BOOK LIST (to print) -- 1700s: MOVING TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE
PODCASTS:
Month 3 continues the study of colonial life and moves into the years leading to America's declaration of independence from England. You'll notice that Months 2-5 all cover life in the colonies, so there's a lot of overlapping. You can continue studying what life was like for the colonists and the settling of the colonies. You might want to continue your study of exploration by focusing on the great French explorers like Father Marquette, Champlain and LaSalle. There is no greater resource to turn to than the writings of Frances Parkman for a study of the French in America, and I'll spotlight a book below. You'll cover these stories again in Month 5 when you study France and Canada. Or you may want to focus on the French and Indian Wars, which offers the perfect introduction to a young George Washington and an understanding of how these experiences prepared him and others for the greater fight that would follow. This is a good month to begin to introduce some of the key figures in the beginning days of the American Revolution, leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, wherein these men pledged their lives, their possessions and their sacred honor for freedom.
Lots of choices. There are no wrong ones....just choose something and begin!
BOOK SPOTLIGHTS:
Lots of choices. There are no wrong ones....just choose something and begin!
BOOK SPOTLIGHTS:
- Benjamin Franklin--For young readers with a tablet, this version written by James Baldwin for children is full of interesting stories children will love. I'd even start your high schoolers out with that book just to gain a love for the man, and then get a copy of The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin to mark up. It's loaded with wisdom. Or you can find an online version here. D'Aulaire's illustrated story of Franklin is also a wonderful pick for young children.
- Paul Revere--Esther Forbes wrote a Pulitzer Prize winning work on Paul Revere and the World He Lived In that will bring the times to life as few other books can. But it's a little daunting for kids. So Lynn Ward, an illustrator, had the desire to bring it to life in pictures for children, and so the book was adapted for younger readers and wonderfully illustrated by Lynn Ward. I highly recommend it.. And of course--don't forget to share Longfellow's Paul Revere's Ride. Here's an illustrated version.
- Johnny Tremain- Esther Forbes, who I just mentioned in Paul Revere, used her vast insight into the times to create the masterful historical fiction work of Johnny Tremain, the 1944 Newbery Award winner. It's the story of a 14 year old silversmith apprentice who is caught up in the defining moments leading up to the American Revolution. It's a story of courage and the fight for freedom that will not be forgotten. Recommended for 10 and older.
- The Boys' Parkman-Here is the perfect way to introduce some of your older children to the writings of Frances Parkman who gives us so many wonderful accounts of the early French explorers. This is an online book, and if there isn't time to read the entire book this time around, I highly recommend reading the Introduction pages that tell a brief story of Frances Parkman.
- The Bulletproof George Washington highlights the providential protection of a young George Washington in the French and Indian Wars.