to move to the back of a segregated bus ignited a boycott that lasted 381 days and helped transform civil rights activism into a national movement. But this work came at an enormous risk— and a personal price. Riché D. Richardson details the life of Rosa Parks.
Lesson by Riché D. Richardson, directed by Eido.
POP QUIZ:
12. What is the “rule of law”?
42. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
37. What does the judicial branch do?
23. Name your U.S. Representative.
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Citizenship Quizzes for All Saints and Day of the Dead 2023 and 2024
- Citizenship Quiz for All Saints and Day of the Dead 2024 pdf
- Citizenship Quiz for All Saints and Day of the Dead 2023 pdf
- more quizzes
Friday, November 29, 2024
Happy National Native American Heritage Day!
- U.S. Citizenship Resources for Native American Heritage Month page (2023)
- Deborah Parker (Tulalip) and the Violence Against Women Act (2013) video
- Native American Tribes Puzzle pdf
- A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Native American Heritage Month (November)
- A Third Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Native American Heritage Month (2018) video / mp3 / pdf
- A Second Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Native American Heritage Month (2017) video / mp3 / pdf
- 10 USCIS Civics questions focusing on Recent Native American History and Legislation (2016) mp3 / pdf
Thursday, November 28, 2024
U.S. Citizenship Resources for Thanksgiving
VOA News: What Really Happened at the First Thanksgiving? (2023)
US Citizenship Podcast
- A US Citizenship Quiz about the History of Thanksgiving (2018) video / mp3 / pdf
- Thanksgiving Citizenship Interview 2017 mp3 and video and pdf
- Anh Dung Tran's Citizenship Interview (2017) video
- Thanksgiving N-400 Interview (2016) pdf and mp3
- A Citizenship Quiz for Thanksgiving (2015) pdf and mp3
- A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10 qs in honor of Thanksgiving 2015 pdf and mp3
- Kahoot.it: Thanksgiving and USCIS Citizenship Question activity
- LC: U.S. Citizenship 5: American Indian Tribes activity
- LC: U.S. Citizenship 15: Thanksgiving activity
- LC U.S. Citizenship 15a: Thanksgiving activity
- Thanksgiving Citizenship Interview 2013 pdf
- Thanksgiving pptx google slides
- Thanksgiving Video (2014) video
Thanksgiving mp3 Q50 and 53 Class Handout Q68-70 Class Handout Thanksgiving Quiz: USCIS 96Qs and new 100Qs Thanksgiving Quiz Answers (Qs with answers--perfect for practice) Thanksgiving Cloze Essay
President John F. Kennedy
- What is Thanksgiving? + Free Printable Worksheet Lesson (for ESL Teachers and Learners)
- ELCivics.com: Thanksgiving
- ELCivics.com: The 13 Original Colonies
- ELCivics.com: American Indian Tribes
ESL Library
- Thanksgiving Literacy
- Thanksgiving Low Intermediate
VOA Learning English: How George Washington Angered Lawmakers over Thanksgiving (2022)
- 'Let's Eat!' Thanksgiving Dinner Idioms (2020)
- 'Thankful You're Here' - Indiana University Hosts International Thanksgiving (2019)
- A VOA Learning English Thanksgiving
- Americans Get Ready for Thanksgiving (video 2017)
- American Indian Museum Celebrates Thanksgiving
- Americans, Tourists, Reflect on Meaning of Thanksgiving
- Explainer: Thanksgiving (video 2017)
- Expressions from a Thanksgiving Meal (2017)
- Formerly Homeless People Make Thanksgiving Shelter Meals in New York City (2019)
- How the U.S. Gives Thanks: Food, Football, and Parades
- Millions Celebrate Thanksgiving in US, Overseas
- Native Americans Played Pivotal Role in the First Thanksgiving (2019)
- New Refugees Celebrate First Thanksgiving in US (2022)
- Poll: 1 in 3 Americans Dreads Political Talk at Thanksgiving
- Presidential Pardon for Thanksgiving Turkey Has Long Tradition (2017)
- Settled Refugees Help Newcomers Adjust to Life in America (2019)
- Thanksgiving and English Verbs (2017)
- Thanksgiving Features Native American Foods
- The Explainer: Thanksgiving
- Turkey Named ‘Drumstick’ Earns Presidential Pardon (video 2017)
- Turkeys Guests of Honor at Unusual Thanksgiving Celebration
- Turkey Pardons are a Long Presidential Tradition (2020)
- 'Two Thanksgiving Day Gentlemen,' by O. Henry (2017)
- US Astronauts at the International Space Station Display Thanksgiving Food (2019)
- US Schools Look to Expand Teachings of Thanksgiving History (2020)
- Volunteers, Refugees Come Together to Celebrate Thanksgiving
USCIS Thanksgiving Resources
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
U.S. Citizenship Interview with Rosemary Joseph
Monday, November 25, 2024
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Lambeau Field hosts first-ever naturalization ceremony
Saturday, November 23, 2024
CCAE South: Time to Naturalize: Teaching the NEW USCIS N-400 Application for Naturalization
CCAE South 2024-11-23
Jennifer Gagliardi
OTAN SME
Teaching U.S. Citizenship Prep 2024
Friday, November 22, 2024
CCAE South 2024: Using AI Tools in Citizenship Preparation and Civics Education
Using AI Tools in Citizenship Preparation and Civics Education: google slides | pdf
Jennifer Gagliardi
jgagliardi@musd.org
November 22, 2024
bit.ly/uscit-padlet
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 11
- Travel and Illegal Entry / Deportation plus Quiz 14: History Groups
- Voices of Freedom: pg 156-164
- Preparing for the Oath: USCIS 100:48 Voting Amendments, USCIS 100:77 Susan B Anthony
- A US Citizenship Quiz about the History of Thanksgiving (2018) video / mp3 / pdf
- Thanksgiving Citizenship Interview 2017 mp3 and video and pdf