1. Have the children talk about George Washington and what things they already know about him. List their ideas on a chart. Then tell them that they will listen to a story about George Washington so that they can add to their list. Read
A Picture Book of George Washington
, by David A. Adler or
George Washington, First President of the United States
, by Carol Greene. Add to the list of qualities or happenings in Washington's life. Then briefly discuss George Washington becoming a soldier for the English in the French and Indian War. Review the part of the story that talks about Washington as a leader of the Continental Army.
2. What is a good leader? With the children, make a web of good leadership qualities. Have the class keep the web for future reference to be added on in future units when they will discuss the qualities of other leaders they are learning about.
3. Have the children write about an adult or classmate who they think is a good leader. Have them tell what these leaders have done to show the qualities they have mentioned in their writing. As they share their writing, have them talk about: Do all leaders possess the same qualities? Why or why not? What are some things these qualities depend upon? (Situation, the time, the person). Discuss the idea that all people, including children, are leaders at one time or another. For example, the line leader, a leader who demonstrates a good quality in class (listening politely, good behavior, etc.) Have the children make a list of kinds of leaders they encounter daily.
4. Refer back to the Adler book about George Washington or show a filmstrip or video on Washington that shows why he was elected the first president of our country. Have the children pretend they lived at the time Washington became our president. Have the children make campaign posters that would help in his election to become president.
5. Have the children make a list of things that we have today that honor Washington in some way (dollar bill; quarter; Washington state; Washington, D.C.; Washington monument).
Enrichment and Extension:
1. The children might want to learn more about the following topics:
-
Mount Vernon
-
the building of Washington, D.C.
-
the Washington Monument
2. Have the children look up information on the history of Presidents' Day (the third Monday in February) or Washington's birthday. What is February 22? According to the book
Our National Holidays
, by Karen Spies, the early colonists used to observe the birthday of the English King, so that was why they decided to honor George Washington. Parades and balls marked the first celebration held in Richmond, Virginia, a year after Washington's death. How do we celebrate Washington's Birthday or Presidents' Day?