As a teacher, one of the most important things I do at the start of each school year is map out my curriculum—and iCivics makes that process not only manageable but genuinely exciting.
On the iCivics website, in the Educational Resources section, teachers can browse materials by grade level or resource type. But my go-to move? I scan all the way to the right and click on the unassuming “Scope and Sequence.” (Personally, I think there should be arrows and sparkles surrounding this hyperlink because this is where the magic begins.)
Each year, I download the Scope and Sequence document directly to my desktop so I always have it on hand. iCivics offers versions for elementary, middle, and high school, and they’ve even included Spanish-language resources for middle and high school. These Spanish-language documents are incredibly user-friendly—every lesson plan, game, and infographic is hyperlinked, making it easy for teachers to access exactly what they need with just a click.
Since I teach high school, I use the High School Scope and Sequence. It’s organized into clearly defined units, each with a suggested sequence that helps me see the big picture. Every resource is labeled by type—WebQuest, DBQuest, lesson plan, video, mini-lesson, or infographic—so I can quickly identify what will work best for my students. I never worry about missing a resource—even if it fits into multiple categories, iCivics has it linked everywhere it’s relevant.
When I first made the move from elementary to middle school civics, I would browse resources by grade or type. Usually, I would start with the curriculum units. These were a lifesaver! They were laid out in a logical, chronological order and came with detailed lesson plans and student activities that helped me build confidence and structure in my classroom.
Now, as a more (ahem) experienced teacher, I’ve grown more comfortable adapting the materials. Now, using the Scope and Sequence as my foundation, I pick and choose the resources that best fit the needs, interests, and learning styles of my students. Whether I’m diving into a DBQuest to build document analysis skills or using a mini-lesson to introduce a new concept, iCivics gives me the flexibility to teach civics in a way that’s both rigorous and engaging.
Planning my year with iCivics isn’t just about staying organized—it’s about empowering my students to become informed, active citizens. And with tools this thoughtfully designed, that goal feels more achievable every day.
Written by Anne Walker
Anne Walker brings a wide perspective to iCivics, having taught Kindergarten through Dual Enrollment American History and Government over her 20+ years in education. A proud Madison Fellow, she holds master’s degrees in both Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, as well as American History and Government. A member of iCivics’ Steering Committee, she is also proud to have a seat on the National Constitution Center Teacher Advisory Council and RetroReport Teacher Ambassadors. She currently serves on the National Council of Social Studies Board of Directors.
Through the iCivics Educator Network, the perspectives of teachers across the country contribute to the public conversation about civic education in the United States. Each contributor represents their own opinion. We welcome this diversity of perspectives.
