George Washington: Was he a responsible family man as well as a great leader?
Created By:
Dianne Hemminger
Title/Role:
Library Media Specilaist
Organization/School Name:
Creekside Elementary School
Location:
South Dakota
Grade Level:
3, 4, 5 Type of Lesson:
Lesson in a unit Type of Schedule:
Combination Collaboration Continuum:
Moderate Content Area:
Language Arts, Social studies Content Topic:
George Washington/Mt. Rushmore Scenario:
As part of a study of South Dakota and Mt. Rushmore, students will work in teams to examine primary sources and gather information on George Washington and his family life. They will use this information to write a letter of recommendation to the editor of a local newspaper that supports the idea that George Washington would make a good father and should be recognized for his parenting qualities as well as his great leadership. As the students examine primary sources, they will identify Washington family members and draw conclusions as to the characteristics of George Washington and his family members. In doing so, they will realize the importance of background information and how to interpret primary sources. Overview:
As a team effort, students will write a letter of recommendation to the editor of a local newspaper supporting the idea that George Washington was a good father and a great leader of our country. Essential Questions: What are primary sources? How could George Washington be a good father if he had no children of his own? Was George Washington a great leader? Why did he deserve to have a place on Mt. Rushmore? Final Product:
Student groups will examine primary sources and draw a conclusion as to whether George Washington was a good father and leader of our country. Students will write a letter of recommendation to an editor of a local newspaper supporting the idea that George Washington would make a good father. Library Lesson:
Students will work in small groups to examine various primary sources, and to evaluate whether they are helpful in determining the characteristics of George Washington. Students will learn the definition of primary sources, how important it is to examine them and the importance of background information. Students will draw clues to Washington's family life and governing leadership by examing letters, documents and pictures. Estimated Lesson Time:
120 minutes Have you taught this lesson before:
Yes Strategies for differentiation:
Make use of each student working with their peers in teams. Sometimes students can learn more from their peers than they can other ways.