BOOK LIST (to print) -- GEORGE WASHINGTON
PODCASTS:
I know December is a crazy hectic time and there’s a lot to cover in Month 4 so I went light on the American History side. You’ll continue to study the days leading up to Independence and the Revolution over several months. I’d use December to keep stories of George Washington fresh and alive. Every great nation has had an epic hero who embodies that nation’s ideals. I’m afraid we live in an age of pulling all the heroes off their pedestals, making it difficult for an epic hero to emerge. It’s up to you, at home, to keep heroes in the lives of your children. George Washington wasn’t perfect–none of us are–but I can think of no other American historical figure who more perfectly embodies the ideals America was founded upon–Honesty, Duty, Reliance on the Hand of Providence, Humility, Devotion to Wife and Family, Love of Freedom, Love of Mankind. Relinquishing power at the height of his success will go down in history as one of the greatest acts ever committed by a leader. You’ll find a great treasury of stories to draw from in the online library.
The Christmas Day miracle of crossing the Delaware, which was the turning point of the war, can’t be told often enough. You might want to check out the movie The Crossing that helps make it real.
Also, the winter in Valley Forge especially hits home if you happen to live where the snow flies and your children have blankets wrapped around them as you tell the stories of Washington and the soldiers in that awful winter.
BOOK SPOTLIGHT:
ACTIVITIES:
The Christmas Day miracle of crossing the Delaware, which was the turning point of the war, can’t be told often enough. You might want to check out the movie The Crossing that helps make it real.
Also, the winter in Valley Forge especially hits home if you happen to live where the snow flies and your children have blankets wrapped around them as you tell the stories of Washington and the soldiers in that awful winter.
BOOK SPOTLIGHT:
- Washington at Valley Forge by Russell Freedman -- I have really enjoyed the Freedman books I've come across. They're loaded with illustrations and interesting details. I think this comment in the comment section on Amazon says it best: "This beautifully written and illustrated book is a fantastic work for middle elementary school readers. Mr. Freedman shows us Washington's character, growing leadership, and devotion to his soldiers. We get a powerful feel for the trials that went on in Valley Forge, with the focus being the courage and determination of the men and Washington's strong empathy for them. After reading several other books about the Revolutionary War with my 9yo, this book stands out as a favorite. We felt inspired by the stories of camaraderie, bravery, intelligence, and desire for liberty. We'll read anything written by Mr. Freedman after reading this book!" I think you'll keep an eye out for his other books in the future, as well!
ACTIVITIES:
- For copy work, you may consider having your children choose a few rules from Washington’s ‘Rules of Civility’ and illustrate them if they’d like. You can find them here.